September 2017
D.W. Daniel High School Newsletter
Our School Vision
Students at DWD will graduate with a wide array of skills
and strong knowledge base in a culture of high expectations,
generosity, encouragement, and civility.
2016-2017 Staff Employee of the Year & Teacher of the Year
Welcome Back Festival
Total Solar Eclipse
A Message from Our Principal: Josh Young
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to everyone that is a part of the One Daniel community! I hope that everyone had a great summer and that you are looking forward to an exciting 2017-2018 school year.
We have had a great start to the year and I want to thank our parents and guardians specifically for your efforts in updating your students' information via the new Registration Gateway! Your willingness to take the time to complete this process gives us the most up to date information on your children and makes it easy for us to contact you and keep you informed about what is going on at DWD.
We are also excited to continue with our 2nd year of every student having their own Chromebook as a part of SDPC’s 1:1 Tech it Home Program. These are excellent learning tools that we appreciate our district administration and school board supporting and providing for our students to use. If needed, more information can be found on the district website by going to www.pickens.k12.sc.us, clicking on the Parents tab, and clicking Tech it Home.
Parents and guardians are also reminded to make sure that you are continuing to use Schoology to keep up with your students’ grades, assignments, and important school messages. This is a great way to keep up with everything going on at DWD in addition to allowing for quick access to updated individual student information. Please contact the main office (397-2900) if you have questions concerning your student’s Schoology information.
After already experiencing an incredibly rare solar eclipse, the year has gotten off to an exciting and historical beginning. Thank you to everyone for all you do to make the One Daniel community so special, and we look forward to working with you to continue to uphold and exceed our tradition of success in all areas.
We are excited to have the following new staff members and members in new roles this year:
Faculty:
April Dover - PE
Rick Edwards – Science
Kelsey Leonard – Math
Amos Myles – Graduation Coach
Shannon Nealy – English
Suzanne Rushing – Science
Marta Wahlen – Spanish/ESOL
Support Staff:
Julie Bryant – Online Lab Coordinator
Laurie Molloseau – Food Service Manager
Jerrodd Williams – Student Assistant/Shadow
Jamie Wilson – Student Assistant/Shadow
Familiar Faces, New Places:
Dee Dyches – Media Clerk
Guidance Department News
- Teal Atkinson, a Clemson University student, will join the guidance staff as a student intern.
- Mr. Rhyne will be meeting with seniors in their English classes to review the college application process in early September.
- Staff picture (below) and student assignment designations : Rhyne – seniors, Carter – grades 9-11 A – L, Meehan – grades 9-11 M-Z ; Blake – Registrar, Potter – Career Specialist, Cole - Clerk
- The College & Career Fair for juniors & seniors will be on 9/25. Listen for an announcement with registration details.
- The Tutoring Center practice SAT/ACT tests will be given on 9/10 & 9/16. Registration information is available in the Guidance Office.
- 9/8 registration deadline for Oct SAT
- 9/22 registration deadline for Oct ACT
- Students interested in job shadowing should see Mrs. Potter.
- The PSAT will be given on October 11. Listen for announcements.
A Message from Our School Resource Officer: Master Deputy Leslie Daniel
I hope that everyone had a great summer. I am excited about the 2017-2018 school year.
Please be mindful of the following policies:
1. The speed limit is 15 mph on school grounds. Students will incur a fine if they speed on school property.
2. Students who drive on campus need to make sure that their vehicles do not contain any prohibited items.
3. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the back of the school. In order to keep the line moving smoothly and safely, drivers need to stay in their vehicles and pull up as far as possible.
Let’s start the year out in the right direction. Remember, “Make wise choices!”
Driving and Parking On Campus
Any student who wishes to drive and park on any School District of Pickens County campus must complete the “Alive at 25” course.
This course will be taught at Daniel High School on the following dates: September 20, October 17, November 15 and December 6. All classes will start at 4:00 p.m. in room 178. For a complete listing of all classes at all locations, please click here.
To be properly authorized for parking at DWD, a vehicle must display an appropriate parking permit on the rearview mirror and a vehicle must also display the state-issued motor vehicle license tag (or the driver must be able to prove that the tag has been requested).
Click here for a complete list of DWD parking policies.
A Message from Our School Nurse: Jill Roy, LPN
Accurate information on your student's overall health is imperative. This may include any diagnosis of allergies, asthma, seizures, recent surgeries, etc. that may affect your student during this school year. Being aware of a specific condition may save valuable time in the case of an illness or injury at school.
Please contact the School Nurse if your child has a change in their health condition. It is also very important that you provide updated contact phone numbers if your phone number changes during the year.
We will be offering dental services at D.W. Daniel High School through Health Promotion Specialists. A Registered Dental Hygienist will come to the school to clean teeth, apply fluoride, and place sealants on teeth. If your child has Medicaid or SCHIP, they will be billed and there will be no cost to you. They will also bill your dental insurance. Forms (yellow) were sent home with final report cards at the end of last year. If you wish for your student(s) to take advantage of this service, please return the form. If you should need another form, contact the health room or have your student stop by the health room to pick one up.
Students who become sick while at school should see the nurse. If your student texts you that they are sick, please ask them to go to the Health Room.
Please contact the Health Room at JillRoy@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-2907 with any questions or concerns you may have.
A Message from Our Athletic Director: Tommy Plumblee
Our fall sports seasons are underway. We appreciate the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches and encourage students, parents, and fans to come out and support our teams. Check the website for fall sports schedules.
Here are some helpful tips for football season:
- Adult tickets are $6.00; student tickets are $5.00. All tickets are $6 at the gate. Tickets must be purchased for 5K and up. You may now purchase home game tickets in advance by visiting http://gofan.co/app/school/SC580.
- All student drop-offs and pick-ups must be at the front of the school. Parents are not allowed on the stadium road.
- If an individual leaves the stadium, another ticket must be purchased in order to re-enter the game.
- Students who purchased activity cards need to enter at the far left gate on the home side of the stadium. Students without activity cards are required to purchase a ticket. Students interested in purchasing an activity card may see Mrs. Turner in the front office. Activity cards may only be used for regular season home games; they may not be used for jamborees and playoff games.
PlaySafe
There are more than 2 million injuries occurring in high school sports each year. High school athletes sustain more injuries than college and professional athletes annually. The rate of injury translates into 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations.
So who is protecting your children when they participate in high school sports and who pays for that protection?
PlaySafe, a 501c(3) non-profit organization located in Anderson strives to support essential sports medicine services to our athletic youth and community. PlaySafe believes that professional, competent sports medicine services, beginning with a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) are critical to safe and healthy athletic participation.
The athletic trainers you see on the sidelines, courtside, and on the field are there as a result of PlaySafe and are employees of PlaySafe. PlaySafe places athletic trainers at the high schools in Anderson, Pickens, Oconee and Aiken counties on a full-time basis due to 62% of the injuries occurring at practice. Serious injury, a misdiagnosis and premature return to action can result in death. Certified athletic trainers are experts in sports related injury prevention, assessment and care.
After School Tutoring
After school tutoring will be available first semester on Tuesdays 3:15-4:15 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 223 (Mrs. Qualkinbush) and Room 225 (Mrs. Norris). Pay attention to the announcements as the times and days of the week may change later in the school year.
If students need help with subjects other than English or Math, please let Mrs. Norris, Mrs. Qualkinbush, or Mrs. Rash (Room 324) know at least 24 hours in advance so that they can make arrangements for someone to be there to help you. Students should bring materials with them for the class in which they need help.
For more information, please contact any of the teachers listed.
Support AFJROTC's 8th Annual Terry Fox Run
What: AFJROTC's 8th Annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research
When: Saturday, September 23; 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: SWU Campus - Newton Hobson Fine Arts Building; 807 Wesleyan Drive, Central
Additional Info: Charity Walk/Bike/Run event to raise money for cancer research by collecting donations and/or pledges for the distance completed by each participant.
Contact AFJROTC at (864) 397-2975 for more information.
School Attendance
EXCUSED ABSENCES
A student must provide a written excuse from a parent/guardian or health practitioner for all absences within three days of his/her return to school. If an excuse is received after the 3-day limit, the absence(s) will remain as unexcused on the student’s attendance record. The excuse will be placed in the student’s file for information, but the student’s attendance record will not change. Therefore, it is very important to meet the 3-day deadline. Per state law, parent notes may be accepted for the first 10 absences. After that, only doctor's notes are accepted.
A valid excuse must:
• be dated
• list the student’s full name
• contain the date(s) of the absence(s)
• list the reason for the absence(s),
• list a telephone number of the parent/guardian (if needed for verification)
• be signed by the parent/guardian or a licensed/certified health practitioner
**The sign-in/sign-out sheet in the main office does not constitute a valid excuse.**
A student who has more than three unlawful absences in a semester course or five unlawful absences in a year course may not be eligible to receive credit for that course. Students who accumulate excessive unlawful absences will be required to complete seat time recovery in order to earn credit for courses they are passing academically.
NEW THIS YEAR: CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM REPORTING
As part of the implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act, schools will be required to track and report any students who are absent 10% or more of school days for any reason. According to the OCR, an absent student is one who misses 50% of the instructional day, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Please be aware that missed instructional time due to appointments, trips, etc.—even though excused—may significantly affect a student’s academic achievement.
EARLY DISMISSAL
A parent or guardian must sign out any student leaving school early. Students should be signed out by 2:45 to minimize disruption to the class as teachers and students are closing instructional activities for the day.
Parents or guardians must make arrangements with the school office if other persons will be signing out their children. The school will not dismiss a student into the custody of another individual without verified permission from the parent or guardian.
Parents/Guardians may send signed notes with their students to be turned in to the office when they arrive. A phone number must be included for verification purposes. This will allow your students to sign themselves out for appointments.
Free and Reduced Meal Information
Visit the SDPC Student Nutrition Services home page (http://sdpcnutrition.com) for links to 1) current menus, 2) free and reduced-price meal application, and 3) online payment option.
Make a Difference by Joining the D.W. Daniel Academic Foundation
Welcome to the D.W. Daniel Foundation! The D.W. Daniel Foundation is a non-profit organization similar to a PTO consisting of parents, faculty, and community members who work together to serve Daniel High School. Our efforts focus on meeting the needs of our students, faculty, administration, facilities, landscaping, and more. Every Daniel High School student benefits from foundation efforts, as we focus our expenditures to benefit the overall student body and improve learning experiences. Our organization’s mission is to support our school’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Look at some of the things we were able to do last school year!
• Purchased Chromebook storage for our Media Center
• Funded numerous faculty requests (USB microscopes, biology and chemistry lab supplies, anatomy class supplies, broadcasting class computer, ELA theater tickets, and the environmental science trout program)
• Helped our Student Council, Math Team, and Chess Club with competition/convention fees and other needs
• Maintained the DHS Faculty & Student Memorial Garden
• Operated our DandeLION Closet, providing clothes and supplies for students in need
In 2017-2018 we are working on:
• Funding grant requests from the faculty
• Encouraging memberships from families, faculty, and corporations
• Locating and securing additional grants
• Fundraisers, like our customized Daniel fleece blankets (order forms on myschoolbucks and the DHS website)
• Continuing our “Lion’s Mane” piece sales (see it in the front lobby)
• Ways to help student activities that support leadership
How can YOU make a difference? JOIN, DONATE, and/or VOLUNTEER!
Visit the DHS website and find us under Clubs & Organizations to join or donate.
- Follow us on our Facebook page: DW Daniel Foundation
- Follow us on Instagram: @dwdanielfoundation
- Buy a piece of the Lion’s Mane or contribute to your child(ren)’s Class Challenge, or order a Daniel fleece blanket
- Provide food for our faculty meals
- Serve on a committee (Membership, Fundraising, Faculty Appreciation, Communication)
Contact our President, Tina Maloney (tmmaloney@gmail.com) or
Co-Membership Chairs, Sonya Story (storytime@bellsouth.net) and Missy Huss (hussmom4@gmail.com) for more information!
Thank you for supporting Daniel High School! Go Lions!
Daniel Science News
The AP Environmental Science classes are beginning an Aquaponics project with Clemson Extension and the Clemson Foods Department. Part of the grant will teach students about food safety, and how an aquarium of koi fish provides nitrogen fertilizer for growing spinach plants. There is very little waste as the plants soak up the nitrogen cleaning the water and the fish excrete the nitrogen fertilizing the fish.
In June, DWD was awarded the Protector Award for the state of SC from Green Steps. Thanks to a collaborative spirit, Daniel continues to promote the environment all over the campus and community. Some examples are listed below.
1. AFJROTC recycles
2. Cafeteria collects food for compost
3. Memorial Garden habitats Environmental Science (Mr. Burk) and Interact Club
4. Recycling printer cartridges
5. Litter pickup on campus- ROTC
6. Litter-free football game at DWD- Interact Club
7. Breathe Better collecting data from idling cars and buses in pickup lines – ES Burk
8. Rain barrel
9. River water quality – AP Environmental
10. Aquaponics project – AP Environmental
11. Trout in the Classroom – Environmental Science Burk
You can see some pictures on the website: http://dhs.pickens.k12.sc.us/our_staff/departments/science/environmental_science
DWD Club Highlight
Daniel’s Interact Club is a student-led service organization that works in the community and builds leadership skills. This club is supported by Clemson’s Rotary Club. Applications will be available in September outside of Mr. Conrad's classroom (Room 233). Service events will be announced, and our 2017-2018 student leadership team will be introduced.
There will be a Quarter 1 meeting on September 21 in the cafeteria. Free pizza and drinks will be served! Come and serve D.W. Daniel and our community.
Faculty Sponsors: Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Ravenscraft, Mrs. Rushing
Parent Information
Beginning in mid-September, parents will be able to update their students' information online by going to https://express.pickens.k12.sc.us/.
The login is the student number, and the password is the student’s birthdate in this format: mm/dd/yyyy.
If you have questions about this process, please contact Judy Edwards. You may also contact Judy Edwards for Schoology access codes.
Mark Your Calendars
September 4 ......................Labor Day – No School; Workouts for Boys' Basketball team begin
September 8 .................................................................. One Big Lunch; Voting for Homecoming
September 12.................................................................................PCCTC Meet the Teacher Night
September 19 ........................................ Interim Report Cards Go Home – First Grading Period
September 20 ................................................................................................................... Alive at 25
September 22 .............................................................................................. Junior Ring Ceremony
September 25..............................................................................................College and Career Fair
September 29...............................................................................................Homecoming Pictures
Honors Physical Science
To learn about the importance and limitations of scientific models, freshmen students in Mrs. Perry’s Honors Physical Science classes constructed and videoed models of the Total Solar Eclipse and analyzed the path and speed of the moon’s shadow.
Girls' Golf
National Merit Semifinalists
This selection is based on the student's scores on the PSAT test that is administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 1.6 million high school students took this test and the top 16,000 were honored by becoming semifinalists.
Congratulations to these seniors!
About Us
Website: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/dhs
Location: 140 Blue and Gold Boulevard, Central, SC, United States
Phone: (864)397-2900
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DWDanielHighSchool
Twitter: @DWDanielHigh