Bits and Pieces - FSD3 Happenings
A Newsletter from the Superintendent, Dr. Laura Hickson
March 8, 2024
FSD3 Students Advance to State National History Day Competition
Florence School District 3 students participated in National History Day’s Pee Dee Junior Competition at the Bean Market in on Tuesday, March 5, with four students advancing in individual categories and three other students advancing in the group exhibit competition.
In all, 28 FSD3 students competed in the local NHD competition.
The NHD competition engages elementary, middle, and secondary school students in historical research and analysis while developing important skills. Students chose how to present their research from different categories: paper, website, documentary, performance or exhibit. Students compete at various levels of competition across the state before advancing to the national contest.
Students from Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy, Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School and Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communication and Leadership advanced to the state competition.
Fredrick Richey of Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy won for his individual documentary entitled “AI: A Turning Point in History.” Cayliana Ford, Harmony Fulton and Eden Hatcher of Olanta Magnet School received second place in the Group Exhibit category with “The Harlem Renaissance: A Turning Point in Literature and Arts.” Wynter Bryant of Dr. Ronald E. McNair Jr. High won in the performance category with “Snowballs of Change: How Snowy Day Changed Representation in Children's Books.” Gemme Tucker of Dr. Ronald E. McNair Jr. High won in the paper category with “The Village Became a Nation: The Passage of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.” Zakyriah Greeson of Dr. Ronald E. McNair Jr. High earned second place in the paper category with “How the R.I.C.O. Act Became a Weapon in the War Against Organized Crime.”
The FSD3 students will now advance to compete in the state competition in Sumter on April 27.
Majors Named Youth of the Year
Genesis Majors, a student at J. Paul Truluck Creative & Science Magnet School, was named the 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area Youth of the Year during the annual Steak-N-Burger Dinner on Tuesday, March 5, at First Presbyterian Church.
“The Club taught me the importance of self-worth and resilience,” Majors says.
Describing herself as an intelligent, brave overcomer, Majors said she struggled to understand her identity and how she fit in with society. “Mentally, I was lost,” she said.
Working with teachers and Club staff, she learned to embrace her identity and moved past a speech impediment that challenged her. She plays softball and likes to volunteer.
Now, Majors calls herself charismatic and ambitious. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina Upstate to play softball and to study nursing upon graduation. She wants to dedicate herself to helping those in need.
“For the second year in a row, Lake City has produced the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year winner! Congratulations to Genesis Majors for this well-deserved recognition. Your achievement not only speaks highly of you but also showcases the caliber of young people that our city produces,” said Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson.
The 2023 Lake City Youth of the Year Justin McNair went on to earn the regional and state titles. He currently studies at Florence Darlington Technical College and volunteers at the Lake City Club.
MSE Transforms into Motown for Black History Month
Main Street Elementary School transported attendees back in time to the groovy era of Motown with their annual Black History Program titled "Motown Memories: A Salute to Music in Black History."
Held on Thursday, February 29, in the school's gymnasium, the event was a vibrant celebration of African American musical heritage. With a theme centered on the iconic Motown sound of the 1960s, students showcased their talents and paid homage to legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Temptations. Attendees were treated to timeless tunes that shaped a generation, immersing themselves in the unforgettable sounds of Motown.
Adding to the atmosphere, students and staff were encouraged to dress in attire inspired by the fashion and style of the 1960s, further enhancing the nostalgic ambiance of the event.
The program served as not only a musical extravaganza but also a poignant reminder of the profound impact of African American music on our culture.
LCHS Hosts "Enlist, Enroll, Employ, and Explore" Event
Lake City High School hosted the 4E’s (Enlist, Enroll, Employ, and Explore) event to provide students information about educational and career pathways for the future.
The school invited business owners, local colleges, military representatives and school staff to present the many opportunities Lake City and the surrounding community has to offer.
In addition to outside opportunities, students and parents were able to learn more about the career pathways offered through the CTE program and various extracurricular programs such as Student Government Association, band, art and chorus.
The event had an excellent turnout and, students were encouraged to interact with various business owners via a bingo card challenge where they could receive a stamp from each vendor they with whom they spoke.
The event perfectly aligned with Lake City High School’s Mission of graduating students who are equipped with the necessary tools to achieve success.
MSE Takes Learning Beyond Classroom Walls
Main Street Elementary School embarked on an innovative educational journey on February 27, immersing its students in real-world experiences through a Job Shadowing Day.
As part of Career and Technical Education Month, sixth graders and a select group of 5th graders were invited to step into the shoes of their parents or guardians and accompany them to work.
This hands-on initiative wasn't just a day off from textbooks and classrooms; it was a deliberate effort to expose students to the intricacies of the working world. Armed with questionnaires and summary packets, students eagerly absorbed insights into work ethics, job skills, and the diverse career pathways available. Beyond merely witnessing their parents or guardians in action, students gained a deeper understanding of the correlation between education and career success.
MSE's Job Shadowing Day served as a bridge between theoretical learning and practical application. By venturing beyond the school gates, students were empowered to connect classroom knowledge with real-world scenarios, laying a solid foundation for their future endeavors. Such initiatives not only enrich the educational experience but also equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
LCHS JROTC Cadets Attend Annual Military Ball
Lake City High School’s JROTC cadets joined cadets from four other high school JROTC for the annual JROTC Military Ball hosted by Hartsville High School.
Lake City High’s JROTC program plans to host the event in the 2024-2025 school year.
MSE Celebrates Read Across America Week
Main Street Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week with a flurry of literary excitement and engaging activities. Throughout the week, students embarked on a journey through the enchanting world of books and imagination, participating in dress-up days and enjoying captivating read-aloud sessions.
The week kicked off with dress-up days themed around beloved book characters, followed by Literary Food Day, Time Traveler Day, Adventure Day and the iconic Dr. Seuss Day.
Students donned creative costumes, bringing their favorite literary characters to life and immersing themselves in the magic of storytelling. Featured read-alouds, recommended by the National Education Association, further enriched the experience, offering students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of literary works. Each day, students were encouraged to connect the read-alouds to one of the 7 Habits and employ Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) writing strategies, fostering critical thinking skills and enhancing comprehension.
The culmination of each day saw winners drawn from each grade level for special prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the week-long celebration.
FSD3 Opens 2024-2025 Needs Assessment Survey
Florence School District 3 is seeking input from all stakeholders to identify needs to begin the planning process for the 2024-2025 school year.
This survey will assess the district's needs and provide information necessary to build a Comprehensive Needs Assessment. The results will allow both considerations of the needs within our schools and determine the effective use of the anticipated 2024 -2025 federal funds. The intent is to ensure that all students are allowed to meet the state's student performance standards.
The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5BR8LLG-NeedsAssessment
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/859DRZP-ComprehensiveNeedsAssessment_Spanish
The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please note that questions with a * require a response.
The survey is set to close by 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.
Melodies & Milestones: MSE's Family Engagement Karaoke Night
Main Street Elementary School hosted a dynamic Family Engagement Series Karaoke Night on Thursday, February 22 in the school cafeteria.
The event featured lively karaoke performances and provided families with important updates on topics including SC Ready testing, promotion policies, retention and the SC Read to Succeed law.
Participants enjoyed a vibrant evening of music, joy, and valuable information, fostering community involvement and strengthening communication between the school and families.
Moore Farms Botanical Garden to Host Eggstravaganza
Eggstravaganza is one of Moore Farms Botanical Garden’s most EGG-ceptional events of the year.
With more than 20,000 eggs hidden throughout the garden, crafts, games, and a surprise visit by the Easter bunny himself, Eggstravaganza is sure to be a hit with any child!
MFBG will offer two different egg hunt locations within the garden, separated by age. Upon arrival, children will receive a wristband separating them into one of two different groups - Group A: 4 yrs. and Under or Group B: 5yrs. +
Eggstravaganza begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, with crafts, face painting, and more! Egg hunts will begin PROMPTLY at 11 a.m.
Everyone attending Eggstravaganza must secure a ticket, including parents and children under 1 yr. of age, to allow us to control the number of guests in the garden.
ALL ticket proceeds from this event benefit the J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Sciences Magnet School. Eggstavaganza is a fund-raising event, therefore, the event will take place RAIN OR SHINE. In the event of severe weather, ticket holders will be notified should MFBG staff choose to cancel the event for the safety of our guests. Refunds will ONLY be granted should MFBG staff choose to cancel the event.
For ticket information, visit https://www.moorefarmsbg.org/event/moore-farms-eggstravaganza-2024.