Flamenco Residency at Guideway Elementary

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana spent a week recently at Guideway Elementary School exposing students to the flamenco culture of southern Spain. The 4th and 5th graders performed for a large crowd at the end of the week. The company also spent a day at South Columbus High School working with advanced dance students.

New Book Features Children From Columbus County

When facing a life-challenging or even terminal illness, it s all about being normal. That s what kids and teens want for themselves and from the people around them. With wit, wisdom, and amazing courage, young people ages 7-21 tell in their own words what it s like to be ill while trying to live each minute of their daily lives. Their stories are honest, heartfelt, and thought-provoking; their advice is of value to anyone who knows, loves, or treats young people with illnesses or disabilities. Recommended for families, friends, classmates, and teachers of affected children and teens; for colleges that offer classes in disability studies; and for doctors and hospitals who want to share hope with their patients. A portion of the proceeds of the book will go to the Southeastern Community College Scholarship Foundation.
Click here to read excerpts and reviews from Amazon.com.

Lisa Worley Named Outstanding Secondary School Mathematics Teacher

Lisa Worley, 6th grade math teacher at Williams Township School, has been named as the county's Outstanding Secondary School Mathematics Teacher by the The North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM). The teacher nominated from each LEA will receive one year’s membership in the NCCTM, a personalized award, and recognition at the State Conference in Greensboro. In addition, his/her name will appear in the Fall 2008 issue of the NCCTM journal, the Centroid and on NCCTM’s website.

National Board Certified Teachers

Congratulations to our newest National Board Certified Teachers:

Rosa Hammond -Tabor City Elementary School

Leighann McPherson -Williams Township

Tara Pate -Hallsboro Artesia Elementary

Jessica Overby -Acme Delco Elementary

Grady Dove -West Columbus

We are proud of you!

Apparel Design Students Create Clothing

Apparel Design examines clothing production in the areas of preparation for clothing construction, basic clothing construction techniques, consumer decision, textiles, historical perspectives and design, and career opportunities.

Karen Slusarczyk's Apparel Design Classes has been hard at work learning these concepts, along with constructing and designing their own clothing and accessories.
William Edwards has made 15 back packs; Shirley Pittman and Christa Wright made their prom gowns.

Southeastern Early College Job Shadowing Program

The groundhog saw his shadow on February 2 but not before many professionals in and around Columbus County saw their shadows on February 1st.

Can you wash a huge dog with matted hair? Identify an ear mite under a microscope? Maybe measure someone’s face for a new pair of glasses? Do you know how many different departments are in Columbus Regional Medical Center? Do you know the different types of law that someone can study? The students at Southeastern Early College could say yes to these questions and more. Thanks to local professionals and businessmen and women, 105 students were given the opportunity to explore different careers on Friday, February 1 as part of the national Job shadowing day kickoff.

Job shadowing gives students a chance to explore various careers beyond what their parents may do for a living. Job shadowing also provides an opportunity for students in at-risk situations to be exposed to various career options they otherwise might not have the chance to explore. SEC students were allowed to “shadow” workplace mentors as they went through a normal day on their job.

The mission of Southeastern Early College High School is to instill in each student the academic and social skills essential for responsible and productive citizenship in a global society which correlates with the guiding mission of the North Carolina State Board of Education which states that every public school student will graduate from high school, globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century. Early college high school is a bold approach, based on the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator for students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Early college high schools blend high school and college in a rigorous yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college. Southeastern Early College focuses on the 3 R’s- rigor, relevance, and relationship. Relationships between teachers and students already existed; this day of job shadowing allowed students the opportunity to begin building relationships with the community.

Students were able to see first hand the inner workings of a hospital and a court room. Local veterinarians and eye care specialists saw their “shadows” earlier than that little creature that looks for his shadow annually. Judges found time to answer questions posed by students. Even the Superintendent of Columbus County Schools, Dr. Dan Strickland, spent the day preparing his two shadows to one day take the helm. Students were able to answer the age-old question “How will I ever use this?” Being in a work situation showed the students the relevance of the learning taking place in the classroom. There is an old proverb that says “if you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day but if you teach a man to fish, he will eat for life.” Students were given the first of many opportunities to learn how to fish.

Sam Gore, Work Force Coordinator for Southeastern Early College, believes that the experience provided students with a foundation to begin the search for a career that suits their abilities and desires.

Southeastern Early College is grateful to the following businesses, professionals and schools for a successful job shadowing day.

Dr. Nicole Martin, Southern Veterinary Hospital

Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Seaside Taxes

Chadbourn Middle School

Williamson Walton & Scott LLP Attorneys at Law

The McGougan Law Firm

Southeastern Community College instructors

Cerro Gordo Elementary

McNeill’s Pharmacy

Whiteville Primary School

BB&T

Tim Blackmon, Radio Shack

Pierce’s Landscaping

Columbus Regional Healthcare System/ Physical Therapy

Tiffany Waddell, US Post Office, Southport

Charlie Davis

William Powell, McKenzie’s Funeral Home

Roger Bacon Academy

Edgewood Elementary School

Southern Pool Service

Campbell’s Transmission Shop

Walters Surgical Associates

Vision Masters

Dr. Richard Bumgardner

Dr. Dan Strickland, Columbus County Schools

Central Middle School

Dr. Tiffany Barnhill, Animal Hospital of South Columbus

David Heath, Waccamaw Electric

Anna Kirk, Wavita Dialysis

Whaley CPA

Acme Delco Elementary and Middle

Whiteville Primary School

Stevens & Hasty Co Inc

Sullivan Bookkeeping & Tax Service

Michael Williamson

Cakes Creation

Darian Ransom, Furniture Depot of Whiteville

David Cable, Bladenboro Recording Studio

Special thanks to Fuller Royal, The News Reporter, for picutures.

Principal Laura Davis, Workforce Coordinator Sam Gore, and Program Facilitator, Amy Allgood worked to make this day a rewarding and life-changing opportunity for SEC students and hope to continue this partnership with local businesses and business people. . Just think... one day kids will rule the world. SEC students are ready to step up to that challenge.

Job Shadowing is led by the National Job Shadow Coalition. For more information, visit the Coalition’s website: www.jobshadow.org. If you are willing to have students shadow you at your place of business, call Amy Allgood at 642-7141 ex. 791 or email aallgood@sccnc.edu. Southeastern Early College invites you to invite a student for a day of fishing. Don’t take our word for it though—read what some of the Southeastern Early College students have to say about their day of job shadowing.

“I learned a lot today and I see now why my parents are pushing me to go into the medical field like them. The medical field is very interesting and there are many parts to it which I did not know about.” Jacob

“I expected the hospital to be boring but it was not. It was interesting. It was great. I especially liked learning about the biohazard area.” Shemeriah McCollough

“I value the way the judges and lawyers acted towards us when they talked with us and when they allowed us to ask questions.” Sybill Harris

“I value the information form the hospital tour. I will really think about the things that I have seen for my future career choices.” Erica Greene

“I got to see some cases being tried, and I got a chance to interview a lawyer. I value how the lawyer, Mr. Kevin J. Bullard answered our questions in a clear, detailed manner.” Jha’quise Populo

I enjoyed hearing you talk about computers. I got good hands-on experience- like when you re-booted the computers and I had to fix the program again.” Emilio Hernandez

I got a lot of information out of my trip to Williamson, Walton and Scott. I hope I can get my law degree and become an excellent lawyer. Mr. Scott, you really inspired me to become a lawyer.” Divine McHenry

“After today, I have made up my mind and am hoping to one day become a lawyer. I learned a lot about wills that I didn’t know. I hope one day we will meet again and hopefully it won’t be in court!” Josh Simmons

“I never knew that nurses have as many responsibilities as they do.” Abby Pritchett

“Being in the courthouse allowed me to see what goes on in actual court sessions.” Fariel Graham

“The experience of touring the hospital and talking to people there has definitely influenced me to pursue the medical field as a career choice.” Amanda Strong

“This day (of teaching) really helped me see that teaching is a very real option for me now. I am actually considering it now because of what I saw and heard today.” Elaine Hewett

If you are interested in allowing students to job shadow you, please contact aallgood@sccnc.edu. If you are interested in learning more about Southeastern Early College, contact Principal Laura Davis at ldavis@sccnc.edu.

Columbus County Students Participate in 7th Congressional District Youth Summit

Kimley Graham, South Columbus High School, Canyon Gore, South Columbus High School, and Alan Ulrich, Columbus County Christian Academy, join U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre at his 7th District Congressional Youth Summit. Highlights of McIntyre's Youth Summit included: Featured speaker Dr. Holden Thorpe, UNC-Chapel Hill Dean of College of Arts and Sciences; Group discussion/debate on those issues which are affecting our youth today; and an inspirational challenge to the participants by Congressman McIntyre.

Miss South Columbus Pageant

The annual Miss South Columbus High School Scholarship pageant was held recently at SCHS. Click here to link to the South Columbus' website, where you'll find many photos of the event.

Battle of the Books

Congratulations to all of those who participated in Battle of the Books this year. The results were:


1st - Guideway Elementary
2nd - Hallsboro Middle
3rd - Williams Township

Goody's Volunteers Working at Chadbourn Elementary School

As one of the semi-finalists for the Goodies "Good Deeds" grant, Chadbourn Elementary School received 5 hours of volunteer service from a Goodies Employee on April 3, 2008. They worked with students in grades 2-4. Winners of the 10,000 dollar grant will be announced in May.

Columbus County Schools, Southeastern Early College receive National Awards

Columbus County Schools and Southeastern Early College received recognition recently at the American School Board Journal's Magna Awards.

(top photo)
Accepting on of the National Honorable Mention Magna Awards for their Beginning Teacher Support Program - from left to right are Superintendent - Dan Strickland, Licensure Specialist - Linda Gore, Columbus County Board of Education Vice-Chairman - Monte Herring, and Board Members - Norris Ebron and Junior Dew.

(bottom photo)
Pictured above are representatives from Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools, and Southeastern Community College at the recent National School Board Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. Accepting one of the six (6) National Magna Awards for the "Southeastern Early College High School Partnership Program From left to right are: Southeastern Community College Board of Trustee Chairman - Rhone Sasser Southeastern Community College President - Kathy Matlock Southeastern Early College Principal - Laura Davis Whiteville City Board of Education Chairman - Carlton Prince Columbus County Board of Education Vice-Chairman - Monte Herring Columbus County Board of Education Members - Norris Ebron and Junior Dew Whiteville City Schools Superintendent - Randy Shaver Columbus County Schools Superintendent - Dan Strickland

The Magna Awards are given each year by a national committee from the American School Board Journal. Over 1,000 schools and school systems are considered for this most prestigious award.

South Columbus Art Students Create Claymations with Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council

Joy Lewis' advanced art students recently finished a two week long residency with filmmaker and animator John Lemmon of John Lemmon films. The students developed story lines and plot mountains, then created characters using oil based clays. After rehearsing, planning and creating scenery for their stories, the students, using DV cameras and software, created the movies with Mr. Lemmon's assistance. Many of the movies took over 1000 individual shots where the students would move the figure, take a photo, and then move the figure again. After the final product, the students added some simple sound effects. The equipment used in this grant will be used by other teachers to create claymation and traditional 2-d animation. See the films at http://www.jlf.com/socohi/SoCoHi_clayAni.html.

Math Leadership Team Conducts Workshops

Math teachers in grades 6, 7 and 8 took part in a math training session that was conducted by Columbus County Schools Middle School Math Leadership Team recently. The session included an in-depth study of of North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction's Middle Grades Math Support Documents, as well as hands-on activities.

Tabor City Middle , Hallsboro Artesia and Columbus County Schools Receive State Awards

Tabor City Middle and Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School received school "Trailblazer Awards" at a recent meeting of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators recently. Only three such awards were given in each category state-wide. In addition, Columbus County Schools received the only district Trailblazer Award for its progress in the 2006-2007 school year.

Chadbourn Elementary Music Concert

Students at Chadbourn Eleementary School performed for a packed gym recently. Their teacher is Meta Mercer.

Guideway's Beta Club Attends Academic Convention

Guideway Elementary's Jr. Beta Club attended the 16th Annual NC Junior Beta Club Academic Convention held in Greensboro, NC on February 4-5. The students entered numerous competitions and won 2nd place in the state for t-shirt design. Their design will be eligible to compete at the 12th Junior National Convention to be held at Myrtle Beach in June. The club's sponsor is Wanda Brooks.

Chadbourn Elementary Students Perform at Senior Center

Mrs. Ottie Jackson's First Grade and Mrs. Becky McCleney's Fourth Grade performed recently to a delighted audience at the Chadbourn Senior Center. The students are under the direction of Meta Mercer.

Abstinence Until Marriage Workshop

Mike Long, well known author and spokesperson held staff development session regarding how to effectively teach teenagers abstinence, February 13, 2008.

100th Day Celebration at Hallsboro-Artesia

In celebration of the 100th day of school, each student in Lynn Barnes' class created a t-shirt containing 100 items.

Old Dock Students Learn "EGG-cellent" Lesson about Engineering

Byron Tedder's 8th Grade science class conducted an experiment entitled "The Egg Protector".  Participants were instructed to build an egg protector using only rubber bands, paper clips, popsicle sticks, straws, an egg and tape.  The objective was to be able to drop the egg in the egg protector from 3 meters without breaking or cracking the egg.  Students were divided into two teams:  boys vs. girls.  Both egg protectors were successful. Students enjoyed performing the hands-on activity.  It helped illustrate the engineering design process by using the universal systems model which consists of the goal, input, process, output, and feedback.

Representative McIntyre Teaches Lesson at Acme Delco Middle

Representative Mike McIntyre gave students at Acme Delco Middle School a lesson about government recently as part of the Congress in the Classroom program. McIntyre spoke about the separation of powers and the important reasons why all citizens should be involved in electing their leaders. Mr. McIntyre also presented two checks to the Columbus County School Board totaling 3.8 million dollars for reading and technology grants.

East Columbus High Student Perform

East Columbus High School's Theatre I and Dance I students performed recently at ECHS' auditorium. The students performed choreography, scripted and original scenes for an audience of several hundred.

Carolina Ballet Performs "Peter and the Wolf"

Raleigh's Carolina Ballet performed for nearly 1500 of the county's 3rd and 4th graders recently at Bowers Auditorium. The students watched the dancers warm up and were treated to a telling of "Peter and the Wolf" through ballet. The program was sponsored through the "Cartwheels" program and the Columbus County Arts Council.

Guideway Elementary Receives Donation

Old Zion Church recently donated Guideway Elementary a check for $1,000 to be used for media center books. Principal Jonathan Williams received the check at a pancake dinner sponsored by the church. This donation will enhance the learning at GES for many years to come.