Colleton County School District

State Testing begins April 29, 2025. Please mark your calendars. Please be reminded state law prohibits students from having any electronic devices in their possession during state testing. This includes cell phones, smart watches, fit bits, or eye glasses with imaging or Bluetooth capability. Students will be asked to turn any device off, label with a sticky note provided by the teacher, and place the device into a plastic tub kept at the front of the classroom. Students not adhering to these procedures will be subject to disciplinary action at the school level that includes suspension and/or not receiving a test score/test invalidation. The SCDE could pursue a referral to law enforcement for investigation.

From Mrs. Meagan McMillan (BES 4th Grade Teacher): I wanted to share some information with you about an upcoming event at Bells Elementary School that I think would be great to share with the public. In celebration of our current novel study on the Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, our fourth graders will be hosting their very own lemonade war at the Bells Elementary School bus ramp on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The boys and girls will be using the business strategies that they have learned in the novel to compete to see who can raise the most money selling lemonade. All proceeds will go to supporting a large project at our local animal shelter. We would love for you to come out either Tuesday, May 20th or Wednesday, May 21st to support this great cause and to share some positivity within our community regarding the great things that are happening within our school district. Students will be selling lemonade from 9:00 to 11:00 on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Have a great day!

Colleton County School District Highlights – May 13, 2025 On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Colleton County School District School Board held its Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the District Office. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding staff and students, showcasing the excellence and dedication within our schools. The evening began with warm greetings from the BES Princess & Pearls and the Young Men's Club, who graciously served as greeters. Above & Beyond Staff Recognition – May Honorees We proudly recognized the following staff members for going above and beyond in their commitment to our students and community: Diamond Berry – BES Melanie Gonzalez – BSECC Joyce Ramirez – CES Merilyn Williams – FHE Jeanne Jarmon – NES Charlene Williams – CCMS Lydia Culler – CCHS Karen Jenkins – TCTC Brandon Williams – CAS/Impact Congratulations to these dedicated professionals for their hard work and positive impact! Celebrating Dual Graduates Superintendent Jessica Williams honored our Colleton County High School and USC-Salkehatchie Dual Enrollment graduates. We commend the following students for their exceptional academic achievement: Grace Lynn Breland Jada Christian MacKayla Lei Connelly Allen Johnathan-Pierce Herndon Nora Sarah Holmes Taylen Lilly Lyons Madison Ja’kell Elizabeth Murray Sean Josue Nunez Laynie Carolina Sanders Chace Montgomery Sherrod Islene Atzury Silva Gutierrez Shannon Nicole Smoak Willis Allen Stivender Your hard work and dedication inspire us all—congratulations! Culinary Excellence at the Rice Festival A special shout-out to Chef Williams and his talented students who participated in the Rice Festival’s Annual Rice Cook-Off. Seniors Rocco Vera and Hayden Chaplin took home first place with their delicious red rice recipe, earning a $500 cash prize and a trophy. Well done, chefs!

On May 14, 2025, four Colleton County High School athletes officially signed their college intent forms during a special signing day ceremony held on campus. Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and supporters, the following student-athletes committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level: Jeremiah Howell – Soccer, USC Sumter Zariona Hudson – Baseball, New Jersey City University Akeelyah Daniel – Track, South Carolina State University Stephan LaPresta – Wrestling, Coker University They join fellow senior Lanasia Sanders (Track, South Carolina State University) as members of the Class of 2025 who have signed to compete in college athletics. We are incredibly proud of these Cougar athletes and wish them continued success as they prepare for this exciting next chapter in their athletic journeys.

On May 14, 2025, the Original 6 Foundation visited our Pre-K and Kindergarten students at Black Street Early Childhood Center (BSECC), Bells Elementary (BES), Cottageville Elementary (CES), and Hendersonville Elementary (HES). Each student had the opportunity to choose 10 books to take home, promoting reading and learning over the summer break. Kara Meador and Bob Edwards from the Original 6 Foundation guided students in selecting books that sparked their interest. The Colleton County School District is deeply grateful for this partnership and the Foundation’s continued support of early literacy.

On May 13, 2025, seniors from the Colleton County High School Class of 2025 returned to their former elementary schools to be honored for their accomplishments. Each school celebrated the visiting graduates with heartfelt recognition—hallway walks, speeches, poems, food, and small gifts. These moments not only spotlighted the seniors' achievements but also served to inspire the younger students to pursue their own academic goals. It was a meaningful way to celebrate success and foster motivation across generations. https://youtu.be/tJeucF5sSE0?feature=shared BES https://youtube.com/shorts/nW06FbeDyeE?feature=share CES https://youtube.com/shorts/py1m9EPWdZk?feature=share NSE https://youtube.com/shorts/YYU9HYj0G50?feature=share NES https://youtube.com/shorts/-9GiXdYzrkU?feature=share HES https://www.facebook.com/reel/799087048522456/?s=fb_shorts_tab&stack_idx=0 HES

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Senator Margie Bright Matthews visited Colleton County Middle School to speak to students about the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Senator Matthews, who has served as a South Carolina Senator for 10 years, was recently recognized on May 6, 2025, for her unwavering commitment to public service. The Colleton County School District is incredibly proud of Senator Matthews and her achievements. It's always a special occasion when one of our own graduates returns to give back to the community, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Per FHE Music Teacher Taylor Fussell: "I’m so proud of each of the kids who had a hand in #WHAM!2025! The students in this district are so talented! The artwork that our art teachers submitted blew me away! I was in awe of the creativity from them! For the music side of WHAM! It was amazing to bring together so many talented students from around our district. We had students who ranged kindergarten through 5th grade singing on the stage tonight! The fact that the students only sang together for the first time today and then performed amazed me! They are so talented! I may have had a huge hand in coordinating this performance but it definitely would not have come together without the help of Joelle Glapinski, Anthony Crimely Jr., and Jennifer Robbins Bunton! The three of them are definitely my rocks and I am so blessed to have them as colleagues! The teamwork that we have is amazing! Thank you WHAM - Walterboro History, Arts & Music for inviting the Colleton Elementary Choir to perform at the finale!!" Please enjoy & share these wonderful video clips of the choir. https://youtu.be/qid_3Jd90oo?si=4-p9J2Lr6rVWmB4R https://youtu.be/XA0ckidkgdU?si=eY-c6yn9kkm5GXmT https://youtu.be/a561S5ski0A?si=cWvkMf4-JnKuEwqQ

Today, May 10, 2025, The Colleton County School District participated in the WHAM! Finale. Our students from BSECC, CES, NES , & FHES performed at the Colleton Civic Center. Thank you to everyone that made this event possible. Students from all schools had artwork submitted by their teachers.

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say that our appreciation for you doesn’t end here. Each and every day, you make a difference—for our students, their families, and our entire community. You are truly the heartbeat of our district.

Thank you to the wonderful, caring school nurses that support the Colleton County School District & take such good care of our students and staff.

Today is School Communicators Day! I am so proud to support the awesome Colleton County Superintendent Jessica F. Williams!

Due to the threat of inclement weather, we’ve made the decision to move the WHAM! finale to the Colleton Civic Center at 494 Hampton St. tomorrow evening. All programs will go on as planned as well as times, only the venue has changed. Things kickoff at 5 PM.

1890 Explorers’ CAMP Camper’s will explore agriculture through South Carolina State University’s 1890 Extension program areas: 4-H Youth Development, Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource, Family Nutrition and Health, Community and Economic Development and Education, Innovation and Support. Programs will be conducted in the mornings and afternoons will be filled with arts and crafts, games and other interactive fun-filled activities. Campers will be involved in activities such as swimming, farm visits, field days, drones and cooking demonstrations. $25 registration fee Limited spots available. Register >> 1890.info/4jdSpKQ or scan the QR Code. Low Country Region Latosia Gibson, 4-H youth development agent lgibson9@scsu.edu | (803) 943-3538

Colleton County School District Preschool, Kindergarten & New Student Registration 2025–2026 School Year The Colleton County School District will host a registration event for preschool, kindergarten, and new students on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the District Board Room, located at 500 Forest Circle, Walterboro, SC 29488. Please bring the following required documents: Long-form birth certificate Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement) Immunization record Parent/guardian photo ID Any relevant custody or legal documentation (if applicable) For more information, please contact the Colleton County School District office. ***Colleton County School District is not affiliated with any public charter schools.***

This week is "NURSE APPRECIATION WEEK! Our school nurses are so thoughtful and caring. Please make sure you "Thank your Nurse" today & everyday!

Greetings, TEAM Colleton. Today is Thoughtful Thursday! We have the most thoughtful teachers working in our schools! You genuinely care about your students & they know it!. We hope you take advantage of today's special treats from our local businesses. Thank you to: Waffle House (located next to Ruby Tuesday), Subway (the one close to Walmart), Hardee's, & Bucky's Seafood.

Cottageville Elementary will celebrate "Bike to School" Day on Friday, May 9, 2025 @ 7:00 A.M. CES' P.E. teacher, Drew McNeely, has been riding his bike around the campus to get ready for the big event.

On Tuesday evening, May 6, 2025, TCTC Culinary teacher, Chef LaShawn Williams and a few Culinary Arts students shared some of the great things that the Culinary Arts Program is doing. Rocco Vera & Hayden Chaplin won the Rice Cook Off at the Rice Festival. Students also participated in the "Taste of Waterboro" event. Senior Culinary students hosted a Culinary Expo on Monday, May 5, 2025, @ TCTC.

Cottageville Elementary 5th graders held a Science Expo on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Students shared & demonstrated each project throughout the morning.