The Connector - Sept. 2025

Lancaster County School District paused this week to celebrate the remarkable success our district has achieved on the SC Ready and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. These results reflect not only the brilliance of our students but also the relentless dedication of every single person in Lancaster County School District. When we talk about a culture of continuous improvement we work daily to impact the lives of students, we reflect often on the instruction provided, and we analyze assessment data to assist us with planning for the future. These results represent the hard work and dedication of our students and the entire LCSD team, which includes teachers, faculty and staff, school administration, district administration, the board of trustees, parents and families, and our community partners. Success today sets the stage for even greater success tomorrow as we relentlessly pursue excellence for every student, every day. I am excited about our achievement, but even more excited about the future! If you missed the announcement, check out the Special Edition: Student Success below.

As a community, we thank you for the love and support you show to our students and staff. Our year started with many generous donations for classroom and students. You walk alongside us in the journey to becoming the premier district in South Carolina. If you want to know more about our district, I encourage you to check out the ABCs + MVPs: The One Lancaster Podcast linked below where departments and initiatives are explored through conversation. Stay Connected through one or more of our platforms found at the close of this newsletter. Remember, we are "All In for All Students in All areas of the district All of the time."

#AllIn #OneLancaster

Please complete the Communications Survey to provide feedback that will shape how we share about Lancaster County School District. The survey will close on September 15, 2025.

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 8th grade students in Ms. Neal’s Social Studies classes at AJMS hosted the Warpaint Singers. History of the Native American Tribes are part of the 8th Grade Social Studies curriculum and this interaction brought this standard to life. This arts engagement at Andrew Jackson Middle School is supported by the Native American Studies Center at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster. AJMS, a focus school for the Arts, is an Arts in the Basic Curriculum certified school and a recipient of the ABC Grant.

Congratulations to Kershaw Elementary School!

We are proud to celebrate Kershaw Elementary for being recognized by the Education Oversight Committee.

This honor highlights the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the students, staff, families, and community who go above and beyond every day.

Way to go, Kershaw Elementary—you truly are setting the standard for excellence in education!

Did you know that in the 2024-2025 school year, our district had:

• 3,636 students marked Truant (missed THREE consecutive unexcused absences, or FIVE overall)
• 521 students marked Habitual Truant (ages 12-17 who were marked truant, and missed an additional two unexcused absences)
• 7 students marked Chronic Truant (ages 12-17 who has gone through the school's intervention process and been placed under a court order to attend school, but continues to accumulate unlawful absences)

The state has launched a public awareness campaign to address the issue of chronic absenteeism! The Be Present S.C. is a campaign dedicated to improving school attendance across South Carolina. Most recent data shows that our state’s chronic absenteeism rate is at 22.5% — making nearly one in four SC public school students chronically absent. The S.C. Education Oversight Committee hopes that by raising awareness, it empower parents and students to prioritize school attendance. The goal is to foster a community where every child attends school consistently, paving the way for academic success and a brighter future.

Join the SC Education Oversight Committee’s Be Present S.C. campaign to encourage consistent school attendance and help ensure every student has the best opportunity to succeed! Your involvement is crucial in creating a brighter future for South Carolina’s students. Let’s work hand in hand to inspire consistent school attendance and foster a culture of learning.

Take the Pledge HERE!!

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.

September 9 - Community Forum @ Buford Multipurpose Building 6 pm

September 25 - Community Forum @ Indian Land Intermediate 6pm

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

Band:

Sept 5 ILHS/ILMS Middle School Band Night @ ILHS Stadium 7PM

Football:

Sept. 4 Indian Land JV at Andrew Jackson JV at 6 pm

Sept. 5 Highland Tech at Buford High School at 7:30 pm

Sept. 5 Andrew Jackson at Indian Land at 7:30 pm

Sept. 4 Rock Hill JV at Lancaster High JV at 6 pm

Spet. 5 Lancaster High at Rock Hill at 7:30 pm

Volleyball:

Sept. 4 Cheraw at Buford High at 5/6:30 pm

Sept. 4 Chesterfield at Andrew Jackson at 5/6:15 pm

Sept. 4 Rock Hill at Indian Land at 5/6:30 pm

Sept. 4 South Middle at Andrew Jackson Middle at 5:30 pm

Sept. 3 Buford Middle at South Middle at 5:30 pm

Tennis:

Sept. 4 Rock Hill at Indian Land High at 5 pm

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