Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman to speak at gala

By James Bennett

Published: June 13, 2009

A former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman will speak at The School Foundation’s annual fundraising gala Sept. 24 in Florence.  Gen. Richard Myers, 67, will join in honoring Lt. Gen. Charles Bagnal at Florence Civic Center, said The School Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hyler.  Bagnal, 75, grew up in Florence and graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1952.

Myers was the military’s highest-ranking military officer when he served in President George W. Bush’s administration, taking charge shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He helped plan and execute the 2003 invasion of Iraq and served in that role until 2005.

“We are honored that Gen. Myers will join us as we recognize Lt. Gen. Bagnal as our 2009 distinguished graduate,” Frank James, treasurer of The School Foundation, said. “Having the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serve as this year’s keynote speaker is a testament to Lt. Gen. Bagnal’s character and exemplary service to the military. This gala certainly will prove to be Florence’s premier event of the year.”

Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend the gala, which serves as the primary fundraiser for The School Foundation. The foundation supports education in Florence School District 1.

Tickets begin at $75 for teachers and $100 for individuals. Tables of eight will go for $1,000 (bronze sponsorship), $2,500 (silver), $5,000 (gold) and $10,000 (platinum).

“The School Foundation gala is vital to our success as an organization,” fund development chairwoman Jean Leatherman said. “The dynamics of having almost 1,000 supporters in the Florence Civic Center, cheering for public education, is thrilling. “Our children, teachers and faculty need that show of affirmation,” she said. “The financial support from this event and our wonderful contributors and corporate supporters are the core of our existence.”

Bagnal was chosen as the honoree because he rose to the highest rank in his military career of all Florence School District 1 alumni. Lieutenant general is the equivalent of a three-star general. Others who served in the military also will be honored. 
Bagnal lives in Columbia with his wife, Patsy. The former Army aviator and Vietnam veteran is chairman of the West Point Society of Columbia.

BB&T will sponsor a VIP reception in Myers’ and Bagnal’s honor, Hyler said.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mailing dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org They’re also available at http://www.theschoolfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
May 27, 2009                            

Contact Debbie Hyler @ dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org or (843) 662-9996

 PRESS RELEASE

THE SCHOOL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $54,000 IN GRANTS FOR 2009 - 2010

                              Major grants winners with Roy Anne Jolley (Principal of
                                  Delmae Elementary) and Debbie Hyler, TSF Executive Director

Florence, SC – Trisha Caulder, Chair of the Grants Committee of the Board of Directors of  The School Foundation (TSF) announced the Foundation will distribute a total of $54,198.20 in grant awards to schools in Florence School District One (FSD1) for 2009-2010.  The announcement was made at a reception for grant writers held at the Drs. Bruce and Lee Library on Wednesday.  The largest grant award of $50,000 was made to a group of teachers from Delmae Elementary School.  The project entitled “Math Masters of the Pee Dee” is a program that will impact all third grade students in FSD1 through the use of Classroom Performance Systems (CPS) that engage students while providing timely feedback to educators.  Specifically, in each math class, students are given a student specific handset, or clicker, that resembles a remote.  These handsets have buttons that correspond with answer choices.  As the teacher provides electronic standards-based problems similar to those on state testing or in texts, students in turn are able to simultaneously use their handsets to record answers.  The answers are tabulated through the system and reported back in seconds in ways that not only display student data but analyze it to give teachers information on each and every student’s strengths and weaknesses.  The technology will allow the educators to target specific small groups for remediation, re-teaching, or challenge.

The Grants Committee of the TSF Board of Directors reviewed 22 applications requesting a total of $365,687.  Of the 14 applications for Mini-Grants (projects up to $500), 9 were funded for the upcoming year.  The projects include such diverse projects as a project to enable students to respond to literature using flip video cameras to produce video productions; using temperature probes and easy link cables to perform mathematical experiments; and learning math by creating activities using gas pressure probes.  The attached contains summaries of all projects funded and contact information for all grantees.  Of the 8 applications received in its Major Grants category (projects of $10,000 or more), 1 application was funded.   

“We were very excited by the number of applications received and the tremendous time, effort and research the teachers spent to compile these grant applications” stated Grants Committee Chair Trisha Caulder.  Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of TSF said “It is exciting to see the dedication teachers in FSD1 have for their students.  Our students can only excel from the innovation and creativity displayed by these teachers who are committed to helping their students excel.”  Jeff Helton, Board Chairman stated “Math Masters took it to the next level by submitting data to support their position.  This was actual data from their classrooms, not data from others’ research.  They show how this program can be expanded throughout FSD1 and we feel this will truly benefit the students by increasing their math skills as well as test scores.  We congratulate the Math Masters team and thank all the others for taking the time to prepare their presentations.  We look forward to continuing our work with FSD1 to make this and all the programs a success and encourage the community to get involved as well.”

This is the sixth year of funding for FSD1 by The School Foundation.  To date, more than $391,000 in funds have been distributed by TSF to FSD1.  The School Foundation is the largest K-12 public education endowment in the State of South Carolina. 

For additional information, see What's Happening in FSD1 week of May 25, 2009.

                         
                                                 Mini-Grant Winners                                                             
 

3 Florence 1 students earn mechatronics certification

By Shireese Bell                                                                                                                       
Morning News Reporter
Published: May 28, 2009

FLORENCE — Three students from Florence School District 1’s Florence Career Center are the first to receive certification in the Mechatronics Core Curricular from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.  Jason Zheng and Rajagh Harrison, both of South Florence High School, as well as Sheldon Ford, a student at Wilson High School, all have been certified in the areas of safety, hand tools, power tools, blueprints, rigging, communications and job seeking skills, said Jim Johnson, a mechatronics instructor at the center.  Students received a diploma, a certification card and transcript after completing eight written and hands-on exams.  The certification is a voluntary process and doesn’t impact the students’ grade for the course, Johnson said.  The mechatronics curriculum uses specialized equipment to enhance instruction in electrical wiring, circuit breakers and fuses, hydraulics,  pneumatics, robotics, electrical blueprints and other  topics.                                         

Zheng, who was the captain of Florence 1’s Florence Technomancers robotics team, said the mechatronics course is more than just an average high school course. He said the skills he learned in the class not only helped him on the robotics team but helped him prepare for a career in engineering.  “You learn it and you actually get to use it,” Zheng said. “That’s the fun part as opposed to a lot of other high school courses that you take.”  Zheng said obtaining the certification was just a natural step in his progression to become an engineer.  “It’s like a bonus,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt to have it. It’s just something we decided to do.”

Zheng is a senior and has plans to attend Clemson University to major in mechanical engineering. He has also attends Florence-Darlington Technical College through its dual-credit program.  Both Ford and Harrison agreed the certification will help give them an edge when seeking future employment.  “I knew it would be good to get certified,” Ford said.  Ford said he enjoyed the mechatronics course, especially lessons on CNC machining.  Ford, a 2009 graduate, will attend Clemson University to major in computer engineering. He was also a member of the district’s robotics team.

Harrison said the mechatronics course exposed him to the field of robotics and helped increase his curiosity for wiring and electricity.  With the certification, Harrison said he thinks he could get a better paying job than if he just took the course.

Harrison is a rising senior and has plans to major in electrical engineering at either the University of South Carolina or the University of Miami.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research is a not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials and help address the critical work force shortage facing the construction industry, according to its Web site, http://www.nccer.org.

On the Web

Florence Career Center, http://www.fsd1.org/careercenter

The National Center for Construction Education and Research, http://www.nccer.org

Rajagh Harrison, at back, smiles as teacher Jim Johnson helps students in the electricity/mechatronics class study for final exams during class Wednesday at Florence Career Center. Harrison is one of three students to receive Mechatronics Core Curricular Certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

Foundation seeks to honor teachers

By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: May 5, 2009

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and The School Foundation is calling for the community’s support in honoring local educators and acknowledging the contributions they make in one’s life.  Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation, said the foundation believes that great teachers make great schools and that this one way to show their appreciation for the dedication and service of educators.  “We would like to see the entire Florence community come together as a whole to show their appreciation to the educators in Florence School District 1,” Hyler said. “Most people remember a favorite teacher or educator who really touched their lives and this is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to that individual.”

The School Foundation has created a donation form where one can pledge a minimum of $10 in honor of their favorite teacher. All pledges are tax-deductible.  Note cards that can be personalized also are available for one to write comments about the teacher who made a difference.  Both cards can be found on the foundation’s Web site, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org. Comments from the note cards will be posted to the Web site and delivered to the educators.  Donation forms and note cards can be returned to The School Foundation, 320 W. Cheves St., Suite 175, Florence, SC 29501.  Cards can also be purchased at local banks and businesses, Hyler said.

In addition to community recognition, Florence 1 also honored its teachers as well as others in the district that were recognized on the state and national levels.  Florence 1 had its 6th annual Honors and Awards Program at Francis Marion University Tuesday, which was Teacher Appreciation Day.  The banquet recognizes Teachers of the Year, Honor Roll Teachers, the District Teacher of the Year, National Board Certified Teachers, as well as any grant recipients, state and national award winners, and anyone who have published articles during the 2008-09 school year.  Outstanding school achievements also will be recognized.  This year’s guest speaker was Jenna Hallman, South Carolina’s State Teacher of the Year for 2008-09. Hallman is a science specialist at Calhoun Academy of the Arts in Anderson.

On the Web

The School Foundation, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org
Florence School District 1, http://www.fsd1.org
National Education Association, http://www.nea.org
 

Monster gives $5,000 to The School Foundation

From local reports
Published: April 2, 2009

The School Foundation recently received a $5,000 donation from Monster Worldwide Inc., the parent company of Monster, an online job recruitment and careers resource.  The funds will be used to enrich LEAP (Florence School District 1’s Language Enrichment Acceleration Program), a pilot program founded in 2005 which originally supported intensive reading programs for all first-graders in three district elementary schools. Because of its success, all elementary schools in the district have implemented the program.  LEAP is the first grant given by The School Foundation.

Monster announced in late June it plans to invest $28 million and create 750 jobs over five years through its new customer service center in Florence. Officials from Monster and local dignitaries gathered Dec. 2 to break ground for the center at Pee Dee Electric Cooperative’s Touchstone Energy Commerce City.

The School Foundation promotes educational excellence in Florence School District 1 through grants for innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all children. For more information, contact Debbie Hyler at dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org or (843) 662-9996 or visit the foundation’s Web site at http://www.theschoolfoundation.org.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           
April 2, 2009                                                                         

Contact Debbie Hyler @ dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org or (843) 662-9996

PRESS RELEASE

 THE SCHOOL FOUNDATION RECEIVES $5,000 DONATION FROM MONSTER WORLDWIDE

Florence, SC -- The School Foundation recently received a $5,000 donation from Monster Worldwide, Inc., the parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution. The funds will be used to enrich LEAP (Florence School District One’s Language Enrichment Acceleration Program), a pilot program founded in 2005, which originally supported intensive reading programs for all first graders in three district elementary schools. Because of its success, all elementary schools in the district have implemented the program.  LEAP is the first grant given by The School Foundation.

 “We are very excited and honored that Monster has chosen to support The School Foundation and Florence School District One with this generous donation” stated Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation.  “Monster is a valuable addition to our community and we are delighted they are so supportive of our district and the 16,000 students it serves.” 

 “Reading provides the academic foundation critical to a student’s success,” said Vic Burgess, Monster’s director of Customer Service. “We are pleased to join The School Foundation in ensuring every elementary student in Florence has the opportunity to develop this important skill.”   

The School Foundation promotes educational excellence in Florence, S.C. School District One through grants for innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all children.  For more information, please contact Debbie Hyler at dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org/(843) 662-9996 or visit their website at www.theschoolfoundation.org. 

 About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW), parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 index. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at http://corporate.monster.com.

Vic Burgess (right) presents check to Debbie Hyler (center) and Larry Jackson, FSD1 Superintendent (left)

For additional information, see What's Happening in FSD1, Week of March 30, 2009.

Mom Prom to benefit The School Foundation

By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: March 25, 2009

The Florence Area Stay at Home Moms as well as Florence Mayor Stephen J. Wukela and his wife, Laura, will host a fundraiser event to benefit The School Foundation.  Mom Prom, a night where adults can dress up, dance and enjoy good food and entertainment, will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Wukelas’ home.  The black-tie optional event is for invited guests only. Any donations from those who attend the event will be donated to The School Foundation.

Laura Wukela, who is a member of the Florence Area Stay at Home Moms organization, said she wanted to make this year’s event a night where guests could have fun and contribute to the schools in Florence School District 1.  “We’re young mothers (and) we have children who are entering the public school system, or who are currently in the public school system,” Wukela said. “There was no better choice than to give the money that we raise to The School Foundation.  “They strive for excellence in Florence School District 1, where all of our children will attend or are already there,” she said. “I know The School Foundation will have good ideas about how to use that money especially since there have been so many budget cuts in the public education system.”

The School Foundation’s mission is to promote educational excellence in Florence 1 through grants for innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all children, according to its Web site http://www.theschoolfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

Contact Debbie Hyler @ dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org or (843) 662-9996
March 31, 2009                   
                           

PRESS RELEASE

                                         ’09-’10 GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The School Foundation is accepting applications from Florence School District One educators for the 2009-2010 grant cycle.  The Foundation will consider funding grants that promote excellence in academic achievement, build community involvement, or encourage innovative leadership.  

The School Foundation has partnered with Florence School District One in an effort to determine key drivers for educational success.  They contracted with the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs at Clemson University to provide a Needs Assessment that would guide the Foundation’s grant-making over the coming years so the Foundation can provide funding where it has the potential to make the greatest impact on student success.  “Determining key drivers for educational success is vital to our district’s growth, so we are proud to have been a part of this process” stated Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of The School Foundation.  “Identifying these drivers will allow us to focus on areas where our grant dollars can have the most impact”.  

A total of $55,000 has been allocated to pay for grants approved by the Foundation’s Grants Committee; $50,000 for Major grants (>$10,000) and $5,000 for Mini-grants ($200-$500).   Major grants should seek to have a broad impact across the entire school district and help prepare students for success in a worldwide economy.  Mini-grants should seek to bring innovative learning opportunities into individual classrooms.  In general, high value criteria include innovation, creativity, educational value, student involvement, and project director commitment.  Additionally, those applications that clearly and concisely describe the project and anticipate positive benefits for students in the form of achievement, motivation and character development will be favored during the evaluation process.

The School Foundation’s Grants Committee will evaluate the applications and make a recommendation to the Foundation’s board of directors.  The review process will take approximately thirty (30) days.  The Foundation will notify the grant recipients by letter shortly thereafter.
Each applicant must submit the original grant plus nine (9) copies.  Applications are available on the Foundation’s website, www.theschoolfoundation.org, and the district’s website, www.fsd1.org.  Completed applications for Major grants should be received in the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction’s Office at 319 South Dargan Street, Florence, SC.  Mini-grant applications should be received at the Office of The School Foundation, 320 West Cheves Street, Suite 175, Florence, SC.  All grants must be received on or before 4:00pm on April 24, 2009.  

For additional information, contact Debbie Hyler at The School Foundation (dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org) or call (843) 662-9996.  

 

Event raises awareness of education petition

By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: March 5, 2009

Shame, hard work, hope, change and inspiring are the words that rang loud and clear from those who came out Thursday to learn about the “Goodbye Minimally Adequate” petition, an effort urging a constitutional amendment to require high-quality schools in the state.  The event, which was held in West Florence High School’s auditorium, was aimed at educating the community about the need for high-quality education in South Carolina and the urgency to address a “flawed educational system” in order to give the state’s poorest children a louder voice.

The program began with a viewing of the documentary “Corridor of Shame: The Neglect of South Carolina’s Rural Schools,” which chronicles the conditions of some of the state’s most rural school districts and the battle for equal funding for all students. Bud Ferillo, producer and director of the “Corridor of Shame,” said the film was a “heroic story of the courage of 36 school districts” that were fighting for equal funding through the Abbeville County School District et al. v. The State of South Carolina.

“This was a special opportunity to tell a story to America,” Ferillo said. “We had no idea at the time that it would catch fire and become an emblem for the conditions of schools and rural America in the way that it has.”  Ferillo said the formulas to fund schools are “almost indecipherable to financial experts” and that what’s “happening in rural communities of America, is not acceptable in 21st century America.”  He said the fight for equal funding and high-quality education isn’t over and that people in the community can make a difference by signing the “Goodbye Minimally Adequate” petition.  A million signatures is the goal, he said. Legislation to change the state constitution from “minimally adequate” to “high-quality” must be passed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate and House of Representatives in order to put the amendment on the general election ballot for public vote in November 2010.

As of press time, there were 40,050 signatures on the Web site, http://www.goodbyeminimallyadequate.com.

Benton Wise, a senior at West Florence and founder of the student organization S.C. Advocates for Rural Education (project SCARE), said he hoped those who attended the event sign the petition in order to help make a difference in education.  Wise said he hopes everyone learns it will take a great deal of hard work to make a difference in the education.  “... don’t let it rest,” Wise said. “This is your responsibility as a citizen of South Carolina.”

After the documentary, a panel discussion was held addressing the advancement of public education in the state.  Florence 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson said the conditions of the state’s rural schools didn’t happen overnight.  “We can’t use the economy as an excuse for why we are where we are,” Jackson said. “We sat and (did) nothing.  “The funding system in this state has been inherently broken for a long time,” he said. “I think it’s a travesty that a child’s education is determined by a plot of land by which their parents happen to live on. We (should) be embarrassed by it.  “Slavery was the South’s greatest shame 200 years ago. The lack of appropriate educational funding is now our new shame.”

The event also was sponsored by The School Foundation.

On the Web

The School Foundation, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org

To sign the petition, visit http://www.goodbyeminimallyadequate.com
 

Event to draw attention to education petition
 
By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: February 27, 2009

S.C. Advocates for Rural Education (project SCARE), a student organization founded by West Florence High School senior Benton Wise, and The School Foundation is inviting the public to learn about the “Goodbye Minimally Adequate” petition, an effort urging a constitutional amendment to require high-quality schools in the state.

The event will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at West Florence High School Auditorium, 221 N. Beltline Drive, Florence.

There will be a screening of the documentary “Corridor of Shame: The Neglect of South Carolina’s Rural Schools” preceding a panel discussion addressing the advancement of public education in the state.  Panelists include Bud Ferillo, producer and director of the “Corridor of Shame,” Jena Hallman, the state’s 2009 Teacher of the Year, as well as Florence School District 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson and Angela Slagle Huggins, principal of Rains-Centenary Elementary School in Marion School District 7.

Wise, a Marion native, established project SCARE in 2008 after attending the Emerging Public Leaders summer program at the Riley Institute at Furman University.  Wise said those who attended the program were charged with creating a local community service project.  He said he wanted his project to focus on the students of the documentary and that he has been working since September to bring attention to their plight.  Wise said he hopes those who attend Thursday’s event will leave inspired to make a change in their communities. 

“I hope that their eyes will be open to the horrible conditions that South Carolina children have to face every day whenever they go to school,” he said. “I hope that they will be inspired to go back to their own communities and spread the word, and make a collective effort to right this wrong by circulating a ‘Goodbye Minimally Adequate’ petition.”

Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation, said she wanted to co-sponsor the event because people needed to be made aware of what’s going on in public education.  “Even though the ‘Corridor of Shame’ does not have any Florence School District 1 schools in it, it’s our backyard,” Hyler said. “It’s our state and I just think that the times now really suggest that people pay more attention to public education.  “To me, it’s just one of the foundations for our whole society,” she said. “It (education) belongs to the people and I think people need to be aware of what’s going on.”

For more information on Thursday’s event, contact Hyler, at (843) 662-9996 or dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Awareness event for the “Goodbye Minimally Adequate” petition sponsored by S.C. Advocates for Rural Education (project SCARE) and The School Foundation

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: West Florence High School Auditorium, 221 N. Beltline Drive, Florence

INFO: Contact Debbie Hyler, at (843) 662-9996 or dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 2, 2009
   
Contact:  Debbie Hyler @ dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org or (843) 662-9996
  
The School Foundation Joins National Network of Nonprofit Organizations Working to Ensure a Quality Public Education for All Children
 
Florence, South Carolina) – Signaling its commitment to improve public education for all children in Florence School District One, The School Foundation today announced that it has joined Public Education Network (PEN), the nation’s largest association of community-based organizations working to ensure that all children benefit from a quality public education. The School Foundation joins 81 other local education funds in 34 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 5 countries Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, Tanzania and South Africa that operate in unique partnership with their public schools and their communities.

“Our membership in this national network will help us as we pursue our strategies to improve our local public schools for all children in Florence,” said Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of The School Foundation. “We’ll certainly learn from the experiences of diverse communities throughout the nation.” 

 Public Education Network is dedicated to improving public school quality for all children, but especially for those in low-income communities nationwide. “Our members help the public understand that each and every one of us is responsible for the quality of public education in our communities,” said Wendy D. Puriefoy, president of Public Education Network. “Organizations like The School Foundation play a critical role in helping the public act on their responsibility by promoting strategies that lead to increased student achievement, so that every child, and every community, gains the benefits of quality public education.”

 “Strengthening our schools is the responsibility of our entire community,” Jeff Helton, Chairman of The School Foundation board said.  “Here in Florence, community-based organizations, the school district, teachers, students, families, and the business community must work together to ensure a quality system of education for all our students.”

 About The School Foundation

 The School Foundation promotes educational excellence in Florence, S.C.School District One through grants and innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all children.

 About Public Education Network 
 
Public Education Network (PEN) is a national association of local education funds (LEFs) and individuals working to advance public school reform in low-income communities across our country.   Our network of LEFs operates in 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, serving 11 million students—that’s 22 percent of America’s public school population—in 16,000 schools in more than 1,600 school districts in low-income areas. In addition, PEN's international affiliates serve over 7,000,000 children in Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Tanzania and South Africa.

PEN seeks to build public demand and mobilize resources for quality public education for all children. PEN believes community engagement is the missing ingredient in school reform, and that the level of public involvement ultimately determines the quality of education provided by public schools.
 
For more information on PEN and the work of local education funds across the country, visit www.PublicEducation.org or call PEN at 202-628-7460.
  
For more information on The School Foundation, visit www.theschoolfoundation.org or call 843-662-9996. 

For additional information, take a Look at What's Happening this week in FSD1. 

 

Florence 1 parent council to meet on school budget

From local reports
Published: February 6, 2009

The Council of Parent Leaders of Florence School District 1 will meet Tuesday to discuss the district’s school budget, among other topics.  The meeting, sponsored by The School Foundation, is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in room 2A of Poynor Adult/Community Education Center, 301 S. Dargan St., Florence.

Florence 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson and Luther Rabon, the district’s chief financial officer, will discuss budget concerns for the district.  Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of The School Foundation, also will discuss The School Foundation’s Online Community and introduce those who attend the meeting to the council online discussion group.

Snacks and light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, call Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or e-mail her at dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org .
 

Educators visit homes to help bring students back to school

By Jamie Rogers
Morning News Reporter
Published: August 23, 2008

FLORENCE —More than 100 students that didn’t show up for class at three area high schools ended up having school teachers and administrators show up on their doorsteps Saturday.

Florence School District 1 educators didn’t show up at student’s doors to question them about their whereabouts but to encourage them to finish their education, said Fred Elmore, a West Florence High School math teacher. Elmore, along with other volunteers, visited the homes of about 118 students as part of the Graduate Florence, Opening Doors to the Future Day.

Graduate Florence, a district-wide initiative designed to lower the dropout rate, was implemented this year by Florence School District One superintendent Larry Jackson. 

Currently, 7 out of 10 students in the district graduate — and that number is unacceptable to some.

This is why volunteers took a direct, face-to-face approach to let students know they cared.

Volunteer teams set out Saturday morning with registration paperwork in tow so students could be fast-tracked back into school. Volunteers were placed in several car groups and given the names and a
addresses of students who had not registered for school.

“We came this morning because we missed you, and we want you to come back,” West Florence High teacher Johanne Gibson said as she stood at the door of one student.
Gibson, Elmore and their teammates were given the assignment to find and encourage three West Florence students who hadn’t showed up for the first week of classes.

Two were already enrolled in other schools while the other was planning on coming back after completing a stint in alternative school.

“I think it was successful. I think we are getting the word out in the community ... District 1 does want these kids in school, and we will do whatever we have to to enrolled them and get them back,” Gibson said.

Students drop out for many reasons, but those reasons don’t really matter, Elmore said. 

“The reason they’re not there is small— the important thing is what can we do to get you back,” he said. “When you ask ‘why,’ there’s that opportunity to become judgmental and make them feel lessened in some way.”

Sometimes it’s not even the student’s choice not to be in school, Gibson said.

West Florence High Assistant Principal Mark Fraiser said he encountered a student with those circumstances Saturday.

“ ... They had one check coming in the house. She was about to be evicted, but (the child’s) mother managed to raise the money and pay the rent for that month,” Fraiser said. “The child is not in school because the child doesn’t have any clothes ... the mother said she was praying, and she was asking God what to do.”

Fraiser said the group managed to get the child registered for ninth grade and made arrangements for clothing and supplies through his fraternity.

Most students in the district drop out in the ninth grade, Elmore said.

“When you first think about it, it seemed awfully strange that they would dropout that young, but in a ninth grader’s mind (they’re saying), ‘Oh, I’ve got to go four more years,’ and they’ve already been frustrated with school for some reason.”

A dropout’s annual salary is $9,200 less than that of a high school graduate, and dropouts cost the public $24 billion annually in crime and welfare benefits, Jackson said.

Additionally, recruiting new businesses to the area is easier when there is an educated work force there to greet them, said B. Frank James, a Graduate Florence volunteer and senior vice president of BB&T.

“The moral fiber of the community would be so much better ... So many more doors are opened with an education,” James said.
James said understands not everybody is designed to be a college graduate but that some residents might have other fruitful ambitions. That’s why schools need vocational programs, he said.

“Schools should provide something that is of interest to the kid, something that motivates him to return to school,” James said.

Graduate Florence is a partnership with the School Foundation, the S.C. Department of Education, the National Dropout Prevention Center, and the Mayor’s Coalition to Prevent Juvenile Crime.

For additional information, click here to view A Look at What's Happening this week in Florence School District One for the week of August 25, 2008.

Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of The School Foundation, gives a thumbs up to Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, Inc. for giving $25,000 to the foundation on July 10 as part of Honda's 10th anniversary celebration.  Honda also gave the same amount to Florence School District 4 and the Timmonsville Public Library.  The donation to the foundation isn't designated for a specific program, Hyler said.  Some of it will help the foundation's grants program for Florence School District 1. The School Foundation, which supports all students who attend public school in Florence School District 1, is the largest endowment for any public K-12 school system in South Carolina.  The money raised by the foundation doesn't go toward normal district operating expenses; rather, it targets student academic achievement and good citizenship, teacher quality, school safety and district leadership and impacts quality through grants of $10,000 or more.  "Honda continues to be a dedicated community partner by supporting The School Foundation's efforts to promote educational excellence in Florence School District 1," Hyler wrote.  "They recognize that a strong public school system helps the entire community by both preparing students for the work force and attracting new industries to the area."

Education News

Florence School District One

319 South Dargan Street

Florence, SC   29506                                                            Contact:  Pam Little-McDaniel

                                                                                                Director of Public Information

                                                                                                (843) 669-4141

For Release: July 28, 2008

Re:   Jackson:  Let’s Open Doors to the Future and Graduate Florence;  

Florence One Superintendent on a Mission to Re-Claim and Graduate Dropouts

            Florence School District One Superintendent Larry Jackson unveiled plans to decrease the dropout rate in Florence Schools.   On Monday, he outlined the details of what he called Graduate Florence.

            According to Jackson, the graduation rate in Florence One directly correlates to economic development in the greater Florence community. “Empty desks that are vacant belonging to students who have dropped out have an adverse affect on the community.” Jackson said, “I want Florence to be aware that a dropout’s annual salary is $9,200 less than that of a high school graduate; that nationally, dropouts cost the public $24 billion annually in crime and welfare benefits; and that recruiting new businesses in Florence is easer with an educated population base.”

            Jackson said for these reasons, he is committed to a one-day outreach event where volunteers will literally knock on doors and encourage its high school dropouts to return to school. He said Graduate Florence is designed to improve the students’ chances of having a successful life; educate the community  about the impact dropouts have; reduce the social and economic impact of dropouts; enhance economic development; and increase the graduation rate.

            He called the one-day outreach event of Graduate Florence, Opening Doors to the Future Day, which he announced will be held on Saturday, August 23^rd beginning at 8:00 a.m. when all three high schools will be open.    Jackson said on that date phone calls will be made to homes of a listing of eligible students (dropouts); the dropouts will be visited and invited by volunteers to return to school. 

            “We’ll be ready to go door to door and welcome the students back to school with open arms,” said Jackson.  “If the students agree to re-enroll, on-the-spot transportation will be provided to any one of our three high schools: South Florence, West Florence or Wilson.”

            Jackson said that when the students arrive at the high schools, they will be greeted by specialists who will direct them to begin to re-open the doors to their future.   According to Jackson the idea of the door-to-door invitation of dropouts to return to school has received the attention of State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex who has indicated that if his schedule permits, he plans to visit Florence and join Jackson and the volunteers who will participate in the one-day outreach event on the 23^rd.

“The plan makes perfect economic sense,” said Jackson. “Students who graduate have better earning potential, become contributing members of society, and improve their own personal health and longevity.”

When asked about the difficulty some students may have in returning to school, Jackson said, “We do understand that educating many of our students who have dropped out is going to take some special effort on our part to meet their needs and for these students, we are prepared.”  He said the trained specialists will work with the students to decide which programs would be best for them. He pointed to several options that will be offered to the students on Opening the Doors to the Future Day including:  Homebound services; Adult education; The teen parent program; Virtual learning (computer based education).

            “Our goal is to drastically decrease the dropout rate. The latest South Carolina Annual School Report Card indicates that Florence One’s graduation rate is 68.5% with comparable districts graduating students at a rate of 72.9%. “We’re working toward a goal of a graduation rate of 100%,” said Jackson.  “All students should graduate!”

             He said school faculty and staff members are working hard to ensure that students do not drop out of school by providing smaller communities (through the 9^th grade academies at the three high schools); faith based mentoring; after school tutoring, parent seminars and several other programs.

            According to Jackson, major partners of Graduate Florence are the South Carolina Department of Education, the National Dropout Prevention Center, the Mayor’s Coalition to Prevent Juvenile Crime, and The School Foundation. He said persons who wish to volunteer to participate in reclaiming students on Opening Doors to the Future Day on August 23^rd should call Debbie Hyler at 662-9996 or Jim Shaw at 673-1128 or visit the websites at www.fsd1.org or www.theschoolfoundation.org. Volunteer training for the “Opening Doors to the Future Day” will be held on August 12^th and 14^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Poynor Building, located at 301 South Dargan Street.  Volunteers may attend either session.  To download the Opening Doors to the Future Volunteer Information sign-up sheet, click here.

The School Foundation presents board of directors

By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: July 12, 2008

A “diverse group of business people, civic leaders and educators committed to educational excellence in Florence School District 1” is what The School Foundation seeks when it comes to its board of directors.

The foundation’s 2008-09 board officers said they are committed to educational excellence, as well as to the community and the future of Florence.

Jeff Helton
Helton, assistant vice president of support services at Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing Inc. in Timmonsville, said serving as chairman is an opportunity for him to help improve education, the community and the work force as a whole.

“I think that every child should be able to have a dream and we should be able to support that dream in whatever way possible,” Helton said. “If we can improve upon our education, we can improve our overall work force and our community to make this area to where businesses will want to come.”

Helton said education is one of his passions and he is looking forward to continuing the foundation’s efforts and partnership with Florence 1 in determining the district’s needs and providing support to help meet those needs.

Helton earned an associate’s degree in industrial management from Florence-Darlington Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in business from Francis Marion University.

Helton and his wife, Sherri, have two children: Haley, 17, and Whitney, 14.

Hood Temple
As vice chairman, Temple, an attorney at The Hyman Law Firm in Florence, said he hopes he can meet his fellow board members’ expectations and continue the work of fundraising and promoting education excellence.

“I am honored to serve as vice chairman of The School Foundation’s Board of Directors,” he said. “I think that the tradition of excellence that has been set by the (previous) board and the officers really set a high bar, and I feel a lot of responsibility and excitement about continuing that tradition.”

Temple said while this will be his first year as a member of the foundation’s board, he has always supported its efforts and commitment to education in Florence.

Temple received a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Temple and his wife, Kellie, have four children: Michael, 9; Sarah and Savannah, 3; and William, 11 months.

Allie E. Brooks
Brooks, a retired educator, will serve as the board’s secretary and brings more than 36 years of educational experience to the table.

“I’ve seen the limitations that individual schools as well as the school district have in terms of being able to meet the instructional needs of students ...,” Brooks said. “Being a part of The School Foundation enables me to give back some of what has been given to me.

Brooks said being able to help provide opportunities for students that wouldn’t be possible with the district’s budget is one reason he’s a member.

Brooks received a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of South Carolina. He completed the Institute on the Principal and School Improvement at Harvard University and continued graduate work at USC until his retirement in 2005. He was awarded an honorary degree from Francis Marion University in 2006 and The School Foundation honored him with the Distinguished Graduate distinction in 2005.

Brooks and his wife Barbara, have three children: Allie Eugene III, Deanna Fredrica and Thelma Susanna Eaddy.

David Williams
Williams, Florence’s city manager, serves as treasurer and he said he hopes to use his experiences and financial background to help the foundation in anyway he can.

“I feel like I can help them out with my financial background,” Williams said. “Whether I can help them bring in more money, I don’t know, but I’m willing to try it.”

Williams said he was always interested in the foundation and the work with the district to provide a quality education through grant funding and other support is why he decided to become a member.

Williams, a certified public accountant, earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina. Williams and his wife, Anita, have a daughter, Leah Reynolds.

The School Foundation awards more than $90,000 in funding to Florence School District 1.

By Shireese Bell

Morning News Reporter
Published: May 28, 2008

The School Foundation has awarded more than $90,000 in grant funding for projects for students in Florence School District 1.

“The applications this year left no doubt that there are many innovative and committed teachers in Florence School District 1,” said Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation. “The School Foundation is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging these qualities.”

Grant recipients were recognized during a reception Wednesday at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library in Florence.

Grants of $200 to $500 each were awarded in the Mini grants category, while grants of $10,000 or more were awarded in the Major grants category.

The foundation received 29 applications for the Mini grant category and 10 applications in the Major grant category.

“There were multiple projects that were worth funding,” Hyler said. “It’s a shame we can’t fund more.

“Obviously, the more money we raise, the more we can fund,” she said. “It just truly shows, to me, that there are lots and lots of great teachers with wonderful ideas.”

Grants were chosen based on innovation, creativity, educational value, student involvement and level of positive benefits for students.

“We were tremendously excited by the number and breadth of applications,” Trisha Caulder, chairwoman of The School Foundation’s grants committee, said in a press release. “It was an extremely difficult decision this year.

“The grants committee really had a difficult time,” she said. “There were so many more we wanted to fund.”

In the major grant category, Dewey L. Carter Elementary School, Southside Middle School and South Florence High School received $90,000 for a joint project called “Bridging the Divide.”

The project will target at-risk students in sixth through ninth grades. Teachers will be able to enhance instruction and engage students through the use of such technology as laptops, iPods and digital programs.

A total of $4,820 was awarded in the Mini grants category. The amount and projects are:

·      $500, “Around the Town”— A project for three kindergarten classes at Henry Timrod Elementary School to develop oral language and writing skills, as well as develop an understanding of how families and communities lived in the past through a social studies unit about their community.

·      $498, “Video Broadcasting” — Additional equipment to support an increase in students enrolling in South Florence High School’s Video Broadcasting class. The class produces a live morning show (Bruin News Network).

·      $500, “Writing Through the Ages” — For resource books, materials and equipment for seventh-grade students in English language arts and social studies at Williams Middle School to research periods of history.

·      $500, “The Round Table” — For the creation of an afterschool book club at West Florence High School.

·      $500, “It is Rocket Science After All” — A project to help develop interest in science and technology. The Wilson High School Rocket Club will be able to design, build and fly a model rocket.

Five grants were awarded to Theodore Lester Elementary School:

·      $500 for “Cooking and Eating Our Way Through the Standards” — A project designed to enhance the teaching of the curriculum standards for third-grade students through cooking activities and reading.

·      $460, “Math Munchers” — A project designed for students to improve their math skills through cooking activities at school and at home.

·      $362, “Puppets in the Classroom” — For the purchase of puppets for a five-year-old kindergarten class. The puppets will be used as a motivational tool and for academic instruction.

·      $500, “Family Folk Stories” — A writing project for third- through sixth-grade students in English language arts.

·      $500, “Literacy Through Listening” — A literacy project for fourth-grade students. Audio media will be used to help students improve reading skills.

Hyler said the foundation will offer a grant writing workshop Feb. 6 for schools interested in learning about writing Mini and Major grant applications.

On the Web
The School Foundation: http://www.theschoolfoundation.org

A look at What's Happening week of June 2, 2008 in Florence School District One

School Group Aims For Better Links Between Parents 

Parents, teachers and principals of Florence School District 1 recently attended the inaugural meeting of the Council of Parent Leaders of Florence School District 1 for an opportunity to network and develop stronger communicational ties among parent leaders.

The School Foundation announced the formation of the council, which represents members of the Association of Parents and Teachers (APT) and School Improvement Council (SIC) in each of the district’s 23 schools.

Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation, said the council’s goal is to allow active members of the school community to create greater communication with and development of parent leaders within the district.

Hyler said The School Foundation will convene roundtable discussions; provide parent leaders with the opportunity to network with other parent leaders; develop a communication structure for parent leaders; arrange for the council members to meet with Florence School District 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson several times a year; and sponsor speakers of interest.

The council’s first meeting was held Tuesday at the Poynor Adult/Community Education Center and featured Charles “Chuck” J. Saylors, the 2007-09 national president-elect of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), as the group’s first guest speaker.

Saylors is the group’s first male national president-elect.

“I’m very pleased (with the attendance),” Hyler said. “You could feel the energy in the room by the end of the night.

Saylors discussed best practices in parent organizations, Hyler said. Saylors highlighted four areas: finance, programs, membership and communications.

He also discussed the importance of involving men in these parent organizations.

Tom Snider, 2008-09 president of Carver Elementary School’s APT, said the council’s formation will help parent organizations become better.

“The more ideas you get together with other people, the more you can put together and maybe build something better,” Snider said. “It was a great thing.”

Hyler said the meetings will be held quarterly, and she will survey participants to get information on future topics and possible meeting dates.

For more details on the council, contact Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or dhyler@theschool foundation.org

From The Executive Director....

This past year has been a successful one for The School Foundation.  I hope you will take a few moments to review our Annual Report.  It is encouraging to see the support of many businesses and individuals who have partnered with us this year for the first time either as a donor or a volunteer. 

Some of the most satisfying experiences this year were interactions with students and teachers.  In addition to the grant funds provided for the Florence Career Center’s Mechatronics curriculum and equipment, we were able to arrange for them to tour Wellman, Inc.  For perhaps the first time, students were able to see real career opportunities, and how the skills they are learning in the Mechatronics class are relevant in today’s competitive workplace.  This valuable experience energized the students!

Time was also spent time at the Career Center with students benefiting from The Foundation’s support of the Health Science curriculum.  The students are thriving in this environment, which, with much of the necessary equipment and supplies, provides a rich, hands-on learning experience.  These students are excited about making a difference in the lives of others by becoming health care professionals!

We encourage you to capture some of our excitement and to become involved with educating the future workers of Florence!   We look forward to partnering with you in the coming year.   By bringing the business and education communities together to become actively involved with public education, each of us can make a dynamic difference in the education of the students of Florence School District 1!

Best Wishes,

Debbie Hyler

It’s not too late to make a year-end gift to The School Foundation.  You can donate securely online using your credit card at www.theschoolfoundation.org or send your check directly to The School Foundation, 320 W. Cheves Street, Suite 175, Florence, SC  29501.