SCWS News
A Monthly Newsletter - November 2022
Midway Physics Day 2022
A message from our school leaders.
"Fall is here and I'm sure you all are looking forward to the learning break this month where you can rest and spend time with loved ones. I'm very excited about our Virtual Talent Show that will be held on Wednesday, November 16th at 5pm. It is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and/or support other students as well as faculty and staff. Remember to reach out if you have any questions or concerns and complete the POSSIP feedback survey so we can continue to improve and make SCWS great."
Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Dunbar
"I can't believe November is already here! We're 50+ school days into the school year. Time is flying by. Many of you are finishing courses and beginning new ones. Pay attention to your pacing calendar so that you can finish your courses by the end date. If you are scheduled to take state mandated assessments (EOC, career, college assessments, etc), it is very important you make every effort to attend on those designated dates. Testing is a big part of our school report card and we want to make sure our report card reflects how great our students are!"
Possip
Your voice matters! We need to hear what's working for you and what you need. This year we will send routine text messages and emails with a few simple questions asking for feedback on your experience with school. You will receive these messages from Possip, an organization we have partnered with to learn your needs. We are excited to hear from you via Possip this school year!
Hi, SC WHITMORE SCHOOL Community!
Thank you for sharing ideas through Possip this week! We’ve heard from 219 of you during the course of the year. We are seeing that 98% of you are happy or mostly happy with SC WHITMORE SCHOOL this week.
This week we heard members in the school community share examples of praise, appreciation, and feedback or questions.
Praise for how quickly teachers and staff respond to family questions
Appreciation for the supportive staff at SC Whitmore
Feedback about including more guided notes for more classes
We are taking all of your feedback and ideas into consideration for our future planning and follow-up. We hope to hear from you again on our next Possip Pulse Check!
Thanks again for sharing!
Counselor's Corner
Counselor Updates
Counselor Updates
It is never too early to…
Start visiting colleges
Apply for scholarships
Work ahead of pace in your courses
Meet with your counselor or teachers
Investigate SchooLinks for career information
Please tune-in to SC Whitmore School’s Social Media for tons of upcoming college events and scholarship opportunities!
Check out the following:
Students taking the ACT or SAT:
The ACT or SAT may be required as a part of the 4 year college acceptance process or towards certain scholarships. If you plan to take the ACT or SAT, you may want to consider taking our ACT or SAT Prep courses to help you do your very best.
Making Yourself More Attractive for Employment or College:
- Work on your typing speed and accuracy.
- Increase your reading speed and comprehension.
- Prepare yourself for assessments such as ACT or SAT via our ACT/SAT Prep Courses.
Important Dates/Events for November
November, Mr. Disbrow Book Group for Atomic Habits at 2 PM - Every Tuesday
Do you love to read? Mr. Disbrow is hosting a new group that plans to read through the book Atomic Habits every Tuesday during November! Watch the video to learn more! Sign up here.
Course Drops:
Please remember that all course drops must be done within 5 days of starting a course. Those falling outside of the 5 days may impact your transcript and GPA.
Dual Enrollment
Are you an 11th or 12th grader looking to earn college credit while in high school?
- We are excited to announce a new partnership with the University of South Carolina Union (USC Union), which will allow SCWS students to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree online by the time they graduate from high school. Read more about the partnership and how to sign up here: https://bit.ly/SCWSUnion
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: discus2023
Password: read1!
Scholarships
Check out https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships.php for lots of scholarship opportunities.
Courage Essay Contest
Do you love to write? The 2022 - 2023 Profile in Courage Essay Contest is now open! Learn more about the contest requirements and deadlines, and information about how you can incorporate the essay into your curriculum. The contest deadline is January 13, 2023.
Hampton Wildlife Fund
High School Seniors, look into these scholarship opportunities! The deadline to apply is January 31, 2023.
Student Poetry Contest
Students! Do you enjoy writing? Check out this contest! There are over $3,000 in prizes! The mailing deadline is November 18, 2022.
McNair Scholars
This scholarship is our most prestigious and recipients will receive a full-ride scholarship including tuition, housing, fees, books, and a semester abroad all paid for! Therefore, we are looking for high-level students to be candidates for our Robert E. McNair Scholarship. For additional information regarding the McNair Scholars Program, please visit this link.
There is an application process for this award. Students can apply at the link below which includes basic information, two essays, and two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be sent to McNairCenter@fmarion.edu
All materials are due by December 1st.
If you have any questions regarding this scholarship or the application process, please feel free to contact Brandon Funk at bfunk@fmarion.edu!
Charleston Southern University
Scholarship for visiting campus!
Prospective students have an opportunity to receive $1,000 after touring Charleston Southern University, the Lowcountry’s only Christian higher education institution. The $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant is provided to a student if they attend an official visit such as a personal tour, Saturday Session, or First Look event with the Office of Admissions between July 2022 and August 2023. To be eligible, a student must enroll as a first-time freshman or transfer student in the fall 2023 term, submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA, and live anywhere in the world outside of Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties.
With a 300-acre campus nestled in the center of the Charleston metro area, CSU enrolls close to 3,400 students from 43 states and 40 countries. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs, 20 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs. CSU also competes at the NCAA Division I level with 16 teams in the Big South Conference.
Students interested in a campus visit and the $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant may sign up below.
For your seniors, our Fall 2023 application is open and FREE! We are also on the Common App,
and there is a $26 application fee to apply through the Common App. Please fill out the application as soon as you are able and one of the Enrollment Counselors will reach out to help them with the next steps towards becoming an official Buccaneer!
Presbyterian College Opportunities:
OPEN HOUSE - NOVEMBER 5
Your students can learn more about PC by attending Preview PC on Saturday, Nov. 5. The open house will begin at 9 and last 'til early afternoon. Here's the link for them to sign up.
FALL 2023 APP IS OPEN!
Please encourage your students to apply to PC. The Fall 2023 application is open, and it's free to apply. Your students can apply by using the Common App or our application. Read
more here.
A SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN IN YOUR NAME
You can nominate a student for the 1880 Student Referral Program Scholarship, a $1,880 scholarship awarded annually for up to four years. You must nominate the student before the student is accepted. The student will receive a scholarship IN YOUR NAME if the student enrolls at PC. You can nominate as many students as you'd like. Nominate now.
$100,000 BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Palmetto Boys State and Girls State students automatically qualify for a $100,000 scholarship ($25,000/year over four years). But they must apply by our Early Action
deadline on December 1. Please encourage your Palmetto Boys State and Girls State students to apply if they haven't already. Apply here.
FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY #1
Tell your high achievers to apply to PC by December 1 to qualify for the full Griffith Scholarship. The Griffith covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study at PC. There are two recipients each year. Apply here.
FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY #2
Your service-minded students with entrepreneurial spirits also have a chance to receive a full-ride scholarship. Our Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition gives your students the chance to solve a problem in their community ... for a chance to earn a full ride to PC! Read more here.
FAFSA IS OPEN
Please encourage your students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before Dec. 1. The FAFSA allows your students to be considered for all types of
financial aid (grants, loans, and work-study) toward helping them pay for college.
If they complete the FAFSA by December 1, they can:
1. Be eligible for additional sources of financial aid.
2. Meet scholarship deadlines.
3. Receive their award offer sooner.
A FREE AND USEFUL TOOL FOR YOU
Serve your students with a free tool called Slate.org. You can add events for colleges and universities to attend, view applicant decisions, upload transcripts through a secure portal,
and more. Visit Slate.org to get started.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is offering No Fee November until November 30 as part of Georgia Apply to College Month!
During November, students can apply to 80+ undergraduate degree programs without the $30 application fee. Submit your application for free at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/apply.
Remember, first-year students applying to Georgia Southern University can be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have at least a 3.2 unweighted GPA (using the 17 Required High School Curriculum courses). Students must meet all other admission requirements, including satisfactory completion of the Required High School Curriculum and providing all other requested documentation.
If you are still learning about Georgia Southern, visit Georgia Southern for a campus tour. Please reach out to our office with any questions at 912-478-5391 or admissions@georgiasouthern.edu.
Opportunities
Phi Delta Epsilon - USC - Anatomy Fashion Show
The Annual Anatomy Fashion Show, which is an event that exhibits human anatomy to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
As students in high school are developing their interests for their paths moving forward, we think that students interested in pursuing pre-health tracks in college (and students in general) would have an amazing time at our Anatomy Fashion Show. It can provide students with an idea of human anatomy truly is and potentially inspire other students to pursue a pre-health track
as well. The event will take place on November 7th, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. A ticket will not only include access to the Fashion Show but also includes two other student organization performances, a silent auction, trivia, and more!
Tickets will be $5 and can be purchased ahead of time at the following link below, and prices will increase to $7 at the door. Order tickets here.
Free Fine Arts Workshops at Winthrop! Register Today!
COST: FREE!
Attendees will get to choose a morning and an afternoon workshop that best fits their interests!
Morning Workshops (10am-noon)
- Interactive Outdoor Sculpture: Shaun Cassidy, Professor of Sculpture
- Transgender and Non-Binary Art Histories: Dr. Karen Stock, P.H.D., Art History
- The Monochrome Portrait: Stacey Davidson, Professor of Painting
- Understanding Color; Using Color Theory to Render Form: Seth Rouser, Professor of Drawing
- Locating Aesthetic: a personal investigation into your visual communication style: Dr. Michelle Livek Ph.D., Art Education
Afternoon Workshops (1:00-3:00 pm )
- From Stained Glass to Skyrim: A History of Immersive Media: Dr. Kyle SweeneyPh.D., Art and
- Architectural History
- Title: Mix n' Match! Functional Printmaking: Screenprint: Myles Calvert, Professor of
- Printmaking
- Carving Clay: Jim Connell Professor of Ceramics
- The Art of Video: Claudia O’Steen, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and New Media
- Text and Complimentary Color: Stacey Davidson, Professor of Painting
*Parents/ Guardians are welcome to attend, students may bring up to 2 guests.
For more Information, please email Department of Fine Arts Chair, Mark Hamilton, hamiltonm@winthrop.edu
TESTING UPDATES
Check out the first Testing Tuesday Podcast with Mr. Bowers!
Sign up here!
Student Council
The results are in! Check out this announcement from Mr. Cannon to hear won the SCWS Student Council Elections! Congratulations to all of the candidates you all did amazing!
President - Ava Roscoe
Vice-President - My’Kajah Crenshaw
Secretary - Jayden Henderson
October 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 - Summer Neff
A student who has shown an increased effort in their course(s).
SCWS All-Star - Francesca Lopes
A student who has done well in their courses and engages with the teachers.
Best All-Around - Banks Shaffer
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 - Karensen Smith
A student who has shown tremendous efforts this month overall.
Tech Tip of the Month
Kami is installed domain-wide for all of our students. This tool allows you to edit pdfs. It is great to use with Guided Notes.
[1] Go to www.google.com and login to your SCWS Student Google account.
[2] Then, click the ::: dots block icon in the top right corner and choose the "Kami" icon > scroll down the menu items to the bottom.
[3] Then, you may be asked to re-authenticate to sign back in to Kami.
Staff Spotlight
Paula Hurley, Graduation Coach
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy bike riding, swimming and reading
Tell a little bit about your background.
I have a Bachelors Degree In Psychology and Business Administration from Salem State University in Salem, Ma and a Masters degree as a School Counselor from Cambridge College, Cambridge, Ma. I am a certified School Counselor for the State of South Carolina, I have a couple certifications one as a coach for children and adolescents. I have experience teaching in a classroom. My back ground also consists of counseling families and students as a school counselor. I also have experience as a counselor working with families and adolescents for a non-profit and law enforcement agencies.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I am the Graduation Coach. I enjoy helping student problem-solve and watching them realize how amazing they are. I cry at every graduation. I am so proud of my students.
What do you want the students to know about you?
I am here to help you. We can problem-solve together. You are not alone. I really enjoy my work a a Graduation Coach. You will not be bothering me by asking for help. I look forward to meeting you.
Hello, I am your Graduation Coach. Let's start dreaming about your future.
Checking out Museums. History is pretty cool.
Learn why SCWS was a good fit for, Olivia, Class of 2022.
MEET THE STUDENT RESOURCE COORDINATOR
My name is Mrs. Miller. 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: cmiller@scwhitmoreschool.org (803) 216-1721 (call or text)
Resources: COMMUNITY RESOURCES FIND A COUNSELOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCIES
Mrs. Miller will be offering several groups this year for students to attend virtually. Groups will be one hour. Click here to share which groups you may be interested in attending. Call/Text Mrs.Miller, School Resource Coordinator, at (803) 216-1721, with any questions!
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.
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.
Have you ever wanted to go on a segway tour? Join us as we segway through downtown Greenville and learn about the history of the Upstate. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Nov2022RSVP
Do you have an awesome talent? We would love to see it! Sign up to attend or participate in SC Whitmore's Got Talent! A virtual talent show! Click here to attend the event - https://bit.ly/Nov2022RSVP
Talen Show Sign-Up Information -
Do you love to sing, dance, or maybe you have an awesome talent you want to share? Please sign up for SC Whitmore's Got Talent by November 9th. Register here.
There will be some awesome prizes for students, faculty, and staff including Air Pods, a Kindle, and an Alexa.
You will be responsible for recording and sending your video to prscws@scwhitmoreschool.org to enter the Talent Show.
November 9th - Registration Due
November 14th - Video Sent in for approval
November 16th - Virtual Talent Show
*SC Whitmore's Got Talent - November 16th at 5:00 PM
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Nov2022RSVP
Do you love hot cocoa?☕️ Sign up for Cookies and Cocoa with Counselors. Come with your favorite cookie and we will send you some hot cocoa in the mail, but make sure you RSVP by November 16th! We will have games, activities, and prizes! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
Join us for a Food Tour in Downtown Columbia as we taste delicious Southern Cuisines! The first 12 students will be able to attend. This will be a walking tour. Students must be able to meet SCWS faculty and staff for the tour, transportation will not be provided. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Dec2022RSVP
How to Access the 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 Specialist: Christine Featherstone
Questions about attendance.
(803) 768-8300 - cfeatherstone@scwhitmoreschool.org
Director of School Counseling: Amber Goff
Questions about your courses, graduation requirements, and 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 releases, or do you have a story to tell?
803-768-8315 or email alatta@scwhitmoreschool.org