Lexington School District Three is committed to helping all students develop the skills and characteristics that are outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Students and staff celebrated another banner year as we expanded opportunities provided to students across grades K4 through 12. As technology continues to transform every aspect of our society, we want our students to be equipped with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom and eventually, the workforce. Our District’s 1:1 technology initiative expanded to include every student having individual access to a Chromebook in grades 1 through 12. Students and teachers utilize the devices, as well as a host of instructional tools, as we teach students how to use technology to access information and work more effectively.
LSD3 launched the Innovative Collaboration Project with Saluda County Schools with the addition of welding and firefighter courses for Career and Technology Education at Batesburg-Leesville High School. Our fine arts programs also continue to grow and flourish. Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School presented the musical “Annie Jr.”, in addition to purchasing a keyboarding lab funded through a SC Department of Education Arts Innovation grant. The district held the first-annual Arts in the Park event in the spring, which was attended by more than 500 students, parents, and community members. The event showcased student performances and offered arts and crafts from vendors in the community. Batesburg-Leesville Primary School implemented Panther Promises, a schoolwide approach to the life and career characteristics defined in the Profile of the SC Graduate. Batesburg-Leesville Middle School students traveled to the National Junior Beta Club Convention to participate in competitions and learn about leadership after winning numerous recognitions at the state convention.
The district continued our partnership with Saluda and Edgefield schools to host the Innovation Institute. The professional learning event was planned and led by teacher leaders from the three districts and allowed our teachers to share innovative strategies for using technology in the classroom. Our teachers also facilitated and shared professional learning on AVID, Lucy Calkins Units of Study, various digital innovations, and personalized learning, just to name a few. Our students continued to excel out of the classroom. Two students were named state champions in track and field and numerous other students were awarded all-region and all-state honors. Additionally, the Batesburg-Leesville Panther Battalion had a superior JROTC Accreditation Inspection report.
As we look to the future, we are excited to partner with our families and the community to continue providing our students with a world-class educational experience.
With Panther Pride,
Dr. Randall R. Gary, Superintendent
Stacey Derrick, Board Chair
