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Inside Voice: πParent/Community Feedback on mathemat...
β β β β β β Parent/Community Feedback on Mathematics Textbooks β Parent/legal guardian and community feedback is important to us as we engage in the process of selecting instructional materials to support kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics in Lexington One beginning in the 2025β26 school year. Currently, our schools are engaged in the process of reviewing the instructional materials approved by the State Board of Education for KβGrade 12 mathematics and providing feedback. Parents/legal guardians and community members can provide feedback by visiting Lexington County School District One Central Services Building 1 (100 Tarrar Springs Road, Lexington) Monday, February 10 through Friday, February 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to preview the materials that will be on display and then complete this form. If you are coming in person to view the materials, please have your ID to check in at front desk. β β β β β β β β Board Workshop scheduled for Feb. 13 β The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees will hold a finance workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in the auditorium of Lexington One Central Services Building One, located at 100 Tarrar Springs Road in Lexington. The agenda for the finance workshop will be posted on the BoardDocs site for the Lexington One Board of Trustees later this week. The finance workshop begins at 11 a.m. There will be no citizens' participation at this meeting. The workshop is open to the public and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/LexingtonOne/live. After the workshop, the district will post a video of the workshop to its YouTube channel and its website. β β β β β β β β β Celebrating School Counseling Week 2025 β Last week, Lexington One celebrated our amazing school counselors in honor of National School Counseling Week! Lexington One school counselors have a tremendous impact on students by focusing on positive ways to enhance studentsβ academic, career and social/emotional development. The combination of their training and experience makes school counselors an integral part of the educational experience here in Lexington One. Pictured are school counselors from Pelion High (top) and Gilbert Elementary (bottom). β β β β β β β β β β β β β February is Love the Bus Month β Beep beep! February is Love the Bus Month, which highlights the important role of school bus drivers in our community. Did you know that Lexington One bus drivers safely transport more than 13,000 students to and from school every day and drive approximately 14,000 miles each school year? With Valentineβs Day approaching, itβs a great time to share your love and appreciation for our bus drivers. We couldnβt do what we do without them! Watch the video below to experience a day in the life of a bus driver! β β β β β β β β β β β β β Happy Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! β February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and weβre proud to highlight the incredible opportunities at Lexington Technology Center! LTC equips students with real-world skills, hands-on experiences, and industry certifications that prepare them for high-demand careers and postsecondary success. From health sciences and engineering to culinary arts and digital media, LTC empowers students to explore their passions and build a strong foundation for the future. Join us this month in celebrating the impact of CTE and all of the dedicated educators who make it all possible! β β β β β Important Information for Families β β β β 2025 Pre-K Applications and 5K Enrollment now open! β β β β Do you or someone you know have a pre-kindergartener or five-year-old ready to start school? β Applications for the 4K program and enrollment for 5K in Lexington One are now open! Click here to learn more about both of these programs. β β β β β Embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth with Lexington One's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs! Our highly qualified teachers inspire young minds, fostering creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Your child will develop essential skills for future success, all while having fun in a nurturing environment. To be eligible for a Lexington One Pre-Kindergarten or 5K program, families must be zoned for a Lexington One elementary school and their child must be four or five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. β β β β β β β β β β β β β β Immersion Program starts in Kindergarten β In addition, Lexington One rising kindergarteners have the opportunity to apply for the district's Immersion Program, where students can learn Chinese, French or Spanish. Give your child a head start in being multilingual through Lexington One's Immersion program by developing proficiency in a new language and/or strengthening proficiency in their home language. Save the date β applications for the Immersion Program open on Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. β β β β β β β β β Grants for High School Seniors β In an effort to support Lexington One students in their pursuit of higher education, the Lexington One Educational Foundation forms partnerships with individuals and friends to offer Higher Education Support Grants for Lexington One enrolled, graduating seniors who plan to attend college in the fall and have significant, documented financial need. Higher Education Support Grants β Applications due March 21, 2025 Applications can be found on the foundation's website and should be completed and returned to a student's High School Counseling Office no later than Friday, March 21, 2025. The grant can assist with the purchase of dorm room items, tuition, and/or academic expenses as detailed in the application. β β β β β β β β Profile Spotlight Highlighting the Graduate Profile in Action! β β β β β β β β β BMS is a proud Kindness-Certified School! β Beechwood Middle School has officially been recognized for its commitment to kindness and is now an official Kindness-Certified School! The school earned its certification on February 5, after participating in the Great Kindness Challenge alongside over 43,000 schools worldwide. Students and staff spread positivity through acts of kindness all week long, demonstrating their commitment to Lexington One's Graduate Profile. Way to go Bengals! β β β β β β β β β Have you seen or been part of the Graduate Profile in action? β The Communications Department wants to highlight our students and employees demonstrating the qualities of the Lexington One Graduate Profile: Knowledgeable; Creative Thinker and Problem Solver; Independent Learner; Communicator; Collaborator; Future-Ready Literate; Personally and Socially Responsible; Kind; and Resilient. Email details of examples to communications@lexington1.net. β β β β Celebrations β β β β Teachers maintain National Board Certification β Congratulations to the following teachers who are newly National Board Certified (*) or recently renewed their National Board Certification: Robert Arnold, Deerfield Elementary School Jennifer Bentley, River Bluff High School Frances Brown, Pelion Elementary School Brett Callahan, Meadow Glen Middle School Maria Canepa, Carolina Springs Middle School *Tonya Clamp, Gilbert High School Candice Cobb, River Bluff High School *Jean Cochran, Meadow Glen Elementary *Amy Donaldson, White Knoll High School *Adriana Dooley, River Bluff High School Michelle Faust, South Lake Elementary School Jennifer Garrick, Beechwood Middle School *Kathryn Gibb, River Bluff High School Jennifer Gorlewski, Lexington High School Jennifer Hamrick, Deerfield Elementary School *Cielo Catherine Holt, Gilbert High School *Trevor Hutson, Lexington High School Shelley Jackson, Pleasant Hill Middle School Jennifer Jones, Pleasant Hill Elementary School Cynthia Kussman, Pelion Elementary School *Amy Long, Lakeside Middle School *Holley Matthews, Pelion Middle School *Jennifer May, Pelion Middle School Katie McKinley, Midway Elementary School Heather Parker, Centerville Elementary School *Gina Rawl, Beechwood Middle School William Rhoden, Lakeside Middle School Angela Rowe, White Knoll Elementary School Randall Scott, Lexington Technology Center *Stephenie Sims, Oak Grove Elementary School Sara Somerall, White Knoll Elementary School *Elizabeth Stevenson, Lake Murray Elementary School Melanie Sturkie, Red Bank Elementary School Phillip Thomas, Meadow Glen Middle School Jennifer Thompson, Lexington High School According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the certification process is created by teachers, uses National Board standards, allows peers to review applications and considers multiple factors of effective instruction. β β β β β β β β β β β β β LHS's Sharp named Cheerleader of the Year β Congratulations to Lexington High Senior Ruby Sharp, who was named the SC 5A Division 1 Cheerleader of the Year! She has cheered for four years at LHS, is a two-time state champion and a two-time state runner-up. Ruby plans to attend the University of Alabama and continue cheerleading. β β β β β β β β β LHS Varsity Percussion Ensemble performs at the SCMEA annual conference β Lexington High Schoolβs varsity percussion ensemble was selected to perform at the South Carolina Music Educators Association's 2025 Annual Conference. The ensemble is composed of auditioned students who perform advanced repertoire and chamber percussion music. This ensemble debuted a commissioned piece by composer and percussionist Austin Keck. β β β β β β β β β β β β Carolina Gas Transmission donation to support new LTC Program β Carolina Gas Transmission donated $14,750 to the Lexington One Educational Foundation to support the creation of a Mechatronics Engineering Program at LTC. Students will receive hands-on experience flying drones while studying electronics, aerodynamics and drone theory. The coursework will prepare them to earn their FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot's License. Students will also have the opportunity to earn OSHA 10 Safety certifications and study electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics and manufacturing technology. β β β β β β β β Pictured: Lexington Technology Center Director Bryce Myers; Educational Foundation Executive Director Julie Anderson Washburn; Carolina Gas Transmission General Manager Wayne Vermullen; LTC students William Dannels and Andrew Georgia; LTC Engineering Design and Electronics/Drones Instructor Patrick E. Martin; and LTC Assistant Director Ryan Panter. β β β β β β β β β β β β β UPCOMING DATES β FEBRUARY 13 β Board Workshop 14 β No school for students (Parent/Teacher Conferences/Teacher Workday) 17 β eLearning Day 25 β Board Meeting MARCH 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 17 β No School for students and staff (Weather Make-up Day waived) 25 β Board Meeting 27 β Teacher of the Year Celebration at River Bluff High School β β β
Monday, Feb 10 2025
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Inside Voice: π PowerSchool Data Breach Update, π« B...
β β β β β β Jan. 28, 2025 Board of Trustees Recap β Click the button below to read the recap of the Jan. 28, 2025 Lexington One Board of Trustees meeting. β β β β 1/28/2025 Board Meeting Recap β β β β β β β β Board Workshop scheduled for Feb. 4 β The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees will hold a workshop to learn more about the Strategic Plan and work within Instructional Services on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in the auditorium of Lexington One Central Services Building One, located at 100 Tarrar Springs Road in Lexington. Click here to view the agenda for the workshop on the BoardDocs site for the Lexington One Board of Trustees. The board workshop begins at 4:30 p.m. There will be no citizensβ participation at this workshop. The workshop is open to the public and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/LexingtonOne/live. After the workshop, the district will post a video of the workshop to its YouTube channel and its website. β β β β β β β β PowerSchool Data Breach Update β Directions on how to sign up for complimentary credit/identity monitoring PowerSchool has begun the process of emailing individual notifications to students (or their parents/guardians if the student is under 18) and educators whose information was accessed in the data breach. The notifications contain details about how to sign up for complimentary credit/identity protection services. The sign-up information is also on the PowerSchool website at: https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/notice-of-united-states-data-breach/ β β
Monday, Feb 03 2025
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π Jan. 28 Board Meeting Recap
β β Jan. Board Meeting Recap January 28, 2025 β β β β Click to view Jan. 28 agenda. β β β β Click to view Jan. 28 video. β β β β β β β β Grading Presentation β β β β The Board of Trustees heard a presentation on draft recommendations for revising grading practices in Lexington One. These recommendations were developed through extensive feedback from teachers, school counselors, administrators, students and parents. Click here to watch this portion of the meeting. Click here to review the presentation and written report posted on the agenda. Here is a summary of the proposed recommendations presented at the meeting: β β β β Proposed Elementary School Grading β PreKβ3rd Grade: β Continue Feedback-Driven Progress Reports (FDPR) in core subjects (Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies). β Proposed rating categories: No Progress (NP) Partially Met (PM) Approaching Met (AM) Met (M) β 4thβ5th Grade: A transition back to traditional letter grades for all core subjects. Consistent grading scales: Fourth and fifth grade teachers would use a unified grading scale in PowerTeacher. Related arts teachers would use a consistent rating scale for PreKβ5th Grade. Students in Kβ5 special education self-contained classes would receive standards-based feedback based on their IEP. Enhanced communication: The administration acknowledged the need for improved communication with families regarding grading structures and student progress. β β β β Proposed Secondary Grading β New grading categories: Non-Graded Formative Checks β Used for practice and feedback, not included in final grades. Graded Minor Assessments (30%) β Includes quizzes, concept maps, and written responses. Graded Major Assessments (70%) β Includes tests, essays, final projects, and presentations. Minimum of three major assessments per grading period. Proposed Reassessment Policy Adjustments: Choice Re-Test: Students can retake one summative test per grading period if their original score was above 80%. Recovery Re-Test: Students scoring below 80% could retake a test to improve their grade, with a maximum score of 80% recorded. Consistent grade entry: Grades would be updated in PowerSchool weekly and at least every two weeks. Extensions for major assignments: Teachers and students could agree on extension deadlines when necessary. β β β β Policy Considerations Related to Grading β The Board discussed the need to align two existing policies that currently contradict each other regarding grading: Policy IKA-R: Requires letter grades in grades 2β12. Policy IKAB: Requires standards-based progress reports in grades Kβ5 and numerical grades in grades 6β12. β β β β Next Steps β Based on feedback from board members, the administration will bring back recommended policy revisions at a future meeting to ensure alignment with the proposed grading changes. Some board members asked administrators to consider starting letter grades in third grade and identifying ways to communicate when students are exceeding standards. It was also suggested to consider changing the Choice Re-Test option for secondary students to allow for one summative test retake per grading period for full credit. β β β β β β β β Book Study β β β β The meeting began with a 30-minute book study discussion on Great on Their Behalf by Airick Journey Crabill. Each Board member has been assigned a section of the book to facilitate discussions in future meetings. Board Vice Chair Beth Shealy led this first discussion that covered pages 29β82. Click here to watch this portion of the board meeting. β β β β β β β β New Business β β β β π° Funding Adult Education Brian Barrineau explained the growth in the district's successful Adult Education Program and the limitations the program faces because state and federal funding has not kept up with the growth. Click here to watch Mr. Barrineau's presentation and here to view his slides. π« Board Meeting Schedule for 2025β26 π Community Conversation Format Discussion Click here to watch this portion of the meeting during which the board discussed potential formats for future Community Conversations. β β β β β β β β Items Approved by the Board β β β β β Employment Recommendations Five certified staff for the 2024β25 school year One certified staff for the 2025β26 school year β Consent Agenda Minutes of Dec. 10, 2024 Board Workshop and Dec. 17, 2024 Board Meeting Student Travel Requests New Hire Support Staff Report Homeschool Applications β Improvement plans for Pelion High and Forts Pond Elementary Click here to watch this portion of the meeting. Click here to view the presentation and the improvement plans. β Local Board Approved Courses β Clarification of weather makeup days on the 2025β26 calendar. The addition of the collaborative planning dates was tabled until the board could have a discussion at a later date. β Ratification of a Financial Transaction β β β β β β β β Policies β β β β π First Readings of Policy Revisions: Click here to watch this part of the meeting. Student Absences and Excuses (JH, JH-R) Primary/Pre-Primary Education (IHBIB, IHBIB-R) β β β β β β β β Superintendent's Report β β β β Click here to watch the Superintendent's Report and learn about: First semester listening sessions conducted by the superintendent, superintendent-elect and some members of the Senior Leadership Team. Listening sessions have been scheduled at every Lexington One school during 2024β25 for school personnel to stop by at their convenience to chat informally about any topic on their minds. An update on the fire that damaged 2.5 acres of grass around White Knoll High. The district hydro-seeded the area to prevent erosion, costing $8,250. Overview of facilities planning that includes the recently presented demographic report; an expert analysis of facility needs currently underway; and an exploration of successful facility and programmatic models in school districts across the country. Review the slides from the Superintendent's Report. β β β β β β β β Honors and Achievements β β β β π΅ South Carolina State Elementary Honor Choir Recognized students from Centerville, Lexington, Meadow Glen, and Midway Elementary Schools. π£ Lexington High Varsity Cheerleading Celebrated for winning the 5A Division I State Championship. π Staff Excellence Dr. Susan Scott (White Knoll High) received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Ashley Fouty (Pleasant Hill Middle) was named SCASA Middle-Level Assistant Principal of the Year. π« School Board Appreciation Month Celebrated our Board of Trustees during School Board Appreciation Month. Read the Proof Positive newsletter to learn more about this monthβs honorees. Click here to watch this part of the meeting. β β β β β β β β β β β β Reports Shared With The Board: β General Fund Revenues β December 2024 General Fund Balance β December 2024 General Fund Budget Transfers β December 2024 Capital Projects β December 2024ο»Ώ Unauthorized Procurements β December 2024 Minority Business Semi-annual Report β β β β β β β β Upcoming Meetings β β β β β β β β β Board Workshops β February 4 and February 13 Regular Monthly Meeting β February 25 β β β β β β β
Monday, Feb 03 2025
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π Inside Voice: π« Board meeting and board appreciat...
β β β β β β Board Meeting scheduled for Jan. 28 β β β β The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in the auditorium of Lexington One Central Services Building One, located at 100 Tarrar Springs Road in Lexington. Click here to view the agenda for the meeting that is posted on the BoardDocs site for the Lexington One Board of Trustees. The regular monthly board meeting begins at 5 p.m., with the board holding a work session to begin a book study discussion. The board will then go into executive session at 5:30 p.m. The public portion of the meeting will resume at 6 p.m. Citizens wishing to address the Board of Trustees during citizensβ participation β the public-speaking portion of the meeting β must sign up to speak. Sign-up opens at 5 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. You must be present to sign up to speak. The meeting is open to the public and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/LexingtonOne/live. After the meeting, the district will post a video of the meeting to its YouTube channel and its website. β β β β β β β β Lexington One celebrates School Board Appreciation Month β January is School Board Recognition Month. In a proclamation, Governor Henry McMaster encouraged all South Carolinians to recognize the contributions of local school boards to the academic success of public school students across the Palmetto State. We send a special thank you to our seven board members for their dedication to helping Lexington One students learn, grow and excel. β β β β β β β β β β β β Important Information for Families β β β β Coming Soon: 2025 Pre-K Applications and 5K Enrollment β β β β Do you or someone you know have a pre-kindergartener or five-year-old ready to start school? β Then, mark your calendars for Jan. 27, 2025, when applications for the 4K program and enrollment for 5K in Lexington One opens! Click here to learn more about both of these programs. β β β β β β β β β Embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth with Lexington One's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs! Our highly qualified teachers inspire young minds, fostering creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Your child will develop essential skills for future success, all while having fun in a nurturing environment. To be eligible for a Lexington One Pre-Kindergarten or 5K program, families must be zoned for a Lexington One elementary school and their child must be four or five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. β β β β β β β β β β Immersion Program starts in kindergarten β In addition, Lexington One rising kindergarteners have the opportunity to apply for the district's Immersion program, where students can learn Chinese, French or Spanish. Give your child a head start in being multilingual through Lexington One's Immersion program by developing proficiency in a new language and/or strengthening proficiency in their home language. Save the date for Immersion Information Night on Feb. 4, 2025, to learn more about the Immersion program. Applications for the Immersion program open on Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. β β β β β β β β β eLearning vs. Weather Days β β β β This year has been one of the more challenging years in recent memory when it comes to changes to the school schedule due to inclement weather. As an eLearning district, we can use up to five eLearning days per school year per SC Department of Education regulations. Those five days can be used either on the actual day when it is not possible to attend school in-person or on a designated weather make-up day. Here are the days we have had to either cancel school or switch to eLearning: #1 - August 8, Hurricane Debby β Canceled school. Made up the day on October 14, using one of our eLearning days. #2 - September 27, Hurricane Helene β Switched to eLearning that day. #3 - September 30, Hurricane Helene β Canceled school. Will make up that day on February 17, using one of our eLearning days. #4 - October 1, Hurricane Helene β Canceled school. The board voted in November to waive this day, which would have been made up on March 17. #5 - January 22, Winter Weather β Switched to eLearning #6 - January 23, Winter Weather β Switched to eLearning β β β β β β β β Updates on PowerSchool Data Breach β β β β Since our last update regarding the PowerSchool data breach, we have received the following updates from PowerSchool. PowerSchool has published a statement and a Frequently Asked Questions on the companyβs website. Click here to view that web page. ο»Ώ Identity Protection & Credit Monitoring Services PowerSchool announced they will offer complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to all students and educators whose information from your PowerSchool SIS was involved. This offer is being provided regardless of whether an individualβs Social Security number was exfiltrated. Identity Protection: PowerSchool will be offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and educators whose information was involved. Credit Monitoring: PowerSchool will also be offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring services for all adult students and educators whose information was involved. Students (or their parents/guardians if the student is under 18) and educators whose information was accessed will receive information in the next few weeks about how to enroll in these services, which will be provided by Experian. Click the button below to read the latest about the breach. β β β β PowerSchool Data Breach Updates β β β β β β β β Scholarships and Grants for High School Seniors β In an effort to support Lexington One students in their pursuit of higher education, the Lexington One Educational Foundation forms partnerships with individuals and friends to create scholarship funds. The foundation also offers Higher Education Support Grants for Lexington One enrolled, graduating seniors who plan to attend college in the fall and have significant, documented financial need. Scholarships β Applications due Feb. 10, 2025 Click here to see scholarships available to currently enrolled Lexington One high school seniors. All information should be submitted through a studentβs home high school counseling department. Higher Education Support Grants β Applications due March 21, 2025 Applications can be found on the foundation's website and should be completed and returned to a student's High School Counseling Office no later than Friday, March 21, 2025. The grant can assist with the purchase of dorm room items, tuition, and/or academic expenses as detailed in the application. β β β β β β β β β β β β β Literacy Happens Everywhere workshops π β Want to boost your child's literacy skills? π Literacy Happens Everywhere workshops offer simple, fun activities you can do together at home. Learn fun and easy ways to support your child's reading and writing skills and discover how to make learning a daily adventure! THERE IS STILL SPACE AVAILABLE! Dates: January 28, February 20, March 20, April 24 and May 15 Time: 5:30β6:30 p.m. Location: Lexington One's North Lake Community Learning Center, located at 702 N Lake Drive in Lexington Let's build a love of reading together! Click here to register! β β β β β Profile Spotlight Highlighting the Graduate Profile in Action! β β β β MGES hosts page-turning "One Book, One School" event β β β β β β β β β Meadow Glen Elementary School recently celebrated its inaugural "One Book, One School" event, a unique initiative designed to cultivate a love of reading and strengthen community ties. Held in conjunction with the 100th day of school, the event brought together students, teachers, and a diverse array of community leaders for a shared reading experience. β β β β β β β β β β Over 40 community members, including Lexington One board members, Lexington Police Department officers, a University of South Carolina coach and athlete, local business leaders, and talented high school juniors and seniors from all five area high schools (plus Lexington Technology Center and The College Center), visited classrooms to read "What Do You Do with a Problem?" by Kobi Yamada to students. β β β β β β β β β β Following the readings, engaging discussions focused on problem-solving, a key competency within the Lexington One Graduate Profile. Students explored the book's themes and learned how the character overcame challenges. The event was a resounding success, fostering a love of reading, encouraging critical thinking skills, and building meaning. β β β β β β β β β Have you seen or been part of the Graduate Profile in action? β The Communications Department wants to highlight our students and employees demonstrating the qualities of the Lexington One Graduate Profile: Knowledgeable; Creative Thinker and Problem Solver; Independent Learner; Communicator; Collaborator; Future-Ready Literate; Personally and Socially Responsible; Kind; and Resilient. Email details of examples to communications@lexington1.net. β β β β Celebrations β β β β β β β β β WKHS student Emma Cash to travel to Washington as part of the National U.S. Senate Youth Program β Congratulations to White Knoll High Senior Emma Cash, who was selected as one of the co-delegates to represent South Carolina in the National United States Senate Youth Program. In early March, Emma will meet with senators, the President of the United States, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet agency leaders and other officials. During the week, she will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. β β β β β Emma serves as a senior council member at her school. She has been president of the Beta Club, expanding outreach to support local shelters, churches, and organizations like Field of Flags, which benefits disabled veterans. As co-president of the International Club, she promoted inclusion by exploring cultural traditions. Additionally, she is vice president and social media manager of the Lexington One Coalition Club, where she advocates for drug-free habits. Emma is a two-time 5A All-Region tennis player and also interns at the South Carolina 11th Circuit solicitorβs office, where she has learned the importance of understanding and interpreting laws while learning about individual rights. β β β β β β β β β β β β β WKHS Teacher Susan Scott earns Presidential Award for Excellence in teaching β Dr. Susan Scott from White Knoll High School recently received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This program, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dr. Scott will receive a $10,000 award from NSF and travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony. β β β β β β β β β β β β β β UPCOMING DATES β JANUARY 28 β Board of Trustees Meeting FEBRUARY 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 14 β No school for students (Parent/Teacher Conferences/Teacher Workday) 17 β eLearning Day MARCH 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 17 β No School for students and staff (Weather Make-up Day waived) β β β
Sunday, Jan 26 2025
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Lexington One will operate schools on a two-hour del...
Whatβs happening: Β Lexington One will operate schools on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 24, 2025.Β What to know about the two-hour delay:Β β School start times are delayed by two hours. Bus riders should report to their bus stops two hours later than usual. Car riders should be dropped off two hours later than usual.Β β Pre-school half-day classes, both morning and afternoon sessions, are canceled. β Afternoon dismissal times will follow our regular schedules. After-school activities will resume their regular schedules. Information for students who travel to other locations on a two-hour delayed start: β There will be no morning (AM pattern) travel for 1st or 2nd blocks. Students who drive have the option to report to their Center/LTC class. Β β For students with afternoon or PM pattern schedules at Advanced Centers of Study or Lexington Technology Center, students should meet their shuttles at their regularly scheduled time.Β β Students at The College Center at NLCLC will have shuttles available to take them to TCC upon arrival at their home schools. Why the District Made This Decision: After assessing road conditions across our district this morning, we found significant improvements. However, early morning bus routes, especially those operating in the dark, remain a concern due to the conditions of some of the less traveled secondary roads. Ice on roadways can be difficult for drivers to see and avoid in low-light conditions. While temperatures will remain below freezing during both regular and delayed start times, operating on a two-hour delay allows all routes to run in daylight. This extra visibility provides a safer environment for our students, bus drivers, employees and families, particularly in areas where icy patches may still be present. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our school community. Thank you for your flexibility, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow! Reminder about after school activities for Thursday: All after-school activities for Thursday remain canceled. The board workshop scheduled for Thursday evening will be rescheduled.
Thursday, Jan 23 2025
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Inside Voice: βοΈ Winter Weather Update, π PowerSchoo...
β β β β β β Winter weather update β β β β We plan to make an announcement about Thursdayβs schedule early this afternoon. Thank you for your patience as we work to make the best decision to ensure the safety of our students, employees, and families. Now that winter weather has paid us a rare visit, district administrators are staying busy behind the scenes. Weβre in contact with local emergency management officials to get the latest updates on road conditions. This morning, weβre meeting with county officials and representatives from other school districts, while our Transportation Department is carefully assessing travel conditions for our buses. We know the uncertainty of potential schedule changes can be frustrating, and we appreciate your understanding as we work through this process. Safety will always guide our decisions. If you need information about eLearning for today, please refer to our district's eLearning Guidelines. Stay warm and safe out there! β β β β β β β β Board Workshop scheduled for Jan. 23 β β β β The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees will hold a workshop to learn more about the Strategic Plan and the work within Instructional Services on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in the auditorium of Lexington One Central Services Building One, located at 100 Tarrar Springs Road in Lexington. The agenda for the workshop is posted and can be viewed on the BoardDocs site for the Lexington One Board of Trustees at https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/lexington1/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DCNHXH4AA222. The board workshop begins at 5 p.m. There will be no citizensβ participation at this workshop. The workshop is open to the public and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/LexingtonOne/live. After the workshop, the district will post a video of the workshop to its YouTube channel and its website. β β β β β β β β Updates on PowerSchool Data Breach β β β β Since our last update regarding the PowerSchool data breach, we have received the following updates from PowerSchool. PowerSchool has published a statement and a Frequently Asked Questions on the companyβs website: https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/ ο»Ώ Identity Protection & Credit Monitoring Services PowerSchool announced they will offer complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to all students and educators whose information from your PowerSchool SIS was involved. This offer is being provided regardless of whether an individualβs Social Security number was exfiltrated. Identity Protection: PowerSchool will be offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and educators whose information was involved. Credit Monitoring: PowerSchool will also be offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring services for all adult students and educators whose information was involved. Students (or their parents/guardians if the student is under 18) and educators whose information was accessed will receive information in the next few weeks about how to enroll in these services, which will be provided by Experian. More information is available on PowerSchoolβs website. Click the button below to read the latest about the breach. β β β β PowerSchool Data Breach Updates β β β β β β β β Coming Soon: 2025 Pre-K Applications and 5K Enrollment β β β β Do you or someone you know have a pre-kindergartener or five-year-old ready to start school? β Then, mark your calendars for Jan. 27, 2025, when applications for the 4K program and enrollment for 5K in Lexington One opens! Click here to learn more about both of these programs. β β β β β β β β β Embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth with Lexington One's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs! Our highly qualified teachers inspire young minds, fostering creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Your child will develop essential skills for future success, all while having fun in a nurturing environment. To be eligible for a Lexington One Pre-Kindergarten or 5K program, families must be zoned for a Lexington One elementary school and their child must be four or five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. β β β β β β β β β β Immersion Program starts in kindergarten β In addition, Lexington One rising kindergarteners have the opportunity to apply for the district's Immersion program, where students can learn Chinese, French or Spanish. Give your child a head start in being multilingual through Lexington One's Immersion program by developing proficiency in a new language and/or strengthening proficiency in their home language. Save the date for Immersion Information Night on Feb. 4, 2025, to learn more about the Immersion program. Applications for the Immersion program open on Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β UPCOMING DATES β FEBRUARY 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 14 β No school for students (Parent/Teacher Conferences/Teacher Workday) 17 β eLearning Day MARCH 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 17 β No School for students and staff (Weather Make-up Day waived) β β β
Wednesday, Jan 22 2025
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eLearning on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Thursday, Jan. 23
Whatβs happening:Β Lexington One will continue with eLearning on Thursday, January 23, 2025, because of the potential for hazardous travel due to ice on the roads. After-school activities are canceled on Wednesday and Thursday. Why the district made this decision: Β District officials spent this morning assessing primary and secondary road conditions throughout our district. Snowfall reports submitted to the National Weather Service indicate that our area has received accumulations of up to 1.3 inches. With todayβs cold temperatures, very little melting is expected. The forecast predicts a brief windowβno more than four hoursβwhen temperatures will rise above freezing by only one or two degrees before dropping into the mid-teens tonight. This is predicted to cause any remaining moisture on the roads to refreeze, creating hazardous driving conditions. What to know about the eLearning on Wednesday, January 22: Β Click here to review the districtβs eLearning guidelines and directions. Β Students will have five days to complete all e-Learning assignments. Pre-K β Grade 2: Β Printed instructional activities that were sent home with students on Tuesday contain activities for Thursday. The activities will also be posted on ParentSquare.Β Grade 3 β Grade 12: Β Students should continue to use their devices to access their eLearning assignments that will be posted on their Learning Management Systems by 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Wednesday, Jan 22 2025
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Half-day Dismissal on Tuesday, January 21
Whatβs happening: Β All Lexington One schools will operate on a half-day schedule on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. A half-day schedule ensures students, employees and families can travel safely before road conditions may be impacted by snow forecasted to start between 3β8 p.m. on Tuesday. What to know about the half-day schedule on Tuesday, January 21: Β Half-Day Dismissal Times: Pre-school half-day classes, both morning and afternoon sessions β Canceled Elementary Schools (including full-day preschool classes) β 11:20 a.m.Β Middle Schools All except GMS β 12:05 p.m.Β GMS β 12:15 p.m.Β High Schools LHS, WKHS, and RBHS β 12:45 p.m. PHS and GHS β 12:25 p.m. Information for students who travel to other locations on the Half-Day Schedule: High school students who attend Lexington Technology Center, The College Center or an Advanced Center of Study should follow their Collaborative Planning Day schedule as provided by their school.Β Meals:Β Breakfast and lunch are served on half-days. After-school activities: After-school childcare is canceled on January 21. All after-school activities will be canceled on January 21. Reminder for bus riders: Temperatures are expected to be very low this week. Please dress warmly and, where possible, wait in a vehicle at the bus stop. What about Wednesday? Β Lexington One administrators are waiting until Tuesday to make a decision about Wednesday. This gives us the ability to receive additional forecasts that may have less uncertainty in the snowfall totals and black ice on roadways predicted for our area. We have monitored weather forecasts over the weekend and continue to receive regular updates from the local emergency management officials and the National Weather Service. Overall the snowfall accumulation for our area has decreased in the forecasts, although there remains a considerable amount of uncertainty in the predictions as well as the possibility for icy roads.
Monday, Jan 20 2025
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Join Us for a Special Event to Connect, Learn, and H...
Weβre excited to invite all families with children age 4 to a wonderful opportunity to engage, learn, and grow together. This event is designed to support your child's early development while offering you meaningful ways to be involved in their learning journey. Click this link to register for a session.Β
Friday, Jan 17 2025
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π« Inside Voice: π’PowerSchool Data Breach Updates, π‘...
β β β β β β Updates on PowerSchool Data Breach β β β β Last week, the S.C. Department of Education and school districts, including Lexington One, learned of a data breach involving PowerSchool, the stateβs Student Information System (SIS) provider. Click the button below to read the latest about the breach. β β β β PowerSchool Data Breach Updates β β β β β β β β Scholarships and Grants for High School Seniors β β β β In an effort to support Lexington One students in their pursuit of higher education, the Lexington One Educational Foundation forms partnerships with individuals and friends to create scholarship funds. The foundation also offers Higher Education Support Grants for Lexington One enrolled, graduating seniors who plan to attend college in the fall and have significant, documented financial need. Scholarships β Applications due Feb. 10, 2025 Click here to see scholarships available to currently enrolled Lexington One high school seniors. All information should be submitted through a studentβs home high school counseling department. Higher Education Support Grants β Applications due March 21, 2025 Applications can be found on the foundation's website and should be completed and returned to a student's High School Counseling Office no later than Friday, March 21, 2025. The grant can assist with the purchase of dorm room items, tuition, and/or academic expenses as detailed in the application. β β β β β β β β Coming Soon: 2025 Pre-K Applications and 5K Enrollment β β β β Do you or someone you know have a pre-kindergartener or five-year-old ready to start school? β Then, mark your calendars for Jan. 27, 2025, when applications for the 4K program and enrollment for 5K in Lexington One opens! Click here to learn more about both of these programs. β β β β β β β β β Embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth with Lexington One's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs! Our highly qualified teachers inspire young minds, fostering creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Your child will develop essential skills for future success, all while having fun in a nurturing environment. To be eligible for a Lexington One Pre-Kindergarten or 5K program, families must be zoned for a Lexington One elementary school and their child must be three, four or five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. β β β β β β β β β β Immersion Program starts in kindergarten β In addition, Lexington One rising kindergarteners have the opportunity to apply for the district's Immersion program, where students can learn Chinese, French or Spanish. Give your child a head start in being multilingual through Lexington One's Immersion program by developing proficiency in a new language and/or strengthening proficiency in their home language. Save the date for Immersion Information Night on Feb. 4, 2025, to learn more about the Immersion program. Applications for the Immersion program open on Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. β β β β β β β β β Safety Tip Line β β β β β β β β Have a safety concern? Report it to our tipline β Did you know that Lexington One has a tip line to report threats, crimes, weapons, bullying, and other offenses? Tipsters can remain anonymous or give their information. Submit a report by: calling or texting (803) 636-8317; filling out this form; or emailing 1607@alert1.us When submitting a report, please leave a detailed message that includes the name of the school or office where the concern happened. Student and employees can submit a report right from their district issued device by clicking on the "Report a Tip" icon in the LexOne Launchpad. You may also contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 1(888) 274-6372, and always in an emergency call 911 β β β β β β β β Teacher Recruitment Fair β β β β Do you know a college student ready to graduate in May looking for a teaching job? Or, do you know an educator who just moved to our area? Help us find new, highly qualified teachers for our district by sharing information about our upcoming Teacher Recruitment Fair scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at White Knoll High School, located at 5643 Platt Springs Road in Lexington. Click here for registration information. β β β β β β β β Important Information for Families β β β β How to access Digital Report Cards and i-Ready scores β β β β Digital Report Cards β Report cards were issued on Friday, Jan. 10. Middle school and high school students and families can access student report cards through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Click here for directions on how to view and sign report cards for your middle and/or high school students. If you have questions or would like to request a paper copy of your child's report card, please contact your child's school. β β β β i-Ready reports β As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting your child's academic growth, parents/guardians of elementary and middle school students received i-Ready diagnostic reports for their student on Friday, Jan. 10. You will receive reports for reading and math in separate messages. The i-Ready assessment is designed to help monitor your child's progress throughout the year. Click here to read more about the reports of elementary and middle school students. β β β β β β β β Family Engagement PreK program begins week of Jan. 20 β Family Engagement for PreK is a free 14-week program that helps parents and caregivers of young children build the skills they need for success in school and beyond. The program provides parents/caregivers with the tools and resources they need to support their children's learning and development. Parents/caregivers and children participate together in these activities. This free program is open to parents and caregivers of 3- and 4-year-old children who are not currently enrolled in a Lexington One preschool program. Click here to sign up for the Pre-K program's upcoming session, which begins the week of Jan. 20, 2025. β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β Reminder: Cell Phone Policy β As we start the second half of the school year, we want to remind you that the updated cell phone policy based on state law went into effect on Jan. 7, 2025. The state law requires all electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and headphones, to be off and out of sight. For more information and guidelines on the new cell phone policy, click the button below. β β β β Guidelines for Cell Phone Policy β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β UPCOMING DATES β JANUARY 10 β Report Cards Issued 20 β Holiday; No school for students and staff FEBRUARY 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 14 β No school for students (Parent/Teacher Conferences/Teacher Workday) 17 β eLearning Day MARCH 5 β Collaborative Planning Day 17 β No School for students and staff (Weather Make-up Day waived) β β β β β β β β β Profile Spotlight Highlighting the Graduate Profile in Action! β β β β WKHS student leads community effort to aid cancer patients β Inspired by the loss of loved ones to cancer, White Knoll High 11th Grader Malika Williams organized a successful donation drive to benefit Cancer Support Services. Last fall, Malika rallied her community, partnering with Lexington One schools and local businesses to collect essential items like comfort items, supplies, and monetary donations. The drive culminated in a delivery of donations to Cancer Support Services headquarters, showcasing the power of community support in the fight against cancer. The contributions assist cancer patients with expenses like lodging, medication and emotional support. Malika, a dedicated volunteer with Cancer Support Services, said, "It's about helping others in the fight, giving them hope and showing them they're not alone." Through her dedication to helping those in need in our communities, Malika demonstrates multiple graduate profile attributes including kindness, collaboration, and personal and social responsibility. β β β β β β β β β β β β LHS student appreciation sparks generosity: Dominion Energy gives back to LHS β After witnessing the tireless service of Dominion Energy linemen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Lexington High School student athletes wrote personal thank-you notes to express their sincere appreciation for their dedication. This simple act of kindness inspired Dominion Energy to present a check to the LHS Athletic Booster Club. β β β β β β β β Dominion Energy employee and Lexington High graduate Royce Shannon and other Dominion Energy employees presented this check to Athletic Director Dustin Curtis, Athletic Secretary Izzy Wise and Principal Jennifer McNair. β β β β Celebrations Honoring students and staff on their achievements β β β β β β β β β CSMS teacher earns VFW Post recognition β Congratulations to Carolina Springs Middle Chorus Teacher Ara-Viktoria McKinney-Bookman, who was awarded the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award at the VFW Post 8738 Annual Banquet. This Teacher of the Year Award is to honor educators for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. She goes on to compete for the state title! β β β
Sunday, Jan 12 2025