The SAA Monthly Newsletter

Dear Anderson Five Family,

The 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards are here, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together! These results reflect the daily work of people across our district who believe in our students and help them succeed.

There is so much to celebrate:

• For the first time since SC READY was introduced in 2016, 100% of Anderson Five schools earned an overall rating of Average or above.
• Eight schools earned Excellent ratings, up from three last year. Four earned Good, and five earned Average.
• Our schools gained a combined 91 report card points over the previous year.
• Fourteen schools improved their overall report card scores, reflecting progress across Anderson Five.
• College and Career Readiness increased from 71.6% to 86.8%, with all three district high schools earning Excellent in that area.
• Anderson Five’s four-year graduation rate increased from 85.4% to a district record of 90.6%

Across our district, there are many more stories of growth and progress that deserve to be shared, and I encourage you to read more on our website:

District press release and report card highlights: https://www.anderson5.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3801421&type=d&pREC_ID=2777508

I know that these gains do not happen by chance. They come from looking closely at what students need, adjusting our approach and continuing to support and challenge them. They also depend on the people who keep our schools safe, welcoming, and ready for learning. Whatever your role in Anderson Five, YOU have a part in this success.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and to one another. I am grateful to serve alongside you and proud of the progress we are making together!

Brenda S. Kelley, Ed. D.

EXCELLENT 2025 - 2026 RATING School Report Card!

We are pleased to share the officially approved 2027 - 2028 Anderson District Five School Calendar. The calendar has been approved by the Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees.

The SAA Student of the Month award is a highly honored recognition by teacher nominations for students on each grade level. Students who are chosen embody and demonstrate the leadership qualities that are valued as Southwood students.

NOVEMBER:

Friday, Nov. 13 - KONA Ice at lunch for purchase 11:30am

Monday, Nov. 16 - Middle School Theatre Performance 6pm (CBFAC)

Thursday, Nov. 19 - "You" Day

Friday, Nov. 20 - Celebration Day for students who participated in school fundraiser

Monday, Nov. 23 - 27 NO SCHOOL THIS WEEK

DECEMBER:

Tuesday, Dec. 1 - Middle School Dance Performance 6pm (CBFAC)

Wednesday, Dec. 2 - SAA iReady ELA Inform Testing, Chess Club and Junk Journal Club afterschool, and How to Train Your Dragon Parent Meeting 5:30pm

Friday, Dec. 4 - Beta Club Meeting 7:30am

Tuesday, Dec. 8 - SAA iReady Math Inform Testing and Middle School Orchestra Concert 6pm (CBFAC)

Thursday, Dec. 10 - Band Concert 6pm (CBFAC)

Monday, Dec. 14 - Middle School Chorus Concert 6pm (CBFAC)

Friday, Dec. 18 - HALF DAY of School before Winter Break Begins

The chorus students had a concert fall concert, and theatre students performed a mystery titled Whodunit? Students were inducted into the National Junior Beta Society, and there was the fall for Strings A5 Orchestra concert. Rehearsing for performances as well as keeping up with academic classes are just part of a normal school day for students at Southwood!

The fall book fair has come and gone! Books varied from humor to thriller and suspense have captured the interests of students across all grade levels. The book fair also had posters, bookmarks, and even squishies that sold out in seconds!

We interviewed fellow students from eighth and sixth grades, sorry seventh grade! Eighth grader, Abbey Freelin, who bought a selection of books from the book fair said her favorite part was getting to see the all the different literary options, and that she rates it a 10 out of 10. Another 8th grader, Lorelai Murray, she said her favorite part was being able to be with her friends, and browse the selection of books at the book fair. She rated the book fair a 12 out of 10.

Sixth grader, Eve Watson, said her favorite part was all the new books. She also saw the new Babysitters Club book and can't wait to read it! She rated the book fair a 10 out of 10. Sixth grader, Olivia Davis, said her favorite part about the book fair was viewing the new books and the $1 gently used selection of donations. She was also excited for the new Babysitters Club book and she rated the book fair a 10 out of 10! Overall, it seems students here at Southwood enjoy going to the book fairs each fall and spring.

In Dr. Boltin's 7th grade math class, students created one pagers about adding and subtracting rational numbers. They had to use a real life example to demonstrate that they had a solid understanding of the lesson. They also illustrated their one pagers to make them more attractive. Students had a week to complete the assignment.

All County Orchestra was held at Southwood Academy of the Arts on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Students who were selected from many Anderson County Schools to be members of this orchestra came to SAA to join together to play as one county-wide orchestra. Southwood was happy to host all of these talented musicians for the day!

Mrs. Cloninger and the SAA Student Government representatives challenged students to donate non-perishable food items to Meals on Wheels during the month of October. Items were brought in based on a provided suggested list of foods that have a long shelf-life and can be easily opened with a "pop-top" tab lid, rather than needing a can opener. The items will be packed up to distribute as part of the NICE (Nutrition In Case of Emergency) program offered by our local Meals on Wheels organization.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 6th GRADE as those students brought in the most items and received an ice cream sundae treat for their donations!!!

In Mr. Kay's seventh grade geography class, students worked on their brochures for the South America project. They wrote down information about their country’s economy, language, major cities, historical people, and agriculture.

October came to an end with the Halloween holiday as it does each year. Most of our students were doing something exciting for the upcoming holiday. For instance, Emma Murray (a 6th grader in band) was planning on dressing up as "Scootaloo" (an animated character from the animated My Little Pony series) for Halloween. She will be "trick or treating" in a few neighborhoods with a few of her friends. Also, Kennedi Wilbanks (a 6th grader in dance) was going "trick or treating" with her cousins and family in her neighborhood. She had not decided what she was going to be.

We asked some teachers their plains, favorite Halloween candy, and their favorite part about the Halloween season. Mrs. Boswell said her plain was to go "trick or treating" with her family. They were dressing up as Cinderella, a Fairy Godmother, and Gus Gus, the silly mouse. They were also going to a Halloween party to spend time with family. She said her favorite candy is Almond Joy. Her favorite part about Halloween is seeing all the kids getting happy about the holiday and all the goodies they get. Mrs. Patterson said that she was going to carve pumpkins and have a contest with her family, then afterwards, she was taking her grandson "trick or treating". She said her favorite candy is candy corn. Her favorite thing about the Halloween season is that this year it falls on a Saturday so we have the next day off. Mr. Blalock was going to the 76er's vs Charlotte Hornets basketball game. He said his favorite candy is candy corn, like Mrs. Patterson. Mr. Blalock said he loves "the weather that this season gives."

For more information about the Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties showcase CLICK HERE.

Teachers and staff were treated to The Sunshine Committee's October Treat (without the Tricks)! Mrs. Bolt (aka The Flamingo), Mrs. Mundy (aka The Shark), and Dr. Boltin (aka The Cow) went door to door to each classroom to deliver smiles and unexpected treats. Orange Halloween punch was offered, along with a small bag of yummy treats. Everyone, including the students and staff members, enjoyed the fun and it was a great way to kick off Fall Break! Thank you Sunshine Committee!!!

On the Friday before Fall Break, students in the performing arts classes provided an amazing show for our students and teachers that morning. Everyone assembled in the Boseman Fine Arts Center to watch some high school dance students and the high school guitar ensemble class perform. Also, middle school theatre students, dance students, strings students, band students, and chorus students performed as well. Mr. Laches, SAA Principal, said that he thought it was a valuable experience for all students to see each other performing in their respective arts areas. Students in the various arts majors attend academic classes together daily, but may not have an opportunity to see the talents that each student possesses. Not only did the performing arts majors provide a show, the visual arts students had an art gallery display of mixed media highlighting their visual arts talents in the lobby area. Southwood has some of the brightest and talented students in the school district.

You can find the "TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS" link on the Ingle's website or CLICK HERE.

Tysan G. - Band

Peyton B. - Chorus

Eladie G. - Chorus

Journey E. - Dance

Brooklyn C. - Dance

Zoey T. - Strings

Rachel H. - Strings

Elsie Rhae P. - Theatre

Tianna W. - Visual Art

SOUTHWOOD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Southwood Academy of the Arts is to provide a nurturing and challenging learning environment that empowers artist-scholars to reach their full artistic and academic potential.

SOUTHWOOD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of Southwood Academy of the Arts is to prepare students for lifelong involvement in artistic and academic pursuits.

At Southwood Academy of the Arts we believe students learn best when:

• They feel like their classroom and school is safe and conducive to learning.

• Their individual physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual needs are met and nurtured.

• They are held accountable for high standards of behavior and learning.

• They are taught in and through the arts, allowing them to showcase their creativity.

• They are actively engaged in hands on or experiential learning.

• They have ownership of their learning.

• They feel accountable to and supported by their teachers.

Paul Laches, Principal

• Email: PaulLaches@anderson5.net

Diamoneka Heyward, Assistant Principal

• Email: DiamonekaHeyward@anderson5.net

Paula Lovelace, School Counselor/Guidance

Mandy Glenn, Data Clerk

Robin Rosa, School Nurse

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Southwood Academy of the Arts

Location: 1110 Southwood Street, Anderson, SC, 29624 USA
Phone: 864.260.5250

Website: https://southwood.anderson5.net/
Facebook: facebook.com/southwood
Twitter: @SouthwoodAcad