The Raider ACE!
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 39

Volume 1 Issue 1 - August 21, 2023 - August 25, 2023
Making A Difference Through ACE Leadership!
Get ready to embark on a journey of positive change with our ACE Leadership initiative—Accountability, Consistency, and Engagement. This year, administrators, teachers, and students unite to create a transformative experience. Accountability will guide our actions, ensuring that we take ownership of our commitments. Consistency will be our cornerstone, fostering trust and dependability throughout the year. And with engagement at the forefront, active participation and collaboration will shape an enriching educational environment. Together, we'll make this year truly exceptional!
Collaboration for Success
In the spirit of ACE Leadership, we're excited to emphasize collaboration among administrators, teachers, and students. By joining forces, we'll strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and spark synergy that enhances the educational journey for all. Whether it's sharing ideas, working on projects, or celebrating achievements, our united efforts will create a supportive and vibrant community. As we navigate the year ahead, let's remember that our commitment to accountability, consistency, and engagement will be the driving force behind our shared success. Here's to a year filled with growth, connection, and positive impact!
Together, let us embark on this journey with enthusiasm, dedication, and a shared commitment to our students' growth and achievement. We look forward to another amazing and championship year!
We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!
Raider Reminders!
There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:
- School starts at 8:00 a.m. Remind students they need to report to class before then to avoid a tardy.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
- If you would like to have an end of year class gathering, food must be purchased and packaged to be consumed. Students/teachers may not bring food prepared at home.
- Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
- Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
- You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
- If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.
Raider Dates to Remember
Monday, August 21, 2023
- Senior Conferences (Hankins and Dubard Meeting with 12th graders)
- “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
- Faculty Meeting in the lecture hall @ 3:30 p.m.
- Senior Conferences (Hankins and Dubard Meeting with 12th graders)
- WJ Keenan Lady Raiders Volleyball vs Lower Richland @ W.J. Keenan 5:30 / 7:00 p.m.
- “Don't settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had.” —Angela Bassett
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
- Senior Conferences (Hankins and Dubard Meeting with 12th graders)
- “If you believe something needs to exist, if it's something you want to use yourself, don't let anyone ever stop you from doing it.” —Tobias Lütke
Thursday, August 24, 2023
- Senior Conferences (Hankins and Dubard Meeting with 12th graders)
- "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." —Calvin Coolidge
Friday, August 25, 2023
- Varsity Football Vs. OW @ W.J. Keenan 7:30 p.m.
- Senior Conferences (Hankins and Dubard Meeting with 12th graders)
- “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” —Amelia Earhart
Ms. Dandridge's Class Bonding IN ELA Class!
Hard Fought Battle On Friday Night!
Final Score = Keenan - 25 Dreher - 26
Great effort by both teams. Good luck to the Blue Devils on the rest of the season.
The Raiders are at home, next week, against OW. 7:30 pm kickoff.
The New Raider Academy!
“A new approach to college and career readiness designed to give students the foundation to make a difference in the world!”
Student meeting with Mrs. Wine August 23, 2023, during enrichment.
Parent Meeting will be virtual date TBA
Transportation is not provided for the Raider Academy
Remember school starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:15 PM
Remember in order to remain in the Raider Academy students must adhere to the following:
Make a 70 or above in all of their classes
Have good attendance including minimal tardies
Have good behavior including adhering to the dress code policy
Our New JAG Coach, Mrs. Wiggins!
Our Teachers Building Relationships On The First Day!
Absence Reporting/Morning Routine
Teachers and staff, please help us keep our students and school safe by reporting to work by 7:30 (morning duty) or 7:45 am. Please be at your doors ready to receive students by 7:50 am.
Please be reminded if you are going to be absent, report your absence by:
1. Submitting your absence in Frontline (Aesop).
2. Sending an email that you will be out.
a. To: Mr. Hankins
b. CC: Ms. Erving and Mrs. McIntee
c. Subject: Your Name Absent Date of Absence (Ex: Jabar Hankins Absent 1/16/23)
3. Calling the school (if an emergency happens on your way to work).
Substitutes and staff members covering classes should arrive by 7:45 am.
Thanks for your cooperation and for all you do for our students.
Professional Learning Opportunities To Start The Year!
Notes for Raider Teachers!
Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.
Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!
Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.
Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?
Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.
PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.
W.J. Keenan High School
Our Mission
The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.
Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan