September was National Attendance Awareness Month! It's a bigger problem than you think. Absenteeism begins at a young age, and children from low-income families are four times more likely to be chronically absent from school. Students who miss two to four days in the first month of school are more likely to have a poor attendance record during the school year. Many of our schools had attendance incentives and rewards for students and staff to encourage good attendance habits early in the 2023–2024 school year!

College Colors Day was September 3rd. Students and staff joined college fans around the country in showing their spirit by wearing their favorite team's gear. #CollegeColorsDay

We are delighted to announce that Marion Intermediate School recently hosted a pastoral breakfast to show appreciation for the local pastors in our area. Dr. McCall shared information about the programs and PBIS incentives the school offers to their students. He also spoke about how he would like to partner with pastors to help our students succeed. We are thankful to have a strong community of faith-based leaders, and we look forward to making a positive impact on our students through this partnership.

MCSD schools celebrated and honored our first responders on September 11. We are incredibly thankful for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

Marion County School District held a ribbon-cutting and unveiling event for the new iNoVate SmartLab at Marion Intermediate School. The lab is part of the district's partnership with STEMU, an engaging curriculum focused on providing hands-on learning. Students in the district's ALPHA and ExCEL programs participate in the STEMU curriculum. Parents and students engaged in several interactive activities during the event.

Marion County School District's Proud Award is awarded to an educator or someone working within the school district who has made an impact. Ms. Souleika Johnson was awarded the #MCSDProud award for the month of September. Coworkers shared, "Ms. Johnson builds relationships with all our students, staff, and parents at Easterling Primary School. Anything her hands find to do, she does out of the kindness of her heart. She has a heart of gold!"

·

North Mullins Primary was awarded the "District Wellness Award" for implementing the MUSC Boeing Center for Children's Wellness Initiative. With the money received from this award, they created a room for their teachers to promote wellness and health. The Zen Den is equipped with exercise bikes, interactive Wii games, a coffee bar, a family dining table, and a sitting area. You will even find family photos throughout the room. Congratulations to North Mullins Primary!

Dr. Kandace Bethea hosted an informative and engaging Walk "N" Talk at Amazing Grace Park! Attendees were delighted to learn more about how Marion County Schools are tackling the Big 3: Strengthening the Core, Positive Learning Environments, and College & Career Readiness. Everyone enjoyed the conversations and the beautiful scenery at Amazing Grace Park. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the progress of our local schools and to come together as a community.

We are so proud of Dr. Bethea for being selected to attend and serve on the Superintendents' Panel at the Age of Learning Leadership Forum. Dr. Bethea was able to collaborate with educators and superintendents from all across the country to discuss educational topics. Dr. Bethea was able to provide information on rural education. We are excited to see the great work that comes out of this event!

The MCSD Board of Education had a successful board retreat last Friday at Anderson Brothers Bank Conference Center. Mrs. Angel Cooper provided an informative finance workshop to the board members, Attorney Benjamin Ziegler spoke on financing options, and Dr. Sandra Lindsay provided a workshop on Board Responsibilities and Self Assessment.