January 25, 2023 Edition

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News

Sterling School counselor named South Carolina Counselor of the Year

Sterling School counselor Dr. Mary Tchouros was named the Palmetto State School Counselor Association's 2023 South Carolina School Counselor of the Year. As an ASCA Certified counselor, Dr. Tchouros has been an advocate for her school and the entire counseling profession. For more than 10 years, "Dr. T." has represented school counseling with expertise and dedication. She is credited with advancing her school's mission to realize the full potential of every student by meeting the needs of the Whole Child. Dr. Tchouros serves as an adjunct at Clemson University, where she trains and prepares future school counselors. Her research on school counselor ratio, burnout, and job satisfaction and workload, and professional identity development has allowed her to advocate for school counselors far and wide. More about Counselor of the Year Award

Woodmont High School selected as Palmetto’s Finest Awards Finalist

Woodmont High School is one of ten schools selected as a finalist for the 2023 Palmetto's Finest Awards. This selection comes after extensive evaluations by a committee of fellow educators and previous Palmetto's Finest winners. The application process includes elements on student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture. The finalists are currently undergoing a second onsite evaluation before the winners are selected later this spring. The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) presents the awards each year to schools that offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto's Finest Award is celebrating its 43rd year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators.More about Palmetto’s Finest Awards Finalist

Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) program expanding in 2023-24

Greenville County Schools’ GATE program, which offers working professionals a pathway to the teacher program, will now include elementary and early childhood education for the 2023-24 school year. GATE, which stands for Greenville Alternative Teacher Education, is a three-year, district-based, job-embedded, alternative certification pathway. To be considered for the GATE program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major or emphasis in the teaching area of interest. Applications are being accepted now. To learn more, register to attend an information session on the GATE website. More about GATE program expanding

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

January 24, 2023

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance – Alyssa Lane, 5th grader at Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School

Award Presentation
School Board Recognition Month - Presentation of SCSBA Board Service Award to Mrs. Glenda Morrison-Fair for 15 years of service on the GCS Board of Trustees

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – December 13, 2022
3.02 Home Schooling Applications – 4
3.03 Personnel Recommendations – Katie Porter, Director, CTE Innovation Center

Appearance of Visitors
Terrell Brown – School Board Appreciation Recognition
Jill Patterson – Student Behavior
Kerri Fay – Thanks and Praise
Kathryn Thomas – Welcome
Michael Joy – Reminders
Liana Hayrapetyan – Spanish
Michael Arsiniega – Thank You

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster recognized each of the Trustees for School Board Recognition Month. He shared that the Board of Trustees represents one of the first forms of local government in our country, and highlighted how vital the Board is to the success and improvement of our community, unified in their commitment to address what is best for all students. He expressed appreciation for the time and commitment by each individual in serving on the Board. 

Action Items

Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session)
The Board of Trustees approved a physical education exemption for one student at Wade Hampton High School.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Advocacy Committee – Mr. Saylors – The Committee met today to follow up on some items that came up in the January Committee of the Whole meeting. The Committee will focus on five areas and will bring them forth to the Committee of the Whole: Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, CERDEP Funding, ELL State Funding, Formative Assessment Requirements, and School Improvement Designations.

Coordinated School Health Advisory Council (CSHAC) – Mrs. Dulin – CSHAC is meeting tomorrow, and Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Dulin will attend and bring back any updates to the Committee of the Whole.

Finance Report

Monthly Finance Report – The report was presented as information.