Ms. Young's class at Hallsboro Middle School presented a reader's theatre Halloween play recently. The students helped compose the play and create the props. Great job kids!


Tabor City Middle School Yam Display
 




The art and careers classes at Tabor City Middle School recently participated in the annual Yam Festival display competition, taking 2nd place.


Congratulations 2009 Bright Ideas Winners!

November 15-21 is American Education Week! Thank you to all the faculty, staff and support personnel that make education possible!



Columbus County Schools Awarded 1.75 Million Dollar Grant

Columbus County Schools received word February 4th that the Fair Bluff Technical Academy has been awarded a 1.75 million dollar grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation.
More details will be released as they become available.


 

South Columbus FFA on National TV

If you don't see the movie, please download flash player at adobe.com

Evergreen  Elementary School

 

 

Click on the above slideshow for exciting information about Evergreen Elementary School.

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Cerro Gordo Elementary School

 

CerroGordo Elementary School

 

Click on the above slideshow for exciting information about Cerro Gordo Elementary School.


South Columbus High School Visual Arts Retrospective

 

A retrospective of some of the excellent artwork created by students at South Columbus High School under the direction of Joy Lewis.
 


 

Good News from Acme Delco Elementary

Claudia F. participated in the Major General Robert Howe Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest.  She won second place in the fifth grade division.  She read her essay at the awards ceremony at Southeastern Community College on February 10, 2010

 

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Alisha H. recently won first place at the Acme Delco Elementary School science fair in the fifth grade department.  As a winner at ADES, she was chosen to compete in the Region IV Science Fair at Pembroke University.   On February 20, 2010 Alisha was one of eight students chosen in the elementary division to move to the state competition.  She will compete in Raleigh on March 26th and 27th.


 

Boys and Girls Home School

 

Boys and Girls Homes School is located on the campus of Boys and Girls Home, Inc. at Lake Waccamaw.  All of our students are residents and live within walking distance of the school.  Our school serves students in grades 6-12 from any area in North Carolina.  However, the majority of our students are from Southeastern North Carolina.

Boys and Girls Homes, Inc. and Boys and Girls Homes School form a great partnership in providing for all the needs of our students.  Emphasis is placed on a well rounded education at our school, and that often encourages students to develop and express an interest in school.  Some students complete their formal education at Boys and Girls Homes School, others return to their home school after a period of time, and others pursue college and university degrees.

Bghs slideshow

 

 

 


 

Miss South Columbus Pageant

Click the link below for a slideshow honoring the contestants of the Miss South Columbus High School pageant.

Miss South Columbus High School Pageant

Acme Delco
Middle School

 

Click Below for News from Acme Delco Middle School
 


Southeastern Early College High School

Southeastern Early College High School is a safe, secure and stimulating environment that is conducive to learning. All students at SEC will become proficient in 21st Century Skills. Graduates will be college-ready and possess critical thinking skills, academic knowledge, communication skills, professional skills, technological skills, and healthy habits.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

1. Busing •  Free transportation is available as long as enrolled.

2.    Meals •  school lunch is provided.

3. Uniforms •  Students are required on most days to wear a college I.D. and also a polo shirt identifying them as part of our school.

4. Calendar/Schedule •  SEC runs on a different schedule than the other public schools in order to allow students to take college courses.  We begin the first week in August and end the middle of May.  Our day starts later too-at 9:15 am.

5. Can I still do sports, JROTC or band at the “big high school.”  When a student comes to SEC, he or she is no longer a student at the other high school and can not participate in their extracurricular activities.  Of course, you can still go to their games and public events!

6. Yes, it is hard!     Students report that it takes a lot of organization and dedication to do well at SEC, however, you do not have to be super smart.  Our school is great at reaching kids at their current level and helping them move forward, but they have to want it! 

7. How do I enroll?      Our student ambassadors will go to each middle school in Columbus County in January and talk to 8th graders.  They will pass out applications at that time that will explain everything.

8. Can someone who is already in high school transfer to SEC?     No.  We are sorry, but the only time to enroll is prior to the 9th grade.

Southeastern Early College Brochure




West Columbus HOSA and JROTC Host Blood Drive

 



 

The February 25th blood drive hosted by the West Columbus High School HOSA with assistance from the West Columbus JROTC “Viking “ Battalion resulted in 101 units of blood collected. Jenny Herring and her HOSA blood drive recruitment team were excited by the number of units collected. The blood received at the West Columbus High School drive was immediately typed and underwent testing for hepatitis, AIDS and other diseases in Red Cross laboratories. The blood is then made available to area hospitals for use by their patients. One unit of blood can be separated into various components, and for this reason one donation can save as many as 3 lives. Nationally, someone needs blood every two seconds. The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross must collect 1,600 units of blood each day to meet the needs of patients in the 110 area hospitals it serves. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1 -800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448- 3543.) Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, (16 years of age with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form,) weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

 


EggCam at Cerro Gordo Elementary School


(screenshot of the webcam)

With the help of the Technology Department, teacher Terry Brown has set up a live webcam showing chicken eggs in an incubator at Cerro Gordo Elementary to complement the science curriculum. We'll keep you posted when the eggs start to hatch. Click on the image above or here to go to the live webcam view.

 


 


Cerro Gordo Elementary School's First Stinger Club Day

 

 

 

 

CGES started a new initiative for middle school students on January 29th, Stinger Club Day. Students voted online for clubs they would like and then registered for them prior to the first club meeting. The twelve clubs chosen were: Animal Care, Board Games, Child Care, Cosmetology, Crafts, Drama/Readers’ Theatre, Jazz Band, Journalism/Broadcasting, Landscaping, Law Enforcement, Mechanics, and Photography. The successful club day was made possible by partnership with community leaders and members. Club sponsors include a collaboration of SCC Child Care Director, Ms. Emily Cook and her student, Ms. Erica Shanice Jenkins, SCC Cosmetology students, Ms. Amber Corder and Ms. Mary Grace Taylor, The News Reporter’s journalist, Mr. Jefferson Weaver, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit detectives, Lt. Steven Worthington and Detective Justin Worley, WCHS’s automotive mechanics teacher, Mr. Dean Byerly, and CGES faculty members. Students really enjoyed the new experience and are anxiously awaiting the next club day. Clubs are scheduled to meet once a month.


New Inside Columbus County Schools Episodes

Hosted by Dr. Strickland, and produced by Educable at Southeastern Community College.

Inside Columbus County Schools- Graduation Projects
Inside Columbus County Schools- Pimust
Inside Columbus County Schools- School Nurses
Inside Columbus County Schools- National Board Certification
Inside Columbus County Schools- Exceptional Children
Inside Columbus County Schools- Reading First

 


 

Snuggle Up and Read
at Hallsboro Artesia Elementary



 


DAR Winners

 


The Major General Robert Howe Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized the winners of the DAR American History Essay and Christopher Columbus Essay Contests on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Southeastern Community College auditorium.  The nine schools with students participating in the essay contests were Acme Delco Elementary, Central Middle, Edgewood Elementary,  Guideway Elementary, South Columbus High, Tabor City Elementary, Tabor City Middle, Whiteville High and Williams Elementary.   

 

American History Essay Contest Winners  2009-2010 were

Grade 5

Kierra Brown                   Guideway Elementary School              Honorable Mention
Diana Garcia                   Guideway Elementary School             Honorable Mention
Miranda Elizabeth Riggs  Guideway Elementary                         Fourth Place
Dylan Todd Kermon        Guideway Elementary                        Third Place
Claudia Blair Floyd          Acme Delco Elementary                   Second Place
Katelyn Lauren Caines    Guideway Elementary                           First Place

 Grade 6           
Jane Woodard Hawthorne          Central Middle                 First Place
Grade 7           
Trevor McCoy Tyree                 Williams Township                           First Place
Grade 8           
Olivia Watson                             Tabor City Middle                          First Place

Christopher Columbus Essay contest winners 2009-2010 are

Grade 9 
Megan Victoria Bass      South Columbus High          Second Place
Derere’ Tylar Mizell        South Columbus High         First Place
 

 


 

 

Chatham County Line Arts Fundraiser

Chatham County Line - "Sweet Marie" - Whiteville, NC 2-6-10 from michael graham on Vimeo.

Over 325 people attended an arts fundraiser February 6th, 2010 where the bluegrass band Chatham County Line performed. This project, a collaboration between Southeastern Community College, Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools, helped raise funds for the spring musicals. Video by Michael Graham.


 

South Columbus Veteran Teacher Featured on WWAY

If you don't see the movie, please download flash player at adobe.com


 

Everlene Davis, 54 year teaching veteran at South Columbus High School, was featured recently on wwayTV-3 for her dedication to the athletic program of South Columbus. Over the course of her career, she has kept score for over 5,000 basketball games. Video courtesy of WWAY.
 


Family Math Night at Guideway Elementary School

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, Guideway Elementary School hosted a Family Math Night with 210 students and parents.

 


Instructional Technology at Tabor City Middle

 

Marcus Rising's students at Tabor City Middle School created publicity materials as part of a mock campaign assignment based on the electoral contests of John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. The above clip is from a commercial that the students created for the campaign.

 

Congratulations to the South Columbus High School FFA, which was a featured chapter on RFDTV's Inside Agribusiness over the weekend. The sponsors for SCHS' FFA are Danny Green, Marlette Watson and Berry Strickland. RFDTV is viewed by over 30 million people nationwide.
 


Positive Changes at Chadbourn Elementary School

 


 

Over the past few months, Chadbourn Elementary has gone through quite a few positive changes.

“The faculty and staff at Chadbourn Elementary School are willing to do whatever it takes to provide a quality education for our students. They have welcomed our new initiatives with a positive attitude and have worked diligently to implement them in an effective and efficient manner,” said Chadbourn Elementary Principal Deanna Shuman. “I am very proud of the Chadbourn Elementary School team.”

The recent changes have been countless. In the area of reading, Chadbourn Elementary teachers are carrying out focused intervention lessons with targeted students each morning. This gives teachers the opportunity to work with small groups of students who need very focused, targeted skill-based instruction. Along these same lines, teachers are implementing small group guided reading lessons each day. This allows teachers the opportunity to work with students on same skill level tasks.

The school also has modified their computer lab schedule to enable all students in grades 3-5 to have access to the SuccessMaker program three times weekly.

In addition to the scheduled time in the lab, students have access to the program in the classroom setting. This program focuses on the areas of Reading and Mathematics. It is skill-based and allows students to advance on their level as the performance increases. If students need additional work in a particular area, they are not advanced until a particular objective has been mastered.

Along with those two major initiatives, there has also been a new focus in the area of mathematics. The new adoption focuses on targeted objectives and heavily integrates the use of manipulatives and problem-solving. Through this initiative students being actively engaged in high level hands-on problem solving activities. The improvements from this initiative have been extremely powerful, Shuman said.

With all of these three new, great initiatives in place, Shuman is certain that everyone will see a positive impact on student achievement.

“The focused intervention and guided reading groups will impact the area of phonemic awareness, thus providing an increase in student achievement in the area of reading,” she said. “The SuccessMaker program will result in increases in the areas of reading and mathematics.”

All of these initiatives are bringing to pass positive results, but also requiring a lot of hard work and dedication from Chadbourn Elementary’s staff.

“I’ve been so impressed at how eager the staff is to make a difference in the lives of their children,” said Kim Edwards, the Columbus County School District’s Elementary Curriculum Director. “Many of the teachers ay they are in the profession to make a difference, and I’ve seen that to be true through all of their hard work and dedication.
 


Congressman McIntyre Visits CGES


Congressman Mike McIntyre visited Cerro Gordo Elementary School recently. Mr. McIntyre taught a group of students a lesson about government and presented a check for Columbus and Bladen County Schools for 4.3 million dollars to be used for the Early Reading First program.

 



National Board Certified Teachers Recognized

Congratulation to Shellie Britt of West Columbus High School and Lynn Barnes of Hallsboro Artesia Elementary who were recognized as Columbus County's newest National Board Certified Teachers at a recent board meeting.


 

New Chair and Vice Chair for Columbus County Schools Board of Education


Sheila Pridgen, Clerk of Courts, swears in Bill Johnson  as Vice Chairman and Junior Dew as Chairman at a recent meeting of the board in December
 


.
 

Veteran's Day Celebration at TCES

 


 

Tabor City Middle School  Students Share the Christmas Spirit


Thirteen eighth graders from Tabor City Middle School visited Tabor City Elementary School on Wednesday to share the Christmas spirit by reading Christmas stories aloud to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grade students. 


 

Jeffrey Russell awarded Administrator of the Year &
Marilyn Ward receives Educational Office Professional of the Year


At the annual North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals
banquet Russell and Ward were presented with their awards.

Congrats Mr. Russell and Ms. Ward!

South Columbus Art Student is
National Artsonia Student of the Week



 

Fanny Marin from South Columbus High School has been selected as Artsonia.com's 7th-9th "ARTIST OF THE WEEK!" for December 13, 2009 - December 19, 2009. During the contest, Fanny received 2078 votes from website visitors! Be sure to check the Artsonia homepage at http://www.artsonia.com/museum/aotw/default.asp where you will see artwork featured for the next few days. Her instructor is Joy Lewis.

News Reporter Article About Online Classes


 

WTES Students Win VFW Essay Contest

Three students from Williams Township School won the Nakina VFW Post 6066 youth essay contest, Patriot's Pen. Mia B. (8th grade) won first place ($200 savings bond), Tristyn C.(8th grade) won second place ($100 savings bond), Matthew W. (6th grade) won third place ($50 savings bond). They responded to the question, "When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?" These essays have been sent to a district-level competition which can lead to both state and national level competition. Commander Tommy Gore presented the awards to the students.


Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Offers Academic Tutoring Services

These tutoring services are offered after school hours to increase the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students, particularly in the areas of reading and math. The tutoring services are paid for by the district and are free of charge to parents of eligible students (receiving free or reduced priced lunch). Under the federal No Child Left Behind Law, Title I schools in School Improvement must offer SES to eligible students.

The following schools will offer SES:
Acme Delco Elementary
Acme Delco Middle
Cerro Gordo Elementary
Chadbourn Elementary
Chadbourn Middle
Evergreen Elementary
Guideway Elementary
Hallsboro/Artesia Elementary
Hallsboro Middle
Tabor City Elementary
Tabor City Middle
Williams Township

Parents and guardians of students attending any of the above schools are receiving information by mail which explains the program, includes an application form and a list of state approved providers. An applications due date is included.

If you don't receive the packet, please contact your school. Parents must provide transportation.

Data Trends for SES - Columbus County Schools
SES Participation for 2007-08 School Year:
Eligible - 1789 Attending - 211

SES Participation for 2008-09  School Year
Eligible - 2990 Attending - 431

The 2009-2010 Providers Serving Columbus County Schools are:
1. Achieve Success Tutoring
2. Bright Future Learning Center
3. Master Mind Prep
4. Prime Time for Kids
5. Sylvan Learning Center "Ace It"

Congratulations Seniors on Presenting
Your Senior Projects

Great Job!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


               
 

 

 

    
















Above: Seniors at South Columbus High School showcase what they've learned throughout their Senior Projects

Dale Ward Named to All-State School Board

The North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) has named Columbus County Board of Education member Dale Ward to the honorary All-State School Board. Ward was recognized during the Awards Ceremony of the Association's 40th Annual Conference for Board Member Development in Greensboro on Nov. 17. During his introduction to ceremony attendees, participants learned that Ward has been an advocate for change and an insistent voice in the fight to improve student dropout rates in his county. He has been passionate on the issue of school improvement, working to implement many programs designed to increase student performance. Ward has also worked to increase student health and wellness by contributing to the initiation of a program that will offer free breakfasts to all students. He is continually trying to  help his school system move forward by working to incorporate technology into the classroom and supporting partnerships with the local university which allow students to earn college credits free of charge. Ward has the unique ability to incorporate traditional customs and practices while looking to the future, all with the aim of helping students grow and succeed. The

All-State School Board is comprised of eight board members selected throughout the state. These individuals have made significant contributions to boardsmanship during their tenure on the local board of education. The members of the All-State School Board were peer-nominated for NCSBA's Raleigh Dingman Award, which was won by George Litton, Cleveland County. Other members of the honorary board are: Brian Gates, Surry County; Joyce Hawington, Asheboro City; Rebecca Kafer, Craven County; Walter Leigh, Perquimans County; Tom Manning, Alamance-Burlington; Dr. Nancy Routh, Guilford County; and Chris Wilson, Camden County.

NCSBA was established in 1937 as an advocate for public school education. Its mission is to provide leadership and services that enable local boards of education to govern effectively.

 


Winter Concerts
 

Date Time Group Location
December 10, 2009 7:00 PM HMS Arts HMS
December 10, 2009 7:00 PM EES, CMS Band WCHS
December 10, 2009 6:00 PM CGES Arts CGES
December 14, 2009 7:00 PM WTS/NMS Arts SCHS
December 14, 2009 7:00 PM ECHS Band/Chorus
This video contains highlight from the first 9 weeks of school at Hallsboro Artesia Elementary.
 


 

EAST COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The October 26th blood drive hosted by East Columbus High School resulted in 82 units of blood collected. Hope Tyson and her HOSA blood drive recruitment team were thrilled with the outcome. "We are so grateful to Ms. Tyson, Principal Bridgers and the faculty and students who supported this drive," stated Bany Hooker, District Manager, American Red Cross. "They are truly life savers."

The blood received at the East Columbus High School drive was immediately typed and underwent a battery of tests for hepatitis, AIDS and other diseases in Red Cross laboratories. The blood then became available to help patients in area hospitals. Because a unit of blood can be separated into its various components, one donation can save as many as 3 lives.

Nationally, someone needs blood every two seconds. The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross must collect 1,600 units of blood each day to meet the needs of patients in the 110 area hospitals it serves. "The success of our drive gives us a tremendous feeling of satisfaction," stated Hope Tyson, "When someone needs blood in our community, we know we're doing our part to make sue it's available." To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1 -800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448- 3543 .) Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, (16 years of age with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form,) weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

 

2009 Waccmaw Siouan Pow Wow

School Day for the Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow was  held recently at the Waccamaw tribal grounds in the Buckhead community. Over 300 students learned about pottery, story telling, beadwork and history.
To learn more about the Waccamaw Siouan, click here.


 

Acme Delco Middle Japanese Culture Celebration


 

Bright Ideas Winners

 

Brunswick EMC is pleased to announce the Bright Ideas Grant Winners for the 2009/2010 school year. We will be awarding nearly $33,000 in grants to 27 teachers from Brunswick and Columbus counties. After receiving almost one-hundred grant applications, the following teachers from Columbus County Schools were selected as grant winners for their creative teaching ideas. Congratulations! Energy Around Us, Acme Delco Elementary, Neala Hardie; Reading, Writing, and Blogging! Cerro Gordo Elementary School, Rachel Smith;  WhisperPhone Reading, Chadbourn Elementary School, Sheryl Bauer; Enhancing Student Learning with Interwrite Pads, East Columbus High School, Dorothy Chestnutt; 21st Century Classroom, East Columbus High School, Sherry Jordan; Connect with Net Books, Guideway Elementary School, Stephanie Sellers; Get Moving! Get Fit!, Guideway Elementary School, Stephanie Sellers; Powerful Attraction, Hallsboro/Artesia Elementary School, Delia Robinson; Now Hear This!, Nakina Middle School, Julie L. Sellers; In the Beginning, Old Dock Elementary School, Diane Gore; Algebra 1 Classroom Jeopardy, South Columbus High School, Tanya Martinez.
 


Old Dock Elementary Pre-K Celebrates Red Ribbon Week


As part of the Red Ribbon celebration, Ms. Orrum and Mrs. Simmons' Old Dock Pre-K students wore red.

 


TCES Lifeskill Leaders


 

Tabor City Elementary School has begun a new program honoring a student from each classroom as the Lifeskill Leader for each month.  The students pictured were named Lifeskill Leader for Respect:


 

West Columbus Students Participating in Exchange Project with The Light Factory Photography Museum

 

Students from West Columbus High School's Advanced Art Class have been exchanging ideas and photos with students from Charlotte. The project, sponsored by The Light Factory, brings together students from diverse locations in an exchange project that will culminate in a visit from the Charlotte students to Columbus county. Both students have created photography based on "The Road as Metaphor" and "Self Portraits". The best of the work from all students will be on display at the Light Museum in Charlotte next year.


1957 Nakina High School Yearbook Online

A 52 year-old yearbook was recently discovered and put online. You can view the yearbook in our archive section.
 


 


 

CCS Students Participating in Online Art Gallery

Students in grades 6-12 are participating in the world's largest online art gallery, artsonia.com. Teachers take photographs of the student work which can be viewed, commented  and even placed on cups, mouse pads or t shirts. To date, over 300 pieces of artwork have been placed on Artsonia from Columbus County Schools students..

If you would like to view the galleries, click here.

Dr. Strickland named North Carolina Southeast Region Superintendent of the Year 2009-2010



At a surprise celebration, board members and fellow employees gathered to celebrate Dr. Strickland's exciting award.

Attention Parents, Students and Staff

This year there will be some changes in the lunchrooms. A new food company, Sodexo, has been brought into the district. With this new company, the following changes will occur:

·        There will be free breakfast for all pre-k through 8th grade students

·        The breakfast will be provided in the classrooms at Old Dock Elementary School and Cerro Gordo Elementary School. Others schools will be implementing in-the-classroom breakfast in the future.

·        The high schools will no longer have only 2 cashier stations. Instead, each high school will have 4 cashier stations. Each station will be labeled with signs that coincide with the categories on the menus. At two of the stations, students will be able to choose from 14-15 entrees daily. The third station will be a made-to-order deli station, and the fourth station will be a pre-made sandwich, salad and wrap station. IMPORTANT: Free, reduced or purchased meals can be retrieved from any of the four stations!

·        The middle schools cashier stations will remain the same. The students, however, will have more to choose from. They will have 8-10 entrees to choose from daily.

·        The elementary schools cashier stations will remain the same. The students, however, will have more to choose from. They will have 3 entrees to choose from daily.

On the first day of school, each student will be receiving a menu for the first week of school. After that, you can find the menu by going to the following cite and choosing your school: https://www.sodexoeducation.com/segment_0200/district_4903/ENM/Entry1/

This is an exciting addition to
the Columbus County
School District.
Enjoy!!

 

 

Columbus County Schools excel on ABC Test

After receiving the 2008-09 ABCs of Public Education Accountability Report approved by the State Board of Education, the Columbus County School District has reason to be proud. Out of their 19 schools, 16 met their expected growth scores. These expected scores are assigned based on the school’s test scores from the previous year.

Acme Delco Elementary, Nakina Middle, Tabor City Middle and West Columbus High School were four of the 16 schools who reached high growth status, which honors those schools that exceed their state-mandated academic improvement by a significant percentage.

Overall, Columbus County Schools test scores increased an average of 5.7 points. Chadbourn Elementary School had the highest increase in test points in the county, increasing 17.1 points from last year. Following closely, the elementary with the second highest increase in test points was Acme Delco Elementary School with an increase of 15.4 points, with the highest middle school improvement being Tabor City Middle School with an increase of 9.5 points. East Columbus presented the highest increase of points of the high schools with 4.4 points and the most improved K-8 school was Cerro Gordo Elementary school with an increase of 16.8 points. Williams Township had the highest performance composite scores in the county with 73.2 percent, followed by Nakina Middle with 72.6 percent. The highest elementary composite scores were at Old Dock Elementary School with 66.4 and the highest high school composite score was at Southeastern Early College at 68.8. All of the district’s high schools were above 60 percent proficient, which is where Judge Howard Manning recently challenged all high schools to be.  
     Congrats to all students, teachers and administrators!

Columbus County Schools 2008-2009 Preliminary Proficiency

 

 

 

 

 

2008-2009

2008-2009 AYP

 

School Name

Expected Growth

Hi Growth

Performance Composite

 

 

Acme Delco Middle            

 

 

59.5

 

 

Acme Delco Elementary        

Met

Met

64.4

Met

 

Boys and Girls Home          

ID

ID

25.5

Met

 

Cerro Gordo Elementary       

Met

 

71.2

Met

 

Chadbourn Middle             

Met

 

47.2

Met

 

Chadbourn Elementary         

Met

 

50.3

Met

 

East Columbus High

Met

 

61.7

 

 

Evergreen Elementary          

Met

 

62.0

 

 

Guideway Elementary          

Met

 

50.0

Met

 

Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary 

Met

 

65.8

Met

 

Hallsboro Middle             

Met

 

60.8

Met

 

Nakina Middle

Met

Met

72.6

 

 

Old Dock Elementary          

Met

 

66.4

Met

 

South Columbus High

Met

 

65.4

 

 

Tabor City Elementary        

Met

 

57.4

Met

 

Southeastern Early College

 

 

68.3

Met

 

Tabor City Middle            

Met

Met

64.6

Met

 

West Columbus High

Met

Met

64.4

 

 

Williams Township            

Met

 

73.2

Met


 

Columbus County Leadership
 Academy Kicks Off

     
Principals and other county administrators came together for their week long retreat. Among other topics being discussed, the educators will address century and teacher standards, successful professional development strategies and gearing up to further forge into 21st century learning.

    
  
The Columbus County School District extends a special THANK YOU to the following for sponsoring the Annual Fall Leadership Retreat being held at Interim Healthcare, Whiteville, NC:
Interim Health Care, Steve Smith, Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, Judy Gore, Value Teachers/Life of the Southwest, Sam Revis, Pierce Group/Colonial Employee Benefits, Donald Pierce/David Charland, Teachscape, Linda Bellamy, Pearson Digital and Heather Ayala

COLUMBUS COUNTY SCHOOLS MAKE LARGE GAINS IN ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS

 Columbus County Schools showed marked improvement in student achievement according to the federal No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) model. During the 2008-2009 school year, 13 out of 19 schools made Adequate Yearly Progress, compared to just four schools making the grade a year ago. As a school system, Columbus County Schools met 91 % of target goals, an increase of almost 10% from the previous year. Additionally, the schools system made AYP in grades 3-8.

Several initiatives have been credited for this increase. Prescriptive benchmarking, a process by which students weaknesses are identified early in the year, is taking place on all grade levels and gives teachers data that is used to tailor instruction. Research-based software is also being utilized on all grade levels to increase student achievement, especially in the area of reading and math. Classroom walkthroughs allow principals to easily gather data and develop connections between teaching methods and student achievement, allowing educators to focus not just on how curriculum is being taught, but rather focusing on the level of student engagement and the rigor of the material being presented. Teachers and principals have also been credited with implementing innovative ways of teaching.

“Worksheets and lecturing are no longer viable teaching methods in the 21st century. Classrooms have to be exciting, engaging places where complex ideas and meaningful connections are made”, says Dr. Dan Strickland, Superintendent of Columbus County Schools. “The gains that we have made have been a result of our teachers striving to reach every child in an engaging and effective way and realizing that growth occurs one child at a time.”

For a school to make AYP, each of the 10 student groups (School as a Whole, White, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Multiracial, Economically Disadvantaged Students, Limited English Proficient Students, and Students With Disabilities) in the tested grades (3-8,10) must meet proficiency targets in reading/language arts and math and each student group must have at least 95 percent of its students taking tests in both subjects.  In addition, the School as a Whole (all students) must show progress. If just one target goal is not met, the school does not make AYP for that year. The 2008-2009 AYP scores are preliminary pending state board approval on August 6th, 2009.

 

AYP Results and additional info are located at http://www.columbus.k12.nc.us/ayp.

 


 

DR. STRICKLAND NAMED REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

 

Dr. Dan Strickland, Superintendent of Columbus County Schools, has been voted by his peers as the regional “Superintendent of the Year” for 2009-2010 by the Southeast Region Superintendents’ Council. This Council is composed of the superintendents of all seventeen public school systems in the Southeast. All regional Superintendents of the Year across the state will have their applications reviewed by a state level committee for final selection as the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year to be announced in November.

The North Carolina Superintendent of the Year program is part of the National Superintendent of the Year Award Program sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators to recognize outstanding leadership. Each candidate is judged on the following criteria: Leadership for Learning; Communication Skills; Professionalism; and Community Involvement. The Superintendent of the Year program believes that leadership in education is as much about “opening doors to dreams” as it is about “opening minds to learning.” To be selected as an outstanding superintendent does not mean that the person is just a school system leader, but is a community builder and advocate as well, who encourages teachers, principals, families and others who touch the lives of students.

Guideway Student Wins National Essay Contest


Eber Noyola, Southeastern Division and NATIONAL winner of the fifth grade "American History Essay Contest" from Guideway Elementary School, was recognized at a recent board meeting.  Pictured are:  Eber Noyola, Betty Worrell, Jonathan Williams, Mr. Noyola and Mrs. Blackmon.  She was presented a "Certificate of Achievement" at the Meeting.  Eber's essay was chosen from over 44,000 entries nation wide.

 

 

Cerro Gordo Elementary and Williams Township Win State Award!

The two Columbus County schools were two of only five schools in the state to be awarded
the Reading First Exemplary School Award.


Left to right: Kim Edward; Reading First coach for Williams Township Elementary School, June St. Clair Atkinson;
 State Superintendent, Jeff Spivey; Principal of Williams Township Elementary School, Agatha Brown;
LEA Reading First Contact, Jeanna Allen; Reading First Coach for Cerro Gordo Elementary,
Tanya Head; Principal of Cerro Gordo Elementary , and Mary Ann Prevatte; Reading First Consultant

Custodian Awards Dinner

Aramark Facility Services hosted the annual awards dinner for the custodians in the Columbus County Schools on Tuesday, May 26&. Awards for the top schools went to: Top School of the Year- South Columbus High School, Top Elementary School - Old Dock Elementary School, Top Middle School - Nakina Middle School, Top High School - South Columbus High School. Kathy Jacobs at Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School won an award for the Most Improved Custodian and the Top Custodian award went to Milton Smith, Head Custodian at South Columbus High School. Runners up were Guideway Elementary School, Chadbourn Middle School and West Columbus High School with Nakina Middle School as runner up for the top school award.



Top Custodian- Milton Smith, Head Custodian, South Columbus High School

Top School of the Year -South Columbus High School -Mike Grate, Cora Nealy Barbara Howard, Luberta Hunter, Freeman Grate, Milton Smith, Head Custodian


Top Elementary School -Old Dock Elementary School- Graham Lee, Head Custodian and Kevin Gore


Top Middle School- Nakina Middle School -Larry Small and Graham Andrews, Head Custodian


Budget Update - Budget Conference Committee Proposed Tax Increase

House and Senate education budget negotiators met jointly for the first time Thursday afternoon to review differences in the spending plans proposed by the two chambers and to begin crafting a final budget.

 A major focus of the work on the budget was to gain support for a tax package that will provide $783.6 million in new state revenues that will head off some of the most severe cuts the House previously had proposed for public schools. The revised tax package, which is now incorporated in the state budget bill, would raise the state sales tax by a quarter cent. For public schools, the new funding will: maintain class sizes in kindergarten through third grade; save the following positions in FY 2009-10 – 2,586 teachers, 274 assistant principals and 357 instructional support personnel; and provide full funding for low wealth and at-risk allotments that help vulnerable schools and students.

We encourage you to contact your representatives and express your opinions about this matter.

Dewey Hill
Email: Dewey.Hill@ncleg.net
Legislative Mailing Address:
NC House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1309
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
919-733-5830

R.C. Soles
Email: RC.Soles@ncleg.net
Legislative Mailing Address:
NC Senate
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2022
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 733-5963
(portions of this release were extracted from NCASA's Legislative Link).
 


Archives Updated

Approximately 150 photographs have been added to the Columbus County Schools archive. See them here.

 



 


 

New Streaming Radio Station

Columbus County Schools now has a new streaming radio station. The station is operational 24 hours a day, streaming podcasts and events from the schools. If you have audio you would like to contribute, or if you are interested in broadcasting athletic events or other school events, please contact Kelly Jones. If you have questions or need software, please visit http://www.columbus.k12.nc.us/stream.

Click here to listen inside our network
Click here to listen outside our network

 


 

"Inside Columbus County Schools" Regarding Budget Shortfall

 


 


 


West Columbus High School North Carolina Arts Council Photography Residency

West Columbus High School recently hosted Charles Thomas, renowned photographer, at a 7 day residency where students photographed with film cameras then developed their own negatives. The theme of the project was "self and community". This slideshow explains about the process and shows aprox 60 of the 800 photographs that were taken. A large photo mural of many of the photographs will be on display in the coming weeks at West Columbus. the photographs themselves can be viewed at http://www.columbus.k12.nc.us/ncac/.
 



 

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West Columbus High School North Carolina Arts Council Photography Residency

West Columbus High School recently hosted Charles Thomas, renowned photographer, at a 7 day residency where students photographed with film cameras then developed their own negatives. The theme of the project was "self and community". This slideshow explains about the process and shows aprox 60 of the 800 photographs that were taken. A large photo mural of many of the photographs will be on display in the coming weeks at West Columbus. the photographs themselves can be viewed at http://www.columbus.k12.nc.us/ncac/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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