Clover School District

CSD Science teachers will have access to new technology tools as the result of a successful grant application. The grant aims to provide access to Gizmos and Science4Us, two science interactive simulations created by Explore Learning. These simulations support teaching and learning by incorporating the 5E Model of instruction (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), enhancing literacy in science and developing skills in analyzing and creating graphs and charts. Gizmos and Science4Us provide interactive simulations and engaging content that aligns with the new science performance expectations. This allows students to explore complex concepts in a meaningful way. With these interactive simulations, CSD aims to strengthen students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. The grant was written by CSD Science Instructional Specialist Dr. Jocelyn Gordon.

Clover Middle School's chapter of the FFA has been awarded $5,000 in the Grants for Growing program. Grants for Growing is a nationwide project sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and provides grants to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities. Clover Middle FFA plans to use this money for creating a community show box, including a livestock trailer. CMS students will have the opportunity to explore the world of livestock showing without having to make huge financial purchases, especially during their first year. Grant money will be used toward purchasing a livestock trailer and other items, like livestock equipment and common medicines typically needed when raising livestock. The grant program provided over $900,000 to FFA chapters in 47 states. Funding is provided through consumer donations made during checkout at a Tractor Supply Company store by purchasing a $1 FFA paper emblem. The fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.

Save the Date!!! The CHS Student Council has announced the date for their third annual Trunk or Treat! Get a costume and join us for the fun on Friday, October 18!

Addressing chronic absence is a key component of improving graduation rates, increasing academic achievement and giving young people the best chance at success in their adult life. Join CSD in celebrating Attendance Awareness Month because #WeL🍀veYouHere.

Just a reminder: Today is an E-Learning Day for all Clover School District schools. E-Learning is being used to make up for lost instructional time during Hurricane Debby on Thursday, August 8. In-person classes resume tomorrow.

On Labor Day, CSD salutes our hard-working staff and thanks them for their efforts to "Leave a Legacy" with our students and community. All CSD schools and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.

CSD salutes the Palmetto State on South Carolina Day!

Oakridge Middle welcomed Boston Dynamics “Spot” the robot on Friday, August 30. Mr. Casey Roberts who works with Duke Energy as a Technology Development Manager brought this working robot and presented to 7th grade classes. Students learned about all the work Duke Energy does as well as how new innovations such as “Spot” are reshaping the way energy is delivered throughout the state. This was coordinated through OMS Project Lead the Way classes taught by instructor Jackie Osterhout.

Check those backpacks! First quarter interim reports were sent home today!

Don't forget! Today's the first Early Release Day of the new school year!

CSD's Teacher Forum gathered yesterday for their first meeting of the new year. The Teacher Forum is comprised of school -level teachers of the year from across the district for the past two years. The group meets regularly to provide administration with teacher feedback on important district initiatives and to carry out special projects. Most recently, the CSD Teacher Forum joined forces with Clover LEAF to hold the inaugural Classroom Central to provide new teachers with much-needed classroom supplies. The Teacher Forum is moderated by the previous year's District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Kelly Clark, the 2023 District Teacher of the Year, is this year's moderator.

As the Clover School District (CSD) continues #GrowingTogether, we provide our community with another monthly update on construction projects taking shape across the district. The building pad for Lake Wylie High School was delivered on time by the site prep contractor. Footings for the building are currently being poured. The traffic loops at Clover High School and the Ninth Grade Campus are now substantially complete. The new Field House at Clover High School has 2/3 of its roof in place. The district anticipates a December delivery of this facility for CHS student athletes.

Oakridge Middle School's soccer team is demonstrating how "the little town with LOVE in the middle" is leaving a legacy around the world. Last spring, the men's and women's teams conducted the "Battle of the Bird's Nest"--a Savannah Bananas-style take on a soccer match. The match featured rule changes, guest players and a halftime show. The event raised more than $2,000. Those funds were used to purchase home and away soccer uniforms for children at an orphanage in Guaimaca, Honduras. The uniforms were delivered to the children just before the start of the new CSD school year.

Eighth graders at Oakridge Middle School (OMS) learned about high-demand careers in trade industries today, thanks to a mobile classroom. The "Be Pro Be Proud" truck was on the OMS campus today so that students could engage with various simulators to try out their skills in these career fields. Sample careers included welder, truck driver, fork lift operator, excavator operator, plumber and utility line worker. The "Be Pro Be Proud" truck is a public-private partnership that brings together several professional organizations to teach students about their industries. Partners include the SC Trucking Association, SC Chamber of Commerce, Carolinas Association of General Contractors (AGC), Forestry Association of SC, Homebuilders Association of SC and the SC Department of Employment and Workforce. The "Be Pro Be Proud" truck continues its tour of the Palmetto State by making a stop at Clover High School on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Clover High School junior Boys Volleyball player, Kaden Odoms, has been featured in an article in the Rock Hill Herald this week. Good luck to Kaden, Coach Plyler and the entire Boys Volleyball team this season! https://www.heraldonline.com/sports/high-school/article291161240.html?taid=66c71ee429a9de000143478b&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

We thank Mr. Tommy Adkins for inviting Coach Kelsey Black, her coaching staff, and a couple of returning players to be recognized by the York County Council after winning the 2024 Girls AAAAA Soccer State Championship

Adjusting to a new school year can be a challenge for students, staff and families. That's why CSD has partnered with Care Solace to support their well-being. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider: Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language. Visit www.caresolace.com/cloversd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Thirteen Clover High School students earned special designations in the College Board’s National Recognition Program. All thirteen seniors earned the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA) for their performance on College Board exams. NRSTA winners include: Carolyn Ard Gwendalyn Bessman Celia Burton Kara Cronan Alexa Galeota Ashley Gorby Matthew Jackson Jackson Lewis Kayla Peters Caleb Place Gabrielle Popejoy Caroline Pringle William Walker Two seniors earned the First Generation Award. They are Carolyn Ard and Kayla Peters. Matthew Jackson earned National Hispanic Scholar recognition, while Gabrielle Popejoy earned National African American Scholar recognition. To be eligible for national recognitions, students must: Post Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) scores in the top 10 percent of assessment takers or earn a score of three or higher on two or more Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken in grades 9 and 10; Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; and identify themselves in one or more of the National Recognition Program categories.

CSD Students Hold Steady on State Assessments Clover School District (CSD) students held steady and continue to outpace other students in the Palmetto State in their performance on state assessments in all subject areas, according to data released today by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). CSD maintained its excellence, posting scores that ranked consistently in the top five in South Carolina on most tests at most grade levels. “Our mission in the Clover School District is to empower each student for a successful, productive, and responsible future. The test scores demonstrate the commitment our School Board, faculty, staff, families, and students have made to this mission. We strive for excellence with each child, each day, as our students realize the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As we focus on Rigorous, Empowering, and Authentic Learning through personalized and project-based lessons, we are on target and excited to see the continued gains our students will make," said Superintendent Dr. Sheila Quinn. SC READY–English Language Arts On the SC READY English Language Arts assessment, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards was eight to 16 percentage points higher for Clover students than the rest of the state: Grade 3 CSD-68.3% SC-53.8% Difference-14.5% Grade 4 CSD-71.8% SC-57.2% Difference-14.6% Grade 5 CSD-72.3% SC-55.6% Difference-16.7% Grade 6 CSD-62.0% SC-53.7% Difference-8.3% Grade 7 CSD-64.0% SC-50.3% Difference-13.7% Grade 8 CSD-61.6% SC-50.3% Difference-11.3% SC READY-Mathematics On the SC READY Mathematics assessment, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards was14 to 25 percentage points higher for Clover students than the rest of the state: Grade 3 CSD-68.9% SC-54.6% Difference-14.3% Grade 4 CSD-69.9% SC-51.0% Difference-18.9% Grade 5 CSD-65.2% SC-45.7% Difference-19.5% Grade 6 CSD-64.3% SC-38.4% Difference-25.9% Grade 7 CSD-53.2% SC-33.7% Difference-19.5% Grade 8 CSD-48.6% SC-30.3% Difference-18.3% End of Course Examination Program (EOCEP) On the EOCEP assessment, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards was seven to 16 percentage points higher for Clover students than the rest of the state: Algebra CSD-89.4% SC-72.5% Difference-16.9% Biology CSD-75.79% SC-62.89% Difference-12.9% English 2 CSD-93.68% SC-85.83% Difference-7.85% US History and the Constitution CSD-68.82% SC-58.77% Difference-10.05% Career Readiness Assessment In addition to EOC scores, SCDE also released results of The South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment. Students completed three assessments in the areas of math, data and reading to be eligible to receive a Career-Ready Credential. Again, CSD exceeded the performance of the state: CSD-84.2% SC-72.2% Difference-12%

Although the new school year is underway, Clover School District (CSD) continues to extend a warm "Welcome to Clover" to all the wonderful new employees who are joining CSD for the upcoming school year. Brittany Wright, Crowders Creek Elementary Linda Bennett, Oakridge Middle School Tammy Dunlap, Transportation Department Talesha Neely, Bright Beginnings Jill Hall, Crowders Creek Elementary