VOTE in the school board election today! If you are a registered voter and live in our school district, don't forget to cast your ballot by 7PM today. If you live in the Laurens or Abbeville county portion of our district, you can vote too.
Friday, May 7th, will be a regular school day for all. All high school staff and students are asked to park in the back of the school because of the Farmers to Families food box distribution in front of the school.
Shortly after 8 o’clock this morning, the high school was placed on lockdown due to an isolated incident in the parking lot. EMS and law enforcement were contacted and are currently investigating. We have remained in frequent communication with parents regarding this situation, and we remain focused on maintaining a safe learning environment the rest of the school day. The Ware Shoals Police Chief has reported that a student has suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is in critical condition. The incident is under investigation by SLED.
This information was just shared at a media briefing. Our next briefing and a press release will occur at 11:30AM.
Our after school program at Ware Shoals Primary made Save the Children's National news! Every Friday, a report from the field discussing how Save the Children impacts local communities and families is published and sent throughout Save the Children USA. Thanks to Dr. Kem Owens, Director, and all Save the Children staffers at WSP for doing such a great job providing after school learning opportunities for our children. Read the story here: https://bit.ly/3gZ9muS
Our after school program at Ware Shoals Primary made Save the Childrens' National news! Every Friday, a report from the field discussing how Save the Children impacts local communities and families is published and sent throughout Save the Children USA. Thanks to Dr. Kem Owens, Director, and all Save the Children staffers at WSP for doing such a great job providing after school learning opportunities for our children.
file:///C:/Users/fsprouse/Desktop/Fay's%20Docs/Grants/21st%20Century/Save%20the%20Children%20National%20News%20at%20WSPS%20program%20and%20student.html
Our after school program at Ware Shoals Primary made Save the Childrens' National news! Every Friday, a report from the field discussing how Save the Children impacts local communities and families is published and sent throughout Save the Children USA. Thanks to Dr. Kem Owens, Director, and all Save the Children staffers at WSP for doing such a great job providing after school learning opportunities for our children. https://tinyurl.com/3wwe93jz
Current COVID cases in our schools: WSP: 6, WSM: 1, WSH: 1. Many have been quarantined as close contacts out of an abundance of caution. All precautions remain in place at schools: masks, plexiglass, hand washing, social distancing, and regular surface cleaning. We shared our numbers and procedures with DHEC today, and they said we're doing a great job. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call us.
We have been asked to share the following from "New Foundations Connections Foster Care Program." Contact information is provided.
Have you ever thought about becoming a Foster Parent? Did you know New Foundations Connections Foster Care Program in Anderson is always looking for families to provide temporary care to children in surrounding communities? Beyond just Anderson! Did you know just a caring heart and an open door may be the beginning of a life of love and support to a child in need? Did you know that Foster Parenting can be another income stream? Curious? Interested? Check us out at:
www.ConnectionsFosterCare.com
Call Nirmala Bruce at Connections: Cell 864-581-9966
Email: nbruce@newfoundationschildren.com
Farmers to Families food distribution will be at Ware Shoals High School this FRIDAY, April 23, from 9:30-11:30 or until the food is gone. No proof of income or identification is required, limit 2 boxes per family. We will distribute about 1,100 boxes, packed with poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. We are excited about this opportunity to provide food for our employees, students, and community! This is a USDA program in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and other food producers and distributors. This program helps businesses, prevents waste, and helps families have access to fresh, healthy food. Officers and employees will assist with traffic control, showing you where to enter to get in line. Share this message - help us spread the word. We don't want any leftover food! https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box https://www.usda.gov/media/press-
Getting ready for Relay for Life, held at WSHS in honor of Ms. Brown and Mackenzie! We hope to see you there today from 7-9, rain or shine! If rain, we will be in the gym and baseball stands, if shine, we will be in front of the high school.
These are some of the luminaria bags IHO and IMO staff, students, and alumni of WSSD51.
You're invited to : "LIGHT the NIGHT" at Riegel Stadium and Lou Brissie Field. Come out to enjoy baseball and the great REVEALING of the "new" light towers and LED lights....TODAY! The JV team plays Whitmire at 5PM. At 7PM we will have the ceremonial lighting of the towers for all to behold! LIGHT the NIGHT...POWER the TOWERS! The varsity team will then face off against Whitmire. Go Hornets!
You're invited to : "LIGHT the NIGHT" at Riegel Stadium and Lou Brissie Field. Come out to enjoy baseball and the great REVEALING of the "new" light towers and LED lights....TODAY! The JV team plays at 5PM. At 7PM we will have the ceremonial lighting of the towers for all to behold! LIGHT the NIGHT...POWER the TOWERS!
The weather for tomorrow is “iffy,” so we have come up with a plan for having our Relay for Life event - come rain or shine (praying for shine)! By 5PM we will decide if the event will be held on the front lawn of the high school (if "shine") or if it will be held in the gym and baseball stands (if "rain"). Public parking will be in the back parking lot of the high school, regardless of the weather. The luminiarias will be placed around the horseshoe drive (if "shine") or in the covered baseball stands (if "rain"). The event is from 7-9PM. See you there!
Our district will host a Relay for Life event this Saturday, April 10, from 7-9PM at WS High School. Social distancing/sanitizing practices will be in place. Funds raised through Relay For Life directly support breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving screenings, and much more. Our event is being held in honor of WS Middle School principal, Nancy Brown, who is currently battling cancer. Events that evening include Silent Auction Baskets to bid on, musical entertainment, photo booth, and snacks. One of the highlights will be a Luminaria Walk around the horseshoe, to view luminaries placed in honor or memory of a loved one who has been affected by cancer or COVID-19. Luminarias are $5 each, and may be purchased at any school or the district office. Be sure to get yours by Friday! Decorate it with your loved one's name and a message of inspiration! Here are some ideas for decorating a luminaria bag: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179932947589317610/
https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/relay-for-life.html
REMINDER: DSS will issue Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) cards by April 16 for families of students at WSPS and WSMS. The benefit amount is $6.82 for each eLearning day from 9/1/20-12/31/20.Parents/guardians are asked to validate their address in the DSS P-EBT Address Portal by tomorrow, March 19th. You have to enter your child's PowerSchool ID number, as well as name, DOB, and school name. Go to : https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/#/pebt/addressverification
Farmers to Families food distribution will be at Ware Shoals High School FRIDAY from 9:30-11:30 or until the food is gone. No proof of income or identification is required. We will distribute about 1,100 boxes, packed with poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. We are excited about this opportunity to provide food for our employees, students, and community! This is a USDA program in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and other food producers and distributors. This program helps businesses, prevents waste, and helps families have access to fresh, healthy food. Officers and employees will assist with traffic control, showing you where to enter to get in line. Share this message - help us spread the word. We don't want any leftover food! https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box https://www.usda.gov/media/press-
The WS Fitness Center, located between the high school and the gym, is open to citizens of our district, 18 years and over, from 7AM to 8PM, 7 days a week. Citizens must sign up to receive a key card for access. It is well-equipped with treadmills, steppers, and weight machines. There is no charge to use the Fitness Center. Call 864-456-7496 if you wish to join!
WSSD51 students will start five day face-to-face instruction Monday, February 22. When students return, they can expect to see continued use of masks, plexiglass shields, frequent hand washing, portable water stations, electrostatic disinfectant spraying, and social distancing as in the A/B model. The biggest difference will be larger class sizes.
More students will also be riding buses, where social distancing will be done to the extent possible. Expect buses to arrive 15 to 20 minutes earlier in the AM and later in the PM due to the increased number of riders.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back. Purple and Gold belong together!
At their meeting today, board members voted unanimously for all students to return to school February 22, five days face-to-face. It will be great to have everyone together for the first time this year! Please be diligent with personal protective measures while in school and in the community so we can finish the year strong!
LEARNING, SERVING, LEADING…TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN!
FREE food boxes tomorrow from 9:30-11:30 at Ware Shoals High School! Farmers to Families food boxes have meat, fruit, and dairy products and weigh about 30 pounds. One box per family...first come, first served...while supplies last. No proof of income or identification needed. Come see us and take your box of food home to enjoy!
Plans are underway for another food distribution Friday from the "Farmers to Families" program. We are getting a truck load of about 1,100 boxes, packed with chicken strips, sausage, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. We are excited about this opportunity to provide food for our employees, students, and community! Distribution will be at Ware Shoals High School from 9:30-11:30 FRIDAY or until the food is gone. No proof of income or identification is required. This is a USDA program in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and other food producers and distributors. A lot of food that would normally be sold to restaurants is not being utilized due to the COVID-19 national emergency. This program helps businesses, prevents waste, and helps families have access to fresh, healthy food. Officers and employees will assist with traffic control, showing you where to enter to get in line. The line WILL be long at times, but our volunteers will get you through as quickly as possible. ONE BOX PER FAMILY...FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED...WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Share this message - help us spread the word. We don't want any leftover food! https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box https://www.usda.gov/media/press-
We look forward to welcoming students back to school next week! Monday, January 25th is A Day (Purple Hornets) and Tuesday, January 26th is B Day (Gold Hornets). Please be sure your child wears a mask to enter school or to the bus stop to board the bus. School staff will monitor students for wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing. Please do not allow your child to get on the bus or enter the school if sick. If a family member or close contact has COVID symptoms, do not send your child to school. Call your school nurse to get advice. We offer rapid COVID testing onsite for students and staff.
Here is a link to an article by a doctor from MUSC. It may help those who are anxious about returning.
https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2021/01/19/data-on-covid-in-charleston-county-schools-stun-doctor-who-crunched-the-numbers
DESTINATION...GRADUATION!
WSSD51 E-Learning/Distance Learning pick up meal plan REMINDER: All requests need to be completed for free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL students and children 18 years and younger in our community to receive meals for the week of January 11 - 15. Please sign up by this Thursday at 3:00 pm. Meals may be picked up curbside at each schools' chosen location Monday, January 11th and Wednesday, January 13th from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Please sign up using this link: https://rb.gy/6voqf4
Please contact Sharon Mann, Food Service Director, with any questions. 864-456-7496 Thank you!
During our return to virtual learning January 5th - 18th, we will provide FREE MEALS to ALL students and children 18 years and younger in our community. If you want your child(ren) to receive free breakfast and lunch, you must sign up in advance using the form at this link: https://rb.gy/6voqf4
Meals may be picked up curbside at schools from 10-11AM on these dates: January 6, January 11, and January 13. Sign up starts TODAY and ends Monday, January 4th @ 3:00 pm. for pickup on the 6th. Sign up will required again for the week of the January 11th, and may be done between 3PM on Monday (Jan. 4 ) and 3PM Thursday (Jan. 7) using the same link. Please contact Sharon Mann, Food Services Supervisor, with any questions (864-456-7496).
During our return to virtual learning January 5th - 18th, we will provide FREE MEALS to ALL students and children 18 years and younger in our community. If you want your child(ren) to receive free breakfast and lunch, you must sign up in advance using the form at this link: https://rb.gy/6voqf4
Meals may be picked up curbside at schools from 10-11AM on these dates:
Wednesday, January 6th
Monday, January 11th
Wednesday, January 13th
Sign up starts TODAY and ends Monday, January 4th @ 3:00 pm. for pickup on the 6th. Sign up will required again for the week of the January 11th, and may be done between 3PM on Monday (Jan. 4 ) and 3PM Thursday (Jan. 7) using the same link.
Please contact Sharon Mann, Food Services Supervisor, with any questions (864-456-7496).
The Board of Trustees met today to discuss our return to school, considering the spike in COVID-19 cases from the Christmas break. They decided we would return to virtual instruction from January 5-18. They will meet again in 2 weeks to review the data and decide what to do starting January 19th.
Right now community spread is higher than it’s ever been, so we will take a pause in coming to school to learn. It is the safest choice, but it is not an easy choice. Board members and I understand and accept that there is no solution that will please everyone; however, the priority in our district has been and will remain safety for all. COVID-19 is a threat…an intruder…one that we take very seriously because it is highly contagious, it causes illness that is sometimes serious, and it can cause death, especially for those who have underlying health conditions. Many of our employees are at risk of having complications if they get the virus.
During the remaining holidays and the 10 days of virtual instruction, please observe the safe practices that you’ve heard over and over and encourage others to do so as well, so that we can get back to school Jan. 19th!
Dr. Fay Sprouse, Superintendent
We have added three important links on our district website under the COVID-19 tab, which is circled in red.
Please review and submit the electronic permission form if you agree for our nurses to administer COVID rapid tests if your child becomes symptomatic. Read all about it on our website.
If your child tests positive for COVID or if your child is a close contact of a positive case during the holidays we need you to report it to our district nurse using the electronic form or by calling 864-377-0587.
The district will be monitoring the numbers over the holidays and will announce by January 1st if there is a need to return to eLearning. Students are bringing all needed materials home today and tomorrow to be prepared in case that happens. The extra work brought home by some is not homework to be completed over the holidays.
We encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines of wearing a mask in public, socially distancing six feet, washing hands frequently, and avoiding social gatherings. These simple steps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Let's all do our part so that we can be back to a normal schedule soon after the holidays!
We are very thankful for our students, especially those who look for ways to help others. This is Eli Burton, an 11th grader at WSHS, who bought paper sacks while working at an auction this past weekend. He donated them to our Food Service program! What a great way to SERVE others, by providing supplies for sack lunches. Thanks, Eli....you embody our motto "LEARNING, SERVING, LEADING," and we appreciate you!
Our scheduled date for returning to five day instruction, November 23, has been changed due to the increase in COVID19 cases in our counties and the chance that students, their families, and our staff will be attending gatherings over the holidays where exposure may occur.
The new target date for reopening with five day instruction is January 14, the first day of the second semester. This is an additional 23 days of the hybrid schedule. We thank you for your understanding and patience as our Board of Trustees and I put safety first.
News from the District Nurse:
Mask wearing has become the new norm. The students in our district have adjusted well and have been very good at wearing their mask. Since mask wearing is a daily routine, how to store and clean them are very important. The following are some tips on storing and washing your child’s mask.
Store your cloth mask properly and wash it regularly to keep it clean. Consider having more than one mask on hand so that you can easily replace a dirty mask with a clean one.
Wash your cloth mask whenever it gets dirty or at least daily. If you have a disposable face mask, throw it away after wearing it once.
Using a washing machine
It is okay to include your mask with your regular laundry. Use regular laundry detergent and use the warmest settings on the washer that is safe for the material, or wash your mask with tap water and laundry detergent or soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove detergent or soap.
Dry your mask completely in a warm or hot dryer use the warmest setting on the dryer that is safe for the material, or hang your mask in direct sunlight to dry completely. If you cannot hang it in direct sunlight, hang or lay it flat and let it dry completely.
Due to increasing threat of high winds from remnants of Hurricane Zeta that are predicted for our area, B Day (Gold Hornets) will have an eLearning day tomorrow. Students must log into their Schoology or Seesaw account to be counted present. A Day students (Purple Hornets) will return to school on Friday. Stay safe, everyone!
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of returning to the traditional model of instruction (5 days, face to face) beginning November 23. Today we learned that the company helping us needs one more week to get all materials in (demand is very high right now) and to finish making and installing everything. Starting on November 23 will give teachers and students 2 days (23rd and 24th) to learn and practice new routines and safety procedures for being all together again. After Thanksgiving, we'll have three weeks of productivity before the Christmas break.
Schedule for next week:
Monday, November 2nd, is an eLearning day for all students and Parent-Teacher Conference Day.
Tuesday, November 3rd, is Election Day and a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday the 4th, we resume school with B Day (Gold Hornets).
The Board of Trustees will have a called meeting tomorrow, October 27th, at 4pm to consider a recommendation that students return to school full time on November 16th. This is basically a formality, as they have already given their approval to take steps to get ready for 5 day, face-to-face instruction.
All schools will have the best PPE that is available. Acrylic shields are being made for tables and desks, and will be installed by November 12 (photos here are from schools in Spartanburg 6). Combined with the other measures that are already in place, schools will be safe places for children.
We are looking forward to having all students under one roof again!
Hello parents. This school year has definitely been a challenging year for everyone. We appreciate your understanding as we wade through all the unknowns and changes COVID-19 has brought. We are diligently keeping up with guidelines from DHEC and CDC in an effort to support the safety of our staff and students. If your child, someone in your household, or a close contact of your child is tested for COVID, please keep your child at home and call your child’s school or the District Nurse Tonja Lindle @ 864-377-0587. If you need assistance with an
appointment at a testing facility, contact your child’s school or Tonja Lindle, the District Nurse. As a benefit for our students, Abbeville Respiratory Clinic has graciously agreed to prioritize testing for any student we serve. Our main objective is to keep our staff and students safe and in class as much as possible.
Thanks for your help!
Tonja Lindle, District Nurse
Barring any further COVID-19 complications, our Board of Trustees has given the blessing to bring students back to school five days a week as soon as we can get our classrooms fully outfitted with the best PPE that is being offered right now, plexiglass partitions.
Our goal is to return by November 11th, a little less than 4 weeks away; however, we may need a few more days for the vendors to fill our order, assemble the items, and install them. We will keep you updated on our progress and give you ample notice of the date we will be able to return.
We appreciate the patience you've shown so far during the virtual and the hybrid instructional models. We look forward to the time when all of our learners return to the traditional schedule, all being taught together by our talented, caring teachers!
REMINDER: "Farmers to Families" Food Box giveaway is tomorrow from 9-11 at Ware Shoals High. Pull in the circle and a box will be loaded in your car. First come, first served, while supplies last!
The box is packed with fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. This is a USDA program which benefits farmers, ranchers, and others who produce food which, in turn, benefits families in economically distressed areas.
Plans are underway for a massive food distribution Friday from the "Farmers to Families" program. We are getting a truck load of about 1,100 boxes, packed with chicken strips, sausage, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. We are excited about this opportunity to provide food for our employees, students, and community! Distribution will be in front of Ware Shoals High School from 9-11 FRIDAY or until the food is gone.
No proof of income or identification is required. This is a USDA program in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and other food producers and distributors. A lot of food that would normally be sold to restaurants is not being utilized due to the COVID-19 national emergency. This program helps their business, prevents waste, and helps families have access to fresh, healthy food.
Enter the front drive of Ware Shoals High School and drive around. A volunteer will place the box in your vehicle. Limit 2 boxes per family.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED...WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! The line may be long at times, but our student and church volunteers will get you through as quickly as possible.
Share this message - help us spread the word. We don't want any leftover food!
https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/09/29/farmers-families-food-box-program-surpasses-100-million-boxes
Here is the updated Hornet Football Schedule, which was revised yesterday. We will have 2 home games and 3 away games.
Whitmire @ Ware Shoals Monday, Oct. 12 7:00
Ware Shoals @ Dixie Friday, Oct.16 7:30
McCormick @ Ware Shoals Friday, Oct.23 7:30 (Homecoming & Senior Night)
Ware Shoals @ Southside Christian Friday, Oct.30 7:30
Ware Shoals @ Calhoun Falls Friday, Nov. 6 7:30
Here is our revised schedule, approved by Region I Class A. The first varsity home game will be Monday, October 12th.
All tickets sold for the Whitmire game are still valid. There will be no refunds.
Homecoming and Senior Night are tentatively planned for the second home game vs McCormick on October 23rd.
2020 CENSUS...only 14 days remain! The census impacts schools, educators, students, and families for the next 10 years. We're below our 2010 response rate, which could decrease funding for schools for the next ten years. It only takes 10 minutes...please be counted!
Help us share this message, too.
https://my2020census.gov/
D51 Bus Station Ribbon Cutting
Today bus drivers moved to their new "home" at 42 Sparks Avenue. This property has been used for storage for several years, but a portion of it has been renovated as the D51 Bus Station. This space provides the facility needs for sanitizing buses each day - power, water, and storage space.
We appreciate our drivers and all they will be doing to keep our students safe.
"The Wheels on the Bus" will go "'round and 'round" beginning Monday, as students return to school on the A/B schedule. Purple Hornets attend Monday (Group A) and Gold Hornets attend Tuesday (Group B).
Pictured, from left: Mr. Wooten, Rev. Davis, Ms. Stewart, Ms. Story, Ms. Wells, Dr. Sprouse, Ms. Wagner, Ms. Hellams, and Ms. Thomas.
Be sure to take a look at the resources here on our website.
Under the COVID-19 link, found on the district website's banner, you'll find Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and the Hotspots/Internet Connections, the DHEC Exclusion List, Quick Facts, and many others.
The A/B Calendar is found under the Reopen 2020 link, showing the Purple Hornet and Gold Hornet days.
If you have any questions, reach out to us. We're happy to help!
WSSD 51 has been approved to provide FREE MEALS to ALL students and children 18 years and younger in our community. Children do not have to be enrolled in WSSD 51 to be eligible.
All Distance Learning students and children not enrolled in our district must sign up (use link below) to receive the free meals for pick-up Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
SIGN UP TODAY OR TOMORROW by 3:00PM to ensure meals for next week.
Sign up is required each week for all meal requests and will begin after 3:00 pm each Thursday and end the following Tuesday at 3:00 pm.
Sign up here for next week's meals:
https://rb.gy/6voqf4
Elearning and Distance learning meals will be ready for pickup and delivery starting Thursday August 27th. Bus delivery meals will go out from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Ware Shoals High School. Beginning Monday, August 31st, we will start our meal pickup and delivery of meals on Mondays and Wednesdays while elearning and distance learning programs are in progress. Please contact our Food Services Supervisor with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
WSSD51 E-Learning/Distance pick up & delivery meal plan
REMINDER: After 3 pm today, all requests need to be completed for breakfast and lunch meals for enrolled students of WSSD 51 to receive meals for the week of Aug 31st to Sept 8th. This plan requires families to sign up prior to the Thursday of each week at 3:00 pm. Please sign up using the link below. Please read the form carefully for more detailed information. Thank you!
https://rb.gy/6voqf4
WSSD 51 has implemented a meal plan for students to participate in pick up/delivery of breakfast & lunch during eLearning or Distance learning. This plan requires families to sign up in advance using the form in the link below. Sign up now!
https://rb.gy/6voqf4
At the board meeting yesterday, our regional DHEC Director, Dr. Kandi Fredere, presented the weekly COVID-19 data report from 8-10-2020. (These reports are released each Monday.)
All counties of SC are still “HIGH RISK” based on the Incidence Rate, Trend in Incidence Rate, and Percent Positive.
Our Reopening Plan, approved by the State Superintendent and our School Board, follows the AccelerateED Task Force recommendations. After Dr. Fredere presented the data, our board affirmed its previous decision to begin the year with the Hybrid: eLearning instructional plan, based on the HIGH RISK rating for our area.
As we continue to assess the conditions, we will decide when we can transition to the A/B model, then on to the Traditional. Our ultimate goal is to have all under one roof, being educated by our terrific teachers, but right now we are committed to providing high quality instruction virtually, engaging students in learning each day.
LEAP days for students in 5K-8th grade will still be August 17-21, but students will be scheduled to come meet with their teacher individually. Teachers will set up parent/teacher/student conference times to prepare them for eLearning days and to do some assessments. 4K orientation plans will be shared with parents by Principal Morrison.
Registration for school begins tomorrow, the 11th, from 2-7 at each of our schools. Please remember to bring your child so that we may issue his/her laptop or iPAD for instruction this year. The technology and agenda fee is $30.
If you cannot make it tomorrow, registration will also be held Wednesday, the 12th, from 7:30 until 12:30.
ALL students must register in person at school, including those who are in the Distance Learning Academy and those who have pre-registered online so that we may issue technology devices.
THANKS!
We are busy preparing for the reopening of school. You’ve had to consider whether your child will return to school on a hybrid schedule or participate in virtual learning.
The hybrid model is an A day / B day schedule. If the COVID statistics are favorable for a safe return, students will have face-to-face instruction 2 or 3 days a week. If not, students will eLearn under the direction of their teachers. Our goal is to get students back to school 5 days a week as soon as possible, and we hope the virus will subside soon so we can do that.
If you want your child in the Distance Learning Academy, the all-virtual option, the deadline to enroll is today. If you need additional information, please check our district website, and give us a call if you have any questions.
Cleaning equipment and supplies are arriving weekly, and we’re rearranging classrooms for social distancing. All staff will receive training on our new district cleaning protocols.
Our School Board meets today to approve final reopening details including a new start date, We will share the details Friday.
We will release more updates in the coming days. Please understand that all plans are subject to change as we ensure the safety of our students.
Thanks for your patience, your support, and for choosing our district.
We will achieve our goal….DESTINATION GRADUATION…for the class of 2021 and all those to follow!
VACANCIES: We are in need of Special Education (SPED) instructional assistants at Ware Shoals Primary. SPED programs are structured to meet the unique needs of students. Experience in Applied Behavior Analysis is preferred. An application and interview is required. Please contact Jason Morrison, Principal, if interested. 864-456-7496, Extension 4300.
Yesterday, the school board approved a flexible Hybrid Model for reopening school. This model will allow the district to make adjustments to instructional delivery based upon current health conditions. Within the hybrid model are 2 options:
A/B Schedule: Students will be placed in cohorts and will receive some face to face instruction and some virtual assignments each week. This allows our district to more effectively implement social distancing and new safety protocols.
eLearning: If the risk is too high for students to receive face to face instruction, learning will take place virtually until conditions improve.
Parents have the option of enrolling child(ren) in a 100% virtual program for the semester or for the year. We will provide information and an application this week.
The board will hold another meeting soon to decide the start date, which will be delayed from August 17th. Alternate start dates to be considered are August 24, 31 or September 8.
Five LEAP days for students in 4K-8th grade will be scheduled prior to the start date. Students will report to school in small groups for orientation and assessments. The dates for LEAP will be announced after the start date is determined.
VOTE TOMORROW...Tuesday, July 14th...in the Board of Trustees election. Two seats must be filled. The candidates are: Genie McDill, Cody Quinn, Joey Ward, and Andy Wood.
All registered voters who live in WSSD51, whether in Abbeville, Laurens, or Greenwood Counties may vote for school board! You don't have to live in the Town of Ware Shoals.
Please remind your friends and family members. Show your support of education in our district by voting to elect our leaders!
VOTE in the election to select two school board members for WSSD51 school board. Two of four candidates will be chosen for three-year terms. All registered voters of WSS51 in all three counties we serve need to come out in support of our students and our district.
Precautionary measures will be in place for your protection from COVID-19!
Pictured is the list of precincts for this election.
Please remember to vote next Tuesday, July 14th! Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Board of Trustees. Genie McDill, Cody Quinn, Joey Ward, and Andy Wood are the candidates.
All registered voters who live in WSSD51, whether in Abbeville, Laurens, or Greenwood Counties may vote for school board! You don't have to live in the Town of Ware Shoals. We will post the voting locations soon.
Please help us spread the word. We need a good turnout next Tuesday. Show our students you care enough about them to get out and vote!!!
DHEC data shows Greenwood and Laurens Counties at a HIGH level of COVID-19. For our students” and staff safety, we are postponing summer school for K-3 and athletics conditioning until further notice. We will continue to monitor the data and to keep you informed.
Please help stop the spread by taking all recommended precautions!
Here is a link to view each county’s data.
https://www.scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/COVID-19-Dz-Activity-Assessment-by-County-for-Dept-of-Ed_6.22.20.pdf
VACANCY: We are in need of a Part-Time Food Service Operator at Ware Shoals Primary (20 hours per week).
Job duties include food prep and service, maintaining cleanliness of kitchen and cafeteria, and other related duties.
Anyone interested should contact Elaine Edens at 864-861-3453 or Jason Morrison at 864-861-2261.
Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, July 7th.
Please join us in giving a warm Ware Shoals welcome to the newest members of our district family, Savanna Keefe (WSE/M) and Andrea Taylor (WSE/M). We welcome the return of Dede Brownlee to teach English at Ware Shoals High, after three years spent in retirement.
Ware Shoals Elementary/Middle seeks a School Nurse who, under the supervision of the Principal and District Nurse, promotes the health and well-being of all students by providing services such as assessments, first aid, counseling and emergency care. Apply online or in person. If you have questions, contact Principal Nancy Brown, nbrown@gwd51.org or 864-456-7496.
Ware Shoals Primary School seeks a Teacher Assistant who, under the direction of a certified teacher, provides small group or individual instruction for identified students.
Apply online or in person. If you have questions, contact Principal Jason Morrison, jmorrison@gwd51.org or 864-861-2261.
VACANCY: Ware Shoals High School - English. Apply on CERRA, and notify Principal Paul Anderson at panderson@gwd51.org if you would like to join our team!
What time is it???
It’s Ware Shoals Primary School PTO Duck Race Time!!!!
It’s our 8th annual WSPS PTO Duck Race! Due to COVID-19, we are selling our ducks a little differently this year. Ducks are now available for online purchase through our PayPal and Venmo accounts. You will not receive a raffle ticket this year, your receipt from your online purchase will be your entry into the race. Purchase as many ducks as you would like and help us raise money for our school. We will have our duck race at the park (details are below) and you do not have to be present to win. We will go live that day on Facebook and you can watch from the comfort of your home or wherever you like.
Cost Per Duck: $2.00 per duck.
Payment Options: PayPal (paypal.me/wspspto) or Venmo (www.venmo.com/wspspto)
When: Saturday, June 27, 2020
Time: 11:00 am
Where: Irving Pitts Memorial Park 2283 Power House Rd, Ware Shoals, SC 29692
Hosted By: WSPS PTO
Top Prizes:
1. Disney Package (10 tickets)
2. Great Wolf Lodge Package
3. Myrtle Beach Package
Learning...Serving...Leading....and THANKING Rachel McCarthy and her children for creating this wonderful thank you card for the staff of WSPS, our bus drivers, and our food service workers for all they have done this year. We know there are many thankful families out there, but it meant so much to all of us to see and read this homemade gift, created out of love!
Today, Gov. McMaster announced that schools will not reopen this year. We understand the need to safeguard the health of our students and families. We will continue instruction through eLearning and learning packets. Let's work hard so we won't be behind when school resumes!
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Natalie Bishop to our learning community! She will teach at Ware Shoals Primary next year. WELCOME to WSSD 51!
Today the O'Dell Corporation donated masks they made for our staff and volunteers - purple and gold ones to show our school pride! Join us in thanking them for supporting our school district and our community.
(Shown, L to R: Eric Cox, WSSD Safety Coordinator, Mark Lowe, O'Dell Corporation, Dr. Fay Sprouse, WSSD Superintendent)
Meal delivery and pick-up tomorrow (Apr 8) will supply food for Wed-Fri. Starting next week, drive-through pick-up of food at the high school will be 9-10:00 AM instead of 8-9:00 AM. Bus delivery times will remain the same. Stay well!
Everyone can look forward to a break from eLearning and Learning Packets next week. SPRING BREAK is almost here!
Learning packets for students in K-3rd grades should be picked up at WSPS the Monday after spring break - (April 13th) from 8-12. Those who have been working on learning packets may drop off completed work at that time as well.
Meal deliveries and pick-up will continue during spring break - Monday through Wednesday. On Wednesday, three days of food will be distributed.
If you have any questions, call the district or the school at 864-456-7496, tech support at 864-456-7500, or email us.
Stay healthy and safe!
Census data ensures our schools receive their fair share of resources. Ensuring every resident in South Carolina is counted during the 2020 census will help our schools for the next 10 years. Please go to www.my2020census.gov and complete your census today. Share this post and tag three friends challenging them to complete their census! #CountMeInSC #SCCounts2020
Today Gov. McMaster announced that SC schools will be closed through April 30. Our state superintendent will be providing guidance on student work soon, relaxing course and time requirements. We want students to continue learning but not be overwhelmed. More info coming soon!
Free breakfast and lunch for children ages 18 and under can be picked up from 8-9AM at the WSH cafeteria, behind the high school. Buses will deliver meals throughout the district starting at 8AM. We will serve any child! Stand outside to flag us down if not a regular bus rider.
Beginning 3-19-20 WSSD51 will provide free breakfast and lunch to children. Meals can be picked up at regular bus stops or students may pick up their meals from 8-9 AM. Pick up location is the WSH cafeteria, behind the high school. Children must be present to receive meals.
The Early Release Day, scheduled for March 25, has been moved to next Wednesday, March 18 to allow time for teachers to do emergency lesson plans. The State Dept. is requiring 2 weeks of plans in case DHEC orders schools closed due to the Coronavirus. We want to be prepared!
Community of Readers
WSP welcomed guest readers from the district office and WSH Teacher Cadets today. Every classroom had a guest reader!
One Book, One School
To celebrate Read Across America Week, WSP was treated to a read aloud by Mr. Morrison over the intercom. The entire school paused this morning to hear a fairy tale full of fun, excitement, and wild voices!
Ware Shoals School District will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow (Friday, February 21) due to a forecast of possible black ice on the roadways. Temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing around 4am and continue to hover at or below freezing for several hours. We will further assess weather conditions in the morning. If we need to delay further or cancel school we will be back in touch around 7am. Safety is our number one priority!
WSSD51 remains committed to early childhood education. We are proud to offer a rigorous 4k curriculum and have top tier teachers (and assistants) who are preparing our students for 5k! Registration for 4K and new 5K students will be held Feb 24-28 (9:00-2:00PM) at WSP.
Very proud of all the students who came out to our SAT Prep session on Monday night! Research indicates that 20 hours of studying for the SAT typically increases scores 30 to 70 points. These students understand that extra efforts lead to great results!
Thank you for what you do!
Noon Dismissal for Students Wednesday, February 5th:
On Wednesday, students will be released at 12 to provide time for professional development for our staff. It's time for us to "go to school" to LEARN more about how to better SERVE our students.
LEARNING, SERVING, LEADING the way to DESTINATION...GRADUATION!
Ware Shoals School District 51 would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!
Ware Shoals School District 51 would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Power Outage: WSSD 51 experienced a power outage today at 2:45 pm. Power will be restored by 6:45 pm tonight. The WSMS basketball game scheduled for 5:00 pm tonight has been cancelled. School will start on a regular schedule tomorrow morning, December 19th. Thank you!
Ware Shoals School District 51 would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Donuts with Grown-Ups!
Friday, November 15th from 7:15-7:50 am at Ware Shoals Primary School
Fall Festival Tonight 4-6pm.
Bess the Book Bus visited 5K and 1st grade students at Ware Shoals Primary School today. Students listened to interactive stories and then boarded the bus to choose a free book to keep at home!
Connecting students with books that match their interests is so important. This morning it was a joy to witness a fantastic first grader using his reading skills to learn more about our amazing universe. Reading can take you places, even to Jupiter!
Join our Twitter page! @ware_shoals_51
• September 23-27: Honeybee Spirit Week
o Monday-Hat Day
o Tuesday-Camo Day
o Wednesday-Picture Day
o Thursday-Animal Day
o Friday-Purple & Gold Day
Ware Shoals Primary enjoyed fall read aloud times with Dr. Sprouse!
