Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by living out our mission statement to empower and inspire all to be educated and informed. The administrators, faculty, and staff in LCSD 55 work diligently to cultivate innovative teaching strategies with standards-based, personalized instruction to ensure that our students acquire the skills needed to reach greater academic and personal heights. The district focuses on developing self-directed graduates who are confident in academics, sophisticated in learning, accomplished in 21st-century skills, global in orientation, and prepared as leaders and global citizens. Teachers provide students with a high-quality, rigorous education using a guaranteed and viable curriculum that prepares them for college and/or a career. During the 2021-2022 school year, students, staff, and the district as a whole experienced significant accomplishments despite the many challenges faced due to the global pandemic.
Various methods of communication are in place to provide stakeholders with district information. A Message from Your Superintendent is published and disseminated each week of the school year. The publication includes a personal message from the superintendent, news from the previous week, and information on upcoming events and deadlines. Table Talk is a weekly video production recapping some of the district highlights. It also highlights many of the achievements of students and staff. The Times in 55 is published each month to provide a recap of the regular monthly meeting of the school board.
During the 2021-2022 school year, LCSD 55 successfully completed the review to receive accreditation through Cognia. This nationally recognized accreditation indicates that LCSD 55 meets rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocations, and effective leadership. This accreditation distinguishes the district nationally as a school system that meets Cognia Standards of Quality and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.
LCSD 55 was presented with the Von Sinclair Award for Advocacy and Service during the 2021-2022 school year in recognition of the district’s transition services for students.
Countdown to Kindergarten, an event for families of students entering 3K, 4K, and 5K for the 2021-2022 school year, was held and included activities designed to help kindergarten students prepare for the school year ahead.
Partnering with Piedmont Technical College, LCSD 55 implemented an Emergency Medical Technician Certification course of study for students in grades 11 and 12.
The district provides multiple opportunities for staff members to participate in professional development. Various partnerships provide certification programs at little or no cost to participants.
LCSD 55 will continue to develop future graduates who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, capable leaders, and good citizens. The pursuit of excellence will continue in efforts to ensure that students are ready to conquer the challenges of tomorrow. LCSD 55 focuses on positive school climates, high student performance, community engagement, strategic human resources management, fiscal responsibility, and effective communication.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we work together to empower, inspire, educate, and inform students, staff, and stakeholders of LCSD 55.
Sincerely,
Ameca C. Thomas, Ph.D.
Superintendent