October is National Principals Month! We extend our gratitude to the dedicated principals in Marion County School District for their leadership and unwavering support of our students and teachers. Thank you for all you do!

Dr. Bethea led a Walk "N" Talk at Amazing Grace Park, where community members showed their support and learned about district updates. It was a great afternoon of walking in honor of breast cancer awareness and staying informed about the district.

October 24 was Read for the Record Day! Students in Marion County enjoyed an exceptional lineup of guest readers who brought stories to life with enthusiasm and passion. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported our mission to emphasize the importance of reading. A total of 105 readers participated in this event.

North Mullins Primary School and McCormick Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony this month to introduce their new STEM Labs. These labs are part of Marion County School District’s collaboration with STEMU, a dynamic curriculum offering hands-on learning experiences. Our Chiefs and Mustangs are excited to explore and learn in their new STEM spaces! Across the district, Marion County now hosts a total of five STEMU Labs, enriching opportunities for students throughout our schools.

We are excited to announce that the first round of staff grants has been successfully funded, awarding a total of $94,880 to 33 recipients! Our sincere thanks go to the Marion County Healthcare Foundation for their generous support, which allows us to offer students innovative and enriching learning experiences. Visit our district Facebook page for photos and more information about the grant recipients.

The Superintendent Fall Teacher Advisory Meeting took place at The Groundout, where teachers enjoyed refreshments while engaging in meaningful discussions. We are grateful for our dedicated teachers and their commitment to the students in Marion County Schools. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for teachers to share their thoughts and ideas. A special thank you to The Groundout for being such a wonderful host!

At the October Board of Education meeting, the board of trustees recognized the following individuals for their recent achievements.

Mullins High School

Congratulations to Ta’mera Brown and Brooklyn Williams for being recognized as the 2024 National College Board winners.

Marion High School

Congratulations to Kenosha Hyman for being awarded the MCSDproud Award.

Business Partner

Thank you, HTC, for sharing updates on the expansion and improvements to high-speed internet connectivity in Marion County.

Dr. Bethea had a wonderful opportunity to connect with exceptional student leaders this month! Marion and Mullins High Schools are home to inspiring students with ambitious dreams and strong voices. Their smiles truly make us proud! We extend a heartfelt thank you to Taco Bell for graciously hosting our Student Advisory meeting!

Thank you to the Marion and Mullins Fire Departments for dedicating time to visit our local schools and educate students on the importance of fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. We greatly appreciate your commitment to keeping our community safe.

We are pleased to announce several exciting upgrades! Mullins and Marion High Schools have installed brand new scoreboards, while Johnakin Middle School's gym has received a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, primary and elementary classrooms have been furnished with new furniture.

Members of the Marion County Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Kandace Bethea recently attended the SCSBA Pee Dee Regional Advocacy Meeting at Aynor High School. The event also featured Mullins High School alumnus Mrs. Renee McRae Atkinson and Ms. Angela Crosland, who were captured on camera during the meeting.

The South Carolina Department of Education introduced the "Free to Focus SC" initiative on September 3, 2024, which will take effect statewide on January 1, 2025. This new policy will prohibit personal electronic devices during the school day to foster a distraction-free learning environment.

"Free to Focus SC" aims to keep students engaged and free from electronic distractions, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and develop essential college, career, and life skills, in line with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

Under this policy, "Personal electronic devices are not permitted to be on or visible during the school day and must be stored in lockers or backpacks from arrival until the dismissal bell."

Do you know a former Marion County student who is a success story? Did they graduate and go on to do GREAT things wherever they landed? Do you know a student still enrolled in Marion County School District with a phenomenal story to tell of something they have overcome to be successful? A student with a successful business they have started while in school? A current student with big dreams, scholarship opportunities, a full-time job, and a story to tell? A former or current student in this district that makes us PROUD?

Click on the link below to nominate them for special recognition.

https://forms.gle/aYEceeQqGpRVazhw5