The District 4 Board of Trustees held its regular meeting Monday, February 4 at 7:30
p.m. in the Board Room. Agenda notices were distributed to Spartanburg Herald Journal
and Woodruff City Bulletin and the agenda was listed on the District website at
spartanburg4.org/do/agenda. Minutes of the January 14 meeting were approved.
The following reports were given:
Woodruff Primary School
Mrs. McAbee reported the following:
1. Calendar of Events for February 2013 was provided.
2. The Community Service Project for February is the donation of items to the
Spartanburg Humane Society. A list of needed items will be sent home with
students.
3. The “Bear Facts” newsletter for January is included with this report. The school
newsletter is distributed to parents of all students in October, January, and March. It
updates parents on grade level events and highlights student work. Teachers also
send home newsletters with information specific to each class.
4. School-wide activities in honor of Black History Month will be shared on the WPS
News Show and at the School Family Celebration. Students will be reading
biographies and learning about the contributions of various artists, scientists,
musicians, and leaders.
5. The After School Reading Program and additional after school clubs will begin in
February. The clubs are of varying lengths and grade levels depending on the
proposal submitted by the teacher sponsors.
6. Thirteen students qualified for the academically gifted and talented program based
on the CogAt and/or ITBS testing administered in November. Thirty-one students
qualified to participate in the Project STAR testing, which will be conducted in
February. Qualifying criteria are established by the state.
7. A new group of USC Upstate clinical students participated in an orientation with
Casey Dover on January 30. These Upstate students will be observing and teaching
lessons in assigned preschool classrooms throughout the second semester.
8. Preschool enrollment for the upcoming school year is planned for Thursday, March
14 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. This enrollment will be for the three and four year old
programs.
ENROLLMENT
Early Head Start Childcare
Family Literacy Childcare
Preschool Threes Half-Day
Preschool Threes Full-Day
Preschool Fours
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Special Education
Total Enrollment
8
7
9 + Babynet Transitions
63
172
195
192
199
6
851
Woodruff Primary School Calendar of Events
February
Community Project: Spartanburg Humane Society
Character Value Emphasis: Diversity & The Power of Love: See the best in others.
Career Focus:”Scientist at Work” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics)
1 – 28 – Black History Month; National Children’s Dental Health Month
2 – Groundhog Day
6 – Interim Reports Issued for 1st & 2nd Graders
7 – PTO Spring Fundraiser Begins
12 - WPS Science Fair
14 - Valentine’s Day Parties
15 – Teacher Inservice Day – No School for Students
18 – Mar. 7 – Star Performance Task Assessment for Qualifying Second Graders
18 – Presidents’ Day
19 – School Improvement Council & Title I Meeting (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
19 – Apr. 12 – ELDA Testing
20 – 23 – Piedmont Region III Science Fair at USC Upstate
22 – School Family Celebration; PTO Fundraiser Orders and Money Due
25 – March 2 – Dr. Seuss Week
27 - Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Graduation Pictures *No Make-Up Days
Scheduled for These Pictures
Woodruff Elementary School
Mrs. Brewton gave the following report:
Enrollment:
3rd Grade – 199
4th Grade – 205
5th Grade – 189
Total
593
1. January 7: WES students returned to school following Christmas Holidays.
2. January 9: Report Cards were issued to students and parents for the second
nine weeks.
3. January 10: The second Mock PASS Writing Test was administered to all WES
students in preparation for the actual PASS writing test scheduled for March.
4. January 15: WES students were recognized during the second nine weeks
Awards Day Program. 147 students received “A” Honor Roll recognition, 195
students received “B” Honor Roll recognition, 165 students received Perfect
Attendance awards, and 9 students improved their letter grades in 4 or more
subjects from the previous nine weeks. All students were recognized for their
efforts on recent winter MAP testing. The students earning “Top Five” honors are
listed in the chart below:
Second Nine Weeks Top Five Students
Third
Coco
Emily
Matthew
Jena
Maya
Olyvia
Grade Zheng
Brown
Thompson
Daniels Chahoud
Grubbs
Fourth Maggie
Trey
Corey
Gracie
Joanna
Lillie
Maddie Winni
Grade Rhodes Howard
Reed
Anderson
Jones
Rhodes Runyans Jiang
Fifth
Bethany Corrine Christopher
David
Lauren Sheridan
Grade
Davis Marshall
Netzell
Povtarev
Harrell Brockman
5. January 18:
WES received a School Visit from Hickory Grove-Sharon
Elementary School from the York school district to review current instructional
practices utilized by teachers and staff members. The goal of the Hickory GroveSharon administrative team is to implement select strategies currently employed
by WES to improve student achievement on standardized tests.
6. January 18: Terrific Kids were recognized the second nine weeks with an ice
cream party. Homeroom teachers selected Terrific Kids from their classes. The
students recognized included: Jennifer Delgado, Zachary Hang, Breanna
Branch, Brady Mullens, Drew Parrish, Gracie Taylor, Tayla Reini, Zion Wilborn,
Ximena Ravirez, Charles Landrum, Kayelee Hughes, Kinnidy Thoreson, Michael
Jacobi, Monse Guallpa, CoCo Zheng, Samantha Garrett, Olyvia Grubbs, Grace
Cooper, Lillie Rhodes, Lexis Jennings, Ruger Kay, Desiree Thomas, Katherine
Thompson, Keyterious Booker, and Austin Watson.
7. January 23: Select students from WES visited the Wofford College campus and
participated in their “Growing Up Gold Education Day” events. During this event,
students attended the women’s basketball game, participated in on court
activities, and were given gift bags. The event supports the school-wide theme,
“Dream, Hope, Imagine”, emphasizing the need for all students to set goals
including graduating from high school and attending the college of their choice.
Attendees from WES were fifth grade students, special education students, WES
news crew, and fourth grade members of the WES Girls Basketball Club.
8. January 24: The school-wide Spelling Bee was conducted in the media center.
The WES winner for a second year is Christopher Netzell. The runner-up is
Corrine Marshall.
Classroom winners are:
Corrine Marshall, Sheridan
Brockman, Joanna Jones, Carolina Purgason, Christopher Netzell, David
Povtarev, Grace Cooper, Maryam Chahoud, Morgan Barnett, Kamerin Hughes,
Sam Patterson, Hannah Bagwell, Madison Westmoreland, Jasmine Burch,
Addison Blackwell, Jacob McCall, and Shannah Duckett.
9. January 28: A School Safety Meeting was conducted with District Resource
Officer Mitchell Taylor to review school safety plans. This meeting is part of an
on-going effort to support the Spartanburg School District 4 Crisis Management
plan that is currently in place.
10. January 29: Math and Science Night was conducted in the District Four Activity
Center. Fourth grade students along with WE Singers performed for parents and
community members under the direction of music teacher, Bradd Partson.
Students and family members participated in math and science games. School
science fair winners were also recognized. A list of winners is listed below:
Science
Category
Chemistry
Behavioral
Mathematics
General
Science
Biology
WES Math and Science Fair Winners
First Place
Second Place Third Place
Winner
Winner
Winner
Trey Howard
Abigail
Neely Quinn
Compton
Ollie Rhodes
Abbey Bailey
Bethany
Davis
Widad Hayek
Alayna
Clay Taylor
Persails
Anabel Evans
Kate Yarbray
Olivia Lyda
Overall
Winner
Trey Howard
Ollie Rhodes
Widad
Hayek
Joanna Jones
Shaun-Luke
Dillion Stone
Jackson
Physics
Daniel
Aaron
Abbie
Brasington
Groomes
Slatton
These students will compete in the Spartanburg County Regional Science Fair.
11. January 31: Plans are underway to begin the PTO Spring Fundraiser. Sales
began January 31 and will end on February 14.
Woodruff Middle School
Mrs. Denise Brown gave the following report:
1. Current enrollment figures for WMS
6th: 219
7th: 219
8th: 220
2. Third Nine Weeks interim reports will be sent home with students Wednesday,
February 6.
3. The “Just Read” program began January 28. Teachers and staff in the building
adopted reading buddies and are reading with students twice a week.
4. There are 32 students being provided assistance with reading skills and class work
assignments via an aide who also provides support services in the resource room.
The CUB C.A.R.E. (claiming academic resources to excel) services begins Feb 8.
5. The After School Program will begin the week of February 25.
6. The registration schedule for 2013-2014 was provided.
7. Congratulations to Spelling Winner 8th grader Christopher Blanton and Runner Up
7th grader Krislen Thornton. The Spartanburg Herald sponsors the bee each year,
and this year’s region competition is March 2 at the Fine Arts Building in District 5.
8. Students with artwork on display at Demeter’s include Tobi West, Zack Dotson,
Amanda Brown, Emma Hutnik, and Mary C. Kitchens.
9. Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, DHEC will require all seventh graders to
have one (1) dose of Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) administered
on or after the 7th birthday. Woodruff Middle School is partnering with DHEC to offer
this immunization clinic at the school to assist parents in meeting this requirement
for school attendance next year.
10. Battle of the Brains competition begins February 12 vs Fairforest Middle School.
Competitions are conducted in a quiz bowl format and are conducted at the
Chapman Cultural Center. The host is Bill Drake.
11. The 6th grade classes have completed a career interest inventory on-line via SCOIS
(South Carolina Occupation Information System). The 48-question inventory
helped student identify a career cluster and then directed students to web-based
links about possible career options, educational requirements, salary potential, etc.
12. National School Counselors Week is February 4- 8. WMS counselors are
celebrating with activities planned in the Media Center during recess times.
Students will be interested in video information from R.D.Anderson Vocational
School, sessions and support materials for stress management, decision making
and friendship skills, and the prizes being offered for participation.
13. ENGAGE (Enabling girls with academics, good behavior, and encouragement) met
January 29 for “Food Fear Factor.” Students were encouraged to try a variety of
new food experiences. A speaker acknowledged her struggle with weight issues,
diabetes, and the need to eat healthy. The next meeting is February 19.
14. Congratulations to the February Athlete of the Week recipients: 7 th grader Nathan
Rudder, 8th Troy Crocker, and 8th Neely Lambert, basketball.
These studentathletes received a t-shirt and a certificate from the Edward Jones Investment
Company.
15. Twenty-two winter sports 8th grade athletes were honored between the two
basketball games January 22. 5 pom squad members, 7 girls’ basketball players,
and 10 boys’ basketball members were recognized.
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Feb 8
6th grade Trip to Georgia Aquarium
Feb 8
7th grade Winter Feast
Feb 13-16
8th gr Washington, DC Trip
Feb 21
Winter Sports Banquet, 6:30 pm
Feb 19
ENGAGE meets
Feb 28
Jr. Scholar Ceremony at Converse College, 6pm
March 1
3rd School-Wide Writing Prompt
March 19-20
PASS Writing for all 3 grades
Woodruff High School
Mr. Aaron Fulmer reported the following:
1. After-school HSAP enrichment sessions began on January 14, 2013.
Approximately 110 students are involved in at least one session.
2. Pre-registration meetings were held for each class. A WHS Course Description
Guide which contained valuable scholarship, testing, and registration information
was distributed to each eighth grade student. This information was also posted on
the school’s website. An eighth grade parents’ night was held on January 14 and
was well attended. In addition, a tour was conducted of RD Anderson for
sophomores, and both WHS and RDA counselors have met with students in
English classes.
3. A financial aid workshop regarding FAFSA was held on January 14. A financial
aid counselor from USC-Upstate explained the process of completing the FAFSA
form and its purpose.
4. The selection process for Miss Woodruff High was completed this month, and the
Miss Woodruff High pageant is scheduled for Friday, March 15.
5. Mrs. Julie Cannon, Guidance Director, has been coordinating career encounters
at lunch. She contacts and schedules representatives from various careers to
answer questions and talk to students during the lunch period. A variety of
careers have been represented including architects, bankers, cosmetologist and
the armed forces.
6. On January 22, Woodruff High hosted a guest speaker from the State Department
on internet safety. The presentation, delivered through Business Ed classes,
covered topic ranging from managing one’s digital footprint to online predators
and scams.
7. On January 30, thirteen juniors and seniors participated in a leadership
conference at the Milliken Research Center in Spartanburg. The conference
focused on leadership potential in international business and innovative research.
Instructional Reports
Dr. Carson provided the following information:
1. WHS had 13 students that participated in Milliken’s Schools Community Service
Program on JAN 30, 2012. Each student was paired with a member of Milliken’s
international management team to tour the company’s new Innovation Showcase,
participate in panel discussions and view the company’s research operations at
the Roger Milliken Center in Spartanburg.
2. Faculty at WMS and WHS will be trained in youth suicide awareness as required
by the Jason Flatt Act.
3. Review and revision of School Board policies continues.
4. The most recent district report card data indicates that Spartanburg Four’s
Absolute Performance Index continues to surpass the SC average index, as it has
for the past ten years. For the 2012 report card, our district’s index was 9% higher
than the state average.
Karen E. Neal provided the following report:
1. Staffs from each school attended a workshop on preparing Power School for the
new school year. All Power School data bases were prepared to enable
scheduling for the 2013-2014 school year. In addition, the Individual Graduation
Plan (IGP) has been incorporated into Power School and is available via the
Parent Portal.
2. Fresh Start is fully functioning at the Workman Center. Current enrollment is 6.
Project HELP continues to serve homebased and homebound students. Current
enrollment is 12.
3. Enrollment in Family Literacy is currently at 74 for the morning class and 31 for
the evening class. Average attendance is 24 for the morning and 15 for the
evening. 4 additional students are scheduled to take the GED in February.
Family Literacy has 18 families enrolled to date.
4. District administration continues to observe all programs in all schools on a
rotational basis. A targeted observation schedule for February has been
distributed to all principals. In addition, formal teacher evaluations for second
semester have resumed.
5. Truancy Court continues to hear referrals from District 4. Attendance from
previous referrals appears to have improved.
6. Pre-School enrollment for 4-year-olds has been tentatively scheduled for March
14 from 9 AM until 2 PM at Woodruff Primary School. A plan to communicate with
area residents is being developed and will be distributed to all administrators for
input. In addition, we hope to continue the offering of 3K classes based on need
and space available. Parents will be able to sign up their three-year-olds at the
same time. Screenings for 3K will occur in March, and 4K screenings will occur in
May.
7. STAR testing for gifted students is scheduled for February 18 through March 7.
16 WPS second graders qualified for gifted based upon COGAT administration.
96 students in grades 2 through 5 will be tested with the STAR Performance
Tasks.
8. ELDA testing begins on February 19 and continues through April 12 for our ELL
students.
9. The countywide ceremony to recognize Junior Scholars will be held February 28
at Converse. District 4 had 15 Junior Scholars in 12-13
Facilities
Board members received a printed update of facilities projects and a copy of the BAN
projects proposed for next year.
Board Action
 Approved revisions to numerous policies from Section G.
 Received as information recommended revisions to policies in Sections I and J of
policy manual.
 Approved the amended 2013-2014 school calendar.
 Approved returning teacher contracts for all schools for the 2013-2014 school
year.