SCWS News
A Monthly Newsletter - October 2023
June 2025 Graduates
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
August 2025 Graduates
Kim Dunbar Ed.S, M.S., CDF Executive Director, SCWS
"Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year, we are so happy to have you! Thank you for choosing SC Whitmore School as your school family on your educational journey. Make sure you check the newsletter regularly to be aware of special events and important dates. You will also find contact information and helpful resources. Make sure you reach out to your teacher and counselor if you have any questions or need support. We are all here to help and assist you in achieving your goals!"
Ebone' Adams, Ed.S Principal, SCWS
"Welcome to a brand new school year at SC Whitmore School! Whether you’re returning for another year or you're a new student/family with us, we're so glad you’re here. This year we will be focused on engagement, pacing, balance and purpose. We want you to be engaged in your learning, find balance between school and life and pursue your goals with purpose.
While we offer you flexibility and independence, that doesn't mean you're on your own. Our dedicated teachers, counselors, and support staff are here to guide and support you every step of the way. We're committed to making sure you feel connected and empowered! Let’s make 2025-2026 our best year yet, where we learn, grow and achieve success together."
Columbia, SC — SC Whitmore School (SCWS), a statewide online public charter high school, is proud to announce Dylan Matthew DiVittorio-Fernandez as the 2025 Student of the Year, recognizing his extraordinary perseverance, academic success, and inspirational journey to graduation.
Dylan’s path to this achievement is remarkable. After facing challenges in a traditional school setting that placed him on a non-diploma track, Dylan enrolled at SC Whitmore School and embraced the school’s flexibility to redefine his academic future. In just one school year, he completed the equivalent of 1.5 years of coursework. This included English 3 and 4 consecutively to graduate on time.
Kristen Jones, SCWS English teacher, praised Dylan’s determination and growth, “Dylan was a fantastic fit for SCWS. His previous school was not working for him, putting him on a non-diploma track. Upon starting SCWS, he was successful on the diploma track and earned his remaining 1.5 years of credit in just one school year! He worked very hard, always met with me to ask questions, and completed English 3 and 4 back to back with shortened course end dates to graduate by June, and he did it! His success story makes me proud to be part of a school that allows students to gain confidence and get back on track when the traditional school model does not work.”
Dylan’s story is not only one of academic triumph but also a personal message of hope and empowerment. In his own words, he shared, "I am so grateful for this opportunity to be Student of the Year. Over the years, I was always told that a high school diploma would be too difficult for me to achieve. Deep down, I always knew if I was given the chance to prove myself, I would be able to graduate with my high school diploma. My family supported me and always pushed me to the best of my potential. I am so thankful to my teachers and the administrators who always encouraged me and made me feel seen."
"I now know with confidence and guidance that the sky is the limit. I will continue to keep pushing myself and continue my studies. To the next student who has always been labeled the 'special needs kid,' please know you are more than an IEP or a parent-teacher conference. You are a person who can excel and apply yourself with the proper tools and guidance. To my amazing teachers and guidance counselors who believed in my ability to thrive, I am forever grateful to you all. I will miss you all and promise to keep in touch and check in with you on my accomplishments. Thank you, South Carolina Whitmore School, for this opportunity."
Dylan’s transformation and success exemplify the mission of SC Whitmore School — to meet students where they are and provide personalized, flexible learning environments that empower every learner.
SC Whitmore School Principal Eboné Adams said, “Dylan’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance. When given the opportunity to learn in a way that worked for him, he didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them. Completing 1.5 years of coursework in just one year, including English 3 and 4 back-to-back, shows his incredible dedication and determination. We are so proud to celebrate his success at SC Whitmore School.”
SC Whitmore School Executive Director Kim Dunbar said, “ Dylan is so deserving of this recognition, and we couldn’t be more proud. He is such a success story of what hard work and the appropriate educational environment can do. We are thankful Dylan chose SCWS as his school family and we can’t wait to see all he will accomplish.”
SC Whitmore School is honored to recognize Dylan for his academic accomplishments, leadership, and perseverance. His story is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every student when given the opportunity to thrive.
Megan Adams
Enrollment Specialist
Brandi Jackson
Attendance Coordinator
Abby Blankenship, of Columbia, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston.
Blankenship was among more than 1,700 bachelor's degree and master's degree candidates who participated in the 2025 College of Charleston Spring Commencement ceremony.
Wofford College awarded 452 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees to graduates during the college's 171st Commencement exercises.
Robbie Young of Greenville, S.C., received a BS in finance.
Close-Out Grade
Please pay attention to the Close-Out Grade shown on the Student Dashboard course tiles. Letter grades follow the 10 point scale.
A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C= 70-79 D= 60-69 F= 0-59(no credit)
Possip
Possip
Your voice matters! We need to hear what's working for you and what you need. This year we will send routine text messages and emails with a few simple questions asking for feedback on your experience with school. You will receive these messages from Possip, an organization we have partnered with to learn your needs. Thank you!
Check out this video today!
Questions about testing (SAT, ACT, EOC, WIN, PSAT)? Please contact the SC Whitmore School Testing Coordinator, Katie Coleman.
803-768-8313 or 803-216-5368
Email - kcoleman@scwhitmoreschool.org
ACT -
Attention students! Have you signed up for the ACT yet? The ACT is an important step in the college application process and can open doors to scholarships and financial aid. Plus, it's a chance to challenge yourself and see how much you've learned throughout your high school career. Sign up for the ACT today and take the first step towards your future success! #ACT #collegebound #educationmatters
SAT - Are you a student preparing for college? Don't miss your chance to take the SAT! This exam is a key component of the college application process. Sign up now and start preparing for success!
Still need to apply to CCTC? This is your moment!
Saturday, August 16
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
M200 Lobby at Main Campus
Start or finish your application
Get admitted on the spot
Head straight to New Student Orientation at 9:30 a.m.
Be ready to start fall classes Monday, August 18!
The first 30 people to come in that morning and fill out their application will receive a pair of Titan logo socks!
Christina Miller, Student Support Specialist
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my family and friends, travel, listen to music and attend concerts, watch documentaries, and workout!
Tell a little bit about your background.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology, as well as a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Following graduate school, I gained experience working as a school counselor, social worker, advocate, and therapist. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of South Carolina.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I am passionate about my role as a Student Support Specialist at SC Whitmore School. I believe in the importance of ensuring that our students and families needs are met so that they are able to achieve success in all areas of life.
What do you want the students to know about you?
I am available to talk to if there is an unmet need! I want to see you all able to succeed, and together we can navigate any barriers in your life.
I love traveling and exploring new areas. Here is a photo of me spending time with a dolphin on Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas.
I enjoy spending time with my family. Here is a photo of us on a recent trip.
I love being a mom and being with my daughters. We always have fun together!
Michelle Bishop, Director of Compliance
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love diving into a good book, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, and spending quality time playing with my granddaughter—she keeps me on my toes! When I get a moment to myself, you’ll often find me exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft, where adventure is always just a quest away.
Tell a little bit about your background.
I was a military child, moving around the world. I settled in Columbia for college at USC and stayed here. I got both my undergraduate degree and my Master's at USC. I met my husband here and had my children here. They both live in Columbia as well.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
As the Director of Compliance, I ensure our organization meets all state and federal regulations, overseeing critical programs that support both special education and multi-lingual learners. My role involves navigating complex guidelines, coordinating across departments, and making sure we stay aligned with ever-evolving standards. I wear many hats—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What do you want the students to know about you?
At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to students. I want them to thrive—not just academically, but as individuals—so they can build fulfilling, happy lives and bright futures.
For the Alliance!
Learning at a conference
My favorite person in the world.
ArtMore
Named by an SCWS student, ArtMore is a digital literary and art magazine where students can showcase their work with their peers. The magazine features items such as original poetry, short stories, photography, multi-media art and more.
Check out the ArtMore Spring 2025 Issue today!
Lit Lunch! September 4th and September 18h - 1 PM - 2 PM
Join us to take a break from schoolwork, meet new friends, and share any creative projects you're working on. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Sep2025RSVPand join us here: bit.ly/LitLunch1920
We are very excited to announce our first school event of the 2025 - 2026 school year! It is called, Check In With SCWS. This is your opportunity to get some questions answered, learn more about our school, and possibly get a refresher on some of the topics you already know about. Click here to RSVP: https://bit.ly/Sep2025RSVP
On September 5th, 2025, we will share a live link with all of our students and their guardians where they can watch introduction videos from their teachers and school counselors welcoming all of our new and returning students to SCWS for the 2025 - 2026 school year!
Please take some time to look over the Google Site on September 5th, 2025, and watch the videos from your teachers and school counselors. Remember that a full list of the classes you are enrolled in are listed on your Student Dashboard. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Sep2025RSVP
On September 5th from 10:00 – 10:45 am is the SC Whitmore School Virtual Open House!🎉
Please plan to join us for our live presentation to learn more about our school.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uoo-zfgw-hdf
Or dial: (US) +1 314-833-0580 PIN: 881 230 214#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/uoo-zfgw-hdf?pin=7635506728981
Virtual College Open House Series
🎓✨ Explore Your Future — Virtually! ✨🎓
The Virtual College Open House Series is here! Connect with colleges, explore majors, and experience campus life — all from home.
📅 Sept. 15 – Oct. 23 | 5:00–5:45 PM
Registration required! https://chesc-21166.page451.sites.451.io/
Constitution Day Celebration Live Event with Mr. Cannon - September 17th at 10 AM. Will you attend?
🎉 Celebrate Constitution Day with us! 🇺🇸
Join SC Whitmore School Social Studies Teacher, Mr. Cannon, for a special live event on September 17 at 10:00 a.m. Dive into the history and importance of the U.S. Constitution and get your questions answered live! Don’t miss this engaging and educational session—mark your calendars! 📚✨
Join us at this link - https://meet.google.com/din-ivee-mer
Attention, students! We are proud to announce the launch of the brand new SCWS library! This library is completely free and completely virtual and offers hundreds of e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and texts in Spanish.
See this flyer for information on how to download the Sora app and access the SCWS library titles.
Find out how you can get notifications when your on-hold book becomes available in the SCWS library via the Sora app! Click here to learn more!
