Colleton County School District

Catherine Turner, Editor Volume 1, Issue 7

February 2015

Cottageville Elementary School — Where Eagles Soar!

Cottageville Elementary School, home of the soaring eagles, serves 567 students every day from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The attendance zone for Cottageville is quite large and includes communities on the Edisto River, in Jacksonboro, Walterboro, Round O, and in the surrounding Cottageville area. Demographically, 27.3% of the students are African American, 58.7% are white, and 14% are classi-fied as “other.” The staff numbers sixty-seven. Of the certi-fied staff, 61% of them live outside the school district and commute to and from work every day. Community Eligibil-ity Provision identifies the poverty ranking for the school as 53.41%.

The entire school is focused on the academic success of all students, especially in mathematics and English/language arts, and student progress is measured frequently. Teach-ers also receive professional development in best instruc-tional practices that engage students in their learning. Con-tent areas receiving the most attention this school year are math and writing, with special attention given to numeracy and writing workshops. Grade level teachers collaborate bi-weekly and receive professional development in teaching children of poverty and “whole brain teaching” strategies.

Cottageville is pleased to have on staff a reading coach, Robin Stephens, and an instructional facilitator, Jane Pence. These two instructional leaders facilitate bi-weekly plan-ning sessions, teach model lessons, lead small group les-sons, disseminate and analyze data, conduct classroom observations and provide feedback, and plan the district testing protocol with the other coaches in the other district elementary schools. Both Mrs. Pence and Mrs. Stephens serve as valuable members of the school’s leadership team.

Student performance data receives lots of attention and analysis throughout the school year. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP testing for grades 2-5) and Children’s Pro-gress of Academic Assessments (CPAA for grades PK-1) are administered formally three times each year – fall, winter, and spring. These assessments are formative and inform classroom instruction. From the analysis of these assess-ments, teachers can determine a student’s mastery of

grade level content and what supports and supplements that child might need to strengthen his hold of the materi-al. In addition to MAP and CPAA, Dominie reading assess-ments are administered at least four times per year. Quar-terly posttests in all four content areas are also adminis-tered and analyzed. For students who need supplemental assistance, Cottageville offers Eagle Academy for small group math instruction; Xtra Math, which is web-based math practice; First in Math, another web-based program set up in a game format; and Moby Max, which is another online practice site for math, grammar skills, and vocabu-lary.

In addition to academics, Cottageville promotes PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), which is a school-wide system. All staff teach expectations and proce-dures explicitly and work to provide students more praise for doing things correctly than punishment for their incor-rect behaviors.

The school also offers students activities to engage them physically and academically. The CES cheerleaders is a large and popular group with 22 members. The Flag Team is a group of students who have accepted responsibility for the display and care of the American Flag in the front of the school. Cottageville also has an active honors choir that performs to the delight of school and community. Many students participate in community service activities for their peers by serving as Reading Buddies, where older stu-dents read with younger students. Students can also partic-ipate on the School Health Team as part of the Healthy Schools initiative. Students are looking forward to the 5th grade Talent Show in the spring. The combination of aca-demic and high interest activities is part of educating the whole child, and Cottageville teachers would attest that this is exactly what they do.

Cottageville Elementary welcomes everyone to come visit and spend some time with the Cottageville family. It won’t take a visitor long to see the “gem” Cottageville Elementary School is to our school district.

Janis Headden, Principal Focused Leadership

Mrs. Janis Headden, Principal of Cottageville Elementary, has been de-

voted to teaching since 1995. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary

Education from University of South Carolina Aiken, a Master of Educa-

tion in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching through the

Arts from Lesley University, and a Masters of Education in Elementary

Administration and Supervision from Charleston Southern University.

She expresses her simple philosophy of education: “I believe all stu-

dents are capable of learning and deserve the opportunities afforded

them through the public school system. Educators are important role

models in the lives of their students. I believe being an educator is one

of the most important jobs in society, and that teaching is a calling, a

noble profession.”

Prior to coming to Cottageville Elementary, Mrs. Headden taught 2nd

and 3rd grade at Black Street Elementary. Mrs. Headden was awarded

Black Street Elementary School's Teacher of the Year (1999 and 2001).

Next she served CCSD as a Curriculum and Instructional Facilitator at

Forest Hills Elementary School. Mrs. Headden was then named Assis-

tant Principal at Northside Elementary

School for six years before becoming Assis-

tant Principal at Cottageville Elementary

School for one year.

As a new principal, Mrs. Headden views

herself as a supportive member of the

Cottageville Elementary School family.

“Here at CES, we are focused on maintain-

ing optimal learning experiences in a safe

and friendly environment and providing a

challenging curriculum for our students,”

stated Mrs. Headden. She went on to say, “I believe that education

improves society as a whole, and educating students is the combined

responsibility of all members of that society. All stakeholders should

work collectively and collaboratively to support public education.” Mrs.

Headden believes that the best educators display the best characteris-

tics of the profession: level of content knowledge, caring demeanor,

and a non-judgmental approach with students and staff. She added,

“Dedicated and committed educators seek opportunities to improve

their craft by reading professional literature, reflecting on current prac-

tices, attending professional development sessions, and conducting

action research.” Mrs. Headden and her teachers are focused on their

mission: “To utilize best practices to prepare every child to become a

productive citizen.”

Mrs. Headden is married and the mother of three children, Tiffini,

Joshua and Cassandra. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time

with her children, going to the beach, and reading novels.

Amy Liebenrood—Assistant Principal Making a Difference

Mrs. Amy Liebenrood, Assistant Principal at Cottageville Elementary, is

making a difference in the lives of all students at CES. She loves learning

and finds nothing more satisfying than seeing

that look in the eyes of children when they

finally understand something they have been

struggling to get. For as long as she can re-

member, she wanted to become a teacher. “I

became a teacher because I wanted to share

my love for learning with children,” Mrs.

Liebenrood stated. “I wanted to see them get

excited about learning something new. I want-

ed to make a difference in a child’s life.” Work-

ing as an assistant principal gives her the opportunity to work more

closely with students and teachers. “My goal as an administrator at CES is

to make sure all of the students are getting the best education possible,

and they are learning each and every day,” she added.

Mrs. Liebenrood grew up in Marion, SC, and graduated from Marion High

School. She received her BS in Early Childhood Education from Francis

Marion University in the 1980’s. She received her Master’s in Instruction

and Supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2010. The first twenty-

seven years of her career were spent teaching kindergarten, first, second,

and third grades in Florence School District 3. She joined TEAM Colleton

last year as a teacher and became assistant principal for the 14-15 school

year. This year marks her 29th year in education.

When she is not at school, one of her favorite things to do is to spend

time with family. Mrs. Leibenrood and her husband John have four chil-

dren, six granddaughters, and one grandson. The seventh granddaughter

is due to arrive in May.

Amy Liebenrood—AP

The Dynamic Duo

Robin Stephens, Reading Coach, & Jane Pence, Instructional Coach

Enriching day-to-day activities for teachers and students

When a nosy fourth-grade student wanted the scoop on what another teacher and I were dis-cussing in private, I decided it was time for an impromptu lesson in manners.

"Do you know what ‘minding your own busi-ness’ means?" I asked pointedly. He didn’t, but a student clear across the room shouted, "I do!"

The Lighter Side

Farmers Spring Festival and Tractor Parade

The Cottageville Revitalization Committee is sponsoring

the 2nd Annual Farmers Spring Festival and Tractor Pa-

rade on March 14th. A festival will follow the parade.

There will be a nice display of tractors and there will be

craft and food vendors. If you are interested in partici-

pating in the parade or craft table, please contact Jay

McGrew 843-542-5035 or Yvonne Alvarado at 843-709-

6841.

There will be an election for princesses and princes.

K-1st grade for Sweet Pea Princess/Pumpkin Patch

Prince

2nd-3rd grade Planting Princess/Planting Prince

4th-5th grade Spring Queen/King of Spring

In order to participate the in the election the contest-

ants have to collect a penny a vote. The individuals

with the most pennies become the reigning princesses,

princes, and queen for the new year.

There is only one way to happiness

and that is to cease worrying about

things which are beyond the power of

our will.

Epictetus

The CES Flag Team, led by Karen Lockerman, is respon-

sible for the care and display of the American Flag in the front of the school. They review weather conditions each morning before hoisting the flag and then properly lower it each after-noon and fold it. The members of the CES Flag Team are Bryan Crosby, Annmarie Wise, Victoria Cohen, Essence Pinckney, Do-novan Hill, Jacob Crosby, Megan Balatbat, Elly Hubbard, Cardi’Air Daniels, and Trevor Hoff.

RAH RAH RAH

Cottageville Elementary has a very active cheerleading squad. The following students participate this school year: JaKayla Fra-zier, Sydney Benton, Faith Garcia, Carentin Owens, Deoni Tri-plett, Parris Washington, Soleil Estrada, Ayrionna Brown, Alicia Frazier, Alonzia King, Jewlia Braddock, Chloe Crosby, Destiny Ready, Kayla Harrison, Fanisha Stephens, Shyania Stephens, Keirra Holmes, Hailey Nettles, Sierra Smart, Breleigh Roberts, Payton McDonnell, and Megan Balatbat. Sponsor of the team is Patty McDonnell.

CES FLAG TEAM

Cottageville Happenings

This year, Cottageville offers 4th and 5th grade students the opportunity to participate in the Honors

Choir. Students in grades 1-3 can participate in the Junior Honors Choir. They have performed at the

school board meeting and at school events. They will be participating in the Arts Extravaganza in April.

The choirs are under the direction of Meredith Melven.

Honors Choir (4th—5th grades)

Jodee Arnold McKayla Chisolm Jaiyanna Jackson Danielle Pierce

Paige Baker Kaleb Conover Edward Jacques Destiny Ready

Megan Balatbat Chloe Crosby Marcena Jones Mason Sanders

Meosha Barnett Solei Estrada Alonzia King Tyler Scites

Stacey Bennett Sammy Ferguson Madison Lovelace Victoria Sheider

Sydney Benton Emma Fillers Jeremy Malfa Charnauri Simpson

Jewlia Braddock Holdyn Kelley Emerald Martin Fanisha Stephens

Faith Garcia Denisha Green Daniel McDonnell Katheriena Steward

Jayden Bright Billie Faye Guelker Diamond McLauren Maleeah Terry

Ayrionna Brown Nakimb Holmes Madison Metzmeier Deoni Triplett

Reagan Buckner Ellie Hubbard Kaitlynn Nelson Parris Washington

Yair Caudillo Veronica Intini Hailey Nettles

Honors Junior Choir (1st—3rd grades)

Dalanie Balatbat Gianna George Trinity King Madison Scott

Charles Benson Jamarion Harrison Stephan LaPresta Chelsie Shealy

Deaudrey Bolton Dillon Hawkins Amaya LaPresta Kaycee Sluss

Taylor Brown Dakota Hill Mia Long Allie Sluss

Destiny Burbage Meredith Hilton Kamron Longfellow Bailey Taylor

Landon Carpenter Ayden Hunter Payton McDonnell Joseph Tunewald

Charlie Crabb Tanya Infinger Jesenia Miczek Ashton Walker

Kylie Drawdy Delana Israel Errion Middleton Morgan Watford

Destiny Durr Tyjai Jackson Trinity Pristley Carley Watford

Kimora Easley Shawn Jacques Leehia Richardson Abigail West

Jordan Easley Bre’Asia Jenkins Jayden Richardson Diamond Wiggins

Morgan Edens Kendall Jirel Kylie Roper Khama Wiggins

Dakota Edens Biahjae Johnson Tyler Sabien David Williams

Nevaeh Fraiser Logan Jones Clarence Scites Devine Wright

Kermit Trevor Hudson Memorial Fund

Event Date: March 14, 2015 The Colleton County High School will sponsor the 2015 Miss Cougar Pageant to benefit the Kermit Trevor Hudson Memorial Fund. The pageant is open to students of the Colleton County School District. Students in grades PreK-8th will compete in the Division I Pageant - Jr. Miss Cougar. Students in grades 9-12 will compete in the Division II Pageant - Miss Cougar. Registration fee is $40 and includes entry into the following categories: Beauty, Casual Wear, Most Photogenic, Best Hair, Best Eyes, and Best Smile. Registration packet is available at www.colletonsd.org/misscougarpageant. Deadline to submit completed registration and fee is February 27, 2015 and should be turned in at the Colleton County High School fee window.

The Versatile Terry Dingle

Mr. Terry Dingle was born and raised in the Charleston, SC, area. He graduated in 1979 from Goose Creek High School and joined the army that same year. Mr. Dingle is a decorat-ed soldier, having served in the Middle East in combat oper-ations in Kuwait and Iraq and patrol missions along the DMZ (demilitarized zone) between North and South Korea. State-side, Mr. Dingle served four years as an Army recruiter. He was assigned both White House and Pentagon duty, and even guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He served at Camp Casey in South Korea, Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mr. Dingle completed his military career with the Army National Guard in 1991. After his tour of military duty, Mr. Dingle became a firefight-er in Beaufort, SC, where he earned recognition as the first African-American to be named as Firefighter of the Year in 1993. He also worked as a DSS caseworker, and then be-came director of a group home for six years. Mr. Dingle earned his Bachelors in social work but went on to earn his two masters degrees, one in elementary educa-tion and the other in educational leadership and supervi-sion. His education afforded him the opportunities to teach and then later to become a school administrator. Mr. Dingle has also served as a Director of Alternative Education, a hearing officer, and a Director of Op-erations. Now, as a member of TEAM Colleton, Mr. Dingle is both an assistant princi-pal at Bells Elementary and also serves as the district’s hearing officer. We are fortunate to have this profes-sional educator as part of our district.

Thunderbolt Career and Technology

Center

February Students of the Month

Akirah Melandi Maloney TCTC Student of the Month

Alan Edward Grym H.E.A.T. Student of the Month

TEAM Colleton SHOUT OUT!

Congratulations to Hendersonville Ele-

mentary School’s Lego Stars for placing

in the finals at the First Lego and Robot-

ics Competition held Saturday, January

24. at CCMS. This team of young robotics

engineers will be competing in the state

finals along with the middle school team

in Summerville March 7. Please extend your best wishes to the

following students and their coach, Mr. Elton Brown: Alaysia

Stephens, Genesis Frazier, Anya Elliot, Kevin Johnson, John

Allen, Karley Rouse, Zaire Bright, Madsion Thomas, Alexandria

Stephens, Ashton Walling, Camille Mack, Alayna Johnson,

Sh'Kalia Aiken, and Kennedy Owens.

Science Updates from Colleton County Middle School

Sixth grade science teacher

Kambrell Garvin took almost 70

6th grade students for a three

day, two night stay on Barrier

Island January 26-28. The pur-

pose of the trip was to expose

students to the natural environ-

ment so that they could make real connections between what

they observed on their field trip to the material they are learning

in class. Mr. Garvin hopes to make this trip an annual excursion.

After an incredibly long STEM journey, the SSEP student research-

ers had the opportunity to review the results of the experiment

sent to the International Space Station. These students met the

afternoon of February 19, to

harvest and analyze the results

of the microgravity and ground

truths experiments. Look for

photos and more detail about

this journey on the school’s

webpage.

TCTC Student Chris Hood Places 1st

Chris Hood placed first in the All Star Automotive Competi-

tion in Columbia, SC on Feb 19th.

The top ten students from NATEF programs across the state

competed. Chris received about $3,000 worth of tools with

a tool chest, and the Auto Tech program at TCTC received

$5,000 for equipment improvement.

Pictured are Mr. Hayden, Chris Hood, and Mr. Vaughan

More News from around the District

Awesome Websites for Awesome Teachers

If you’re looking for videos to supplement your instruction, check

out these sites!

How Stuff Works http://www.howstuffworks.com

Text information, videos, audio, and maps about almost any topic.

Teacher Tube http://www.teachertube.com/mobile Students and teachers can upload videos to this site to use in schools.

Watch Know Learn http://www.watchknowlearn.org Free educational videos organized by subject area and grade level (K-12).

Power My Learning http://powermylearning.org Games and informative videos to enhance learning on all grade levels. Easy teacher tools.

Fun Brain http://www.funbrain.com Online educational games for kids of all ages (math, grammar, science, spelling, history)

Greetings,

To all of My Colleton County School District (CCSD) Constituents and my District Four School, Cottageville Elementary School, it gives me great pleasure that you chose me to represent you as your school board trus-tee. I am very excited about serving and working together with all of you.

I have just returned from the South Carolina School Board Annual Con-vention, where I had some intensive training that helped me become more acclimated with the task I have at hand. It is a big task, but I am up for the task. With your help sharing some of your ideas, concerns and suggestions I know we can make this a good and positive experi-ence. I look forward to serving this community to the best of my ability and bringing back information you need to know. Being a liaison between the board and community.

I started this journey in 2007 at the old Cottageville Elementary School as a parent and PTO President and on into the new school. We worked hard to raise money for the Cottageville Eagle Mats that still grace the presence of our front entryway into the school.

I look forward to working with students and staff to make a difference that will grace the presence of our schools and students for years to come.

Educationally Yours,

Darlene Miller, Colleton County School Board Trustee

Darlene Miller