"Loris High School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a culture of high expectations and developing numerous programs to assist students. Loris High School believes all students can be successful and we work diligently to personalize the learning experience to meet the diverse needs of all our students. Loris High School understands the skills necessary for students to have in order be successful in an advanced technological world.
Each student is issued his/her own technology device which enables them to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. These devices are implemented on a consistent basis in all classrooms and supplement the curriculum. In addition, digital content software is used to support learning as well as encourage student remediation. Teachers review data provided by this digital software and develop lesson plans accordingly. Digital software allows students to progress at their own pace while allowing more advanced students to move forward in the curriculum at a faster pace. For students who enter our school with poor reading skills a literacy intervention program called Reading 180/System 44 is offered. This data is reviewed weekly. Once a student demonstrates proficiency they may be exited into the regular curriculum. Loris High School also offers a program called Extended Options which gives students extra academic support. This program provides the opportunity for students to receive extra help after regular school hours. Transportation and food are provided for this program. The Upward Bound Program offered through Horry Georgetown Technical College also provides remediation to students and helps them prepare to further their education beyond high school. Loris High School provides opportunities for students who wish to begin earning college credits while still in high school. In addition to the eleven Advanced Placement courses offered on the school's campus, the district has partnered with Horry Georgetown Technical College to offer dual credit courses. Students may also pursue credit for various courses through our Virtual Online Program, which is a partnership with South Carolina Virtual and Horry County Virtual.
Because Loris High School recognizes the importance of teachers using research-based instructional strategies, our school conducts Professional Learning Communities twice a month. During these sessions teachers are trained in the implementation of technology and research-based instructional strategies. Blended Learning will continue to be a main focus for our school during the 2018-2019 school year. The Blended Learning format offers students an opportunity to practice critical thinking skills and problem solve in small groups. The implementation of Blended Learning Instructional Strategies by our teachers ensure students are afforded the opportunity to collaborate in teams as they participate in various Project-Based Learning opportunities. During the scheduling process for 2018-2019, as many teachers as possible in the same disciplines are being assigned common planning blocks. Teacher collaboration is very important in ensuring strong lesson plans are developed which will ensure success for all students. School data is consistently monitored and evaluated to ensure the curriculum is aligned and rigorous. We have a very strong CATE Program which supplements our mission of ensuring students are career and college ready before graduation. At Loris High School, students are able to explore careers in such areas as Agriculture, Computer Science, and Marketing. Our school also offers a Medical Magnet Program which provides the opportunity for students to explore various careers in the medical field. The Medical Magnet Program continues to expand because of strong student interest. Job shadowing and internships were part of the Medical Magnet Program in 2017-2018 and the numbers are projected to increase for 2018-2019. These opportunities place students in various jobs in the medical field of their interest.
To help our students become better global citizens, we encourage students to be active in the many extracurricular activities offered on our campus. These activities help foster an environment conducive to student success. We are excited to report that several of our students were recognized on both the district and state levels for their participation in activities such as DECA, Varsity Track and Field, Future Farmers of America (FFA) as well as our Virtual Enterprise Program.. Students are also encouraged to participate in community service projects and activities such as Toys for Tots. During the 2018-2019 school year, Loris High School will continue to build upon our anti-bullying initiative called "Rachel's Challenge.". This program works to teach our students about personal integrity and self-direction. Plans are presently in place for 2018-2019 to develop and implement a strong mentoring program. During the 2017-2018 school year we started two clubs called Sophisticated Ladies and Distinguished Gentlemen. Both clubs taught personal character traits while offering activities for student engagement.
Loris High School is grateful for the continued support of all our stakeholders, and we look forward to the continued success of our students.
Dirk Gurley, Principal
Leronica Grate, SIC Chair
