The Connector

I am excited to share that many of our students and teachers have been recognized for district and state awards over the past few weeks. You will find news about their accomplishments in this edition. As we continue to celebrate throughout the end of the school year, I want to share that we recently announced the Teacher of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists. Our teachers strive daily to meet students' instructional and wellness needs. Lancaster County School District appreciates the dedication of all of our staff members.

I enjoyed meeting many of you at the Community Forums. I believe that open dialogue is the key to building strong relationships. As the district continues to strengthen our partnership with the community, we have hired a Director of Employee and Community Relations, Mr. Rodney Graves. Mr. Graves will join us in July, however, he met community members who attended three of the four forums.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to our shared journey of growth and excellence.

Yours for Excellence in Education,

Raashad Fitzpatrick, Ed.D.

Lancaster High Band under the direction of Mr. Dyer received an Excellent overall rating, with a Superior rating on Sight Reading! Congratulations, Bruins!

8th Grade students visited and toured USCL. Mr. Boykin spoke with them about the Upward Bound program and learned about the amazing opportunities this school offers.

March Madness returned to Rucker! Students competed in a Hot Shot, 3 Point and Slam Dunk contest to benefit Relay for Life. Winners included Majour Ellis-Daniel, Jaidyn McCrory and Vaughn Taylor (a cancer survivor!).

ILHS Student Council has been Nationally recognized as a 2024 National Council of Excellence. Students planned twenty-four events in a calendar year. Students worked hard to raise money for two charities last year. They are working hard already for 2024 to do more and go for the GOLD!

Students in Cheryl Woodard's 5K Class at Clinton Elementary learned about solar eclipses.

Mr. Ryder and the Willy Wonka cast and crew from Harrisburg Elementary spent the day honing their musical skills at the 19th annual Junior Theater Celebration in Charlotte. Not only did they learn from some of the best teachers from NYC, they also got to perform a song on the Belk Theatre stage in front of an audience of peers from other schools. Everyone came away excited and better prepared for their next musical. What does Harrisburg Elementary have in store for the 2025 musical? "Stay tuned to find out", says Mr. Ryder.

Indian Land Middle School Band received a Superior with Distinction rating (the highest possible score) at the South Carolina Band Director's Association Concert Band Assessment! Congrats Mr. Skellett, Mrs. Gavigan and the Warrior Middle School Band!

In honor of School Library Month, representatives from the Lancaster County School Librarians Association attended the LCSD Board of Trustees meeting on April 16, 2024 (National Librarian Day) and shared a multimedia presentation showcasing library services.

Dr. Fitzpatrick came to BMS to talk to Mrs. Funderburk's career classes! 📸 Linda MacKay

National College Adviser Day was April 21. Thank you, advisers!

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Seth Muennich Scholars! LHS - Jessica Garcia-Mora BHS - Mallory Adams AJHS - Braylyn Riggins ILHS - Jake Recker Another amazing group of young people who will represent Lancaster County well as they prepare for life’s next adventure!!

The Jessie W. Little “Leading the Way” Award, established in honor of Jessie W. Little (Winthrop class of ’73), serves to recognize those mentor teachers who offer crucial support and guidance to new and future educators. Mentor teachers play an important role in the Teacher Education Program at Winthrop University as well as in the South Carolina ADEPT process for first-year teachers. (https://www.winthrop.edu/ceshs/rex/JWL-leading-the-way-award.aspx)

There were nine finalists. Four were from Indian Land Middle and one of the four was the overall winner. Check out the video!

Lancaster County School District celebrated National County Government Month in April! Lancaster County elementary students were recognized at the Lancaster County Council meeting. Student leaders from our four high schools participated in a Mock Council Event. We appreciate Lancaster County and the Lancaster County Council partnering with us!

Does your LCSD sports team offer a summer camp? Do you want it advertised in the community and staff newsletters? If so, send your digital flyer in jpeg format to the email below so we can help you get the word out! Summer Camp flyers will have a special section in both newsletters until the end of the school year! #oneteam

public.information@lcsd.k12.sc.us

The District Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Fitzpatrick, spoke in each community area in March and April. Click the links below to see the meeting.

– TUESDAY, MARCH 5 (click to watch)

at Indian Land High Auditorium • 5:30 p.m.

– MONDAY, MARCH 25 (click to watch)

at Lancaster Multipurpose Building • 5:30 p.m.

– MONDAY, April 11 (click to watch)

at Buford Elementary Cafeteria • 5:30 p.m.

– THURSDAY, APRIL 25 (click to watch)

at Andrew Jackson Visual Performing Arts Building • 5:30 p.m.

With the LCSD app, keep up with what is going on in the district along with specific schools.

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Lancaster County residents 65 and older are eligible for a free Gold Card from our district. A Gold Card entitles you to get into any regular season sporting event (playoffs are exempt) in our school district free of charge. If you are a resident age 65 or older, you can order a LCSD Gold Card by filling out the form below. The communications office will send your Gold Card to you in the mail. Thanks for supporting Lancaster County Schools!

Get a Gold Card here!

The 2023-2024 LCSD school calendar

May 1-14: AP exams

May 27: Memorial Day - schools & offices closed

May 30: Exams – Early dismissal – No extracurricular activities

May 31: Fourth elementary & middle reporting period ends, Eighth high school period ends – Second semester ends – Early dismissal – No extracurricular activities – Last student school day – 1/2 teacher workday after early dismissal

May 30: Graduation (Andrew Jackson & Lancaster)

May 31: Graduation (Buford & Indian Land)

By June 11: Report cards to students

Accounting/Finance

Adult Education

Communications

Food Services

Gifted & Talented

Human Resources

Information Technology

Instruction - Elementary

Instruction - Secondary

Procurement

Research & Development

Safety & Transportation

See Something, Say Something

Student Services

Superintendent

Have you ever thought about working for Lancaster County School District? We are always in need of great teachers! But not all of our school openings require an education degree. We have openings for substitute teachers, bus drivers, 29 hour assistants and cafeteria staffers! Check out all our job openings by clicking the link below:

LCSD Job Openings

Board Policies

LCSD Learning Newspaper

School Calendar

See Something, Say Something

Powerschool (Parent)

Email: public.information@lcsd.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.lancastercsd.com/
Location: 300 South Catawba Street, Lancaster, SC, USA
Phone: 803-286-6972
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLCSDSC