September 23, 2016
In This Issue
Here's a look at what's happening around District Five schools this week!
District News
Traffic Stop Aims To Make Road Safer For D5 Students, Schools

A change is coming soon to a major District Five intersection, that will hopefully make that ride to and from school safer for students and families.

Beginning Thursday, September 29, the intersection at Highway 358 (Holly Springs Road) and Pine Ridge Road will become a 4-way stop.  The change aims to reduce traffic speed, and hopefully accidents in the area.  The intersection primarily affects students at D.R. Hill Middle School and Lyman Elementary.

Parents and families traveling those roads should take note of these rules:

District Five Students Swing For First Tee Challenge

Dozens of District Five students grabbed their golf clubs and headed out to the First Tee challenge Friday, competing against schools from across Spartanburg and Cherokee County.

The national program teaches students the game of golf, while also instilling character values like honesty, integrity and good sportsmanship.

Congratulations to Reidville Elementary School, for being named Grand Champions of the event!

Berry Shoals, River Ridge Elementary, and Abner Creek Academy also participated in the event.  Here's a picture of Abner Creek students  Lanie Budnick, Rylee Scott, Chance Florence, and Garrett Hill.  We are proud of all of our District Five participants!

Buy A Piece Of Byrnes History

If you're a die hard Rebel, the Byrnes High School AFJROTC has just the opportunity for you!

In commemoration of the 2016 Construction Project, cadets are sponsoring a brick fundraiser project to benefit the Byrnes High Student Council, the Fishing Club, and AFJROTC.

200 bricks were "rescued" from the demolition of the original Byrnes cafeteria which later became the AFJROTC wing. Each has a commemorative plaque and is individually numbered - no two are alike.

Individual number requests will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The requested donation is $50 and all proceeds will go toward student activities and support at Byrnes High School.

If you would like to participate please call AFJROTC at 864-949-2364 or email us at afjrotc.sc.932@gmail.com . Bricks will also be available during home football games.

Support this worthwhile cause, and Go Rebels!
School News
College Fair Comes To Byrnes

Students at Byrnes High School got a glimpse into their futures this week at the school's annual college fair.

Dozens of colleges and universities from across the Carolinas and Southeast visited the campus, to give students a look at what they had to offer.

Every size of school was represented:  from Clemson and Carolina, to Presbyterian and Catawba College.  Students were able to talk to representatives about everything from tuition to admission procedures and areas of study.

Hundreds of students attended the fair, getting a jump start on their futures.

Way to go, Byrnes!



Families Flock To Abner Creek Academy

It was double the fun this week at Abner Creek Academy!

For two separate nights, the school hosted "Family Fun Night", inviting parents and students to come enjoy some quality time together.

Grades K4-2nd visited the school Tuesday, while 3rd-4th grade students came with their parents on Thursday.  Families enjoyed STEM activities, games in the gym, and the school book fair.

Abner Creek also took the opportunity to educate parents about the district's one-to-one program, and distribute laptops to students who will be taking the devices home.

It was a great night of family fun!  Great job, Abner Creek!


Fun on the Farm For Reidville Students

K5 students at Reidville Elementary School took learning outside the classroom Friday!

Students and their teachers headed to Grey Rock Farm for the day, where they learned about cows, the community, and even got to take home a pumpkin!  Students also had a great chance to learn about potential jobs in agriculture.

Keep up the good work, Reidville!
Byrnes Celebrates Evening of Excellence

Some of Byrnes High School's most outstanding students were honored recently at the school's annual "Evening of Excellence" program.

The program, sponsored by SEW Eurodrive, recognizes the top 15 students in each class, as well as students earning the highest academic average in each course.

The top 15 recipients are:

Class of 2017 
Samuel Beckley, Katherine Blackwood, Arlind Bytyqi, Peyton Elmore, Camille Fendley, Hayle Hudgins, Quinton Kinzie, Grayson McAlister, Emily Morrison, Codie Powell, Rachel Seto, Ellie Stephens, Haley Thackston, Martin Trinh,
Anna Wang

Class of 2018 
Savannah Allen, Brittney Atkins, Samuel Brown, Jacob Brown, Thomas Burkett, Lauren Gohs, Margaret Gurley, Victoria Hall, Mia Hannu, Caroline Hopkins, Anna Horner, Nikki Jackson, Kelly Marsh, Kaitlyn Moss, Rebecca Turner

Class of 2019  
Kristen Adolf, Alexis Blackwell, Kalika Bridwell, Anna Cantrell, Owen Cieluch, Auburn Collins, Caroline Emerson, Jenna Figueiredo, Jared Hawkins, Lauren Lee, Rebecca Lewis, Audrey Nguyen, Bailey Reeves, Victoria White, Andrew Wood

This is the 20th year for the Evening of Excellence program.  We are proud of you, Byrnes students!

For a look at all the honorees, click here.



Duncan Teams Up To Feed The Hungry

Students at Duncan Elementary School are driving out hunger, one can at a time!  The school's Student Council recently organized their annual canned food drive to benefit Middle Tyger Community Center.

Students brought in bags and boxes of cans, fueled by a friendly competition amongst the classes!  The class that was able to collect the most cans was promised a popcorn party for their class at the end of the week.

After just a week, the school raised a total of 1,427 cans!  Winners were announced for each grade level, and the overall champion was Amanda Wilson's 4th grade class with a total of 171 cans!

Way to go, Duncan!


History Camp Comes To River Ridge

4th grade students at River Ridge Elementary School traveled back in time this week, and became explorers with a visit from Captain Sadler's Living History Camp!

Students learned how to write with quill pens, barter for their "needs" vs. "wants", tried on Viking and Native American clothing, and tried out early navigation tools.  They also had fun playing a game of "Shut the Box", and learned about the spice trade while making a BBQ spice rub.
 
It was a great experience as students get ready to learn all about exploration and settlement in America! 

Byrnes Students Talk Trash To Help Environment
More than a dozen  Byrnes High School students got their hands dirty this past weekend for a good cause!

The students participated in the Spartanburg Water System's annual "Lake Sweep", committing to collect thousands of pounds of trash from Lake Bowen.  Together, teams collected over 24,000 pounds of debris from the lake, which acts as Spartanburg County's drinking water reservoir.  Students picked up everything from tires, to furniture pieces and appliances, and then sorted it out for recycling.

Participating students and teachers were:   Gabrielle Butz, Anna Cantrell, Alexander Daniels, Randy Daniels, Aubrey Edwards, Jakariah Flemmings, Steven Greer, Mitzi Herr, Caroline Hopkins, Olivia Jackson, Angeline Kahoun, Sarah Lee, Minnie Ng, Heena Patel, Mackenzie Solesbee, Keaira Snoddy, Skyler Tipton, Victoria White, Stephanie Yang, Mrs. Patricia White, Mrs. Rhonda Dodson, and Mrs. Laura Thompson.

This marks the 20th consecutive year Byrnes students have participated in the event.

Way to go, Rebels!



Students Head To Statehouse

3rd grade students from River Ridge Elementary School took a break from their classrooms last week, for a trip to the state capitol!

Students and teachers toured the State House and grounds, and one lucky group even had a chance to meet Governor Nikki Haley.

The group then explored the State Museum, discovering interesting facts about South Carolina history.  It was a wonderful day of learning!

Great job, River Ridge!


Sports News
Lady Rebel's Future Looks Bright

Byrnes High School softball player, Parker Birch, will be taking her talents to the next level next year!

The Senior shortstop has committed to playing at Erskine College.

Congratulations, Parker!

Upcoming Events
Monday, September 26
  • RRES Fall Book Fair
  • FCMS Volleyball vs. Boiling Springs 5:00 p.m.
  • Board of Trustees Meeting 6:30 p.m.
  • BHS Ring Ceremony 7:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, September 27

  • RRES Fall Book Fair
  • RRES Fall Picture Day
  • RRES Family Night At Book Fair
  • BSIS Open House 4:00-6:00 p.m.
  • BFA Duncan Ruritan Chorus 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • RRES McDonald's Spirit Night 5:00-8:00 p.m.
     
Wednesday, September 28
  • FCMS 8th Grade Parent Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m.
  • FCMS 7th Grade Football vs. Boiling Springs 5:00 p.m.
  • FCMS Volleyball vs. Sims 5:00 p.m.
     
Thursday, September 29     
  • FCMS 7th Grade Parent Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m.
  • WA Spirit Nigh at McDonald's 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  • FCMS 8th Grade Football vs. Boiling Springs 5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 30
  • RVES Fall Picture Day
  • DES Back to School Dance (4th Grade) 2:45-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 1

  • BHS Tournament of the Bands (all day)
Stay Connected With District Five!
As we begin a new year, make sure you stay connected with District Five for all your latest news, announcements, and sneak peeks into our classrooms!  Here are a couple of ways you can stay connected all year long:

SOCIAL MEDIA:  District Five is very active on social media, sharing all kinds of exciting news from our classrooms, and highlighting our students and teachers.  Be sure and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or (brand new just this year) Instagram! 
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View on Instagram

MOBILE APP:  If you want your news on the go, and in the palm of your hand, the D5 mobile app is for you!  Everything from calendars to lunch menus, along with emergency notifications can be found there.  Download the app FOR FREE for your Apple or Android device today.  Simply search Spartanburg District 5 Schools!
Send Us Your News!
If you have an item you want featured in D5 News, please email District Five Director of Public Relations Melissa Robinette at melissa.robinette@spart5.net

Help us spread the good news of District Five!
Spartanburg District Five Schools | | melissa.robinette@spart5.net | http://www.spart5.net
100 North Danzler Rd.
Duncan, SC 29334