2019-2020

Batesburg-Leesville High School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the SC Graduate by creating a collaborative, rigorous, and technological learning environment designed to fully prepare our graduates as they transition into higher education or the world of work. We are doing this while still tailoring each student’s educational experience to their own individual pathway. BLHS students learn world class knowledge through a rigorous program of study in all core and related arts course work as well as through our Career and Technology (CATE) program.  Teachers meet several times each month for professional development with the goals of 1) using technology as a learning and research tool in daily lessons and 2) creating challenging, engaging and personalized learning experiences for every student.

Our vision for learning continues to focus on the transformation of learning in all BLHS classrooms to a student-centered model by which students master content while growing to reach their highest potential as an individual learner.    We have completed our second year of school-wide AVID implementation. AVID (Advancement through Individual Determination) is a proven school-wide college readiness system that provides students structured supports for rigorous curriculum whereby they can realize their academic and career plans while aligning perfectly with the South Carolina Profile of the Graduate.

To assist students in making informed decisions about their futures, they can visit the school Counseling Office as well as the BLHS College and Career Development Center (CCDC) through a partnership with Midlands Technical College.  Additional learning supports provided to BLHS students include:

• Integration of technology whereby each student is provided a Chromebook for problem solving, research, study and communication

• School-wide Response to Intervention program where they can receive individual tutoring/support from their teachers during half-time

• Rigorous studies through expanded college course offerings through dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) courses

• Earn an AP Capstone Certificate and/or AP Capstone Diploma alongside their BLHS High School Diploma

• Rigorous academic pathways through the BLHS e21 Early College program whereby students may earn an Associates of Arts Degree alongside their BLHS high school diploma

Our students worked diligently to meet high standards for academics and co-curricular activities during the 2019-2020 school year.  Numerous individual, team, and organizational honors and recognitions were earned.

• Empowered teacher leaders who regularly planned and lead professional development

• Three cohorts of e21 Early College dual enrollment students continued or began their rigorous pathway to an Associates of Arts Degree in partnership with Midlands Technical College

• 9 Students earned Associate of Arts Degrees and over 70 students took dual enrollment courses through Midlands Technical College.

• The graduating senior class was awarded $2.4 million dollars in scholarships

• Panther Band finished 1st at the Lower State SCBDA Competition

• JROTC received the Distinguished Unit Award

• Expansion of  AVID school-wide

We look forward to the 2020-2021 school year as we continue our tradition of excellence! BLHS will continue to be a High Schools That Work (HSTW) site focused on providing students real-world, engaging, and rigorous learning opportunities, strengthening our School-wide initiative, and personalizing learning for our students.  

Sonya M. Bryant, Principal

Cynthia Etheredge, SIC President