SCWS News
A Monthly Newsletter - April 2022
This week officially kicks off nominations for the Free Times Best of Columbia!
We were honored by the overwhelming support of the SCWS Community each year! Over the next few weeks, we need your help, nominating SCWS as the Best Charter School in Columbia, SC.
Please click here to nominate SCWS!
Thank you for your support!
A message from our school leaders.
"Continue to check your email and student dashboard in regards to announcements about testing and other important reminders. Continue working hard in all of your classes so you can enjoy the upcoming learning break. Remember to take time for yourself to refresh and recharge. You can do this by reading a book, going for a walk, and spending time with family and friends."
"Spring Break is finally near! You all have worked so hard this year, it's time to pause and regroup. Spring Break is from April 11 - April 17th. The school and LMS will be closed during these dates. As you know, this is testing season. Students will be required to take their end of year SmarterMeasure online assessment this month. The SmarterMeasure assessment will help us compare your pre and post assessments results to evaluate areas of improvement. Be on the lookout for these instructions!”
Counselor's Corner
Counselor Tips for Success
Check your Transcript. It is linked on your student dashboard on the left side of the page under ‘View Transcript’. It is a great time to discuss your total credits and what courses you will take next year. Reach out to your counselor ASAP to set up a meeting.
Grade Level Meetings - These dates are added to student calendars as well.
12th Grade: April 6th at 11 AM
May 12th at 1 PM (final meeting)
Groups
Join Mrs. Gilbert for Lit Lunch on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month from 1-2 pm. Come and share/get feedback on your latest creative projects, meet new friends, and chat about your favorite Netflix binge worthy shows. Bookmark our meeting link here. See you on April 7th and 21st!
Recordings
Group recordings can be found here.
Events
Always check the calendar linked to your school email. Many events will be added there as well.
Seniors
Attend monthly 12th grade meetings and/or watch the recordings
Schedule and attend your IGP with your counselor (see below)
Order your cap and gown here by January 15th for guaranteed delivery
Gather pictures of you as a kid and now to submit for graduation.
Think of an idea to decorate your graduation cap.
IGPs
Attention all sophomores, juniors, and seniors: Please book your IGPs with your counselor ASAP.
Students with last names beginning with A-F Click Here Mr. Disbrow
Students with last names beginning with G-M Click Here Mrs. DeLong
Students with last names beginning with N-Z Click Here Mrs. Gilbert
To Do List: Start Thinking About:
Have I earned enough credits this year to start the 2022-2023 school year in the next grade level?
Have I talked to my counselor about my plans for courses next year? (what courses are you interested in? dual enrollment?)
Teacher Thank You Notes
It's that time of year again! Got a teacher or staff member that's made a difference in your life this year? Take a moment to write a note to a teacher and/or staff member here. All responses are due no later than midnight on April 29th.
Scholarships
Check out https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships.php for lots of scholarship opportunities.
Dual Enrollment
Are you an 11th or 12th grader looking to earn college credit while in high school?
*Limestone University is offering virtual dual enrollment courses! Check it out here and let your counselor know if you are interested.
*Piedmont Technical College is offering online dual enrollment courses! Registration for fall courses opens Apr 1, 2022.
*Many USC campuses offer online dual enrollment courses! Contact the branch near you for more information.
Opportunities
Game On! With the help of ITology, a non-profit company working to grow the number of IT professionals in South Carolina, students will create their own simple gaming app using text-based JavaScript coding and commands. Bitsbox is an exciting way for students to build and share their very own, personalized gaming app. The cost of this virtual workshop is $20 and is the responsibility of the student. Register for this event here.
Registration is now open for the CACRAO+StriveScan
Virtual College Fairs! Sign-up to virtually connect with colleges and universities from around the country for free. Register for this event here.
The FBI Columbia Division is currently accepting applications for the 2022 FBI Columbia Teen Academy. The FBI Columbia Teen Academy is a two-day program that allows high school students an opportunity to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI through blocks of instruction and demonstrations at the field office. Students are provided with several presentations on topics including terrorism, cyber, evidence response, SWAT, and the day-to-day operations of a typical FBI office. Please note the program size is limited. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Columbia Community Outreach Program at columbia_outreach@fbi.gov.
Dates: July 20-21, 2022
Location: FBI Columbia Field Office
Who May Apply: Juniors and Seniors (2022-2023 academic year)
Cost: Free
To Apply: Use the link below and download the application. All applications must be typed.
Deadline: All applications must be received by email or postal mail by close of business on April 22, 2022.
Submit applications to columbia_outreach@fbi.gov or by mail to:
FBI Columbia Division
Attn: Community Outreach
151 Westpark Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210
The 2022 Fighting Words Poetry Contest is now open!
How can we use poetry to respond to current events, uplift underreported
stories, and make connections between global issues and our local and
personal contexts? Students are invited to explore these possibilities and make
their voices heard in their entries to the Fighting Words Poetry Contest.
Deadline: Sunday, May 15, 2022, 11:59pm EDT.
K-12 students anywhere in the world are welcome to enter. Winners will receive
cash prizes up to $300 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website. Check
out last year's winning entries here!
Judges will have reading fluency in Spanish and English. For the first time this
year, you can access a Spanish-language portal for the poetry contest.
Want to schedule a virtual poetry writing workshop to support your students in
crafting successful contest entries? Email us to schedule a workshop with the
Pulitzer Center education team! If you would like to facilitate this workshop
independently, find the lesson plan, writing templates, model poems, suggested
stories for every grade level, and more here.
We're only one month away from the deadline for We the Students Essay Contest!
This year's question is, "How does an understanding of natural rights and respect build a free society?" The grand prize is $7,500 and a scholarship to the Constitutional Academy. Submissions deadline is April 15th at 11:59 pm ET. Check out past winner Derek Jiang's winning essay here.
South Carolina Business Week
Each year, South Carolina Business Week presents four college scholarships totaling $14,500 to deserving students. The scholarships are: S. Hunter Howard, Jr. Business Week Scholarship ($5,000), the Ron McNair Leadership Scholarship ($5,000), the Mechanical Contractors of S.C. Scholarship ($2,500) and the Chelse Ward Elliott Scholarship ($2,000). Students who receive one of the first three scholarships must attend an in-state college or university to receive the scholarship money.
The application deadline is May 15, 2022. Visit www.scbusinessweek.com for more information.
Class of 2022!
Attending graduation, order your cap and gown package online now, click here. *The last guaranteed shipment date was January 15th, 2022.
Graduation is Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. We want to ensure graduates have a safe and memorable graduation. We will provide more details about this event (guests, attire, honor cords) in the early Spring.
Seniors, have you filled out your exit ticket? Click here to complete the form.
Military Honor Cords and State Recognition Event
The South Carolina Department of Education is pleased to recognize high school seniors who will be entering the military or attending a military service academy with a red, white, and blue honor cord to be worn during graduation ceremonies. In addition to wearing these honor cords at individual graduation ceremonies, eligible students are invited to attend a statewide recognition ceremony where state, education, and military leaders will publicly recognize them for their commitment.
Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
You can read the full SCDE memo here: Military Honor Cords and State Recognition
Dialogue Virtual Mental Health Counseling
SC Whitmore School has partnered with Dialogue, a virtual mental health counseling program that is FREE to students. They offer help with anxiety, depression, grief, and much more. If you have more questions click here to learn more about Dialogue, and how to sign up.
Free Tutoring
Tutor.com offers real-time tutoring to K-12 students in Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, etc. The South Carolina State Library provides the service for free. The student can quickly connect with a tutor using the “Connect with a tutor now” option, or they can create a free tutor.com account to drop off a math question, submit a paper for review, or connect with their favorite tutor. Creating an account is optional and is not needed if using the “Connect with a tutor now” option.https://lhh-tutor-com.scsl.idm.oclc.org/Landing.aspx
Username: discus2021
Password: think1!
Celebrating Black Writers
NCTE, in partnership with The Center for Black Literature (CBL) at Medgar Evers
College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, invites high school and
college students of all ages to participate in a writing contest titled Celebrating Black
Writers: Voices Calling for Activism and Social Justice. Submissions in the genres of
fiction, prose, and essay are welcome. Learn more about the submission guidelines.
The writing contest celebrates the Center for Black Literature’s 20th Anniversary
Jubilee: Honoring Our Legacy and Celebrating the Black Literary Arts and the
National Council of Teachers of English’s annual National Day on Writing.
All students currently enrolled in secondary/high school or college, including community
college, are encouraged to participate by writing and submitting their own essays, prose,
or fiction.
Students have the opportunity to receive the following:
● High school students (includes juniors and seniors): first place $3,000; second
place $1,500
● College students (includes community, comprehensive, and senior colleges):
first place $4,000; second place $2,000
The application deadline is Monday, May 23, 2022. Please contact
NCTEAwards@ncte.org with any questions.
Scholarships
Testing Updates
ACT WorkKeys
If you missed your ACT WorkKeys Career Assessment, your makeup assessment will be on April 19th or 21st at our Columbia office. This is a required assessment from the Department of Education and must be taken.
EOC Exams
Please mark your calendar and check your email/messages for all EOC information. Please let us know in advance if you have any questions.
Testing Dates
Monday, May 16, 2022: Conway
2050 HWY 501 E
Conway, SC 29526
Building 300 Classroom 110
Tuesday, May 17, 2022: Charleston
Wednesday, May 18, 2022: Rock Hill
TheStudios@Loom
120 Academy St
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Thursday, May 19, 2022: Spartanburg
299 North Church St.
Spartanburg, SC 29306
*Testing Rooms are located on 2nd Floor of hotel
Friday, May 20, 2022: Columbia
630 Assembly St
Columbia, SC 29201
*Free parking is available in the parking garage
*Lexington Room
MAP Testing
9th grade students, please be on the lookout for MAP Testing dates. This will be the final MAP Test for the school year. MAP Testing will take place after Spring Break.
March 2022 Student All - Stars
How do you become a Student All-Star?
Each month the SC Whitmore School Faculty and Staff identifies 4 students that really stand out. The student All-Stars will receive a $100 reward. These students are: most improved, best all-around, monthly standout, and the SCWS All-Star.
Most Improved - Tara Metts
A student who has shown an increased effort in their course(s).
SCWS All-Star - Larrissa Mock
A student who has done well in their courses and engages with the teachers.
Best All-Around - Kiersten Boulden
A student who has consistently demonstrated their ability to earn great grades and stays on pace. this student is also engaged, reaches out for help, and shows up to one-to-one meetings.
Monthly Standout - Rylee Todaro
A student who has shown tremendous efforts this month overall.
Learn more about our All-Star Students here.
Congratulations!
Join us in congratulating our 2022 Teacher of the Year, Robin Carter!
Mrs. Carter has been teaching for more than 20 years and shares that educators need to continue to advocate for themselves and their students for continued growth. Congratulations, Mrs. Carter! Thank you for all you do! Click here to read the full story: on our website.
Congratulations!
Join us in congratulating our 2022 Staff of the Year, Annette Havens!
Mrs. Havens has been teaching for over 20 years with more than 10 of those years in virtual education. She values collaboration and connects with fellow staff members by offering a listening ear to their concerns and ideas. Havens believes that communication is key to relationship building with students and coworkers. Congratulations, Mrs. Havens! Thank you for all you do! Click here to read the full story on our website.
Staff Spotlight
Pam Chick, Enrollment Coordinator
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to work with my plants inside and out. I've recently started taking up watercolor painting. Also, I love going to Broadway shows, concerts and plays. I go as often as I can with a special group of friends. I can't wait for them to start back after covid! I love spending time with our grandkids. We live on the river and enjoy being able to kayak when time permits!
Tell a little bit about your background.
Education is my 2nd career. I was in banking for 30 years and was a real estate loan officer and underwriter.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I've been the enrollment coordinator with SCWS for over 9 years. I love working with parents and guardians through the enrollment process. Usually, it's by phone or email but I love our conversations.
What do you want the students to know about you?
I'm involved with my community through the Chapin Chamber, a Chapin small business group, and through the American Cancer Society Chapin Relay for Life and my church. I'm a two-time cancer survivor! I love to travel and have family all over the country and world.
Erin, Patrick, and myself at our Relay for Life event in Chapin.
Pam enjoying the lake with friends & family.
My husband and I at the Van Gogh exhibit in Charlotte.
Congratulations, Mr. Jackson!
Mr. Jackson has completed the 8-week long training for the Air National Guard! He is excited to continue his journey. In these pictures, his family was able to help him celebrate his graduation after being away for 60 days! Congratulations, Mr. Jackson! We are very proud of you!
Meet the Student Resource Coordinator
My name is Ms.L’Etoile. I am the school’s Student Resource Coordinator. I am excited to be working with you all this upcoming year!
Experience: I am originally from Massachusetts, and made South Carolina my home in 2017. I received my masters degree in educational counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. I previously worked as a graduation coach, school counselor, social worker, case coordinator, crisis counselor, and therapist. I am honored to be able to serve the state of South Carolina in providing social support services to our students and their families. I am here for YOU!
As your Student Resource Coordinator, I will be working alongside students, parents, teachers, administration, school counselors, and other supportive staff to deliver individualized social support services.
Some of the services I provide include:
• Assessing your student’s overall well being, including any potential mental health needs.
• Communication and consultation with you and your family, your student’s teachers, and other supportive services for monitoring your student’s progress.
• Identifying barriers that may be hindering your student’s education and/or connecting you and your family with community resources to ensure basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing are being met.
• Providing trauma informed individual and group counseling services.
• Providing monthly life skills groups.
• Psycho-education for parents and teachers.
Contact: CLETOILE@scwhitmoreschool.org (803) 216-1721 (call or text) CLICK HERE FOR REFERRAL FORM!
Resources: COMMUNITY RESOURCES FIND A COUNSELOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCIES
Upcoming Events:
4/12/22: Student Self Advocacy Workshop
Click here to watch a video from Ms. L’Etoile.
Clubs
Beta Club is a group of students committed to leading through serving others in their community and state. These students are selected based upon their GPA, attendance and behavior. Students work to complete volunteer hours, as well as come together as a team to complete a service project. Induction Ceremony is held in the fall.
Coding Club
elsif youAreInterestedIn == “Sharing a software or hardware project you are working on.” print “Come to coding club.”
elsif youAreInterestedIn == “Learning about the language this part of the description is written in.” print “Come to coding club.” End
curiousabout = {‘Ruby’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘Python’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘C++’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘BASIC’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘JavaScript’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’, ‘other’ => ‘ComeToCodingClub’}
reasons_for_not_coming_to_coding_club = nil
Lit Lunch is a virtual meet-up for creative students who want to meet new friends and share what latest creative project they’re working on. Whether you’re into cosplay, digital art, drawing by hand, photography, rapping, writing or playing instruments, this is the space for you! We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m
The SC Whitmore National Honor Society is an organization for students in grades 10-12. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Members complete volunteer hours and work together to complete at least one service project each school year. Membership into the National Honor Society allows students to apply for over 400 college scholarships not available to other students. Members also have access to numerous college planning services.
The SCWS photography club works to improve students’ photography skills beyond point and shoot. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month and look at the pictures that the students took that month. We also explore a photography topic that interests the members of the club. Students get the opportunity to share their photographs with other members and learn how to make their photographs better.
S.C. Whitmore Student Council is an organization of student leaders who are elected by the student body. The Council is led by the Student Body President along with offices of Vice President and Secretary. The Council provides input into how to make student life better at SC Whitmore School. They also plan events and contribute in other areas the administration of the school sees fit. The Council is advised by a faculty sponsor who attends all meetings.
Students are eligible to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities at their local high school. Contact your local high school for more information.
TECH TIP OF THE MONTH
Need to have Better Organization?
You might already have bookmarks in your browser, but did you know that you can organize those much better with folders and quick ways to open the ones you need every single day?
Try these tips to help you with your bookmarks for daily use:
Bookmarks in your Chrome Browser
SCWS Gmail, SCWS Calendar, Dashboard login, School Libary….
What else do you check regularly?
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here and click here to join.
National Volunteer Week 2022 - April 17, 2022, until April 23, 2022
Did you know that National Volunteer Week is from April 17, 2022, until April 23, 2022? We are excited to spread some good throughout South Carolina Communities during this week! SCWS students, share with us how you are making a positive impact on your community for a chance to win a game day and pizza party! https://bit.ly/SCWSVolunteerPlease let us know if you do not have a t-shirt and we can send one to you. Please email kthomas@scwhitmoreschool.org with your name and shirt size by April 8, 2022.
Join the SCWS Student Council as we Adopt a Highway, on Wednesday, April 20th from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the SC Whitmore School. We are excited to make a positive impact on our community with the students, faculty, and staff at SCWS. RSVP here.
Watch a video from the SCWS Student Council President here!
Oh the places we will go! - May 11th at 11 AM
We are excited to host a virtual event to celebrate the Class of 2022 called, Oh the places we will go! This will be an opportunity for our students to share their plans after graduation! Oh the places we will go, will be on May 11th at 11 AM streaming live on our Facebook and YouTube pages. Let’s celebrate the Class of 2022 together! #SCWSClassof2022
Seniors, click here to learn more about participating!
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here and click here to join.
Illustration Class, honoring the life of Jessica Munyon - May 25th from 10 AM - 11 AM
How to Access the New SCWS Library!
Attention, students! We are proud to announce the launch of the brand new SCWS library! This library is completely free and completely virtual and offers hundreds of e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and texts in Spanish.
See this flyer for information on how to download the Sora app and access the SCWS library titles. See also Dr. White's video on how to use the app once it's downloaded.
Please contact Dr. White at jwhite@scwhitmoreschool.org with any questions or concerns. Happy reading!
Please help support our school by registering to support SCWS as a Publix Partner. Click here to learn more.
Who should I contact?
If you have any questions feel free to contact the office directly at 866-476-6416. Or you can contact these individuals for your specific question.
Office: SC Whitmore School
General questions. The office will be able to point you in the right direction.
866-476-6416 - office@scwhitmoreschool.org
SC Whitmore Principal: Ebone' Adams
General student concerns.
803-768-8310 - eadams@scwhitmoreschool.org
Director of Compliance: Michelle Bishop
Questions about compliance, Special Education, 504 or IEP.
803-768-8306 - mbishop@scwhitmoreschool.org
Enrollment Coordinator: Pam Chick
Questions about re-enrollment or enrollment status.
866-476-6416 - pchick@scwhitmoreschool.org
Attendance Coordinators
Questions about attendance.
Troy Crump - A through I - 803-768-8318 - tcrump@scwhitmoreschool.org
Sam Dotson - J through Z - 803-768-8309 - sdotson@scwhitmoreschool.org
Director of School Counseling: Amber Goff
Questions about your courses, graduation requirements, plans after graduation.
Please call or text the numbers below.
Amber Goff - 803-768-8314 - email: agoff@scwhitmoreschool.org
Traylor Disbrow - A through F - 803-768-8302 - email: tdisbrow@scwhitmoreschool.org
Cameron DeLong - G through M - (803) 881-8077 - email: cdelong@scwhitmoreschool.org
JaQuette Gilbert - N through Z - 803-768-8305 - email: jgilbert@scwhitmoreschool.org
Testing Coordinator: Patrick Bowers
Questions about all things testing (SAT, ACT, EOC, WIN, PSAT)
803-786-8313 or email pbowers@scwhitmoreschool.org
Public Relations Manager: Ashten Latta
Questions about social media, newsletter, events, press release or do you have a story to tell?
803-768-8315 or email alatta@scwhitmoreschool.org