Volume Twenty-One: February, 2015

E-BlastBethune-Bowman Elementary

Student, Algeron Johnson,Wins 2nd Annual MLKOratory Competition

When Algeron Johnson, a fifth grade student at Bet-hune-Bowman Elementary School, took the stage during the final round of the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition, he made an immediate connection with the audience. What followed was a breathtaking mes-sage during which Johnson spoke passionately about his vision of what Dr. King might say if he could speak today. In describing his vision, Johnson said he believes Dr. King would tell us, “I have learned how to be content, but never satisfied! You see, I’ve had to eat peas and rice one day and rice and peas the next day, but I knew there was MORE and a BETTER world out there for me.” Johnson believes that Dr. King would instruct us, “We must continue to press on until justice prevails everywhere, and even if justice does not prevail, we cannot burn our homes and buildings down in the name of retaliation. The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are so few. We can’t give up now. I believe if we press on we will see what the end is going to be.” John-son continued on behalf of Dr. King, “I have learned much in my walk of life. I’ve learned that I must kneel before God so that I can stand before man. God doesn’t call the quali-fied; He qualifies those who are called.” Johnson pointed out that while Dr. King would acknowledge that progress has been made, he also believes Dr. King would conclude that there is still work for us to do. The final round of the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition was held on the evening of January 29, 2015 at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg. The MLK Oratory Competition began several months ago with preliminary competitions being conduct-ed in each of the eight elementary schools in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5). The preliminary competitions determined the school champions who would move on to compete as finalists in the district wide competi-tion. The competition was open to fourth and fifth grade students who were required to write and present an original speech of up to five minutes on the topic: “If Dr. Martin Lu-

ther King, Jr. could speak t o d a y … ” . The names of the stu-dents who qualified to participate in the final round of the Dr. Martin Lu-ther King, Jr. Oratory Competition, along with the schools they attend, were:• AlgeronJohnson,Bethune-BowmanElementarySchool,

1st Place• MatthewFrederick,WhittakerElementarySchool,2nd

Place• Alonna Jamison, Brookdale Elementary School, 3rd

Place• ArthurBrowne,MellichampElementarySchool,Finalist• RebeccaDurant,DoverElementarySchool,Finalist• LashondraJohnson,RivelonElementarySchool,Finalist• NaseyerraSmith,SheridanElementarySchool,Finalist• JasmineWilliams,MarshalElementarySchool,Finalist While the finals of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition provided great inspiration and entertainment for the assembled audience, its primary purpose was to provide students with an engaging approach to improving their skills in historical research, reading, writing, and public speaking in fourth and fifth grade classrooms across the district. An uplifting selection of musical entertainment for the program was provided by the William J. Clark Middle School Chorus, the Robert E. Howard Middle School Chorus, and the Smith Sisters featuring OCSD5 Teacher of the Year Da-betta Smith, who also served as the Mistress of Ceremonies

in five

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E-Blast February, 2015

MLK Oratory (continued from pg. 1)

for the program. Karen James and Dr. Derrick James served as the event coordinators. Six community leaders served as judges for the compe-tition including: Dede Cook, President of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce; Gene Crider, Managing Editor of the Times and Democrat; Dr. Frederick M.G. Evans, Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at South Carolina State University; Dr. Maurice Lee, Pharma-cist with Walgreen’s; Dr. Johnny Murdaugh, Director of Ca-reer and Technology Education for Richland County School District One; and Anyjuan Seawright, Senior Advisor to the South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus. Jimmy Jones Toyota of Orangeburg was the sponsor for

This article was submitted to OCSD5 by an outside individual familiar with the district who wishes to remain anony-mous. It is the writer’s intent to period-ically highlight the work of OCSD5 em-ployees who may not be well known to the public. If you were an attorney, you

would never share a client’s privileged information. A doc-tor would never discuss a patient’s medical history in casual conversation. A psychiatrist holds sacred sessions inviolate. A pastor would never repeat a member’s confessions to anyone. If you could combine all of these professions (as special as they are) into one you could begin, just begin, to define my school’s Guidance Counselor. Add the obliga-tions of teacher and parent to the job responsibilities of a lawyer, doctor, or preacher as described above and you will have an understanding of what it means to be a Guidance Counselor in today’s schools. Once upon a time, the duties of the Guidance Counsel-or were easily understood by the job title. Where “counsel-ing” and “guiding” students to all the right places at all the

right times was so prevalent in the past, the “new”

whoknewjob description involves much more time with testing and interpreting data. Please don’t misconstrue the intent of this article as one of negativity. Quite the contrary! The aim is to help you to share my deep appreciation of what coun-selors at all levels are very well-prepared to do. Like others in our district, they love their jobs and care for their “kids” in a way that is mindful of the old saying, “I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care.” Whether your ratio of students is 200:1 or 800:1, you serve your flock. Whether assisting in the development of individual portfolios; whether developing the plethora of evaluation devices; whether helping students to access college information; whether advising parents and teach-ers with the wisest discipline techniques; whether individu-ally counseling students in the best academic avenues; the Guidance Counselor’s attention to detail and involvement in each and every aspect of fostering the good, safe place to be has no limit, no parallel in our district or anywhere else. So, therefore, if you really want to know anything about your school, drop by the guidance office (by appointment please) and while you’re there tell the Guidance Counselor how much you appreciate what they do.

the event. Thanks to the generous support of our spon-sor, all of the final round participants received trophies and certificates recognizing their accomplishment and were treated to a special lunch. In addition, the top three places received the following prizes: 1st Place – Surface Tablet with keyboard plus $100 scholarship provided by Mr. Jamie Har-rison,2ndPlace–iPadMini,3rdPlace–iPodTouch.Follow-ing the conclusion of the MLK Oratory Competition, Jones said, “I thought the event was outstanding. The kids were amazing in every aspect you could imagine. I thought the passion that each student displayed was unbelievable. I’m not sure what I was expecting but they surely exceeded any expectations that I had. I was very happy to be a part of this program and will be looking forward to it again next year.”

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E-Blast Each month, we will be presenting profiles of the Teachers of the Year from our schools. This month we will introduce Tawana Howell, a fifth grade science teacher and Teacher of the Year from Whittaker Elementary School, and a finalist for the selection of OCSD5 Teacher of the Year. Tawana Glover Howell, a 5th grade science teacher at Whittaker Elementary School, acquired her passion for teaching at an early age. Like many successful educators, she can look back upon her experiences as a student and identify a special teacher who made a life-changing impact on her future. According to Howell, “My first grade teach-er, Mrs. Glover was an attentive and caring teacher. My classmates and I had the utmost respect for her. I thought she was amazing! After all, she and I shared the same last name and I knew almost instantly that I wanted to be just like her.” Howell also credits her parents for instilling the im-portance of a good education in her and her five siblings. Growing up in what she describes as a bad neighborhood; Howell refused to give in to her environment and became determined to succeed. From those humble beginnings, Howell was able to move forward from high school and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University and a Master of Edu-cation Degree: Technology in Education from Lesley Univer-sity. After a year of teaching at Rock Chapel Elementary School in Lithonia, Georgia, Howell came back home and has been teaching within Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five for the past twelve years including the past ten years at Whittaker Elementary School. Howell takes pride in being very active in a number of professional associations and community organizations. Professionally, Howell holds memberships in the National Education Association (NEA), the South Carolina Education Association (SCEA), the National Science Teachers Associa-tion (NSTA), and the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA) and actively participates staff development training within the district. Outside of the workplace, Howell vol-unteers her time with Job Corps and the Queen of Hearts Women’s Group. Through these volunteer contacts, How-ell is able to share her knowledge and experience with in-dividuals who need assistance in developing skills with self-awareness, health and fitness, continuing education, career preparation, and social skills. Howell summarizes the value of her volunteer experiences this way, “I am a mentor, a big sister, and aunt to young women that I may not have nor-mally initiated contact with.” She also serves as an advisor to the Youth Department at her church where she teaches character skills and mentors several young females. Howell is currently in the process of beginning a ministry at her church to promote health and wellness that will include in-struction in health and nutrition as well as exercise classes.

February, 2015

When reflecting about her experiences with chil-dren since she became a teacher, Howell said, “The rewards over my thirteen years of teach-ing are countless. The innumerable hugs, the heartfelt letters written by students expressing how I am their favor-ite teacher, the notes and phone calls from parents thanking me for working tirelessly with their child, the warm smiles, the visits from children years after they have left me, the tears of joy, the moments when I can see the light bulbs pop on, the student who cut my name in the back of his hair for graduation as a gesture of love, being able to reach a child that others deemed unreachable, the gifts on holidays and special occasions; some expensive and wrapped beautifully, others more sen-timental and wrapped in love. The rewards I receive as an educator are beyond measure. The most beautiful gift of being an educator and the gift that keeps giving is that I am afforded remarkable opportunities to touch the hearts and minds of my students.” Howell recalled a particular student whose behavior was a challenge. On the Friday before Mother’s Day, this student presented her with a card that read “Thank you for being the coolest teacher and mother. Thank you for your support, I Love You.” The words of his card were surrounded by a beautifully hand drawn picture of a lighthouse that was erected upon a rock. After some thought, Howell began to see that, like lighthouses, teachers provide guidance for their students, leading them from darkness safely into the world of light and knowledge. Howell concluded, “On that day, I learned the significant role I play in the lives of my students. When helping my students discover their unique abilities, I have to consider every aspect of what makes a child who he or she is. I have to consider the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. It is a well-known fact that all children do not come from perfect backgrounds with loving parents, but the compassion I have for my students compels me to love them and be concerned enough about their lives beyond my classroom and to do whatever I can do to open their eyes to the opportunities in the world that surpass their present situations and circumstances. I have discovered of-ten times those children who are the most difficult to love are the ones who need your love the most.” Given her path of growth and achievement, Howell’s former first grade teacher, Mrs. Glover, would surely be proud of what her former student has become.

OCSD5 TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROFILESTawana Howell – wHiTTaker eleMenTarY SCHool

First grade students have been getting the most from their iPads by diligently completing their Compass Learning assignments. First Grade teachers Mrs. Huff and Ms. Hampton have set solid routines for iPad use in the classroom. Each student is able to log in on their own and get started on where they left off on their learning path. Students remain in their seats to work through the activities and only get up to get scratch paper for math assessments or to show the teacher their completed activity score. The teacher circulates around the room to monitor students and to be available for assistance. iPads have been a very helpful tool to assist the great teaching at BBES!

On February 2nd, 2015, Bethune-Bowman Elementary School cel-ebrated the 100th day of school with fun activities and giveaways. Each homeroom worked on a special project to represent the 100th day of school while randomly selected students were called down to receive a prize from the drawings. In the Kindergarten classes, students made special hats to celebrate being “100 Days Smarter”. Keep up the good work students so that at the end of the school year, we can all be 180 days smarter!

StudentS at BBeS Have Fun On 100tH day OF ScHOOL

E-Blast in five February, 2015

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Bethune-Bowman elementary School ~ “Bulletin”

Recently, third grade students at Bethune-Bowman Elementary School posed with guitars they made in Ms. Jef-fords’ science class. The guitars were a part of the lesson on sound, pitch, vol-ume, and frequency. Students had a great time building their instruments during a memorable lesson in class.

BBeS 1st Graders use iPads to complete compass assignments

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Recently, Pre-K students practiced writing their name and identifying colors while also learning how to use an iPad. Each student took a turn using the Learning Tools application on the iPad. The student began by identifying which color they would like to write their name. The student would then use the stylus pen to write their name legibly on the interactive white board of the Learning Tools iPad app. Pre-K students are becoming more comfortable and familiar with the features of the iPad so that in Kindergarten, they can focus on learning activities such as Compass Learning.

BBES PrE-SChOOLErS DiSCOvEr LEArning iS SO MuCh Fun On iPADS

E-BlastFebruary, 2015

MORE newS From BBeS

HopeLab, a non-profit organiza-tion based in California, facilitated professional development at Brook-dale for faculty and administrators on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. The purpose of the professional devel-opment was to provide Brookdale faculty and administrators with scientific brain research published by Dr. Stephanie Jones, an asso-ciate Harvard University Graduate

School of Education professor. Dr. Jones created Brain Games that the faculty will use to help strengthen students’ Executive Function. Executive Function in children is typically de-

fined as working memory, attention, and mental flexibility. Brain games are quick games using movement and playful-ness to practice and build cognitive control during transition times. The faculty had an opportunity to actively engage in the Brain Games during the session. Thanks to Dr. Wilson’s continued support, Brookdale faculty members enjoyed a catered, delicious lunch during the session. The Brookdale faculty accepted the challenge of piloting the Brain Games and looks forward to their continued partnership with HopeLab.

HopeLab Holds Professional development With Brookdale elementary Faculty

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We here at Dover Elementary School aren’t just sit-ting on our Energy Bus. Recently, our 4th graders took that bus all the way to Columbia, SC to the State Mu-seum. They spent time learning about the history of our state. This trip made the distant past seem not so far away. We are always looking for way to provide hands-on and real life experiences for our students.

At Dover Elementary we are continuing to ride the En-ergy Bus. We are practicing rule #7, enthusiasm which attracts more passengers and energizes them during the Ride. In February, we celebrat-ed our 2nd annual Muffins with Moms event. We had over 200 students and their moms, aunts, grandmothers and mentors attend the event. Our guests received Otis Spunkmeyer muffins and a cup of orange juice. This is a wonderful community event that we plan to continue to provide for our families each year. We are currently look-ing forward to Doughnuts with Dads!

As we ride the energy bus, it is important to recognize the greatness that surrounds us! This month we would like to recognize Mr. Andre Smith. This is Mr. Smith’s first year as the guidance counselor at Dover Elementary, but we can’t imagine life without him! Mr. Smith is a positive role model for our young male students. He is willing to work hard and help anyone at any time. When you ask our faculty and staff what makes him stand out, you hear a unanimous “His relationships with students!” Mr. Smith works to encourage all of our students and gives them a boost when they need it most.

Culture of exCellenCe AwArdwinner for februAry

Details From DoVerFebruary, 2015

Dover Studentsunderstand history Better After visiting The State Museum

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Miss Anderson’s Pre-K Class had a surprise visit from Sheriff Leroy Ravenell. The students re-cently completed project about Outstanding Black Americans. Jerae Ray-sor presented her proj-ect about Sheriff Leroy Ravenell. She said he is the Orangeburg County Sheriff. He attended Claflin University and is marriedwith3children.Sheriff Ravenell lives in Santee and is the 52nd Sheriff in Orangeburg

County. During his visit he brought Jerae and the class gift bags filled with goodies. They were able to experience that “real life connection” as it related to the project. The students talked about the sheriff the entire week. They are now able to say “I know the Sheriff of Orangeburg and he helps keep us safe.”

Sheriff Ravenell Surprises Marshall’s Pre-K Class

The O-W Girls Basketball Team visited Marshall El-ementary School and read stories to each of the Pre-K thru 2nd grade classes. The students loved listening to stories read by these girls. Thanks to the O-W Girls Bas-ketball Team!

reading Fair Projects Shown During Literacy night

E-Blast February, 2015

in fiveMArShALL’S MESSAgES. . .

January 27th was Literacy Night at Marshall Elementary. Parents and students attended sessions learning about reading strategies, Compass Learning, Accelerated Reading, and other reading activities. All students that attended received bags of books. Over 250 students completed Reading Fair Projects during January and these projects were on display during this special night.

ShEriDAn ELEMEnTAry nEWS

Mrs. Crane hosted a family reading night for first graders and their parents. Students were at theschoolfrom5:00until7:30p.m.UsingtheiriPads and computers, students accessed books on Tumble Books and read them to their parents. Stu-dents were then able to take the AR test. The eve-ning ended with homemade chocolate chip cook-ies and lemonade. More family reading nights are planned for the future.

“Family Reading Night” For First Graders Held at Sheridan

During February, the Kindergarten teachers modeled subtrac-tion skills as part of Math/Science Family Night. The story “Pete the Cat and His Groovy Buttons” was read. The students used buttons as manipulatives to subtract. A cut and paste subtraction activity was completed at the end of the lesson. The activities were fun to complete.

SHERIDAn STuDEnTS EnjOY MATH/SCIEnCE FAMILY nIgHT

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Congratulations to Malissa Wright, an Art teacher at Wil-liam J. Clark Middle School, for her First Place entry in the state level competition of the National Career Development Asso-ciation’s (NCDA) 49th annual poetry and poster contest. Her winning submission was in the Poster (Category 2) classifica-tion of the competition. Wright’s poster will now be entered into the national competition. The NCDA will announce the national winners in April 2015.

clark art teacher Wins national career development annual

Poetry and Poster contest

Miss Q and Mr. U were united in marriage recently in the Mel-lichamp Elementary School gymnasium. Mr. Cole Lewis officiated. The bride was attended by Miss Jasmin Berry and Mr. Jourden Jenkins was Best Man. Zuri Brown served as the Flower Girl and Ja’Taveon Hughes was the Ring bearer. The wedding was hosted by Mellichamp’s Preschool Special Needs Team who invited all Pre-K and Kindergarten classes to attend. Before the wedding began Ms. Deloris Smith treated the happy couple and their guests to her a cappella rendition of I Believe I Can Fly. A reception was held im-mediately following the ceremony and everyone enjoyed cupcakes and dancing the Chicken Dance and Tooty Ta.

Mellichamp’s Miss Zuri Brown is the re-cipient of the SC Speech Language Hearing Association’s Ambassador of the Year Award for 2015. Dr. Karen Senior nominated Zuri for this recognition. Zuri is the three year old daughter of Ms. Yvette Pelzer-Brown who is the guidance counselor at Brookdale Elementary. The award was presented dur-ing the annual awards luncheon on Friday, February 27th at the annual convention in Myrtle Beach. Zuri is in Mrs. Oxner’s class and enjoys time on the iPad, music and her friends. The Mellichamp family congratu-lates Zuri on this wonderful achievement.

E-Blast in five February 2015

MeMories froM MellichaMp eleMentary

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The center court at the Prince of Orange Mall was the site of a special celebration for Mellichamp Elementary School’s “Orangeburg READS!” recognition ceremony on Janu-ary 22, 2015. Stu-dents were presented with Certificates of Achievement from Principal Hayward Jean, heard inspira-tional remarks by ath-letes from South Car-olina State University, and received special gifts and prizes from mall stores. As Prin-cipal Jean told the assembled crowd of parents and students, “Together we can encourage achievement and make reading fun!”

February, 2015

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Every day during 6th block, Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School Co-Op students assist teachers and staff at Bethune-BowmanElementarySchool.Ms.Johnsonhasover30studentsparticipating in the program and their help has been truly ap-preciated. BBMHS student have continuously brought a positive attitude and a diligent work ethic each day to BBES. Thank you so much BBMHS Co-Op students, you are helping BBES ensure the

academic success of all students!

BetHune-BOWMan MiddLe/HiGH cO-OP StudentS LOve tO Lend a HeLPinG Hand

It was a beautiful brisk Sunday afternoon and the lovely talented girls of William J. Clark and Robert E. Howard Girls Empowerment competed as a walking unit in the Orangeburg Christmas Parade. They lined up from shortest to tallest and stepped to the same beat as they approached the judges on Russell Street. They quickly moved into the formation of a Christmas tree, recited the club’s pledge and in unison performed their rou-tine. The pledge is:I know who I am! I know that I am an exten-sion of a powerful legacy. I know that I matter and I know what matters to me. I will strive to make choices and decisions that are good for me. I will seek help in my life if things confuse me. I am an emerging leader. I am valuable, smart and beautiful and the world awaits me!

ThEy ArE WinnErS!

The voices of each girl were pitched to the highest level as the movements to the routine were synchro-nized. The routine was accentuated by flag girls and culminated with a burst of confetti. Girls Empowerment has been in place for four years in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5. This club is a girl’s club that focuses on devel-oping teenage girls into future leaders. The club is co-sponsored by Columbia College. The principals and guidance counselor’s that oversee the group are, Dr. Lana Williams, Mr. Eric Brown, Mrs. Sandra Thomas and Mrs. Hazel Rickenbacker. This year Lanisa Brown from the South Carolina State Uni-versity Social Work Program assisted with organiz-ing the GE Routine, which garnered the dynamic group presentation with 2nd place in the Orange-burg Christmas Parade! They are Winners!Submitted by: Hazel Rickenbacker, ext. 8126

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February, 2015E-Blast the OcSd5 second annual dr. Martin Lu-ther King Jr. Oratory competition was held on January 29, at the new Mt. Zion Baptist church in Orangeburg. the OcSd5 student-artists provided artwork depicting a relevant subject to MLK and / or his vision, and the artwork was displayed in the foyer area of the church. three students from Mrs. aiken’s class, Qu’essence Gillison, tykia Palmer, and Kadeshia Livingston, created pencil sketch collages and a painting for this event. all stu-dents received certificates and ribbons for participating.

congratulations to austin Gleaton, Robert Gordon, and Kayla Baker for being selected as delegates of the Orangeburg county chamber of commerce Junior Lead-ership Program. throughout the program, they will learn a variety of valuable leadership skills and become more aware of community issues and business ethics. the program also focuses on team-building skills, volun-teering opportunities, healthcare careers and a commu-nity project. the students will tour businesses and have the opportunity to meet with community leaders. the overall goal is for students to become more involved in the community and improve their leadership skills.

nMHS artists Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

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north Middle/High Students Selected For the Orangeburg Junior Leadership Program

Recently, north High School seniors participated in Senior day at Morris college in Sumter, Sc. the purpose of the visit was to inspire students to attend college and to help them determine where they should apply.

north middle/high SeniorS ViSit morriS college

February, 2015 E-Blast Standing at approximately 4’5”, representing dover elementary School, the daughter of Mrs. trivia Oliver and Wesley durant stepped boldly before the crowd of middle and high school stu-dents without any hesitation. Rebecca Joyce du-rant, an amazing fifth grader, was the keynote speaker during our Black History Month program. For almost five minutes, Rebecca delivered an amazing recitation on the topic, “if dr. Martin Lu-ther King, Jr. could speak today…” Her charismat-ic delivery, voice inflections, hand gestures, etc., captivated and held the students’ attention and earned her an arousing standing ovation upon completion. Rebecca is an a/B Honor Roll student who loves reading, writing, science, and beginner’s band. Her favorite color is purple, and she loves partici-

pating on the choir and in the book club at Jerusalem Baptist church in north. Other program participants included: Re de Jah clark (Mc), Zhanae’ nimmons, Robert Gordon, and Sion durant. the audience enjoyed musical selections from the nMHS Jazz ensemble under the leadership of Ms. deedra Wright. Lastly, a student chorale sang the Black national anthem, “Lift ev’ry voice and Sing.”

On Friday, February 13, 2015, north Middle/High School held its annual career fair. Representatives from area four-year universities and community businesses lined the floor of the nMHS gymnasium, sharing their wealth of knowledge with students in grades six through twelve. Some of the career fair participants were claflin university, Savannah River Site, Food Lion, South carolina department of Pub-lic Safety, Orangeburg county animal control, and Orangeburg county chief Magistrate derrick dash.

dR. KinG SPeaKS. . .

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nmhS hoStS annual career Fair

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E-Blast February, 2015

in five

On December 9, 2014, HOSA (Health Occupational Students of America) hosted its first 5K Run/Walk in the City of Orangeburg at Edisto Memorial Gardens. The 5K Run/Walk was organized to show support to Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five employee, Cindy Clark, who has been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. The charity run included 100 registered participants. HOSA raised $1,132, which was donated to the MabryCenter for Cancer Care at Orangeburg’s Regional Medical Center. The check was presented to Mr. Gary Ferguson,

the Administrative Director of the Cancer Center, in a cer-emony at the High School for Health Professions on Friday, January30,2015at10:00a.m.TheHighSchoolforHealthProfessions is proud to say that they hosted an event for a wonderful, strong woman. Colorectal Cancer is the third most common form of cancer found in men and women in the United States. It starts in either the colon or rectum and causes more than 130,000diagnosticseachyearthroughouttheUSalone.

Health Occupational Students of america declare “A Run For Cindy” a Success!

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E-BlastFebruary, 2015

Four OCSD5 arts educators joined the South Carolina Arts Alliance and other arts advocates from across the state onFebruary3,2015attheStateHouseinColumbia,SCforthe annual Arts Advocacy Day. The individuals representing the district were: Maurice A. Middleton, Performing Arts; Althea Bryant, Visual Arts; James A. Stroman, Retired Arts Educators; and Gail Hubbard-Mack, Fine Arts Instructional Coach. The purpose of Arts Advocacy Day is to rally arts educators and arts supporters to lobby for the continued support of equal funding for arts education as requested by the South Carolina Arts Commission for FY 2015-2016. The day began with advocates greeting Legislators in the lobby of the State House prior to beginning of the leg-islative session while wearing white hard hats and buttons with the slogan, “ART WORKS IN SOUTH CAROLINA”. Later that day, our OCSD5 arts educators dined with Or-angeburg County Legislative Delegation members Senator Brad Hutto, Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, and Rep. Jerry Govan

at the annual Legislative Appreciation Luncheon.

Among the speak-ers at the Luncheon were State Superin-tendent of Educa-tion Molly Spear-man and other dignitaries includ-ing Rose Sheheen, President of the S. C. Arts Alliance, Betty Plumb, Executive Director of the S.C. Arts Alliance, Ken May, Ex-ecutive Director of the S.C. Arts Commission, and General Assembly members Senator Wes Hayes, Senator Vincent Sheheen, Rep. Rita Allen, and Rep. Leon Stavrinakis. Arts Advocacy Day provided an excellent opportunity for arts educators and supporters to speak directly to deci-sion makers within the General Assembly to thank them for their support and make them aware of the many innovative arts initiatives going on around the state.

a PROductive day FOR tHe aRtSS.C. Arts Advocacy Day

OCSD5 Partners With Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics For Two Special Summer Programs:“CREATEng Orangeburg” and “iTEAMS XTREME”

The South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics (SCGSSM) is partnering with Orangeburg Con-solidated School District Five to present a one-of-a-kind, four day immersion into engineering and design-based thinking for rising 8th and 9th graders called CREATEng Orangeburg. TheprogramwillbeheldonJune8-11from8:30a.m.until4:00 p.m. on the campus of William J. Clark Middle School. Students will compete in team-based, hands-on challenges such as: designing blades for a wind turbine, cleaning up from an oil spill, developing a solar powered s’mores cooker, or constructing a parachute. Students will have opportuni-ties to work directly with project engineers both on-cam-pus and during field trips. The program promises to build creative confidence while developing practical engineering skills in problem-solving, teamwork, data analysis, commu-nication, and innovation. There is no cost for the program which includes lunches, snacks, and field trips. Students can apply for the program online at www.scgssm.org/createng. The application deadline is May 18, 2015; however, classes fill quickly and students are encouraged to apply early. The SCGSSM is also looking for dynamic teachers who may be interested in working with the CREATEng program. Appli-cations for teachers can also be found at the website above.

The application deadline for teachers is March 27, 2015. The CREATEng program is being sponsored by Boeing. The SCGSSM is also conducting the iTEAMS Xtreme day camp for rising 7th and 8th graders on June 22-25 from 8:30a.m.until 3:30p.m. alsoon the campusofWilliamJ. Clark Middle School. During the camp, students will re-ceive instruction on creating Xtreme Mobile Apps, Xtreme InteractiveObjects, andXtreme3DModels. The iTEAMSXtreme program seeks to inspire students to become com-puter scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. There is no cost for the program which includes lunches, snacks, and instructional materials. Students can learn more about the program and access the online application at www.scgssm.org/programs-clubs/iteams. The application deadline is May 18, 2015; however, students are encouraged to apply by theearlybirdapplicationdeadlineofApril13,2015.Teach-ers who are interested working with the iTEAMS Xtreme program should apply by March 27, 2015. For more information about these programs, please contact Kathryn Behling, CREATEng Coordinator, at behling@gssm.k12.sc.us or Lisa Bateman, iTEAMS Outreach Program Assistant at bateman@gssm.k12.sc.us.

OcSd5 eMPLOyee OF tHe MOntHFeBRuaRy 2015

Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Rushton, Administrative As-sistant and SIS Operator at the High School for Health Profes-sions, on her selection as the OCSD5 Employee of the Month for February 2015. Mrs. Rushton was nominated for this honor by her co-worker Cindy Strock who said the following: “I am nominating Mrs. Linda Rushton for OCSD5 Employ-ee of the Month based on her commitment, dedication, hard work, and pleasant personality and attitude. Mrs. Rushton is always willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the ac-curacy and timely input of data for her school. Mrs. Rushton is forever taking projects home with her to complete for the school. Although her data may be entered correctly, Mrs. Rushton, on more than one occasion, has contacted me and asked that I check behind her just to be sure. I feel that the greatest attribute possessed by Mrs. Rushton is her gentle spirit. Even when things get hectic, Mrs. Rushton contin-ues to exhibit a high level of professionalism and tackles whatever the task with a positive attitude and willingness to work. I have never witnessed Mrs. Rushton conduct herself in any way of OCSD5 cannot be proud. I count it an honor and a blessing to work with Mrs. Linda Rushton.” Mrs. Rushton received a $100 gift certificate from Walmart, a certificate naming her as the February 2015 Employee of the Month, and recognition on the OCSD5 website and the monthly E-Blast newsletter.

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A team of volunteers from Elim Christian Fellowship Church, under the leadership of Reverend A. David Griffin, recently came together over the holiday break to revitalize several outdoor areas at Marshall and Mellichamp Elementary School with “Project Re-create”. When students returned to school, they discovered freshly power-washed breezeways, newly painted windows, doors, and guard rails, and outdoor planters filled with indigenous plants to greet them in the morning. “Project Re-Create” is a volunteer service project of Elim Christian Fellowship Church with the support of community partners including Sherwin Williams Paints, Home Builders Supply, StayMobile, Inc., and the Christian Community Thrift Store. Foradditionalinformationabout“ProjectRe-Create”,pleasecontactBillClark,OCSD5PublicRelationsDirectorat533-7925.

“ProJeCt re-Create”