Bits and Pieces
A Newsletter from the Superintendent
May 13, 2022
My First Library Program to Benefit FSD3 Students
The Original Six Foundation (O6 Foundation) has announced that the 2022 My First Library program will serve 30 South Carolina schools, including four in Florence School District 3.
During the month of May, the program will provide students in the state’s highest-need areas with summer reading books to build at-home libraries.
My First Library will impact over 2,800 students in 5K to ensure they are prepared to enter the first grade. Targeting resources at this stage of development is critical to a child’s future academic success and is an under-served effort across the state. In Florence School District 3, the program will provide over 3,000 books to more than 250 students at J.C. Lynch Elementary, Scranton Elementary, Lake City Early Childhood Center, and Olanta Elementary schools starting on May 23-25.
“A love of learning is the single most important gift we can leave to our kids. And when we teach a child how to read, we open the doors of opportunity for them to dream big. That’s why O6 and our My First Library program is so important. When we give them the tools to succeed, we empower them to change the world,” said Nikki Haley, Founder and Chair of the O6 Foundation.
My First Library book fairs will be held in 11 school districts across Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Florence, Kershaw, Marion, Richland and Union counties at schools that have been determined as high poverty areas by the South Carolina Department of Education.
“Instilling a love of reading early gives a child a head start on expanding their vocabulary and building independence and self-confidence,” said Nicki Hood, Executive Director of the O6 Foundation. “We want students to fall in love with reading and value these books for years to come.”
Absorbed by the O6 Foundation in July 2020, the program will reach more than 2,800 students with over 32,000 new books this year.
In addition to the O6 Foundation, key community partners include Bojangles and The Women’s Club of Columbia.
Founded in 2011, by then-Governor Haley, the O6 Foundation believes children across South Carolina deserve a quality education regardless of where they are born and raised. The O6 Foundation works to improve education by identifying gaps and filling them through hands on engagement and resources.
To learn more or to donate, please visit: www.originalsixfoundation.org.
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Mr. Bobby’s Book Bike Visits OMS
Mr. Bobby from the Olanta Public Library surprised the school’s car riders on Wednesday, May 11, with the debut of his book bicycle. Students were able to choose books to add to their home libraries.
Thank you, Mr. Bobby & Olanta Public Library, for helping us build our readers!
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LCHS Holds Chording Ceremony
Seniors at Lake City Early College High School were acknowledged for being college and career ready with a chording ceremony on Monday, May 9. The seniors were presented with chords to wear with their caps and gowns at their graduation ceremony.
Parents who were able to attend, along with Principal Dr. Fred Moore, presented their students with their chords.
Graduation is scheduled for Friday June 3.
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JPTMS Seniors Announce Future Plans
J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts & Science Magnet School’s first senior class announced their future plans on Friday, May 6.
With their family members in attendance each student announced their plans for the future and snapped a family photo.
Many seniors announced college plans, as well as plans to join the military and one student planning to pursue his own business.
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LCECC Holds Annual College Day
In an effort to get our youngest students excited about higher education early, students and staff at Lake City Early Childhood Center recently celebrated College Day.
Students and staff came to school wearing their college gear. Classroom doors were decorated with college paraphernalia and fun facts from specific schools.
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Bright Named SCBCA All-State Again
The USC-Lancaster signee followed up a tremendous junior season with an even better senior season, leading the Panthers to a 22-6 overall record. Bright shined at the plate and also on the mound as he hit .444 with 36 hits, six doubles, 29 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. On the mound, Bright was 5-1 with 93 strikeouts in 60.1 innings pitched with a 1.03 ERA.
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District Schedules 2022-2023 Budget Public Hearing
The second of two public hearings scheduled by Florence County School District Three on its projected 2022-2023 budget is set for Thursday, May 19, at 5 p.m. in the board meeting room located behind the district office at 125 South Blanding St., Lake City.
The 2022-2023 projected budget is based on preliminary figures provided by the state. The district used as a basis, the funding found in the new Education Funding Reform/ Aid to Classrooms, proposed in the FY 22-23 Executive Budget, amended by House Ways and Means. All budget figures are subject to change as more budget information becomes available from the state.
The district’s millage for 2022-2023 is projected to be 224.23 mills for operations.
A copy of the budget presentation is also available at the district office, the Lake City Library and at www.florence3.k12.sc.us.