MCSD students in grades K-8 began winter i-Ready testing this week. i-Ready is a diagnostic program, that helps determine your child's needs to assist in personalizing learning and monitoring their progress throughout the year. Students took their first i-Ready assessment in August and students have set personal goals for their growth. Teachers and school administrators are looking for student growth in the areas of math and reading and are offering incentives for students meeting their growth targets and stretch goals. Once students have taken their i-Ready assessments the program will tailor personalized learning activities and lessons for them to complete in areas they were challenged in during the assessment.

Use this link to learn more about i-Ready and a tour of the program. https://www.curriculumassociates.com/prog.../i-ready-tour....

Winter i-Ready student reports will be sent home with report cards in January.

JAG students TaMera Brown and DaNasha Graves represented Mullins High School while at the JAG National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, DC. They had many opportunities to make new connections and visit historic sites in DC. Including visiting Howard University and meeting the Governor of the Virgin Islands! Thank you for a job well done students and JAG teacher Ms. Dozier!

Marion High School is excited to announce three students were selected for South Carolina All Eastern Honors Band.

Congratulations!

Ivan Morley - Trumpet - 4th chair

Connor Shelley - Alto Sax - 6th chair

Xavier Chapman - Euphonium - 3rd chair

The Marion County School District recognized Bishop Michael Blue at the November 15th, 2022 Board Meeting as Marion County School District's Superhero of the Month.

Michael Blue was an educator in the Marion School District for 25 years. He was a dedicated English teacher and continues to be an inspiration to his former students. His love for music made the Marion High School Gospel Choir one of the best choirs in the region. He was named Marion High School’s 2002-2003 Teacher of the Year and Marion County School District One’s District Teacher of the Year in 2002-2003. Bishop Blue not only cares deeply for the children of this county; he cares for our community. His love and commitment to the long- term recovery group using Marion High School goes without saying. Mr. Blue would prefer not to be recognized for what he does because he does it all to bring pleasure to Christ's heart and fame to His name.

He was nominated for this award by multiple members of Marion County School District. The common thread in the nominations is that Bishop Blue always goes above and beyond for others. He is an educator at heart and loves people in our community.

Thank you, Bishop Blue. Thank you for being Marion County School District’s Superhero of the Month.

Dr. Kandace Bethea, Superintendent, met with her High School Advisory Team and her Primary/Elementary Teacher Advisory Teams last week. Her advisory teams give her an opportunity to receive feedback from important stakeholders such as students, teachers, support staff, parents, and community members. The feedback is then considered and used when making decisions for students and employees.

Next up, she'll meet with her middle and high school teacher advisories, support staff, parents and community members in the new year!

The Marion County Board of Education continues to engage in monthly "Wednesday Walks". These walks are opportunities for board members to visit schools and classrooms around the district and engage with students, teachers and administrators in their daily learning and work.