School Briefs - Ocotber 19, 2017

THREE PSMS/PSHS TEACHERS AMONG THOSE RECEIVING ‘BRIGHT IDEAS’ GRANTS FROM BERKELEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Educators will use the funds to support innovative classroom-based projects

Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BEC) awarded nine Berkeley County School District (BCSD) teachers with “Bright Ideas” grants at their annual Bright Ideas reception at Oakley Farms on Monday, Oct. 9. Three of the award recipients are from schools serving students on the Cainhoy Peninsula: Dylan Hudson and Lisa Johnson of Philip Simmons Middle School (PSMS), and Amanda Miller of Philip Simmons High School (PSHS).

Bright Ideas is a grant program designed to provide funding for innovative classroom-based education projects. The grant helps to fund projects outside normal public school funding sources. Educators who teach Kindergarten through 12th grade, within BEC’s three county service territory, are eligible to apply.

“We are so appreciative of the support that our school district receives from Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc.,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram. “Our teachers work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of Berkeley County children so it is very encouraging to see their creativity and innovation recognized and supported by Berkeley County business partners. Thank you to BEC for investing in our children and congratulations to these deserving BCSD educators!”

At PSMS, Hudson will use his $1000 grant for “Operation Access” and Johnson will put her $1000 in funds towards “Iron Horse Fitness Fanatics.” Miller will apply her $900 grant for an initiative at PSHS using 3D Printer Pens for Project Based Learning in Algebra 1.

SCSBA NAMES GOOGLE A CHAMPION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

The South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) honored Google with a Champions for Public Education Award on Tuesday, Sept. 26, during the Berkeley County School Board Meeting.

SCSBA Executive Director Scott Price presented the association’s award along with Berkeley County School Board Chair Sally Ann Wofford to Google representatives Data Center Facilities Manager Paul Carff and Data Center Hardware Operations Manager Rob Sanchez.

The Berkeley County School District Board of Trustees nominated Google for the award, which is presented to community residents, organizations or local businesses/industries whose support of and contributions to public education have significantly benefited the school district or public schools statewide.

“Google’s ongoing investment in Berkeley County School District students, teachers, staff and community pays dividends. Its innovation fosters creativity in other business partners, making this entire community more collaborative and their students more successful,” said SCSBA Executive Director Scott Price.

In the nomination, the Berkeley County School District board recognized Google’s dedication and commitment to the success of the Berkeley County students and staff in the district. They specifically noted the time, talents and innovative resources Google gives to ensure that Berkeley County students are prepared for their next steps as graduates.

“Berkeley County School District is very proud and fortunate to have such an innovative partnership with Google,” said Board Chairwoman Sally Wofford. “The Rolling Study Halls initiative is a brilliant solution to barriers our students may face as it provides internet access to many students in our most rural communities. This technology creates opportunities to learn and grow beyond the school day. It truly opens up a new world of possibilities for BCSD students.”

To receive the award, recipients must meet the following criteria: show leadership in support of ongoing or special programs authorized by the school board; demonstrate, through actions, pride for the school district and effectively work for the betterment of the schools in the district as a whole, or for public schools statewide; and understand public education’s importance to a democratic society and actively inspire support for quality public schools within the community or state.

SC FUTURE SCHOLARS PROGRAM OFFERING CONTEST FOR YOUNG FOOTBALL FANS

Attention, South Carolina college football fans -- the state’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings plan is giving you something to “holler” about! State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recently announced the privately funded “Future Scholar Holler Facebook Sweepstakes,” which will award lucky Clemson University and University of South Carolina football fans game tickets, memorabilia signed by the coaches, and $529 in Future Scholar college savings.

Through Oct. 20, parents are invited to enter the sweepstakes by posting a public photo to their personal Facebook page of their child or family decked out in USC or Clemson gear with the hashtag “#FutureScholarHoller.” One fan from each school will be randomly selected to win a prize pack and a $529 Future Scholar contribution.

“The Future Scholar Holler Sweepstakes celebrates our State’s fun football traditions while highlighting the importance of saving for college with a Future Scholar 529 plan,” said Treasurer Loftis. “Whether they holler for Clemson or Carolina, I hope parents and kids will get excited about college and start planning now to make a college education less of a financial burden in the future.”

Winners will receive a $529 Future Scholar contribution presented by Treasurer Loftis on-field before kickoff at the specified games. In addition, winners will receive a prize pack from either Clemson (four tickets to Clemson-Citadel game on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Clemson Memorial Stadium, one item signed by head coach Dabo Swinney, and a tour of the stadium) or USC (four tickets to USC-Florida game on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Williams-Brice Stadium, one item signed by head coach Will Muschamp, and four pregame sideline passes).

For a complete list of sweepstakes rules and guidelines, visit: www.futurescholar.com/holler.