Ware Shoals High School

Ware Shoals Primary is in search of a Teacher Assistant in Special Education. If you have a heart for children and would like to work in a supportive, caring school environment, please send your application to Jenny Pitts: jpitts@gwd51.org. This is a time sensitive matter, so we need applicants to answer quickly. The deadline to apply is February 15th. You can find the Classified Application on our website, under the red "Employment" tab on the home page.

It's that time again...tax time! Need some help? Here is an idea...

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is interested in piloting an initiative that could lessen the current school bus driver shortage. This pilot will provide a curriculum and pathway for 18-year-old high schoolers to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Students will acquire another employable skill—a Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements along with SCDE School Bus Driver Certification—and can potentially help relieve driver shortages before and after graduation. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Dr. Fay Sprouse, Superintendent, at 864-456-7496.

We are thankful for our business partners who step up to help our district's children! O'Dell Corporation again made a $5,000 donation to Student Council for "Christmas for Kids" and ASI donated $1,000. This program has positively impacted thousands of lives over the past 25+ years. Thanks so much to O'Dell, ASI, and all others who donated, in order to brighten a child's Christmas! LEARNING, SERVING, LEADING...GIVING!!

ATTENTION! This event is tomorrow evening, and is being hosted by United Way. We invite you to review local information about your community, discuss your concerns, and vote on what needs to change 11/29 Ware Shoals- Larry Traynham Center (79 S. Greenwood Ave.) from 6 pm - 8 pm https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:45f640e9-18d6-31d6-85c2-8ed258957092

VACANCY Custodian – Ware Shoals Elementary / Middle Qualifications High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (GED) Safe driving record / Ability to pass drug screening test Responsibilities - Keeps assigned areas clean and neat - Keeps inventory of supplies / requests replacements when needed - Conducts general maintenance, upkeep, and repairs - Uses mower, weed-eater, blower, weed killer, etc. to keep grounds neat and clean - Maintains neat appearance, courteous conduct, and works well with district and school personnel - Assists as needed with opening and/or closing of facilities each day - Alerts supervisor of safety concerns immediately - Reports repairs needed or damage to school property to supervisor - Moves boxes, furniture, etc. as requested - Safely uses motorized equipment and hand/power tools as needed to perform duties - Performs other duties as assigned Terms 210 days, 40 hours per week Applications available at the school district office and on the district’s website (www.gwd51.org) Contact Jeneen Webb, Principal / 864-456-7496 / jwebb@gwd51.org Ware Shoals District 51 is committed to equal opportunity. The policy of the district is not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, handicap or disability.

Ware Shoals High Alumni are the best! Recently, we received contributions to support two district initiatives that are very important to our community. Cameron Dorn, Class of 2006, shattered a world record for step-ups October 28th at Lou Brissie Field in Riegel Stadium. He received donations to support organizations that he values. The Ware Shoals Fitness Center was one of the organizations. So far, over $1,300 has been received to help purchase additional equipment. The center is a place for our citizens to exercise, and it's free! It's located on the high school campus. Dan Branyon, Class of 1972, presented a check from the Community Foundation for the Ware Shoals Schools Hall of Fame. The WSSHoF recognizes individuals who have placed service over self, making a significant difference in the lives of others. We thank all of you who support district programs that benefit our community!

WSSD51 is seeking a person to be our next Athletic Director and Head Football coach. The person should be a certified teacher and have at least 5 years' experience. Go to our website's Employment Opportunities page or the district Facebook page to learn more! Share with those who may be interested.

We are excited to join several local districts in a partnership with DHEC to implement a grant called Comprehensive Community Approaches to Preventing Substance Misuse (CCAPS). The overall goal of this grant’s programs and training is to decrease generational cycles of trauma, violence, and substance abuse. There are two parts of the grant that will benefit our students and staff: 1. “Handle with Care” (HWC) - a component of the grant that helps children exposed to trauma to heal. If a student is exposed to a traumatic situation in which law enforcement is involved, the school counselor or principal is notified to “Handle (child’s name) with care.” The school counselor or principal then notifies the student’s teacher(s). Teachers who know a student needs to be handled with care can assist by providing time for the student to rest, re-teaching lessons, delaying tests, allowing the student to go for counseling, etc. 2. ACEs Training - Savannah Campbell and Melisa Gunter will become district trainers for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), helping us acquire the skillsets needed to recognize and respond to ACEs.

We are thrilled to have E.A. Sween company as neighbors and partners! Today the company officially received the keys to their new home on Highway 25 in Hodges. The third-generation family business makes it a priority to give back in areas where they are located. They will be donating sandwiches to all three Greenwood County districts for the backpack program for children, which serves those in need of food over the weekend. The company will employ 300 people, and they hope to be producing sandwiches by June of 2023. WELCOME , E. A. Sween, and thank you for your commitment to serving others!

We are thrilled to have E.A. Sween company as neighbors and partners! Today the company officially received the keys to their new home on Highway 25 in Hodges. The three generation family business makes it a priority to give back in areas where they are located. They will be donating sandwiches for to all three Greenwood County districts for the backpack program for children, which serves those in need of food over the weekend. The company will employ 300 people, and they hope to be producing sandwiches by June of 2023. WELCOME , E. A. Sween, and thank you for your commitment to serving others!

Ware Shoals School District 51 is excited about our Varsity Football Team squaring off under the lights at Tommy Davis Field on Friday nights. Gates open at 6:30pm. Our goal is to create a memorable experience for our student athletes and spectators attending the game. Here are the safety procedures: Guests ages 4 and up must have a ticket. Middle school aged students and younger must be accompanied by an adult while in the stadium and parking lot. A clear bag & clear baby bag policy will be strictly enforced. Metal detectors will be used. No weapons allowed including pocket knives. Attendees must stay on their side of the stadium unless visiting the restroom or concession stand. No congregating in any area of the stadium. If you choose to congregate you will be asked to leave the stadium. Attendees should leave the stadium in an orderly manner immediately after the game.

Rep. John McCravy visited our district to issue resolutions honoring our 2021-22 Teachers of the Year. Alicia Atherton from Ware Shoals Middle is pictured here. He also honored Coach Chris Johnston for being State Athletic Director of the Year for the 1A Division.

WSSSD51 has a vacancy for the position of Network Administrator. Job duties include, but are not limited to: Managing and maintaining the network used by the district’s data, instructional, video, telephone, communications, and security applications. Associate degree or equivalent required, and related work experience preferred. Computer skills are necessary. Candidate must have the ability to develop effective working relationships with staff and the school community, the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, and the ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and the Board of Education policies. Applicants should send a resume and letter of interest to Superintendent Fay Sprouse - fsprouse@gwd51.org.

Happy Friday from WSSD51! We are back in school and, unfortunately, so is COVID. We are following updated guidelines, which tell us to treat COVID as we would seasonal flu. If a student or employee tests positive, they are to quarantine for 5 days from the date of their positive test. They may return on day 6 if fever free for 24 hours without medication. On day 6 thru 10, we strongly encourage them to wear a mask. We are no longer required to do contact tracing, so those who know they have been exposed to COVID should monitor for symptoms and stay home if symptoms develop. We can provide a COVID at-home test if needed. WSMS has a moderate number of student cases while WSPS and WSHS have had low case numbers so far. Call your school nurse if you have any questions or need assistance. Have a great weekend!

Back to School Celebration - DESTINATION...GRADUATION! We welcomed teachers back on July18th. A favorite part of our district meeting is having each faculty present a school spirit skit based on their theme for the year. Having fun is a big part of what we do as educators! Ware Shoals High's theme is "Destination Graduation...Driven to Succeed," Ware Shoals Middle's theme is "Choosing to Climb," and Ware Shoals Primary's theme is "Building the Foundation to Destination Graduation." We love what we do, which is preparing ALL students to make it to the finish line with a diploma in hand! Please join us in creating a COMMUNITY CULTURE where GRADUATION is an EXPECTATION!

We are pleased to inform you that WSSD51 will be implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) that is available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. What does this mean for you and your child(ren)? All enrolled students in our school district, regardless of income level, are eligible to receive a healthy school breakfast and school lunch at no charge each day. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application. The CEP is a new alternative to the traditional meal application process associated with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. CEP alleviates the burden on families by eliminating household applications, while helping schools reduce costs associated with collecting and processing those applications. For more information about CEP, please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/community-eligibility-provision-resource-center

Ware Shoals School District 51 would like to wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July!

The WSHS 2022 Graduation can be viewed on the district's webpage by clicking the button labled "WSHS 2022 Graduation". We will also air graduation from the district's facebook page. The livestream feeds will begin at 6:45 pm tonight. Tune in to celebrate our graduates!

The graduation ceremony will be in the Ware Shoals High School auditorium this evening at 7pm. Rain and thunderstorms are being forecast this afternoon and evening. A ticket is required to attend. Seniors were issued 9 tickets each to distribute to family members and friends. An elevator is available for those with mobility issues. Enter the building through the breezeway between the library and the high school. The ceremony will be livestreamed for viewing remotely. Visit our website to join. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!