Message from the Superintendent
Bamberg School District Two is in a unique position. We stand at the cusp of so many exciting events and opportunities. As we gaze to the horizon of a new morning sun, we can see a brand new school, Pre-K – 12 rising up out of the rich, black soil that will provide 21st century, cutting edge educational opportunities for our students. It is so auspicious that the faculty, staff and students anticipate resources and educational experiences as we eagerly await the new day. However, in the meantime, we continue to delve into our strategic plan that includes focus on academic growth and accountability.
Our students continue to make significant progress in academic areas, athletics activities and general innovative performances and rankings. We are providing additional technology for each school, along with professional development that impacts student performance and faculty growth. We are in the first steps of implementation of understanding the impact of poverty on student success. We have initial plans to provide mobile internet service to all students who attend Denmark-Olar High School, with the capability of access at home and on the school bus. Students in both communities will be able to use the access. Students will receive laptops that can be used for up to four years. With the purchase of additional math technology programs, students are expected to gain additional progress in core and supplemental math classes. Our students at each school are gaining momentum in attendance and are expected to meet the goal of 100%.
As all of these factors unfold, the curriculum has been under revision and will impact student learning through guided steps and procedures. The exceptional children’s program has added additional technology, equipment and training for the students, faculty and staff. All training, supplies and materials strengthen and advance our enduring academic purpose and focus for the year.
We continue to partner with Denmark Technical College and Cope Career and Vocational Center to provide dual credit and vocational courses for our students. We partner with Voorhees College to incorporate internships and coordinate academic efforts for students’ progress and success. A recent award of the 21st Century grant at both our elementary and middle schools will allow the district to provide additional after school programs for students four days per week.
As we continue to regard the growth of the whole child, the district included the involvement of the Wellness Initiative for faculty, staff and district employees. Focus on healthy eating, exercise and habits are stressed throughout the district. We aim to maximize on the development of promoting nutrition, healthy bodies and minds that ultimately lead to academic and emotional progress.
We engage rigor, diversity and inclusivity in our daily schedules to ensure student needs are met. We are inspired with the unique opportunity to imagine Bamberg School District Two for generations to come.
“Student Achievement, Accountability, Attendance-Turning It All Around”
Dr. Thelma F. Sojourner,
Superintendent
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you may be aware, the South Carolina Read to Succeed Act, which became law in 2014, aims to improve literacy and reading proficiency for all children in our state. The law includes some significant changes regarding promotion and retention of third grade students. Please note, these changes do not take effect until the 2017-2018 school year. The 2016-17 school year's second grade students will be the first group of third grade students to be impacted by this portion of the Read to Succeed legislation.
The law states, "Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a student must be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency at the end of third grade as indicated by scoring at the lowest achievement level on the state's summative reading assessment that equates to Does Not Meet on the South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Assessments (SCREADY).." There are a number of exceptions to this requirement in the law. Your child's principal will be able to discuss these exceptions with you.
Please be assured that our district's goal is for all students to be proficient readers in the third grade and for no student to be retained for failing to demonstrate reading proficiency. The district is putting supports in place to improve student success. These supports may include additional instructional time, small group and individualized instruction, and targeted interventions. Classroom teachers and school administrators are receiving specialized literacy training and support from the school-based reading coach and consultants.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child's principal or your child's teacher. You can also find information about Read to Succeed on the South Carolina Department of Education web page http://ed.sc.gov/instruction/office-of-early-learning-and-literacy1/.
ADDITIONAL READ TO SUCCEED (R2S) INFORMATION
Read to Succeed Frequently Asked Questions
Act 284, Read to Succeed legislation, was created in 2015 to address literacy performance in South Carolina and put in place a comprehensive system of support to ensure SC students graduate on time with the literacy skills they need to be successful in college, careers and citizenship. Act 284 provides for a strong assessment and intervention system for students kindergarten through twelfth grade with a goal of all students becoming proficient readers by the end of third grade.
Read to Succeed Frequently Asked Questions(PDF 102 KB -12/08/2016)
