Fairfield County School District

The Connector It’s Competition Season ... Extra Mile Club

January 2017

The

Dr. J. R. Green Superintendent of Schools

For most high school students, January signifies the end of the first semester. However, for an elite few Fairfield Career and Technology Center students, January signifies the start of the Career & Technology Education (CTE) competition season. Over the coming months, students from Robotics, Health Science (HOSA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Barbering, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, HVAC, Masonry, Sports Medicine, Welding, Auto Collision Repair, Graphics and Electricity will participate in various competitions in an effort to prove themselves as the best students in the state. Aside from trophies and bragging rights, winning state-level competitions affords students the opportunity to compete for prizes and scholarships on a national level. SkillsUSA students may also compete on a global level at the WorldSkills event. While some students may be gearing down to end the first semester and mentally getting ready to start the second semester, the potential competitors will be fighting to earn their spot on the FCTC competition roster. FCTC students will participate in the following competitions: First Robotics – February/March 2017 Myrtle Beach, SC Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Regional January 28 Westwood High School, Blythewood, SC Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State March 17-19 North Charleston, SC HOSA – March 18 - 20 North Charleston, SC SC SkillsUSA Leadership & Skills Competition March 29 – April 1 Greenville, SC (Multiple CATE Completer Programs) Phoenix Challenge (Flexo Competition) February 2017 Charlotte, NC Graphic Communications

While we expect great success in every endeavor, to borrow a line from the National Technical Honor Society, “Success favors the prepared mind!”

Fairfield Elementary School Stellar Stingrays are continuing to move forward in achieving their goals for academic and social success. The Extra Mile Club is a program that allows male student participants in grades three through six to be assigned to an male mentor volunteer. Each month, activities are planned for these students to connect to their male role models. Students in the Extra Mile Club have sponsored a canned food drive for the local food bank, participated in a Dress for Success Day, received medallions in the official Extra Mile Club induction ceremony, and traveled to a Benedict College football game. The main goal of the club is to have students partnered with a male role model who will serve as a source of encouragement to help our young male students make positive decisions about their lives and their future.

Students in the McCroreyListon School of Technology’s ( MLST) Afterschool Program were presented with books to complement their individual literature collections. The SC Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SCE&G and EdVenture Children’s Museum donated books to the students. During the book giveaway, students were filled with excitement and glee as they were greeted by Frosty the Snowman and a representative from EdVenture Children’s Museum. MLST is fortunate to have a great community partnership with SCE&G and the SC Chamber of Commerce to support their Students were elated and appreciative students and school. for the books.

STEM Early College Academy Parent Interest Meeting Fairfield Middle School, January 19th, 6:00 P.M.

Makayla James has been named Friday Night Rivals George Sink Injury Lawyers Scholar Athlete of the Year for the Columbia market. A spokesman for the firm stated James’ hours of work, both in the classroom, as well as tumbling, jumping and shooting, made her a standout both academically and athletically. James has shown the focus and discipline needed for improvement from working her way up from JV Cheer Captain to the top tumbler and jumper, to working serving clubs at school - including serving as Fairfield Central High School Student Body President. Congratulations Makayla!

FCHS Freshman, Harrison Kennedy, made a 100 on Biology I End of Course exam. Way to Go Harrison!

Fairfield Elementary School Drum Line team had their first official performance on December 16th. The unique characteristics of this team, under the direction of Mr. Charles Magwood, is instead of using drums, students use plastic buckets and steel trashcans to make acoustical music. Students practice weekly and have already been invited to perform at local community events.

Mrs. Acord and students at Geiger Elementary School are singing in-tune to the lovely new keyboard provided by Donor’s Choose. Yippee! Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science (FMSMS) has received a $5,000 Lowes Toolbox for Education Grant written by Carlene Unangst, Instructional Facilitator, for their First Lego League Robotics Team project. This grant was from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. Congratulations FMSMS!

Congratulations to our Beta Club Winners and Participants!

Martin’s Math Club Congratulations! Ms. Alberson, fourth grade teacher at Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science, won tickets for her students to attend the men’s basketball game against Auburn. Martin’s Math Club was announced in November of 2016. The program is led by Coach Frank Martin, Head Coach of the USC Men’s Basketball Team, a former high school math educator, and the SC Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Working with SC math educators, the EOC developed K-8 standards-based lessons that incorporate math and basketball. Each teacher that incorporates at least one of two available lessons into their teaching had the chance to win two tickets to a USC home basketball game and each student who received a lesson was eligible to win two tickets to a home basketball game. Student and teacher winners will be recognized at the game and may have the chance to meet Coach Martin.

The Elite Eagles cheerleading squad of McCrorey-Liston School of Technology is celebrating its inaugural year. The squad is comprised of young ladies in grades 1st – 6th. The Elite Eagles are led by head coach Marissa Howard and assistant Sharon King-Harris. This squad is learning the foundation and fundamentals of cheerleading. They also focus on team building and self-confidence. They practice weekly to learn skills that they can carry into their future. The Elite Eagles have enjoyed cheering before a crowd and will perform at several Fairfield County Recreational Center sponsored basketball games, The Blair Coalition of Churches parade, and several school sponsored activities.

We take this opportunity to express our thanks to you for the assistance provided to our STEM students in support of their educational tour to England in June of 2017. We are still accepting donations at the school and eager about the upcoming trip. If you have any questions about the tour, our fundraising goals, or the benefits of educational travel, please feel free to contact me. Tracie Swilley Principal

[email protected] (803) 635-1441 ext. 60501

Author’s Soar at MLST Author’s Night featured students from McCrorey Liston School of Technology who were recognized for their accomplishments as a Rock Star in becoming published authors and illustrators. Author’s Night is a literary program designed to highlight students’ accomplishments in English Language Arts. Students along with their teachers used the writing process to explain thoughts, stories, poems and events to enhance their writings about a topic. In becoming a writer, students must go through each step of the writing process (Prewrite, write, revise, edit and publish). Once students completed the process, selected writings from each grade level was compiled into a school book. The book of stories were published and students had the opportunity to present their finished product to the student body, faculty, and community.

Mentoring

Makes a Difference Thank You Fairfield County School District Griffin Bow Tie Club Mentors!

Triple Crown Pageant Fairfield Elementary School held its first Triple Crown Pageant in December with the theme of Winter Wonderland. There were 18 student participants that had to perform an opening act, participate in a question and answer session, as well as model formal wear. The judges were Ty’Lasha Rivers (Miss Benedict), DeAngelo Rolax (Mr. Benedict) and Shamekia Sims (Mrs. South Carolina Plus America 2016). The contestants for Little Miss Stingray were Ma’Leah Anderson, Quanalla Brown, Teliyah Brown, Serenti Cook, Jaiunna Gibson, MacKenzie Smallwood, Ja’Mauria Walker, and Zariyah Yarborough. The contestants for Miss Stingray were Janiya Anderson, Ji’Keryah Hill, KaChyna Mobley, Key’Iara Mobley, Harmony Parker, Jalani Robertson, Ayanna Robinson, Christina Smallwood, Juanisha Smith, and Rayvin Trapp. A special thank you to Ms. Ashley Ashford, 3rd grade teacher, and her committee for making this a memorable event.

Dr. Robin Hardy has been selected to receive the South Carolina Council of Teachers of English (SCCTE) Outstanding Administrator Award. The award will be presented at the 2017 SCCTE Conference on Saturday, January 28th.

Rayvin Trapp Miss Fairfield Elementary School

Quanalla Brown Little Miss Stingray

Ji’Keryah Hill Miss Stingray

Dr. Robin Hardy, Principal Fairfield Middle School

Soulful Sounds December 13th was a day of soul as the students at McCrorey-Liston School of Technology presented "A Soulful Christmas" winter program. Students entertained the community with classroom song presentations, dancing elves and two, foot-stomping selections from the MLST Spotlight Singers Chorus. The young eagles also showcased their piano and recording skills during the program. The orchestra and band, conducted by Mr. Vernon Huggins delighted the audience with familiar holiday tunes as well. The faculty and staff joined in on the fun performing as a faculty choir. The show closed with an awesome school-wide sing along!

On Saturday, January 14th, over sixty Elite Ladies and mentors traveled to Columbia, SC to view the 20th Century Fox film, “Hidden Figures.” Based on a true story, the film tells the story of a team of African-American women who provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space mission. Elite Ladies and mentors left the movie inspired, with a renewed sense of girl power: “YOU can ALWAYS be a first!”

Stem 2017-2018 Magnet, District Choice, and STEM Applications Applications for Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science and McCrorey Liston School of Technology will be available at all elementary schools, the District Office, and can be printed from the district website from February 2 through February 16, 2017. All students in grades Child Development- 4 (4 year olds only) through sixth grade for 2017-2018 are eligible to apply. Applications will also be available February 2 through February 16, 2017 for current sixth graders to be considered for participation in the STEM Early College Academy. Two letters of recommendation are required with this application. Cumulative Grade Point Average and standardized test scores will be considered to determine acceptance as a 7th grade STEM Academy student for the 2017-2018 school year. Please contact Dr. Jennifer Etheridge at 803-635-4607 ext 10318, or [email protected] with questions. Completed paper applications for each of these programs are due directly to FMS, FMSMS, MLST, or to Dr. Etheridge at the District Office by February 16, 2017 at 4:00 pm.

SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH

Fairfield County School District P.O. Box 622 · 1226 U. S. Highway 321 By-Pass South Winnsboro, South Carolina 29180