Week in Pictures
November 13, 2009

Reading is fun and part of daily life at C.C. Blaney Elementary. Each month, students enjoy the school’s Book of the Month presented by Principal Michelle Simmons, who picks five “wonderful words” for students to learn in preparation for the reading. C.C. Blaney Elementary

Reading is a fun and crucial component of daily life at C.C. Blaney Elementary. Each month, students enjoy the school’s Book of the Month presented by Principal Michelle Simmons, who picks five “wonderful words” for students to learn in preparation for the reading.  As part of Red Ribbon Week in October, students visited the school’s newly designed Guided Reading Leveled Library, which teachers use to best prepare for teaching guided reading groups.           

On Thursday, October 22, the Child and Family Development Center visited Legare Farms on John's Island. Child and Family Development Center

On Thursday, October 22, the Child and Family Development Center visited Legare Farms on John's Island. Earlier in the week, students learned about pumpkins and "made" two types using plastic gems, tissue paper, orange paper, newspaper and pipe cleaners. At the pumpkin patch, every child and family picked out a pumpkin, went through a hay maze, interacted with the different animals, went on a hay ride and fed the cows.

Near the beginning of the school year, the JICHS Chamber Orchestra performed at the First Annual Statewide Palmetto Charter Network Convention in Columbia, South Carolina. The students gave a classy and professional perfromance to an audience of approximately 200 attendees including State Superintendent Jim Rex.James Island Charter High

James Island Charter High School (JICHS) has continued to work with outstanding community partners and provide unique extracurricular opportunities for its students. The First Citizens Foundation has sponsored the school's "James Island Reads" program and presented a $7,000 check to Principal Bohnstengel.  Near the beginning of the school year, the JICHS Chamber Orchestra performed at the First Annual Statewide Palmetto Charter Network Convention in Columbia. The students gave a classy and professional performance to an audience of approximately 200 attendees including State Superintendent Jim Rex.

James Simons Elementary has held multiple recent events reinforcing the importance of building strong literacy skills and exhibiting the power of community partners.James Simons Elementary

James Simons Elementary has held multiple recent events reinforcing the importance of building strong literacy skills and exhibiting the power of community partners. On October 22, staff and faculty members participated in McTeacher's Night at the Spring Street McDonalds. A portion of the McDonald's earnings is donated to the school. The Olive Garden donated a delicious meal during the school's Family Activity Night. Speakers talked about fun ways to read aloud, and parents were also able to see leveled classroom libraries and check out library books. Local author Jonathan Miller visited the school last month to read his book The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund. The students are now enjoying the Scholastic Book Fair, and the students will be visited this week by Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Parent Bruce Matrisciani recently established a Problem Solving Initiatives course at Jane Edwards Community School (JECS), which promoted leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills.Jane Edwards Community School

Parent Bruce Matrisciani recently established a Problem-Solving Initiatives course at Jane Edwards Community School (JECS), which promoted leadership, critical thinking, and team-building skills. The first through sixth graders successfully escaped a sinking ship, built a floating bridge over a river of lava, and helped everyone swing from a vine to the safety of lily pads.   In other JECS news, the Edisto Art Guild awarded art teacher Florence Cosby a $1,000 grant for "Art in History" student projects.  Sixth grade students will begin creating terra cotta warriors from China like those buried with Qin Shi Huangdi.

After 31 years as the school’s media specialist, Carol Cummings retired in style. As her last official duty, she served as the grand marshal of the school’s farewell storybook parade. Jennie Moore Elementary

Jennie Moore Elementary has had several exciting events recently. Cub Scouts from Pack 502 joined over 40 parents and students for "Clean Up Day" to help beautiful the school grounds.  It was a great day of service. After 31 years as the school’s media specialist, Carol Cummings retired in style.  As her last official duty, she served as the grand marshal of the school’s farewell storybook parade.  Students dressed as their favorite book characters to remind Ms. Cummings of how she has brought reading to life for many years!

The fifteen students in Mrs. Sanyal's fourth grade Montessori Community School and Springfield Elementary SAIL class entered and won the Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Contraption Contest! Recycling beverage pop tabs is a program that supports the Ronald McDonald House. Montessori Community School and Springfield Elementary

The fifteen students in Mrs. Sanyal's fourth grade Montessori Community School and Springfield Elementary SAIL class won the Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Contraption Contest! Recycling beverage tabs is a program that supports the Ronald McDonald House. The students' contraption met the contest criteria for being noisy, kid-friendly and weatherproof. They were the only fourth graders to enter the contest, and the judges loved their invention! The winning design can be seen in its permanent installation at the Ronald McDonald House.

Pepperhill Elementary is lucky to have committed and compassionate staff- both as regular employees and as substitute teachers. Lala Fyall, a District 4 Constituent Board Member, is a regular substitute at the schoolPepperhill Elementary

Pepperhill Elementary is lucky to have committed and compassionate staff- both as regular employees and as substitute teachers. Lala Fyall, a District 4 Constituent Board Member, is a regular substitute at the school. Mrs. Fyall exhibits non-stop understanding for, interest in and dedication to the students. She is well-loved and appreciated by the children, staff, and parents with whom she works.

n late October, the drama classes at West Ashley Middle presented "Life Lessons: A Musical About Life" at the school's fall festival. West Ashley Middle

In late October, the drama classes at West Ashley Middle presented "Life Lessons: A Musical About Life" at the school's fall festival. The production is an original and student-written show consisting of monologues and songs. The students also performed the show for the school on Monday and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) the following evening. The talented performers received rave reviews after each event!