E-Blast in five

Volume Twenty-Six: Jan.-Feb., 2016

Whittaker Elementary StudentXzavier Anthony

Wins TheMLK Oratory Competition

When Xzavier Anthony, a fifth grade student at Whittaker Elementary School, was introduced at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competi-tion, the audience sensed that something special was about to happen. Dressed in a judges robe, Xzavier spoke with a confident and command-ing voice that kept the audience engaged from the moment he stepped on stage. The full text of Xzaviers speech appears at the end of this article. The final round of the third annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition was held on the evening of January 28, 2016 at New Mount Zion Church in Orangeburg. The preliminary rounds of the MLK Oratory Competition began several months ago with competitions being conduct-ed in each of the eight elementary schools in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5). The preliminary competitions determined the school champions who would move on to compete as finalists in the districtwide competition. The competition was open to fourth and fifth grade students who were required to compose and present an original speech of up to five minutes on the topic: What can I achieve in my lifetime because of what Dr. King achieved in his?. The names of the students who qualified to participate in the final round of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition, along with the schools they attend, are: (continued on page 2)

continued on page 15

At a special called meeting on January 19, 2016, the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5) Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Jesse Washington, III to the position of Superintendent. Prior to the announcement, Dr. Washington had served in the capacity of Interim Superintendent for approximately four months. Mary Ulmer, Chair of the OCSD5 Board of Trustees, issued the following statement at the conclusion of the Board Meeting: During the past few months, the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five Board of Trustees has thoroughly considered its options for selecting the Districts next Superintendent, including the possibility of conducting a superintendent search with the assistance of an execu-tive search firm. We settled on a decision that, in our opinion, would result in an outstanding, experienced administrator being appointed with minimum disruption and expense. After much discussion, Board Members realized that Interim Superintendent Dr. Jesse Washington, III is a superb internal candidate, who has worked successfully in the District

Dr. Jesse Washington, iii, nameD superintenDent By oCsD5 BoarD of trustees

Xzavier Anthony, Whittaker El-ementary 1st Place Tamia Yarbrough, Rivelon El-ementary 2nd Place AmmariahMcCray, Brookdale Elementary 3rd Place Tamerria Felder, Bethune-Bow-man Elementary Finalist Nylasia Hallinquest, Melli-champ Elementary Finalist Justin Simpson, Sheridan El-ementary Finalist Syrenity Sims, Dover Elemen-tary Finalist Sheridan Tucker-Staley, Mar-shall Elementary Finalist While the finals of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition provided great inspi-ration and entertainment for the audience, its primary purpose was to provide fourth and fifth grade students with an opportunity to develop their skills in historical research, reading, writing, and public speaking in classrooms across the district. A variety of uplifting and inspirational musical entertain-ment was provided during the program by the Whittaker El-ementary School Choral Ensemble, the North Middle/HighSchoolBand,andOrangeburg-WilkinsonHighSchoolseniorMiss Sydney Murdaugh. Matthew Frederick, the runner-up in the 2015 MLK Oratory Competition, provided welcoming re-marks. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the event was OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year Autumn Coulter. She was joined by South Carolina Senator John W. Matthews who provided a special greeting and remarks to the students at the beginning of the program. Karen James and Dr. Derrick James served as the event coordinators. Five community leaders volunteered their time to serve as judges for the competition including: Candace Berry-Vaughn, co-founder of the consulting firm Berry-Vaughn Enterprises; Barry Charley, Principal of St. Matthews K-8 in the Calhoun CountyPublicSchoolDistrict;theHonorableDerrickF.Dash,Chief Magistrate for Orangeburg County; Gwendolyn Phillips, Director of Grants Administration/TRIO Programs at Claflin University; and Zipporah Mapp Sumter, a local attorney and Professor at Claflin University. Once again, Jimmy Jones Toyota of Orangeburg was the corporate sponsor for the event. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, all of the final round participants re-ceived trophies and certificates recognizing their accomplish-ments and were treated to a special lunch on the day before the competition. In addition, the students finishing in the top three places received the following prizes: 1st Place Microsoft Surface Tablet; 2nd Place iPad Mini; 3rd Place iPod Touch. OCSD5 appreciates the support that Jimmy Jones Toyota pro-

MLK Oratory (continued from pg. 1)

vides to our students and teachers. According to OCSD5 Su-perintendent Dr. Jesse Washington, The relationship between Jimmy Jones Toyota and the MLK Oratory Competition is an example of the positive outcomes that are possible when the business community gets involved with our schools and our children. We are very grateful for the support that Mr. Jones has provided for our children and public education in our com-munity. FULLTEXTOFXZAVIERANTHONYSWINNINGSPEECHATTHEMLKORATORYCOMPETITION: POWERFULAWESOMEDYNAMICMOTIVATION-AL are just a few words that describe the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.one of the greatest men to ever live. As a young man, I would like to thank him, for not only paving the way for me to be able to do the things that interest me, but most importantly for paving the way for me to become anything I choose. Un-fortunately, not everyone realizes this paved road exists; look at all of the violence and crime which has contributed to the prison population, people shooting others for no reason. For example, the Emanuel 9 shooting in Charleston, cops shooting innocent people, and people shooting innocent cops. What has our society been reduced to? Well, I choose to be different; therefore, I will make a dif-ference. I will take on the challenge to become educated in a society where violence, sagging, bullying and other negative aspects have become prevalent in our communities. Dr. King fought with peace and non-violence so we could be free, but the more I think about it, are we really free? Look at all of the injustice, all of the hatred in our society that is destroying his dream and all of his accomplishments. We must learn to live by the words of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I quote, LOVE is the only force (continued on page 15)2

3

Eight celebrity couples entertained a sold-out crowd at The Cinema on Saturday, Jan. 23rd at the first annual Dancing with the Orangeburg Stars competition. The fundraising event was pre-sented by the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5) Education Foundation with the proceeds going to support targeted and inno-vative educational programs and experiences for the children attending OCSD5 schools. The dance competition included performanc-es by Liz Keitt and her partner Akeem Bonepart dancing to Boogie Fever; Curtis Carter and his partner Evia Thomas swinging to Dancing in the Streets; Dewall Waters and his wife Phyllis shag-ging to Lets Marvin Gaye and Get It On; Yanet Claxton and her partner John Green performing the Salsa to Valio La Pena; Sheriff Leroy Rav-

enell and his wife Angela hopping and bopping to Jailhouse Rock; Dr. Stephen Peters and his wife Dr. Angela Peters swaying to Love

Never Felt So Good; Dr. John Ross and his partner Shannon Williams rocking to Old Time Rock and Roll; and Josh Ridley and his daughter Delaney twisting and turning to Twisting the Night Away. The judges deliberated for nearly fifteen minutes before selecting the winners of the competition. The Judges Choice Trophy, based on technical dancing skills, was awarded to Josh and Delaney Ridley following their high energy routine that included multiple lifts and cartwheels by both father and daughter. The Peoples Choice Trophy, based on vot-ing and fundraising, was awarded to Dr. Stephen and Dr. Angela Peters. Dr. John Ross and Dr. Peters were the leading vote getters for the evening and were back and forth in the voting all night. The Most Entertaining Trophy was awarded to Sheriff Leroy Rav-enell and his wife Angela. Their performance to Jailhouse

Rock drew a standing ovation from the au-dience and included the Sheriff dressed in a black and white prison jumpsuit with Angela appearing as the warden. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Von Gaskin, Meteorologist with WIS-TV. WIS Sunrise co-anchors Mary King and Len Kiese served as judges for the competition along with OCSD5 Deputy Su-perintendent Dr. Sharon Quinn. Tamalyn Blackman, the owner of Tamalyns Dance Centre and founder of the Orangeburg Civic Ballet, was the Director and Choreographer for the show. I want to thank our dancers and everyone who came out to support our cause with donations and contributions, said Paul Miller, the President of the OCSD5EducationFoundation.Hecontinued,Althoughourfinalnumberswillnot be known until later this week, from what I have seen this will be the most successful fundraising event our Foundation has ever had. DVDs of the DWTOS event are available for sale. Cost is $20.00. To place an order you can send an email to publicrelations@ocsd5.net.

Dancing with the Orangeburg Stars RaisesThousands For OCSD5 Education Foundation

E-BlastJan.-Feb., 2016

E-Blast Each month, we will be presenting profiles of the Teachers of the Year from our schools. This month we will introduce Tabitha Johnson, a Physical Education Teacher from Rivelon Elementary School, and a finalist for the selection of OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year. Tabitha Johnson remembers clearly the day she made the decision to become a teacher. The process began when she was a student majoring in Biology at Benedict College. Whenever she came home on summer break, she would be asked to teach at Vacation Bible School. She also regularly tutored the children of her aunts and cousins. These experi-ences helped to make her receptive to an invitation from Dr. Davie, a professor at Benedict College, to participate in the MATE (Minority Access to Teacher Education) program. The MATE program focused on attracting and retaining teach-ers in rural communities. Tabitha enjoyed the program so much that when she returned for school the next semester, she changed her major to Biology Education. After leaving school to get married and start a family, Tabitha returned to school with encouragement from her husband and completed her degree in Physical Education at South Carolina State Univer-sity. It was not an easy thing for Tabitha to work full-time and go to school full-time while simultaneously raising a family, but Tabitha excelled, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She is currently working on her Masters Degree in Elementary Education at South Carolina State Uni-versity. Tabitha began her teaching career in January 2002 at Brookdale Middle School. Brookdale Middle closed at the end of the school year and Tabitha was assigned to Rivelon Elementary School where she has been ever since. It was a welcomed assignment for Tabitha as Rivelon was one of the schools where she did her student teaching. In addition to her responsibilities as part of the leadership team at Rivelon, Tabitha maintains an active agenda outside of school. At her church, Andrew Chapel Baptist, she volunteers with the HealthcareMinistry, theYouthMinistry, teachesanaerobicsclass, and works with the summer camp program. She also participates in the Breast Cancer Walk, the Relay for Life, the Lupus Walk, and the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event. Tabithas philosophy of teaching is that learning should be student centered. Progressivism is the philosophy that I most identify with, she said. She continued, Progressivism is a theory of education that is concerned with learning by do-ing and states that students learn best when finding their own interests and satisfying their own needs. On a student level, Tabitha believes that if you help a student learn how to master cooperation they will be able to develop any skill you are trying to teach them. I integrate games and activities that involve counting, reading, writing,

and identifying geographic areas for all students, she

OCSD5 TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROFILESTABITHA JOHNSON RIVELON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jan.-Feb., 2016

said. She continued, My students also complete proj-ects. This is great because it incorporates the learning styles of all students. As a teacher, I believe that be-ing able to incorporate all disciplines in my lessons is my greatest asset. According to Tabitha, her greatest rewards in teaching do not come from her own personal accomplishments, but from the accomplishments of her students. She recalled such things as how she felt when a student was able to perform a single push-up when he could not do one at the beginning of the year. Or the time another teacher came to her and said, My student has mastered his multiplication facts because of your shuttle run math chal-lenge game. Then there was the time a former student came to her and said, Because of you Mrs. Johnson, I didnt give up! When everybody else gave up on me, you kept telling me I could do anything I wanted. Today that student has gradu-ated from high school, has a good job, and is enrolled in a few college courses. Dr. Rena Bowman, the Principal at Rivelon Elementary School, said the following about Tabitha, It has been a real pleasure to have Tabitha Johnson on my staff. She has been an Awesome P.E. teacher and staff member. She is an in-spiration to all faculty members. Although Tabitha is a soft spoken person, when she speaks, everyone listens. She is the Chairperson of our Leadership Team and always comes up with creative activities for our faculty and students throughout the year. Tabitha is a good fit and wonderful asset to my school. When asked about her thoughts when she learned that she was selected by her peers as the Teacher of the Year at Rivelon, Tabitha responded, I was extremely surprised and honored. She continued, Today we have become so fo-cused on teaching students for standardized tests that the child as a whole is forgotten. Psychological benefits of exercise are important to the success of a student in the classroom. Physi-cal activity improves self-image and self-confidence. Move-ment develops brain cells, which creates more focused and attentive students. I am so ecstatic to see the appreciation shown for the discipline of Physical Education and the benefits it provides for our students. Tabitha expressed this closing thought, Without God and a loving and supportive family, I would not have reached my destiny. Undoubtedly, teaching is truly a calling and my pas-sion. I am loving every minute of it.4

Mrs. Jacksons homeroom class used the App of the Month Quizizz to assess themselves on their Social Studies lesson recently. Quizizz is an assessment tool where students can answer questions based on the content they studied. Quizizz provides immediate feedback after each question in the form of memes. At the end of the entire quiz, students get their score as well as a review of all of the questions that include the correct answers. The teacher is able to download an excel file that not only shows each students score, but also an analytical break down of the entire assessment. Teachers are able to quickly find which questions the entire class may have struggled on at a glance. This tool speeds up the grading and analyzing portion of the lesson cycle which in turn provides more time for the teachers to provide meaningful and effective intervention.

5

Recently, BBES students participated in theHourofCodewhich isana-tionwide event to promote computer science careers. Computer science is an ever growing field full of new and emerging careers for students to take advantage of. Coding is the official language of computer science which is used to program electronic devices. Learning how to code will help stu-dents prepare for a world that con-tinues to rely on new technologies. During the event, students completed a tutorial that walked them through the creation of their own original game. Once the students completed their game, they received an award of recognition.

BBES StudentsUtilize the Appof the Month Quizizz

BBES Students Get Involved in a National Computer Science Event

E-Blast in five Jan.-Feb., 2016Bethune-BoWman elementary ~ Bulletin

Try to be a rainbow in someones cloud by Maya Angelou has become our theme at Dover Elementary School. As we continue to live by P is for Pi-rate, we recognize that all students are different and have a variety of needs and strengths. As we read and live by R is for Rainbow, we try to be the harbingers of hope for our students. Syrenity Sims personified this through her speech for 3rdAnnualMLKOr-atoryCompetition. She blessed us with her beautiful voice as she sang

6

We would also like to recognize Mrs. Sherri Dennis as our Culture of Excellence winner for the month. She represents I is for Iceberg. Teaching is only the very tip of what she does here at Dover Elemen-tary School. She stays after school, takes children home, buys what they need, and provides a warm and safe environment for not only her students, but all the students at Dover everyday. Please join us in

congratulating Mrs. Dennis for receiving the Culture of Excel-lence award!

At Dover, we strive to provide opportunities for our families to be involved. We recently host-ed our 2nd movie night. Students and parents gatheredinthegymtoenjoyBigHero6.Thanksto our PTO, community partners, and generous donations each student received a free slice of pizza and a drink. Parents and siblings were able to purchase pizza, drinks and snacks. We en-joyed spending time with each other outside of the academic setting. It is because of events like this that we really get to know our students and parents. We appreciate everyone that attended and invite you to join us in the spring when we host our next movie night!

Culture of exCellenCeaWarD Winner for January

Dovers MLK Oratory Winner

E-BlastJan.-Feb., 2016The Dover DispaTch

Students & Parents Enjoy Movie NightRecently at Dover

out We Shall Overcome and told everyone that we would all overcome the challenges we face, someday.

E-Blast Jan.-Feb., 2016in five

Tamia Yarbrough, a fifth grader from Ms. Roshonda Fraziers class, represented Rivelon in the MLK Oratory Competition. Rivelons faculty, staff, and student body showed up in full support as she took the stage. Ms. Yarbrough took 2nd Place with her powerful speech discussing what we can all achieve because of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Go Tamia and Go Rivelon!

Recently at Rivelon Elementary, Dr. Maxine Rice was selected as the WLTX Teacher of the Week! She has worked tirelessly to ensure her 31 first graders are receiving the best possible education in her class ev-ery day. Check out Rivelons website to see Dr. Rice as she is surprised with such a prestigious honor.

Rivelon Teacher Honored onChannel 19 - WLTX

7

Rivelon Elementarys ~ Report on the Tigers

Rivelons Tigers Roar at the Third Annual MLKOratory Competition

District Office Staff Go Red

forAmerican Heart

Association

8

E-Blast Jan.-Feb., 2016ThE Scoop @ ShERidan ElEmEnTaRy

Sheridan Students Meet AR Goals!

Sheridan Staff Go Red forAmerican Heart Association

Congratulations to Ms. Polidores class! Everyone has met their AR goals. Way to shine Superstars!

9

Jan.-Feb., 2016 E-BlastUpdaTES FRom WhiTTakER ElEmEnTaRy

Congratulations to the Wildcats for being named, Summer Reading Champions, by the Orangeburg County Library. Each summer, stu-dents in all three Orangeburg County Districts are encouraged to participate in the summer read-ing program sponsored by the library. The school with the highest percentage of student participa-tion from each district is awarded the Champions banner. Whittaker has been given the distinc-tion of Champion for Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five. Our administration, faculty,

students and media center staff are honored to be named champions for the 2015 summer program.

WILDCATS ARE SummER READIng CHAmPIOnS!

COngRATuLATIOnS TO XzAvIER AnTHOnY2016 mLK ORATORY COmPETITIOn WInnER

We are truly honored to announce that one of our very own placed first in the OCSD5 Third Annual MLK Oratory Competition. Xzavier Anthony, a fifth grader at Whittaker El-ementary School, delivered a phenomenal speech that touched the hearts of the audience. Xzavier spoke about wanting to become a judge one day and how nothing would stop him.HeisastraightAstudent,amemberoftheJustSayNoDrillTeamandisaleaderamongst his peers. The Whittaker family is extremely proud of him and we celebrate his success. We challenge all of our students to set goals, work tirelessly to reach their goals, and to become whatever they desire to be.

On January 28th, the Whittaker El-ementary Choral Ensemble performed for the MLK Oratory Competition. They sang two traditional spirituals, Down by the Riverside and Get on Board. The en-semble was directed by Granita C. Rich-ardson who has been the music teacher at Whittaker Elementary School for near-ly ten years. The ensemble consisted of 5th grade students who willingly availed themselves for this occasion. They are to be commended for their hard work and talent.

Whittakers Choral Ensemble Rock the House at MLK Oratory Competition

Recently, BBMHS seniorsheld an all day car wash in order to raise donations for the senior class. The service included valet parking, a full car washing, wheel cleanings, tire glaze, as well as interior detailing. Faculty & staff made up the majority of the cars that were washed and everyone were pleased with their shiny cars.

GotTECHFit????? Recently, Mrs. Humphreyhad the opportunity to attend a programcalledTECHFit(Teach-ing Engineering Concepts to Harness Future Innovators andTechnologists) in Charleston, SC in conjunction with Purdue University. The TECHFit pro-gram seeks to spark STEM in-terest in middle school children by demonstrating the impact information and technology have on our world and in-spiring these next generation of innovators to design and implement technology-based fitness games that will get people moving and having fun while simultaneously and positively improving their health. Notlongago,RobertE.HowardMiddleSTEMTECHFitClub,sponsoredbyMrs.Humphreyhad the opportunity to present an exergame created over the course of 12 weeks at school, in Charleston, SC using STEM (sci-ence,technology,engineering,andmath).ThestudentsdesignedtheirgameusingSCRATCH,ananimatedprogramandapro-gramcalledNanoNavigator.REHMSplaced2ndinthecompetitionfromourhardworkanddedication.Withthehelpofmanyonmy staff I would like to say thank you for shirt donations, food and snacks. You should come out to see the game and play it with our students or even have them present it to you; they put their brains in it. Kudos to the College of Charleston and Purdue for the funding and materials provided to make this competition a success. There are tons of pictures that will be placed in presenta-tioninOneDrive.HowardisontheMOVEitcanbedonewejusthavetobelieve.

Bethune-BoWman seniors holD funDraising event

E-BlastJan.-Feb., 2016STEM TechFit Club at Robert E. Howard Middle

Pulls in for 2nd Place

10

DAsiaHouserandBriannaByrd,NorthMiddle-HighSchoolchorus students,were invited toparticipate in thecelebrationattheWesternOrangeburgCountyIndustrialParkrecently.Inhonorofthefutureeconomicdevelopment,thestudentsopenedthecel-ebration by singing the United StatesNational Anthem. DAsiaHouserandBriannaByrdarestudentsofNMHSchorusteacher,ChristopherGladman.

ThefollowingstudentsmadeperfectscoresontheEndofCourseBiologytest:(backrow)MeganSwain,MorganSwain,AlyssaAshline,AccieHerlong,JacobBryan,(frontrow)KevionnaBrown,andToriRutland.TheirbiologyteacherisMr.JeffreyCameron.

11

E-Blast Jan.-Feb., 2016NEwS From North Middle/High School

Recently,Mr. Pelayo, Spanish teacher atNMHS, and his stu-dents visited Dover Elementary School where they held readingsessionsforstudents inkindergartenandfirstgrade.Theoppor-tunitythrilledandbenefitedhighschoolandelementarystudentsalike.Theclassiscurrentlyplanningfuturetrips.

Spanish Students Share Joy of Reading

stuDents partiCipate in CeleBration oforangeBurg Co. inDustrial park

STUDENTS ACE END OF COURSETEST IN BIOLOGy

NMHS students received $50 in DecemberfromtheOrangeburgCountyDevelopmentCom-missionforsubmittingartworktobedisplayedintheirofficebuilding:BrandonCalver-10thgrade,Kadeshia Livingston-9th grade, Daniel Robin-son-7thgradeandJeffreyScott-10thgrade,(notpictured)werechosen.Mrs.LindaAikenistheirartteacher.

E-Blast Jan.-Feb., 2016More NEwS From North Middle/High School

12

north miDDle high stuDents artWork Chosen for Display

NorthMiddleSchoolstudentstouredthecampusandathleticfacilitiesoftheUniversityofSouthCaro-linaawhileback.ThetourservedasaPrideincentiveforthosewhohadearnedcompletedPridecardsforgoodbehaviorduringthesecondnineweeks.ThePresidentoftheGamecockClubprovidedabehindthescenestouroftheWilliams-BriceFootballStadium,FoundersBaseballPark,andtheDodieAndersonAcademicEnrichmentCenterforathletes.Studentsalsovisitedthecollegecampusacademicfacilities.

NORTH MIDDLE STUDENTS TOURUSC CAMPUS IN COLUMBIA

13

Twenty students from the OCSD5 High School for Health Professions(HSHP) traveled to New York in No-vember to visit two Ivy League Colleges, Cornell University and Columbia Univer-sity. The trip was financed through the HealthCareCareersAcademy(HCCA),aHSHPprogramfundedbytheAtRiskStudents Grant. Students were selected from a competitive pool of applicants. The program was intended to expose students to careers and educational opportunities. As a result, students only had to pay the cost of a Broadway tick-et for the entire trip. At Cornell, students had the opportunity to stay in dorms, meet with students and professors, tour the cam-pus and take part in the student dining experience. Students then traveled to New York City where they toured Columbia University, visited the 9/11 Memorial, and saw a Broadway musical. ThetripwascoordinatedbytwoHighSchoolforHealthProfessions teachers, Rahn Scott and Patrick Nowak. Nowak, a Cornell University Alumnus, says that he is excited that students had the opportunity to visit his Alma Mater and hopes that the trip exposed students to new educational options. I hope that being on these campuses allowed students to envision them-selves in these institutions of higher learning and encourage

them to reach for that level of achievement. Principal Angel Malone said, This trip helped facilitate our mission of ensuring that our students have a competitive advantage in the college application process. She hopes that the school will continue to be able to facilitate similar trips andhopestoseestudentsalsotraveltoHarvardandYale. Student Marshall Ellerbe said, The trip was one of the best experiences of my life. The students were inviting and Cornell seemed like a great learning environment. You even get to learn during your downtime. It is my first choice univer-sity now.

E-BlastJan.-Feb., 2016

TheHSHPRobotics Teamcompetedat theElectricCity Nothing but Net Robotics Tournament during January inAnderson,S.C.TheHSHPRoboticsTeamwonthe2ndplace trophy in the skills challenge by winning 6 out of 6 qualifying matches. The team also received the coveted Award of Excellence, which qualified the team to compete at South Carolina VEX State Championship and CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Championship. This is the teams first year of competition. The team from HSHP were, Captain Kirubha Ra-jadhas (10th grade), Co-Captain Reth Abraham (9th grade),HoustonWhite(9thgrade),WilliamAncrum(9thgrade), Taylor Steward (9th grade), Jacquelyn Walker (12th grade), Caldwell Guinyard (9th grade), Kayla My-

ers (9th grade), and Achrisalayah Fields (12th grade). The team is coached by Mrs. Luevera Ceasar and Mrs. Dhaya Poulose.

hshp roBotiCs team Compete in tournament

hShp Students Travel to new york on ivy league college Tour

14

This year-long profes-sional development pro-gram, funded by the US Department of Education, provides ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Lan-guages) and mainstream teachers from three school districts: OCSD3, OCSD5 and Bamberg 2, an excellent understand-ing of second language acquisition principles, effective instructional strategies in teaching English language learn-ers, and researched-based approaches to working with culturally and linguistically diverse students. Dr. Nan Li, the director of the ELL Center Program of Claflin has been offering this specialized PD to OCSD5 teachers for about 5 years now. Yvonne D. Mitchell, ESOL and Title III Program Coordinator for OCSD5, serves as the liaison between the university and our district.

E-Blast

CongratulationstoMs.SharonHowellonbeingnamedtheEmployeeoftheMonthforJanuary2016.Ms.Howellis employed as the Receptionist at the District Office on El-lis Avenue where she is not only the first friendly face that visitors see when they enter the building, she is also the first voice to greet people when they call the main phone num-ber for the district. She was nominated by Bonnie Bizzell who stated: I am nominating Ms. Sharon Howell for her pleas-ant smile and the genuine kindness she represents for our district. She is the first person you see when you walk in and has that sweet greeting to all that come in the door. She has worked for the district for more than 37 years. For the four years that I have known her, she has always demonstrated a positive attitude and a smile to go along with it. I have never heard her complain and she hardly ever misses work. You would never know if she is having a bad day because of her sweet kindness.AstheOCSD5EmployeeoftheMonth,Ms.Howellreceived a $100 gift card, a certificate from the Super-intendent naming her as the January 2016 Employee of the Month, and recognition

on the OCSD5 website and the monthly E-Blast newsletter.

ocSd5 EmployEE oF ThE monThJanUaRy 2016

Jan.-Feb., 2016

Twenty-five OCSD5 Teachers Participate in ELL Center Program at Claflin

capable of turning an enemy into a friend. However, hate crimes,violence, drugs, and ongoing racism are just a few things that have destroyed his DREAM. In order to save our society from ruins WE must all take a stand and want to be BETTER. We must all want to do BET-TER. Each and every member of society must learn to work together in such a broken world so that others may have a Chance..A DREAM. I know I can make a difference NO matter how many obstacles I have to overcome, what about YOU? In an effort to make the world a better place, I vow to each and every one of you, that I will one day wear a robe and hold a gavel to help in the dismantling of those things that have destroyed Dr. Kings accomplishments. Who would have imagined on January 15, 1929 the world would be introduced to a man that proved to be so remarkable..a leading civil rights activist, minister, a man who played such a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African Americans opening the doors for you, you, you, and you, actually every person who is able to hear the sound of my voice. I dont know about you but my dreams, my aspira-tions, my goals will prevail through those same doors the great Dr. King worked so hard to open. Dr. King, a man in his own right, proved to be so powerful. Beginning in the 1950s and ending almost fifteen years later, was able to lead thousands through an era that was truly hateful and even more violent and because of this, I have a chance!

I have a chance to live, love, and learn with my neighbors regardless of race or culture. You see, Dr. King had a dream so I could dream..and believe me my dreams are unlimited. I dream of being a judge one day and in order to be a judge, I have to be able to display quali-ties that stand apart from ORDINARY, so therefore I strive daily to be EXTRAORDINARY. I dream of being a man of integrity, a man that will love and take care of his family. I dream of being a man that will walk freely through the doors which have been opened by Dr. King, despite all adversities..VIOLENCE wont stop me, RACISM wont stop me, HATREDwontstopme!Idreamofbeingamanthatmyfamilywouldbe proud of. I actually dream of being a man that all of you and much more would be proud of. I know that many people couldnt have imagined Dr. King becoming such an awesome leader but I hope that each of you will believe in ME and know that another great man was born into this world on April 11, 2005 and his name is Xzavier Se-bastianAnthony.LetsrephrasethatthefutureHonorableXzavierSebastian Anthony. Thank you everyone and have a nice evening.

MLK Oratory (continued from pg. 2)

Superintendent (continued from pg. 1)

E-Blast Jan.-Feb., 2016

since2011asChiefHumanResourceServicesOfficerandhasheld a number of positions over his educational career includ-ing teacher, assistant principal, principal, public relations and humanresourceadministrator.Hehasworkedasanadmin-istrator in Lexington County School District Four, The School District of Oconee County, Lexington County School District Two, and Beaufort County School District. Dr. Washington has also served as President of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators for the Personnel Division. Following a discussion in executive session at our meeting this evening, the Board voted during public session to authorize me, as Chairperson, to execute an employment contract with Dr. Washington, naming him Superintendent of the District, ef-fective January 20, 2016 for a term of three years at an annual

salary of $165,000, such contract having been prepared by the Districts legal counsel and reviewed by the Board. The Board believes by selecting Dr. Washington that our District has secured an outstanding administrator, who will continue the Districts progress, who is completely familiar with our Districts operations and its staff, and who is highly regard-ed across South Carolina as an outstanding academic leader. Following the announcement, Dr. Washington said, It is averyhumblingandhonoringexperience.Hecontinued,Iwant to thank the Board for their support and confidence in me. Im looking forward to engaging with the teachers, students, parents and all of our communitys stakeholders to develop a shared vision for OCSD5. We congratulate Dr. Washington on his appointment and look forward to enthusiastically supporting him as he leads our District forward. 15

Other Maxx Club Features Include:

Welcome package from Maxx including a Maxx Money Coin Saver booklet, along with a special gift.

Birthday card mailed to you from Maxx! Bring your birthday card into any branch during the month of your birthday and receive a free gift!

Receive quarterly newsletters by mail complete with a coloring contest. Winners will get $10 dollars added to their CPM savings account.

Children six months and younger receive their first $5 as a free gift from CPM Federal Credit Union when the account is opened.

Report Card RewardsMaxx Money Club members will receive $1 for

each A earned on their report card!

(Report cards must reflect the most current grading term. Only $1 per subject and up to $6 per student.)

Maxx Money ClubMaxx Money Club members can earn $1 for each A !

Federally insured by NCUA

E-Blast

July 3 ..............Independence Day Holiday ObservedAug. 10 ............New Employee OrientationAug. 10-14 ........Staff Development/Teacher WorkdaysAug. 17 ............First Day for StudentsSept. 7.............Labor Day (Holiday)Sept. 16 ...........Interim Reports IssuedOct. 19 ............1st Nine Weeks Ends (45th Day)Oct. 23 ............Parent/Teacher Conference

Report Cards IssuedNov. 19 ............Interim Reports IssuedNov. 25-27 ........Thanksgiving HolidaysDec. 21-Jan. 1 ...Winter Break (Holidays)Jan. 4..............School Opens/Return from Winter BreakJan. 8..............First Term Ends (90th Day)Jan. 11-12 ........Staff Development/Teacher WorkdaysJan. 18 ............Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday)Jan. 19 ............Report Cards IssuedFeb. 15 ............Presidents Day (Holiday) or SW1Feb. 16 ............Interim Reports IssuedMar. 17 ............3rd Nine Weeks Ends (135th Day)Mar. 24 ............Parent/Teacher Conference or SW2

Report Cards IssuedMar. 25-Apr. 1 ....Spring BreakApril ...............ACT/Work Keys Testing - TBAApril 27............Interim Reports IssuedMay ................PASS, PASS Field Tests, Make-ups - TBAMAY 28.............GRADUATIONMay 30.............2nd Term Ends (180th Day)

Report Cards IssuedMay 31.............Staff Development/Teacher Workday SW3

School Days No School for StudentsNo School for Students End of Quarterand Employee HolidayFirst & Last Day of School Severe Weather Make-up Days

(SW1-SW3)Parent/Teacher ConferencesSchools dismiss early on Tuesday afternoons for teacher planning.

See www.ocsd5.net for details.

Beginning and Ending Dates for Employee Groups190 Aug. 10, 2015 - May 31, 2016 (Report to work on days students attend)200 Aug. 3, 2015 - June 7, 2016 (May be altered by Principal/Supervisor)210 July 27, 2015 - June 14, 2016 (May be altered by Principal/Supervisor)220 July 20, 2015 - June 21, 2016 (May be altered by Principal/Supervisor)230 July 13, 2015 - June 28, 2016 (May be altered by Principal/Supervisor)240 All Year

OCSD5 2015-2016 CALENDAR SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

JULY 2015SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

JANUARY 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATFEBRUARY 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATMARCH 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATAPRIL 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATMAY 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATJUNE 2016

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATAUGUST 2015

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATSEPTEMBER 2015

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATOCTOBER 2015

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATNOVEMBER 2015

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SATDECEMBER 2015

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

5ORAN

GEBUR

G C

ONSOLIDATED

SCHOOL DISTRICTFIV

E

BOWMANN

ORTH

ORANGEBURG

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30