News Articles from 2011-12
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	Kershaw County Show Choir spring concert May 22 May 17, 2012 - The Kershaw County Show Choir will have its Spring Concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 in the Camden High School Auditorium. The choir is comprised of talented students from across the district and directed by Sandy Pace. The public is invited. Donations will be taken at the end of the concert.
	ATEC Students take top spots in state computer competition  May 16, 2012 - Two Applied Technology Education Campus (ATEC) students have placed first and second in the state competition for outstanding skills and knowledge in computer maintenance technology.
	KCSD schools participate in American Red Cross’ Million Penny Challenge May 16, 2012 - Kershaw County School District schools recently participated in the American Red Cross’ Million Penny Challenge. To date, schools have raised close to $3200, and several schools are still collecting money.
	KCSD hiring school bus drivers May 7, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District is hiring persons to be school bus drivers. Pay is based on experience and includes benefits. A training class for interested persons will be held June 4-8.
	End-of-year schedule for KCSD schools announced May 7, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District (KCSD) has announced its end-of-year schedule.
	Lugoff-Elgin High teacher Nicole Schnibben named 2012 KCSD Teacher of the Year; North Central Middle teacher David Pollock to serve as first alternate  May 3, 2012 - Lugoff-Elgin High School English teacher Nicole Schnibben was named 2012 Kershaw County School District Teacher of the Year at a gala Monday while North Central Middle teacher David Pollock was named first alternate.
	KCSD students design Kershaw County Special Olympics t-shirt April 15, 2012 - Two Kershaw County School District (KCSD) students - Lugoff-Elgin High student Domminique Thomas-Hayes and Leslie M. Stover Middle student Drew Blocker - were selected as the winners of the design for the 2012 Kershaw County Special Olympics t-shirt.
	Goodman hired as Executive Director of Instructional Support Programs  April 13, 2012 - The Kershaw County School Board approved the hiring of Alisa Goodman as the school district’s new Executive Director of Instructional Support Programs at its meeting on Mar. 27. The position was created through restructuring after the departure of Agnes Slayman who left to be Superintendent in Chester County.
	Kershaw County Special Olympics to be held Friday, April 13 April 10, 2012 - It may be Friday the 13th but April 13 will be a “special day” for 229 athletes from 23 classes in schools across the Kershaw County School District—that’s the date for the Kershaw County Special Olympics.
	KCSD schools, offices closed for Spring Break March 29, 2012 - All schools and offices in the Kershaw County School District will be closed for Spring Break April 2-6. The 2011-12 KCSD calendar shows Monday, April 9 as a Weather Day, meaning that it will be a day off for students and most employees since it was not needed as a student make up day due to inclement weather.
	S.C. School Improvement Council News: Baron DeKalb Elementary SIC named winner of 2012 SC-SIC Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence March 24, 2012 - The School Improvement Council (SIC) of Baron DeKalb Elementary School in Camden (Kershaw County School District) has been named the recipient of the 2012 Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence.
	Camden Elementary’s Yount named KCSD Principal of the Year  March 23, 2012 - Anyone who knows Ed Yount knows his blood is probably Carolina blue. But they also know his love for the UNC Tar Heels is nothing compared to his love for children.
	Kershaw County School District to Hold Budget Meetings  March 22, 2012 - Kershaw County School District employees and local residents are invited to learn more about the school district’s 2012-13 budget and provide feedback. Superintendent Frank Morgan and Chief Financial Officer Donnie Wilson will hold a series of meetings across the county to explain the budget proposal, answer questions and receive suggestions.
	OCR finds “insufficient evidence” on two Title IX complaints  March 21, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District has received notification from the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that it has found “insufficient evidence” in two recent Title IX complaints concerning Lugoff-Elgin High School athletics.
	Kershaw County students celebrate South Carolina music, art March 20, 2012 - If you grew up singing The Sandlapper Song and want to hear more music about our Palmetto State, you are in for a treat. Students in the Kershaw County School District will celebrate South Carolina music and display their visual art at the first annual Spring Art and Music Extravaganza Thursday, March 29 at Lugoff-Elgin High School.
	Kershaw County schools have best performance ever in state program recognizing academic achievement March 19, 2012 - Fifteen Kershaw County schools—six more than last year—were among 853 schools statewide recognized today by the State Department of Education for academic achievement and closing achievement gaps in 2011.
	Area schools participate in Walk to School Day on Wed. Mar. 7 March 6, 2012 - Students from two Kershaw County schools will join others across the state in the first annual South Carolina Walk to School Day on Wed., Mar. 7. Schools will have their walking events during the school day in order to include all students.
	KCSD Teacher of the Year Helen Walker named one of top five to compete for SC Teacher of the Year March 6, 2012 - Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year Helen Walker is one of five teachers named as a finalist in the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Program.
	From the Fine Arts Center: It’s Youth Arts Month at the FAC! Bassett Gallery to Feature School District Artwork from Grades K-12! March 1, 2012 - March is Youth Arts Month at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County! Join us for a celebration of the arts featuring work by Kershaw County students displayed at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC.) The opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 8 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Bassett Gallery.
	Pine Tree Hill Elementary Principal Lisa Shannon named SCIRA Administrator of the Year Feb. 29, 2012 - For her work promoting literacy, Pine Tree Hill Elementary School Principal Lisa Shannon was named as the South Carolina International Reading Council’s Administrator of the Year Saturday.
	Doby’s Mill Elementary wins state FIRST Lego League competition; team now headed for national competition in St. Louis  Feb. 27, 2012 - Doby’s Mill Elementary Principal Ginger Catoe said her robotics team students were on the edge of their seats as the judges were calling out the winning team number at the state championship of the FIRST Lego League Tournament Saturday. When they realized that they had won, they immediately jumped in the air.
	Moody’s affirms KCSD’s A1 rating; removes negative outlook Feb. 23, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District (KCSD) has been notified by Moody’s that it has affirmed the district’s A1 bond rating and removed the “negative outlook” that had been attached to it.
	Doby’s Mill Elementary implements “Grab and Go” breakfast program Feb. 23, 2012 - No time for breakfast or physical activities? At Doby’s Mill Elementary, those excuses won’t work anymore, especially with new programs underway courtesy of a $1,000 Action for Healthy Kids grant funded by Kellogg’s.
	North Central High Tourism Management students state champs again Feb. 20, 2012 - For the second time in a row, the North Central High School Tourism Management team has won the South Carolina Lodging Management Program Championship.
	Thompson, DuRant recognized for school board service February 20, 2012 - Kershaw County School Board members Carol Thompson and Kim DuRant were recognized by the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) with special lapel pins for reaching milestones in their years of service on the Kershaw County School Board.
	KCSD has overwhelming response to budget survey February 8, 2012 - Almost 1,400 persons responded to the Kershaw County School District’s online survey offering input on items that should be restored to the district’s budget for the 2012-13 school year.
	New online employment application available on KCSD website Feb. 2, 2012 - Persons interested in working for the Kershaw County School District now submit their job applications using KCSD’s online Applitrack system located on the district’s website.
	Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC Foundation funds The OrganWise Guys program to teach healthy eating to KCSD elementary students February 1, 2012 - Have you ever heard of Sid and Kid Kidney, Madame Muscle or Calci M. Bone? If you have elementary students in the Kershaw County School District, you will soon.
	KCSD hiring school bus drivers Jan. 26, 2011 - The Kershaw County School District is hiring persons to be school bus drivers. Pay is based on experience and includes benefits.
	New two-tiered KCSD volunteer system in effect Feb. 1 January 24, 2012 - Starting Feb. 1, volunteers in the Kershaw County School District will undergo a revised application process that divides persons into two levels depending upon possible unsupervised interaction with students.
	KCSD kindergarten registration set for Thursday, Feb. 16 January 18, 2012 - Registration for Kershaw County School District’s four-year-old and five-year-old kindergarten classes for 2012-13 will take place Thursday, Feb. 16.
	Budget Survey Priorities Available on KCSD Website Jan. 13, 2012 - Local citizens can share their thoughts on priorities for the 2012-13 Kershaw County School District budget through a new survey on the district’s website.
	KCSD 2011-12 budget notebook now available online January 12, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District has posted its complete 2011-12 consolidated budget notebook online to help provide a comprehensive look at the budget process.
	Electronic free, reduced lunch applications now available on KCSD website Jan. 10, 2012 - Parents who need to fill out applications for free and reduced meals for their children can now do it online, making the process much easier.
	Kershaw County School District’s Teacher Career Fair Feb. 4 January 9, 2012 - Persons interested in employment with the Kershaw County School District are invited to participate in the district’s 11th annual Teacher Career Fair Saturday, Feb. 4. The event will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Camden High School (1022 Ehrenclou Drive, Camden, SC 29020).
	KCSD featured in national magazine for continuing to “provide a high return on investments in students” Jan. 5, 2012 - The Kershaw County School District is featured in the Winter 2012 edition of Education Executive for providing a high return on investments in students. The article, “A Can-Do Attitude,” chronicles the district’s continued academic success in the midst of reduced local and state revenue.
	Doby’s Mill Elementary media specialist wins national award December 9, 2011 - Doby’s Mill Elementary School media specialist Betsy Long spreads the love of reading to her students every day. Last night, she received that same love back for her extraordinary efforts when she was named one of 10 national winners of the Carnegie Corporation of New York/The New York Times “I Love My Librarian” Award.
	Eleven Kershaw County educators receive national board certification/recertification December 7, 2011 - Eleven Kershaw County educators—three first time applicants and eight renewals—have earned the highest credential available in the teaching profession, bringing the current total number of district employees who are National Board certified (NBC) to 139.
	KCSD Financial Audit Shows Continued Strong Financial Management Dec. 2, 2011 - The Kershaw County School District again received “unqualified opinions” - the top results possible - during its annual financial audit as completed by an external independent CPA firm.
	KCSD News: Local educators honored with reading awards Nov. 30, 2011 - The Kershaw County Reading Council (KCRC) recently held its annual Reading Teacher of the Year banquet at Pine Tree Hill Elementary School. Each school in the district had the opportunity to nominate a Reading Teacher of the Year who created portfolios and displays to be critiqued by an external judge.
	Camden Elementary named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Nov. 29, 2011 - Camden Elementary School got an early Christmas present with the news that it has been named a 2011 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School for outstanding achievement in comprehensive educational excellence for students.
	Dec. 16 to be half day for KCSD students November 28, 2011 - The Kershaw County School District will have a half day for students on Dec. 16, the last day of student attendance before the holiday break. Staff will work a regular schedule. Students in 3-and 4-year-old developmentally delayed and 4-year-old kindergarten classes will not attend.
	Kershaw County elementary discipline referrals drop 15%; PBIS is given credit November 15, 2011 - First quarter elementary discipline reports show that referrals from classrooms and buses to school offices have dropped nearly 15 percent from this time last school year. Kershaw County School District officials attribute much of this success to the districtwide implementation of PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
	KCSD exceeds SC average on state report cards November 10, 2011 - In a climate where academic performance targets make significant jumps every three years, ninety-four percent of the Absolute ratings issued today for Kershaw County schools are Excellent, Good or Average. Statewide, only 84 percent of schools had Absolute ratings of Average or above.
	Board Conducts Superintendent Morgan’s Evaluation November 2, 2011 - The Kershaw County School Board met in executive session during its Nov. 1 meeting to conduct a performance evaluation of Superintendent Frank Morgan as required by Board policy and the district’s employment agreement with him.
	Leslie M. Stover and Fairfield Electric Celebrate Green Power October 24, 2011 - Fairfield Electric Cooperative and Leslie M. Stover Middle School celebrated 10 years of Green Power in South Carolina last week with a commemorative tree-planting to symbolize the sustainability and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
	CMS teacher Valerie Willis receives state, SE region earth science award October 14, 2011 - Camden Middle School teacher Valerie Willis thought it was a big honor to be nominated for the 2011 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award and was thrilled to earn the top award for South Carolina. So when she learned that she also received the honor for the whole Southeast region, she was even more flattered.
	Doby’s Mill Elementary receives farm to school grant October 6, 2011 - Doby’s Mill Elementary School is one of 52 schools in the state to receive a South Carolina Farm to School grant designed to offer students access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
	Pine Tree Hill Elementary chosen for state Title I honor September 15, 2011 - Pine Tree Hill Elementary School is one of three schools statewide to be honored by the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators for closing the achievement gap. Of the more than 500 Title I schools in South Carolina, Pine Tree Hill Elementary ranked in the top three in improving student achievement among students who have historically scored lower than their peers.
	Camden Walmart awards local schools with grants September 15, 2011 - Once again Camden Walmart has partnered with the Kershaw County School District to sponsor the Stuff a Bus promotion, making the students the real winners. As part of its Stuff a Bus promotion, Camden Walmart customers donated over 2,400 classroom supplies to local schools last month. Camden Walmart matched its customers’ generosity by providing additional grants in the form of gift cards to the top ten schools with the most per pupil donations.
	Local Educator Participates in National Educational Program September 9, 2011 - Lugoff-Elgin Middle School Media Specialist Anne Lemieux was selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants to participate in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute this summer. Each year, the Library of Congress provides the opportunity for a carefully chosen group of K-12 educators to attend one of its seven Teacher Institutes in Washington, D.C.
	KCSD seniors score all-time high on ACT; more local students take exam August 17, 2011 - Kershaw County 2011 seniors’ average composite score on the ACT college entrance exam reached an all-time district high and outperformed the state’s school seniors at the same time a record number of local students took the test.
	KCSD, Walmart partner again to “stuff a bus” with school supplies August 1, 2011 - After a successful school supply drive last year, the Camden Walmart has again joined forces with the Kershaw County School District to help local needy students receive school supplies. The two groups hope to generate enough interest to fill a school bus parked in front of the store for the next few weeks.
	Kershaw County elementary and middle schools’ AYP performance better than state results; district meets 27 of 29 target goals July 29, 2011 - Kershaw County elementary and middle schools outperformed the state on Adequate Yearly Performance (AYP) results released today, although the federal system has been criticized for its “all or nothing” ratings and seems to contradict local positive results released last week on PASS, the state’s accountability test for grades 3-8.
	KCSD PASS scores exceed state averages in writing, ELA and math; local scores at grade 3, 6 and 8 outperform state averages in all subjects July 22, 2011 - The Kershaw County School District’s 2011 PASS scores exceeded state averages at every grade level in writing, English language arts (ELA) and math in results released today by the State Department of Education. KCSD students in grades 3, 6 and 8 outperformed state averages in all subjects.
	School district registration to be held July 26-28 July 5, 2011 - All Kershaw County School District students and parents - both new and returning - should plan to attend registration at their children’s schools later this month.
	Public encouraged to participate in School Tools school supplies program June 27, 2011 - For the past nine years, Kershaw County residents have helped provide school supplies for more than 2,000 local needy students through the School Tools program. In order to make it even more convenient for persons to participate this year, a special account has been set up at First Citizens Bank where donations can be dropped off or sent through the mail.