Archived Lead Stories
CCSD Celebrates Its 2009 Graduates!
Charleston County Schools District's (CCSD) fifteen high schools and programs held graduation ceremonies from June 4-8, 2009. This year, approximately 2,500 graduates celebrated with family and friends as they reflected on their education and received their diplomas.
CCSD "Lunch Lady Night" at the Charleston RiverDogs
Over 450 employees work to prepare and serve nearly 40,000 meals each day in Charleston County public schools!
2009 Rookie Teachers of the Year
On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the Charleston RiverDogs hosted the annual Charleston County School District (CCSD) Rookie Teacher Celebration. The entertainment for the evening was provided by the Charlestowne Academy's steel drum band under the direction of induction teacher Benjamin Meyer. The event was a great success!
CCSD Celebrates National Volunteer Week Approximately 3,400 volunteers— including parents, business partners, and other community members— generously donate their time each year to Charleston County's public schools and students.
During the week of April 19- 25, 2009, Charleston County School District (CCSD) celebrates the 36th annual National Volunteer Week and formally recognizes the contributions of these individuals, who tirelessly invest their skills and resources and who are committed to helping make the future bright for every student. Read More...
Tricounty Youth Service Day 2009
Tricounty Youth Service Day is a day during which youth call the shots and give back to the community. It's one day during which you can pick your project and your team to work with to make your community a better place! It's one day to start or continue building the community you want. This is an opportunity for students of all ages to get involved in community service! Elementary, middle and high school students—and adults—are encouraged to participate in this great event, which includes a kick-off rally with other youth from around the tricounty area. Read More...
Updates from the Office of Nutrition & Food Service
The Office of Nutrition and Food Service works to ensure that all CCSD students receive healthy meals that will enable them to thrive inside and outside the classroom. CCSD serves over 35,000 meals a day, has installed the “Meals Plus” software in all schools, has redeveloped menus to eliminate highly processed and high sugar content items, and collaborates with community partners committed to promoting fitness and nutrition. As described below, CCSD also offers a variety of ways in which parents can pay for school meals and apply to the Free and Reduced meal program. Read More...
CCSD Gets Seuss-ical!
During the week of March 2, the world-renowned rhyming "Cat in the Hat" visited Charleston County School District (CCSD) schools as part of the “Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday Tour” and the National Educational Association’s (NEA) “Read Across America” celebration. The furry celebrity's tour was brought to Charleston County by Cricket Kids and Watson Library Services, and the loveable character visited ten CCSD schools from Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 6. Across the district, schools hosted “Seuss-filled” activities designed to share the joy and importance of reading. Read More...
CCSD Teacher of the Month: December
Each month, Charleston County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley surprises one teacher as the newest Teacher of the Month. For December 2008, this honor went to Tammy Bloser, a Kindergarten teacher at Midland Park Elementary. Read More...
Presenting... The New CCSD Website!
During December 2008, the Charleston County School District (CCSD) unveiled its new website, which is equipped with improved features and more information for students, families, employees, and community partners. Read More...
CCSD Welcomes New Board Members
On Monday, November 10, the Charleston County School District’s Board of Trustees officially
welcomed four new members. Read More...
National School Psychology Awareness Week—November 10–14, 2008
School psychologists work each day to support the emotional, social and academic needs of Charleston County
School District (CCSD) students. This week, the district celebrates the assistance, roles, and impact of these
professionals. Read More...
10/27/08 Board of Trustees Meeting
October 27th marked the last county-wide Board of
Trustees meeting for outgoing Members Hillery Douglas, Brian Moody, and Nancy Cook. Other agenda items included the
appointment of two CCSD staff members, the completion of the Superintendent's performance evaluation, and the
renaming of Murray Hill Academy. Read More...
Teachers Bringing SMART Technology to the Classroom
Recently, 15 district teachers and their students learned that they have been awarded
grants providing SMART Technology equipment for their classrooms. The teachers will receive professional development
on how to best incorporate the tools into their lessons. In turn, they will share this technology and their new
knowledge with their entire school communities, thereby preparing Charleston County students for the 21st Century. Read More...
CCSD Celebrates "White Cane Awareness Day"
On Wednesday, October 15, “White Cane Awareness Day” was observed
across the nation. Charleston County School District (CCSD) joined the American Council for the Blind and
neighboring districts to celebrate the white cane as a symbol of self-reliance and independence and to raise
awareness for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. Festivities included a walk and an exciting ceremony
featuring speakers, remarkable talent, and the student winners of a poetry and rap contest. Read the winning works
here! Read More...
Examples of Partnerships: Businesses Devoted to CCSD Schools
Building partnerships is one of the three core values of the Charleston Achieving Excellence vision. Two businesses recently exemplified their commitment to public education and CCSD schools with generous donations. Read More...
9/22/08 CCSD Board of Trustees Meeting
Special Recognitions:
Hillery Douglas, Chairman of the Board introduced the teacher cadets from Wando High School and their instructor Betsy Wilson. He recognized the Citadel as the college partner and asked the cadets to stand to be recognized. Read More...
CCSD Robotics Club Takes Trip to China
Four students of C.E. Williams Middle science teacher Sadie Fox formed a robotics club in the 2007-2008 school year, and their creation won several competitions throughout the year. As a result of their success, the team and two chaperones were invited to Suzhou, China to take part in the RoboCup Junior competition occurring July 14-20th. The group was one of only six teams representing the United States and the only one from South Carolina. In order to cover airfare and all other expenses, the team conducted various fund-raising activities. Due to the community's generosity and the team's hard work, the group had a phenomenal trip. Below are reflections from the students. Read More...
A Day of Caring at CCSD Schools
On September 11, 2008, volunteers from local businesses and the community participated in Trident United Way's "Day of Caring" and committed a day of service to several Charleston County schools. Below are descriptions and images of just a few of the many examples which occurred throughout the district. Read More...
CCSD's School Redesign Initiative
We do not want to just continue our current rate of success--we want to accelerate it. And in the 21st Century competitive economy, we must do what many high-performing organizations, both public and private, are doing across the country: more with less. We need to build up academic and enrichment offerings, and provide a better product for students and families, all while maximizing the return on everyone's investment in public education. Read More...
9/8/08 CCSD Board of Trustees Meeting
Special Recognitions: Mike Bobby, CCSD Chief Financial & Operations Officer, introduced Mark Cobb, Executive Director of Facility Services. Bobby recognized the Facility Services Department for preparing CCSD schools and offices for the beginning of the new school year. The men and women in the Facility Services Department were responsible for moving and renovating 16 mobile classrooms this summer, multiple maintenance projects, and with cleaning and maintaining over 7,000,000 square feet of facilities and 1400 acres of property. Read More...
Partnerships thrive in CCSD
Recently, Vought Aircraft Industries graciously donated over 65 backpacks loaded with supplies for Child Development students at Midland Park Elementary. These supplies helped provide resources to young students, ensuring that they were well equipped and prepared for success the first day they stepped into school. We are so thankful for the opportunity to call Vought Aircraft Industries--and businesses like them, proud supporters of public education--our partners. Read More...
CCSD Celebrates International Reading Day
International Literacy Day is observed each year on September 8th and was first celebrated in 1967. The day promotes an appreciation of reading and the importance of literacy worldwide. Throughout the year, Charleston County schools hold activities that foster a love of reading. Read More...
9/4 & 9/5 Induction Teacher Orientations & Workshops Canceled- Read More!
All orientations and training sessions sponsored by the Office of Teacher Evaluation have been canceled for both Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5. Cancellations include STEP 1 Orientation for Teachers, STEP 1 Orientation for first year-VIF Teachers, STEP 123 Evaluator Training, and New Educator Induction Program workshops. Read More...
Minister as Mentor:
An Example of CCSD Partnerships
As part of ongoing efforts to equip students and parents with the tools necessary for academic success, numerous Charleston County schools have worked with volunteers and community partners to offer mentoring programs. One new and exciting example is St. James-Santee Elementary, whose leadership has collaborated with clergy members and a local mayor. The resulting innovative program is aimed at helping students achieve academic success, raising the high school graduation rate, and providing support to the entire family. Read More...
Meet CCSD's New Principals!
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is proud to introduce our dynamic and experienced leaders who will serve as new principals, interim principals, and assistant principals during the 2008-2009 school year. Read More...
Snapshots:
The First Week of School- Part 2
Throughout this first week of school, the students of Charleston County School District have demonstrated that they are embarking on a great year of learning! This enthusiasm is obvious in the pictures below taken at Edmund A. Burns Elementary, Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, James Simons Elementary, and Memminger Elementary. Read More...
Snapshots from the First Day of School
Tuesday, August 19 was a very important day to Charleston County School District students. As students, parents, and teachers began their journey into the new school year, Dr. McGinley and other District leaders took a journey of their own... to visit schools across the county. This photo essay portrays several of these visits and the energy of the day. Read More...
New Teacher Orientation
On Thursday, August 7, 2008, Charleston County School District (CCSD) held its 2008 New Teacher Orientation and welcomed 150 brand new teachers to the district and profession. The event occurred at West Ashley High School and opened with hot breakfast, resources and an introduction to community organizations. Read More...
First Day Festival: Sunday, August 17th
The City of Charleston, in partnership with Charleston County School District and other agencies, is hosting its annual “First Day Festival” on Sunday, August 17, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Liberty Square in front of the downtown Charleston Aquarium. The Festival, which promotes parent involvement in education, will offer free supplies, materials and other resources to help children succeed in school. Read More...
Meet the Teacher Forum Leadership Team
Over 3,500 teachers work every day to deliver quality instruction across Charleston County School District (CCSD). As part of their ongoing efforts to offer support to their peers— as well as prospective teachers, parents, other staff, and community members— the members of the 2008-2009 CCSD Teacher Forum Leadership Team have created an online resource which will be available throughout the year. Read more...
Preparing for the First Day!
The first day of school for Charleston County School District (CCSD) students is Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Learn more about resources available to parents and how to prepare your favorite student for this exciting new year. It is very important that all students are in class and ready to learn on the first day of school. Schools use this day to get to know students, set expectations for the year, pass out important forms, and even test what students know in key subjects. Read More...
Update: Teachers Gain Great Skills and Insight from Their Trip to Africa with a Prestigious Scholarship Program!
Four Charleston County School District (CCSD) teachers recently returned from the Mano River region of the West African countries of Sierra Leone and Guinea. This opportunity— funded by the Fulbright Scholarship program— allowed the educators to gain incredible perspective, which they will share with students and the Charleston community. Read More...
The District's Students Earned More Scholarship Money in 2008 Than Ever Before!
Charleston County School District (CCSD) seniors received a total of $42,257,783 in scholarships in 2008. This amount- an increase of $5,934,282 over the previous year- is the highest amount CCSD graduates have ever obtained! Read More...
Five New Members Join the Teacher Forum Leadership Team
The Charleston County Teacher Forum provides outstanding CCSD educators with opportunities to give back to their peers and profession. Five new members will join the Forum Leadership Team for the 2008-2009 school year, and this team will sponsor teacher recognition and leadership activities; work with district leaders to address needs and concerns; assist with teacher recruitment and retention efforts; and sponsor professional development activities. Read More...
NFL Player Shares His Commitment to Fitness
Charleston County School District continues to be committed to ensuring that students have healthy minds and bodies! With the help of community partner "Louie's Kids, " the Fit Club students at Mitchell Elementary School were able to meet and learn from Anthony Hargrove, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills and former Georgia Tech player. Read More...
CCSD's SPACE Students Deliver Amazing Performances in High School Musical
33 gifted and talented Charleston County students from across the district spent the first three weeks of their summer vacation indoors studying, memorizing and working out. These talented young men and women were rehearsing for the production of High School Musical as part of the School for the Performing Arts and Creative Experiences (SPACE) program. Read More...