Bamberg School District One (BSD1) is helping all students to develop world class skills and life and career characteristics as outlined by the PROFILE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GRADUATE by providing the instruction needed for students to be successful in work, post-graduate education, and most importantly, in life. Concepts that are especially important in providing readiness for 21st century learning include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and other soft skills that are requisites for future success. We also believe that it is our responsibility to educate the ‘whole’ child, as well as their families, in order to make a difference.
In our efforts to carry out these beliefs, we provide for the nutritional needs of students through our Food Service Department which passed the USDA 3- YEAR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW with high commendations in the areas of Operating Practices and Financial Records. In addition, the district participates in the COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PROGRAM (CEP) that feeds ALL students a free breakfast and a free lunch. We also provide a summer feeding program at several local sites. The district currently employs 4 nurses, all of whom hold BSN degrees, for our three schools. Each nurse is versed in the Telehealth and TeleMental Health programs available to us through MUSC. This enables some of our students who might otherwise be unable to seek medical attention or mental health counseling the opportunity to do so. Local doctors are active participants in these programs. With the rising concern for the safety of our students, the district is fortunate to have 2 School Resource Officers serving the needs of our 3 schools. In a collaborative effort, the City of Bamberg assumes half of the salaries and costs associated with these officers. The interaction these officers have with our students helps to promote a genuine respect for law enforcement.
Richard Carroll Elementary School (RCES) utilizes Reading and Math Interventionists to target those children functioning below grade level in these areas, a Literacy coach, and RtI programs to focus on Tier 2/3 students. Assessments, in addition to those designed and implemented by teachers, include MAP, DRA2, Accelerated Reader/STAR, and CLASSWORKS, SCReady,and SC PASS to name a few. RCES partners with former governor Nikki Haley’s Original Six foundation, Dawn Staley’s InnerSole Foundation, and many generous local businesses and local citizens in collaborative, mutually rewarding efforts. THE LEADER IN ME is a well-known process that encourages our students to further develop life-long leadership skills. This process is woven into all academic areas as well as all activities undertaken at RCES. As service projects, RCES assists the CHEESE AND CRACKERBOX – a local ‘good will’ agency, MAMAS – a local animal shelter, and sponsors TRASH OUT THURSDAY – a time for the community to bring their recyclables to the school for appropriate disposal.
Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School (BEMS) had a tremendously successful year under the direction of a new principal. Much of the school year was used to focus on the previous year’s student data, as well as on-going data, to determine weaknesses and strengths in established procedures. After a year spent bringing teacher morale up to a new level, plans began to be made for new innovations that will begin in 2018-2019. Through administrative/teacher interaction the new program/concepts analyzed for upcoming use will be MICROBURST – a program designed to assist in soft skills such as communication, implementing a PROJECT-BASED UNIT in conjunction with Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School (BEHS), and enhancing critical thinking skills in all academic areas but especially through the science department (STEM activities) and computer instruction.
Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School (BEHS), also under the leadership of a new principal, has continued to provide sound educational foundations for its students. On-going collaboration and communication between school officials, students, community, and the Clemson Extension throughout 2017-18 have made it possible for BEHS to implement a new Agriculture program in the coming year. There is much excitement within our community at the opportunities that this new course offering will provide. BEHS collaborates with numerous colleges and districts in order to offer students opportunities to become completers in a variety of Career and Technology Education (CATE) clusters. BEHS had 80 completers at the COPE AREA CAREER CENTER, with 29 completers in the Project Lead the Way Program (PLTW), a pre-engineering course of study. Careful planning during the 2017-2018 school year has provided the district with a total of 5 career clusters that can be completed on the campus of BEHS for the coming year. Dual credit enrollment courses allow many of our students who are heading off to college the chance to enter with a significant number of college credits completed. The Administration has creatively used the EDGENUITY software program purchased for the high school to provide opportunities for students to take courses that might not fit into their schedules, thus ensuring that all have the opportunity to graduate with their classmates. This has proven to be very successful in our small high school with limited course opportunities. The JROTC unit at BEHS consistently brings pride to us by scoring well in all inspections and competitions. This program has provided much needed mentoring opportunities for our young students, many of whom are high risk. Pre and post school tutoring hours as well as lunch time tutoring have provided students with ample chances to receive remediation in all courses.
BSD1’s Department of Student Services is held in high regard by the SDE as well as by the communities and areas that surround us. Our Director of Student Services is extremely well-versed in the complexities of this academic area and is constantly keeping her staff up-to-date on any changes that are issued by state and federal governments. The district provides services for students identified through multiple avenues, ages 3-21. Services in academics, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other areas as needed are provided. The district also employs 2 full-time school psychologists to assess and evaluate children who are referred for special services. Gifted and Talented students are served in grades 3-8 in our PROJECT BEYOND program. Also provided are opportunities in visual arts, performing art, and band (grades 5-12).
Athletics is an area of great interest to our school family as well as the entire Bamberg and Ehrhardt communities. The district fields 27 sports teams from middle school through high school. The Red Raider football team reached the state finals and finished as runner-up in AA; the Wrestling team won the State Championship; and the soccer team landed the runner-up to the Lower State Championship position. Individual players, as well as coaches in some areas, were named to significant positions of honor following each post season.
As one can see, a well-rounded student proficient in academics, athletics, and the arts, is a priority in BSD1. As we continue to focus on the 4 Cs - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity - this district remains committed to providing access to the skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in work, life, and citizenship in the 21st century.
Phyllis Schwarting, Superintendent
