SCWS News
A Monthly Newsletter - October 2023
Kim Dunbar Ed.S, M.S., CDF Executive Director, SCWS
Happy 2026! I hope you all were able to rest and spend time with loved ones. Make sure you read through the entire newsletter for important dates and events. Reach out to your teachers and school counselor to make sure you are on pace and on track to finish the school year strong. Welcome back!
Ebone' Adams, Ed.S Principal, SCWS
"Happy New Year! You're halfway through the school year and it's testing season! End of Course exams are scheduled for many students this month, as well as March and/or May. Remember, you should aim to achieve at least 70% or higher on these exams because they count for 20% of the final grade. The EOC exam preparation that your teachers are providing will help you achieve this goal. Our school is evaluated based on student performance on these exams which show up on our report card. Take every opportunity to finish your courses, take advantage of the prep courses and resources so you can go into testing feeling confident and prepared!"
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.
Thank you for sharing your ideas through Possip! In our most recent Pulse Check, 99% of you were happy or mostly happy with SC Whitmore School. Members of our community also shared the following:
- Praise for the consistent communication regarding school initiatives
- Appreciation for the faculty, administration, and teachers for their motivation and support
- Feedback about receiving curriculum and grade updates
- Comments regarding student needs for additional academic support
We will share your praise with our staff and are considering all your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Check out this video today!
Health and Human Service Cluster -
Interested in medicine, patient care, forensics, or working in a science lab? Then the Health and Human Service Cluster is for you! Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Cleary if you have any questions about the pathway or the courses at ccleary@scwhitmoreschool.org. You can also learn more today on our website.
Education Cluster -
Interested in the education field? Having a career in the education allows one to positively impact the lives of others. This might be through education and working with students, or through family and consumer science with various careers that improve the lives of individuals and the entire community. Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Cleary if you have any questions about the pathway or the courses at ccleary@scwhitmoreschool.org. You can also learn more today on our website.
Management and Entrepreneurship Cluster -
Interested in learning essential skills that align with a South Carolina graduate sign up for
Management and Entrepreneurship Cluster today! Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Holley if you have any questions about the pathway or the courses at bwilliamson-holley@scwhitmoreschool.org. You can also learn more today on our website.
Public Service and Safety Cluster -
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Unlock the door to a career in law enforcement with our dynamic and engaging pathway! Whether you're interested in criminal justice, forensics, or public safety, we have something for you. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Crump if you have any questions about the pathway or the courses at tcrump@scwhitmoreschool.org. You can also learn more today on our website.
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.orgEnd of Course exams are scheduled for many students this month. Please make note of your testing details sent to you by Mrs. Coleman.Remember, you should aim to achieve at least 70% or higher on these exams because they count for 20% of the final grade.
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!
General Dual Enrollment Information Session Recording
Learn more about Dual Enrollment on the SCWS Website today!
- USC Union DE slides
- Dual Enrollment Information and Process Sheet
FAFSA help session recording
We’re excited to let you know about Going Merry’s 12 Months of Scholarships!
This opportunity gives students up to 12 chances to win, with a new $1,000 scholarship every month, adding up to $12,000 in possible awards throughout the year.
About the Scholarships
Each month, one student wins $1,000 they can use for tuition, books, or school supplies. There’s no essay, no GPA requirement, and the application only takes a few minutes. It’s open to all high school, college, and graduate students in the U.S.
How It Works
Each month, Going Merry launches a new Monthly Scholarship. Students can (and should!) apply every month. They just need to log in and submit their application for that month’s drawing.
Here’s where it gets fun: entries compound!
- If a student doesn’t win the first month but applies again, they’ll now have two entries the second month. Apply again the third month? Three entries.
- Skip a month? No problem. When they come back, they’ll get entries equal to the number of their previous non-winning valid entries plus one for the new month.
- Example: Apply in December (1), apply in January (2), skip February (0), apply in March (3)→ 3 entries in March.
Each monthly scholarship period runs from the 20th to the 19th (for example, the December 2025 Scholarship will run Nov 22 – Dec 21), so be sure to remind students each month to apply again!
B. Courtney Williamson-Holley, CATE Teacher
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to travel to try new adventures or see new things with my family.
Tell a little bit about your background.
I started my career in banking before transitioning to education. I have degrees in Accounting and Business. I spent 5 years as a director in higher education before making way back to secondary education.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
The thing I most enjoy about my role here at SCWS is being able to connect students with industry/careers and professional organizations that allow them to jumpstart their journey to becoming a productive citizen in this global society.
What do you want the students to know about you?
I want students know that I care about their journey...not only while in my class but thereafter as well.
My oldest son will be attending Erskine College to play football, I really enjoy watching him grow and develop into a young man living out his dreams.
I enjoy going to museums and doing different activities with my family. Although we have been going to the Museum of York County since they were toddlers, we visit every other year to interact and observe the new exhibits. During our visit this summer we got to visit the observational bee hive that gave us a look into the world of honeybees.
My youngest son played in the 15U World Series this summer in Louisiana. His team was eliminated in the semi-finals. I admire my son's academic and athletic abilities, to me...they are the epitome of student-athletes.
Ashley Cannon, Social Studies Teacher
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play golf, watch sports, keep my kids and dog from destroying everything, go on dates with my wife.
Tell a little bit about your background.
I grew up on a farm in Turbeville, SC with 4 siblings. My parents taught us to work hard and that faith was the most important thing in our lives. I left Turbeville to attend USC and graduated with a degree in Government in 2000 and a Masters in Teaching in 2001. I took a job teaching 8th grade history in Lexington One and I did that for 16 years. I have been with SC Whitmore since 2017, where I teach U.S. History, American Government and other social studies courses.
What do you do at SCWS and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Helping students see the bigger picture of where we came from, what negative things we need(ed) to change, and the positive developments in our history.
What do you want the students to know about you?
I want you to do well, not just in my course, but in life, and I care about the person as well as the student.
18th anniversary trip!
Gamecocks football is our favorite!
2025 Easter
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!
Have a submission you would like to have the Club consider for the next issue? Use this entry form.
Join us for Virtual Information Session! January 22nd
Are you looking to learn more about SC Whitmore School? Sign up for our information session today! Our goal is to give students, parents and counselors across SC the opportunity to speak with the faculty and staff at SCWS, ask questions and fully understand how we serve high school students in South Carolina. We are excited to meet you virtually! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSRSVPJan26
National School Choice Week Statehouse Rally - January 28
National School Choice Week celebrates great students and great schools in South Carolina. You're invited to be part of the celebration as we return to Columbia for a student showcase and statehouse rally on January 28th, 2026! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/SCWSRSVPJan26
Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina in Columbia for a guided tour! The tour will be from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on February 4th
Join us for a guided tour at the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina in Columbia! The exhibit explores the life and legacy of Anne Frank by sharing quotes, photos, videos, and original artifacts to represent the experience of Anne’s family as they hid in the Secret Annex. RSVP today! https://bit.ly/SCWSRSVPFeb26
Join us for individual professional photos! February 5th
SCWS is hosting an individual photo opportunity at the SC Whitmore School (501 Commerce Dr. NE Columbia, SC 29223) to allow students to take individual school photos during the 2025 - 2026 school year. *SCWS Students and families will be responsible for the cost of the photos.
Please sign up for photos at this link - https://book.usesession.com/s/MyLS0pR6EE
Join us for SCWS Baking Stars! February 11th
Do you love baking? Do you enjoy being creative? Sign up for SC Whitmore Baking Stars. Sign up by January 30th and we will send you your baking supplies in the mail. Everyone who signs up will get an email from us detailing the competition rules and outline the week of February 2nd. The first 35 students to sign up will be able to participate. https://bit.ly/SCWSRSVPFeb26
Join us for Career Day at the park at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! February 20th
Step into the world of careers at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! Join us for an exciting Career Day where every department will showcase its unique role in keeping the zoo and gardens thriving. 🌿🦁🐒
You’ll have the chance to walk around, meet team members, ask questions about how they contribute to the mission of Riverbanks, and explore the zoo. This is your chance to explore, connect, and get inspired!
✅ Sign up to attend by February 12, 2026 https://bit.ly/SCWSRSVPFeb26
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!
