September 29, 2021 Edition

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News

Woodmont Middle School Receives $10,000 Grant for Arts Program

Congratulations to Woodmont Middle School for their recent awarding of a 2022 Equitable Arts Advancement Program Grant award from the South Carolina Department of Education. Funding will be used for the project, Equity in the Arts through Exposure and Instructional Execution.
Funding Allocations

• Clinicians will provide master classes and/or private lessons for students auditioning for the Region/County Band and Orchestra Programs.
• Students will receive hands-on, direct instruction in Visual Arts by a professional Artist-in-Residence.
• Clinicians will provide instruction and observations for students as they prepare for concert performance assessments in band and orchestra.
• Funding is also allocated for transportation, substitute teachers, and supplies for the band and orchestra programs.

Free COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing for Students and Staff

GCS has partnered with DHEC and MAKO Medical Laboratories to provide FREE COVID-19 drive-through testing at three sites across the county  at Northside Park, MT Anderson, and Fountain Inn High School. These testing sites are restricted for use by GCS students and employees only. Students will need to show their GCS ID, school-issued Chromebook, carline pickup number, or school work to document that they are a GCS student. Parents must sign a consent form for any student under the age of 18. These sites only conduct PCR testing, which is considered the most accurate type of test and is the only one that can be used to secure an early return from quarantine. For specific dates and times, visit the GCS COVID-19 page.

Early Release from Quarantine for Students

GCS students who have been quarantined due to COVID can return to school three days earlier if they are symptom-free and follow DHEC guidelines for an early release. To qualify, students must receive a negative result on a COVID PCR test collected no sooner than day 5 of the quarantine period. As soon as the negative PCR test result has been received, that result should be submitted via email to stucovidresults@greenville.k12.sc.us along with the student's name, school, and, if available, the student ID number. As quickly as possible, GCS staff will respond via email with a revised date of return, which cannot be earlier than day 8. Students will not be allowed back in school until the GCS Medical staff has validated the test results and provided an updated return date. Only a PCR test will be accepted, not a rapid antigen or home test. This option is not available to students who are in isolation due to a positive COVID test. It is only for those who are on quarantine and have no symptoms of COVID-19.  As a reminder, under SC Regulation #61-20, the DHEC protocols for student and staff quarantines carry the weight of law.

Board Meeting Summary

September 28, 2021

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eastside High School Student Body President Ella Rollins.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - August 24, 2021
Minutes, Board Workshop - August 24, 2021
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - September 14, 2021
Minutes, Board Workshop - September 21, 2021
Home School Applications - 5
Personnel Recommendations - None.

Appearance of Visitors
Jason Simon - contact tracing
Kelly Simon - contact tracing
Alisah Simmons - contact tracing
Judith Tanzola - social emotional learning
Lynne Brown - contact tracing, quarantine
Peggy Perschel - COVID
Liz Liokumovich - COVID
Abigail Hendrix - close contact
Mark Roberts - close contact/quarantines
James Brundere - curriculum selection
Daniel Natal - mask mandates
Mitzi Adams - AJ Whittenberg
Sato Rogers - asymptomatic spread of COVID 19
Jody Simila - quarantining healthy
Angela Laird - quarantine

Action Items

Naming of Carolina High School Gymnasium - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the naming of the gymnasium at Carolina High School for Betty Moore. The Carolina High School community would like to recognize Mrs. Betty Moore for her many years of dedicated service as both a teacher and coach. She was the first woman to serve as an Athletic Director in Greenville County and was a highly successful coach, leading the girls' basketball team to a state championship in 1997. This year, Betty Moore was inducted into the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in recognition of her 317 victories, multiple state championship appearances, and her positive impact in the sport in the state of South Carolina. To further honor her legacy, the school community is requesting that the gymnasium be named for her.

Naming of Greer High School Multi-Purpose Gymnasium - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the naming of the multi-purpose gymnasium at Greer High School for Travis Perry. The Greer High School community would like to recognize Coach Travis Perry for his unmatched dedication to and impact on Greer High, its students, and the community until his untimely death from cancer in 2020 at age 49. An outstanding quarterback during his high school years, Travis Perry returned to Greer for a long coaching career with the Yellow Jackets, including a state championship as head coach in 2003. He was also honored as the state Athletic Director of the Year in 2015. But in the words of Principal Justin Ludley, "What people will remember most, however, is how he touched their hearts with his kindness, positive motivation, and love. It would be hard to find anyone in our school, community, and state quite as loved and respected as Travis Perry. For many, many years, Travis has been an example for every one of us on how to love and treat others. His impact and influence on students, colleagues, and families is immeasurable, truly remarkable, and will live on forever."

Riverside Middle School Lease Agreement Renewal with the City of Greer - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a lease agreement renewal with the City of Greer. The City of Greer seeks to renew their current lease agreement for the use of the softball/baseball and football fields at Riverside Middle School. The City of Greer uses the ball fields to provide recreation services to the surrounding community.

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) Right-of-Way Easement at Sue Cleveland Elementary School and Woodmont Middle School - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a permanent sanitary sewer right of way and temporary construction easement as requested by ReWa at Sue Cleveland Elementary School and Woodmont Middle School. The permanent sanitary sewer ROW and temporary construction easement are for a Hwy 25 Business Park upgrade.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Right-of-Way Easement at Northwood Middle School - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a utility easement as requested by Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC at Northwood Middle School. The easement is necessary for a utility upgrade.

Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance Permanent and Perpetual Easement and Right of Way at Travelers Rest High School - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance a permanent and perpetual easement and right of way at Travelers Rest High School. This easement will be used for bikeways and walking trails.

Appointments to Coordinated School Health Advisory Council - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the members of the CSHAC as presented. The individuals have submitted letters of interest to serve on the CSHAC are have been selected in accordance with Board Policy IDB.

Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve a physical education exemption for one student at Wade Hampton High School.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Committee / Liaison Reports
Mr. Lewis reported that the Advocacy Committee met today.  The Committee will be scheduling small regional meetings between the board and our legislative delegation. The Advocacy Committee will be reviewing past resolutions as a reminder of past positions that remain in effect.

Financial Report

Monthly Finance Report - There is no formal financial report due to the close out of the previous fiscal year.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.