Some of District Five's best teachers and students were honored before our Board of Trustees this week, as the District recognized excellence in fine arts and the classroom.

April Jennings, a special education teacher at Wellford Academy, and Nancy Smith, an ESOL teacher at Berry Shoals Intermediate School, were named "Five's Finest" teachers, an award that celebrates educators who are going above and beyond to see students succeed.

Started in 2014, the "Five's Finest" program recognizes teachers who always go the extra mile both in, and outside, their classrooms.



Byrnes High School senior Matthew Powell was also honored for being named the South Carolina's "Outstanding Bandsman" for 2016.  The award is given by Phi Beta Mu to the best band student in the state annually.  Congratulations Matthew!

Finally, band and orchestra programs from all of the District's intermediate and middle schools, along with the Freshman Academy and high school, were applauded for their performances at this year's concert festival.  For the first time in memory, band programs at Beech Springs Intermediate, Berry Shoals Intermediate, D.R. Hill Middle, Florence Chapel Middle, Freshman Academy, and Byrnes High School received "Superior with Distinction" marks at the annual SCBDA festival.

In addition, orchestra programs at D.R. Hill Middle, Florence Chapel Middle, Freshman Academy and Byrnes High School all received "Superior" marks at their SCMEA festival.

The Byrnes High School Rebel Regiment band was also honored for its 2015 5A Upper State Championship. 

Congratulations to all of you!

Byrnes High School boys basketball Coach Layne Fowler has a new honor to put on his wall, along with this year's state championship trophy.  Last week, USA Today named Fowler it's SC Coach of the Year!

The Byrnes alumni and former player was recognized for leading the Runnin' Rebels to the AAAA state championship this year.

Congratulations Coach Layne Fowler!

To read the article, click here.

Great job, River Ridge!

Students at Duncan Elementary School got to take a break from testing this week for a visit from the Tooth Wizard and Mr. Plaque!  Dental Dental Land of Smiles, a program offered across the state, brought their mobile show to Duncan to entertain students about with lessons about oral health and taking care of their teeth.

Kindergarten through 3rd grade students enjoyed the interactive show, which involved teaching children the importance of dental health and proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and overall dental care.  

Several children were even chosen to participate in the show as volunteers!

Students were each given a care packet, including a toothbrush, dental floss, and an instructional coloring book to take home.

It was a HUGE hit!  Good job, Duncan!

 

In total, the school raised $1,150.00 and donated a van load of much needed supplies for the  Spartanburg Humane Society !  Ms. Ingrid Norris, the education coordinator for the shelter, came and spoke to many of the classes and taught fabulous lessons on being responsible pet owners, and she was overwhelmed at the generosity of Abner Creek students and staff!  

Way to go, Abner Creek!

After a long week of testing SC Ready, 3rd

graders at Reidville Elementary School enjoyed a Science Day last week!

The students switched between all four teachers, doing coding in the one to one classroom, an activity where science and social studies were integrated using adaptations with the South Carolina regions, a STEM lesson integrating ELA and science where the students were trying to create a parachute for Jack so that he could escape the giant, and Earth Day activities.  

It was a fun day of learning!  Way to go, Reidville!

This week, moms invaded the campus of Duncan Elementary to share a delicious Krispy Kreme Donut and coffee with their child for their annual Munching with Moms! 

Smiles and laughter could be heard roaring through the cafeteria as all of the mothers thoroughly enjoyed their special day. 

Thanks Moms!