The Connector - Oct. 2025

Each of us has a responsibility as part of One Lancaster to focus on each student because we are All In for All Students. During September we focused on planting seeds with our students. We nurture their natural curiosity, encourage them to fail forward to success, and celebrate them as they bloom.

September was full of safety upgrades. EVOLV weapons detection systems were install in our middle and high schools. Administrators were trained on how to run the system and students adapted to the new technology. Our students were able to enter the buildings and prepare for learning in record time. Additionally, 146 vape sensors were installed in the middle and high schools. Once online the systems allowed administrators to monitor the amount of time an individual was in the bathroom, as well as, if keyword like Help or Suicide were mentioned. The vape sensors was made possible through a grant received by Counseling Services of Lancaster. We are grateful for this partnership. In the coming weeks, Centegix Crisis Alert badges will be distributed and utilized by all staff to alert the building or emergency services if help is needed.

The month concluded with Indian Land High School and Lancaster High School celebrating Homecoming and Buford High School kicking off October with Homecoming. When we think about returning home, we look around at our community. Our school district is fortunate to have many alumni teaching, supporting and coaching our students. Our community continues to grow across the county, welcoming newcomers from across the country and world. Together we build relationships creating a sense of belonging. Together we create a climate of excitement, education, and engagement,. Together we build a culture of continuous improvement. We are One District, One Mission, One Lancaster.

To learn more about our district, watch or listen to the ABCs + MVPs: The One Lancaster Podcast or join us for LCSD 101 by signing up at https://bit.ly/LCSD101

#CommUNITY #AllIn #OneLancaster

Big congratulations to the Indian Land Warrior Band!

On Oct. 4, they made history as the first LCSD band to compete in a Bands of America Carolina Regional Championship—earning a score of 72.15, 14th overall out of 28 participating bands, and 8th in Class 3A.

Performance Highlights

Tied for 7th place overall in the crucial General Effect Music category.

9th place in the overall General Effect sub-total.

9th place overall in Music Performance Average.

We’re so proud of their incredible performance!

Congratulations to Cheryl Woodard who was chosen as one of only 8 teachers in the state to attend the Fall STAR Teacher Seminar! Cheryl teaches at Van Wyck Elementary in Lancaster School District.

Pictured: PSTA Director of Association Activities Toni Chewning and Cheryl Woodard

Audio: www.lancastercsd.com/o/lancaster-csd/page/abcsmvps-the-one-lancaster-podcast
Video: www.lancastercsd.com/page/videos

We’re excited to honor the educators and community champions who have shaped our district through the Lancaster County School District Education Hall of Fame! This distinguished program recognizes retired teachers, administrators, board members, and community partners who made a transformative impact on our schools. Each year, students, parents, community members and colleagues are welcome to submit nominations. Click on the Hall of Fame image for an online nomination form.

Teachers/Staff/Educators - Volunteer to Shop! Earn Shopping Certificates

Did you know you can earn free shopping trips by volunteering with Classroom Central? When the Mobile Free Store visits Lancaster County Schools, volunteer to check in teachers and carry pre-packed supply bags to their cars to earn shopping certificates

• Teachers: Volunteer 3 hours = certificate for an extra Free Store trip

• Parents/Community Members: Volunteer 6 hours = certificate for a teacher

📅 Oct 23, Nov 17, Dec 8 at North Elementary (2:30–5:30 p.m.)

👉 🔗 email to jenny@classroomcentral.org with subject line Classroom Central Volunteer to Shop – Lancaster County Schools

✨Your time makes a big difference. Help us put free supplies into the hands of teachers and students across Lancaster County Schools.

The GT department is accepting referrals NOW for our smARTS camp at this time. Please use this link ( smARTS Referral Link ) to refer any student that you feel has a talent or gift in an arts related area (music, dance, theater, visual arts, chorus)! A referral does NOT mean they have to audition, it just means they will receive an invitation to audition for the smARTs program.

smARTS program general information for the 2025/2026 school year:

The LCSD SmARTS program is how we serve our artistically gifted and talented students in the district. The following steps are necessary for students to participate:

1-Students need to be referred (that's where you come in!) ( smARTS Referral Link )

2-Referred students will then receive an invitation to participate in our smARTs audition that contains all dates and times of the audition and the program

3-After the audition is complete, the accepted students will receive a congratulatory letter and an invitation to participate in the smARTS program

4-Students must then commit to participating and pay a nominal fee to secure their spot.

For students who audition and are accepted:

Students will be invited to participate in the SmARTS program which involves 3 Saturday workshops in the spring (one per month in March, April and May) and a 2 week summer camp Mon-Fri Jun 8-19.

Please note: Matt Willis, fine arts director, will be contacting schools about making a brief appearance in certain classes in the fall to generate interest amongst students.

If you have any questions, please contact Cathryn Torres or Matt Willis. Brochures/flyers will be sent to your school to send home with students who are interested but you are encouraged to refer students through the link as soon as possible :)

( smARTS Referral Link )

October 9 & 10 - Student & Staff holiday

October 13 - Professional development - no students attend

October 17 - First elementary/middle/high school reporting period ends

October 23 - Elementary/middle/high school report cards issued

Football:

10/8: AR Rucker at AJ Middle 5:30

Buford Middle at South 5:30

10/9: Catawba Ridge JV/B Team at ILHS 5:30/7

Dreher JV at LHS 6

AJHS JV at Blythewood B-Team 5:30

10/10: Buford Open Date

ILHS at Catawba Ridge 7:30

LHS at Dreher 7:30

Chesterfield at AJHS 7:30

Volleyball:

10/7: AJ Middle at AR Rucker 5:30

Buford High at AJHS 5/6:30

Catawba Ridge at ILHS 5/6:30

LHS at South Pointe 5:30/7

Riverwalk at South 5:30

ILHS boys at Catawba Ridge 6:15

10/9 AJHS at North Central 5/6:15

ILHS at Clover 5/6:30

Richland Northeast at LHS 5:30/7

Clover boys at ILHS 6:15

10/11 AJHS at Woodmont Invitational TBA

Tennis:

10/7 LHS at South Pointe 5

ILHS at Clover 5

10/9 Richland Northeast at LHS 5

Band:

Oct 7- LCSD Marching band showcase- ILHS Stadium- 9 am

Oct 11- BHS Marching band showcase- Cheraw High School

Oct 11- AJHS Marching band showcase- Catawba Ridge High School

Please note: If you are a retiree and have a retiree pass, a Gold Card is not needed.