Visions Spring 2014

VISIONS VISIONS

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THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREENVILLE • SPRING 2014

THE

Education

ISSUE

www.jlgreenville.org

1 • Fall 2013

contents & features // spring 2014

VISIONS

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2 4

10 Letter from the President Letter from the Sustaining Advisor

18 8 10 18

Big Night Out

Public Education 101

Young Women’s Writing Contest

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Spotlight with

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Letter from the Editor

22 26

Remembering

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Grier Mullins

Dot Webster

Gardening With Glamour Making Things Happen in Nicholtown

Junior Volunteers

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// President’s letter

I

Making Ourselves at It has been both a distinct honor and a humbling experience to serve as the 2013-2014 President of the Junior League of Greenville, following in the footsteps of the sixty-nine incredible women that have come before me. In the past twelve months, I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people and now know without a doubt that our collective efforts and the effective action of our trained volunteers, have made a tangible difference in the lives of those we have sought to help in our community, not only this year, but going on nearly 85 years.

It has been said that the true products of the Junior League are the women, the leaders of our organization that are encouraged and empowered to become catalysts for change; and that the true measure of success is in the number of women who are changed, who are made better, who are encouraged and inspired to combat the important issues in our community by developing a plan and executing it. With quality education still at the forefront of the issues that we champion, as well as supporting families and children, and emphasizing health and wellness among them, improving the lives of children is a big part of what we are most passionate about.

Among many other things, this year…

-We held our 6th annual Home Run for Healthy Kids® event. First developed in 2008 as a direct response to a community need, this free field trip opportunity targets 4th and 5th grade students and promotes the importance of healthy lifestyles, nutrition, safety and fitness.

-We added another school to our Junior Volunteers program. Established in 2009, our Junior Volunteers program strives to promote voluntarism among middle school students by pairing Junior League of Greenville volunteers with Junior Beta

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Home

Club students. This year, we continued the relationship with our neighborhood school, Sterling School, and forged a new partnership with Lakeview Middle School, completing monthly service projects at each school.

-We granted a total of over $65,000 to five agencies that directly support improving the lives of children – Eastside YMCA iCanBike and Momentum Bike Clubs encourage health and wellness, as well as provide moral support through their programs. Public Education Partners and Roper Mountain Science Center work hand-in-hand with the school district to improve education opportunities for all Greenville County Schools students. The Family Effect works to improve the lives of families, and specifically those of the women and children of Serenity Place.

-We pledged to support the development of early learning in the Nicholtown neighborhood, our home, meeting a critical need of the approximately 300 children under the age of five that are not currently being served in an early education program.

Thank you for your support of the Junior League of Greenville. On behalf of the members of the Junior League of Greenville, we are honored to continue Making Ourselves at Home in Greenville and working to make a difference in the lives of children in our community.

All my best,

Anna Kate Brown Anna Kate Brown

President, 2013 - 2014 Junior League of Greenville

Anna Kate Brown

Anna Kate, Will, Beau (8), Lucy Mac (5) and Mary Dot (4 ) Brown

During the 2013-2014 year, the Junior League of Greenville was proud to award five grants totaling $66,085 to the following organizations that benefit our community!

Public Education Partners - $22,155 Eastside YMCA “iCan Bike” Program - $15,000 Momentum Bike Clubs - $11,330 The Family Effect - $10,800 Roper Mountain Science Center - $6,800

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// A few words VISIONS STAFF Editor Kerry Ellett

Making

THE GRADE AS PARENTS AND ADULT MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY...we know how important education is for our future generations. Many of us work hard to find just the right school for our children, taking advantage of magnet, charter and special permission opportunities. Many dedicate themselves to their “zone”, striving to ensure that their local, neighborhood schools reach and even exceed their potential. Some evaluate private options, hoping to find just the right fit for their child’s specific needs or desires. In other cases, volunteers, many of whom are our very own JLG members, assist in creating and supporting enrichment programs in schools whose populations are unable to provide that much-needed support...giving students the opportunity to get the best “schooling” possible.

In each of these cases, we want our schools to “make the grade” so that our children can “make the grade”...giving them the foundation for happy and successful lives. The importance of a solid formal education is indisputable. But, even as we strive to “make the grade” as parents in choosing schools for our children and supporting those schools in our various ways, let’s not forget the most important component of a child’s educational upbringing: education begins at home and continues well beyond the confines of our school buildings.

Our earliest experiences begin to shape us into the people we will become. A child’s education comes in the form of family and social interaction. It is influenced by the faith of those around them and exposure to and interaction with churches, temples, and other organizations which seek to develop a strong moral compass. It comes from the examples we set as adults in their lives. In other words, we are all teachers.

So, aside from sending our children off to school every day, we are responsible for showing them...how to love, how to have empathy and compassion, how to treat others, how to persevere, and how to take action when they see the need. This foundation needs to be in the works long before the child walks into a classroom full of peers. Of course, interactions at school give them countless opportunities to put their values to the test and practice “doing the right thing”, but the foundation acts as their study guide.

We also need to show them the beauty in their surroundings. We live in one of the most strikingly beautiful cities in the country! All of our children need to understand what a special place we live in...and learn to appreciate and preserve it.

With all that said...are we “making the grade”? Are we setting positive examples? As a sustainer who has played a very active role in the JLG this year, I have witnessed countless young women (and some maybe not so young...but let’s not go there) striving to make the best grade possible. As mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, mentors, volunteers and friends, these women are teaching by example...in a very positive way. Let’s all do the same...help our young students succeed in every type of “classroom”.

Fondly,

Angi Einstein Angi Einstein

Sustainer Representative, 2013 - 2014 Junior League of Greenville

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Senior Writer Melissa Stroud Photographers Melissa Robinette, Wendi Witek Guest Photographer Jana Candler Advertising Sales Courtney Crandell, Crystal Boyd Contributing Writers Anna Kate Brown, Angi Einstein, Mandy Bullock, MK Allen, Katherine All Design & Production Ryan Wilcox, Jean Piot, Mallory Baxter SC Biz News Publications

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Anna Kate Brown President-Elect Kathryn Freedman Communications Vice President Jennifer Bloodworth Community Vice President Barbara Kremenliev Finance Vice President Sandy Brown Fund Development Vice President Meredith Morgan Membership Vice President Amy Hunt Corresponding Secretary Heather Cox Recording Secretary Traci Larkins Strategic Planning Emily Cox Parliamentarian Frances Zacher Sustainer Representative Angi Einstein

Spotlight

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Spotlight with

Grier Mullins

by Mandy Bullock

The name Grier Mullins is to the Junior League of Greenville what Central Park is to New York City. The two just go together. Grier joined

the Junior League of Greenville in 1972 at the ripe old age of 22. “Back then joining the JLG was secretive in a way.

One day these four ladies just showed up at my house to ‘talk.’ I later realized that visit was a type of interview.

Shortly after that visit I was asked to join the League.” For Grier Mullins, volunteerism was just “what you did”. Her mother, also a member of the Junior League of Greenville, was always volunteering in the community. “It was expected that we would serve our community and help others as she did.”

Grier Gower Mullins has devoted her life to those causes that are important to her.

Graduating with a B.A. in political science from Converse College in 1971, she has gained experience in many different areas.

years, however, she spent countless hours volunteering in her childrens’ schools and with political campaigns. Grier was a 1977 graduate of Leadership Greenville III. She also served as PTA President for Augusta

Grier Mullins with the women in her family.

She has worked as a Head Start teacher, then later as a book buyer for the Open Book, Inc. in Greenville. She took a fifteen year break from the work force to raise two daughters and a son. During those fifteen

Circle Elementary School, Hughes Middle School, and Greenville High School while her children were students there.

Mrs. Mullins returned to work in the late 1980’s as the Greenville County School Dis-

trict’s Education Forum and Special Projects Coordinator. She collaborated with US Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Greenville School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kerns and helped to develop a forum for 800 Greenvillians to gather, learn, and prioritize their goals for what type of public school system Greenville needed.

She continued her volunteer work in the Greenville community and served as President of the Junior League of Greenville during the 1987-1988 League year. In 1989 she became the first Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education, and twenty-five years later she is still passionate about her role there.

Grier has a heart for the public school system. “If there is a day I get up and do not love working with public schools, then I will stop. But I love it and I love to serve,” said Mullins. While leading the Alliance of Quality Education, Grier Mullins has had the chance to work with both public school teachers and the district office to aid in teacher recruitment and retention, develop leadership, and form community partnerships that enhance the Greenville County public school system. She led the development and distribution of a “Guide to Understanding the School Budget” to 90,000 Greenville citizens, researched tax incentives, and distributed a study about how these impact schools. Grier researched school funding in South Carolina and raised awareness to gain citizen advocacy.

She helped implement Graduate Greenville, a community partnership to increase the graduation rate in Greenville County Schools. Grier is leading the Public Education Partners program that enlists partners in the community such as the JLG to donate and support our public schools. “I like working with Burke Royster, the current Superintendent of Greenville County

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// A few words COMMUNITY ADVISORY PANEL

Letter from

THE EDITOR IT’S NO SECRET THAT I LOVE GREENVILLE...and I know that many of its residents share this sentiment. Our beautiful city has received national praise from CNN, Forbes and Newsweek for its thriving downtown and all that it has to offer to residents and visitors. Thanks to many passionate community leaders who work to ensure that Greenville continues to thrive and grow, our hometown is a wonderful place to live, work and play. In order for Greenville to continue on this path, we need to ensure that the next generation is poised and ready to lead the charge.

Education is a critical component to ensuring the success of the next generation and the Junior League of Greenville is doing its part to make sure that each child in our community receives high-quality education. In this issue of VISIONS, we have highlighted the League’s focus on education and its involvement in ensuring that the children of our community succeed.

Greenville’s school system is one of the best in the state and the women of the League are volunteering their time, talents and passions so that the children of our community receive the best education possible.

This year, VISIONS also hosted a Young Women’s Writing Contest. In a time when we rely more heavily on email and text messages rather than the written word, the League encouraged the young women of our community to put pen to paper and express themselves. Reviewing these essays was one of the highlights of my League year. Greenville is blessed with a young generation of talented, caring women that will no doubt lead our vibrant, thriving community into the future.

Tim Cassidy, Attorney Dority & Manning, P.A. Chandra Dillard, Comm. Relations Dir. Furman University S.C. House of Representatives Chris Farinella, Regional V.P. Belk Austin Goforth, V.P. Southern First Derek Lewis, Executive Director Greenville County First Steps Jeanne McCoy, Past President Junior League of Greenville Jamie Moon, Executive Director Institute for Child Success Laurie Rovin, Executive Director Pendleton Place for Children and Families Myra Ruiz, Anchor WYFF 4 Paul Savas, Executive Director The Warehouse Theatre Lara Shaw, Sr. Account Executive Clear Channel Sheila Snoddy, Director Upstate Region Services Girl Scouts of South Carolina Robin Stelling, Comm. Relations Mgr. Greenville Health System

All my best,

Kerry Ellett Kerry Ellett

Editor, VISIONS Magazine, 2013 - 2014 Junior League of Greenville

Kerry Ellett and Katherine All, winner of this year’s Young Women’s Writing Contest.

MISSION STATEMENT The Junior League of Greenville, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

VISIONS is published twice a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission, except by other Junior League Publications is prohibited. The office is located at 118 Greenacre Rd. Greenville, SC 29607. This publication is free.

Please recycle after you have enjoyed this publication.

We’d love to hear from you! Email our editor with your thoughts about our magazine or to learn how to become more involved. editor-visions@jlgreenville.org For more information about the Junior League of Greenville or becoming a member, visit us on the web | www.jlgreenville.org

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Spotlight

// VISIONS

Remembering

Dot Webster

by MK ALLEN

Becoming a part of a new community can be intimidating for anyone. In 1950 when Dorothy “Dot”

Colmery Webster and her family came to Greenville from Jacksonville, FL, she decided to dive in and become one of Greenville’s most influential and progressive female leaders.

In a time when women had limited options, Mrs. Webster was swimming against the current. She became involved with various charitable projects and organizations, including our own Junior League of Greenville. The League and the Greenville community lost this remarkable woman at age 98 on April 17, 2014. Given this chance, we wanted to honor her memory and contributions to our area.

Mrs. Webster was affectionately called “Dot” by her many friends in Greenville and “Mimi” by family members, a nickname given to her by her youngest granddaughter, Rebecca Webster. Those that were close to Dot looked to her as

JLG Sustainers Jean Hunt, Dot Webster and Edith Parks a model of a selfless and giving person.

Her daughter-in-law, Alita Webster, said that since Dot has passed, she has been lucky to hear from many of the people whom Dot touched through her consistent optimism. Alita also shared that

Dot intended to do something every day outside her home to remain active and socially engaged well into her 90s.

One of her long time friends, Elizabeth Richardson remembers how Dot was one of those people who you could always count on to fulfill her promises and go beyond what was expected. Dot devoted her time to establishing the new Pendleton Place for Children and Families in the 1970’s.

At the time Greenville did not have a facility to house the children of our community who found themselves in judicial system limbo.

If not for the Junior League of Greenville’s highly involved volunteers like Dot, these children would have slept in jail cells or unsuitable temporary housing. Pendleton Place fills a huge need in our community for neglected and homeless children, as well as family rehabili-

tation programs. Over the years Dot stayed involved with Pendleton Place as a board member and occasional volunteer. She will surely continue to be with this organization in spirit as they continue to serve these young people in crisis.

Another good friend of Dot’s, Jean Hunt, recently spoke about how special Dot was to her group of friends in Greenville. They had been members of a Junior League Committee for several years, which continued to meet monthly long after the committee officially disbanded. One day, Jean took Dot out for lunch and asked her, “What is your secret?” To which Dot replied very succinctly: “The first secret is a lot of faith. As you know, I have a lot of faith in God. I think the second would have to be laughter. You’ve got to laugh! The third is to enjoy spending time with young people because they keep you busy and you can feed off their energy. Also, keep going even if you don’t feel like it. And lastly, I really think that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Each day I cut up an apple and make sure it’s gone by the end of each day.”

Dot was an active member of Christ Church Episcopal, as well as a board member of Episcopal Church Women.

She was involved with the Visiting Nurse Association, The Hearing and Speech Center, Greenville Senior High School, Hughes Junior High School, Augusta Circle Elementary School, Magnolia Garden Club, The Quadrille Club, The Poinsett Club, and joined the Tennis Club as an honorary member at the age of 95. Dot Webster lived a full life and her friends and family believe that we can all learn from her example about how to lead a long, faithful and rewarding life. V

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BIGNIGHT

OUT

The Roaring 20’s

Big Night Out 2014 was held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the West End Community Development Center in downtown Greenville.

A night of fabulous food and fun, dripping with the glamour and the glitz of The Roaring 20s, it was an evening of celebration, honoring both our sponsors and our grant recipients, as well as the members of the Junior League of Greenville. Save the date, and join us next year for Big Night Out 2015 on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Stay tuned for more details regarding both the location and theme. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Photography by Jana Candler

GARDENING with

glamour A peek at JLG Sustainer Mary Johnston’s dreamy home and gardens

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As a member of the Hessie Morrah Garden Club, Mary is a seasoned horticulture enthusiast.

She has artfully created a backyard retreat with cozy nooks, perfect for entertaining intimate groups and hosting large-scale events.

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The Johnston’s stately English Tudor home whisks one away to another place and time while maintaining a sense of southern history and integrity.

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Demonstrating hands-on learning at its best, Mary’s grandson, Weston, shows that it’s never too early to get your hands in the dirt, taking on the textures and feel of your own backyard and enjoying the advantage of spending an afternoon outside.

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A porte cochere provides the perfect balance of shade for viburnum blooms, azaleas, and seasonal planters.

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Nothing says springtime in the South quite like rows of vibrant azaleas.

An avid art collector, Mary uses sculptures to add whimsy to the trees that envelop the property.

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Dramatic hand-painted foliage on the walls of the formal dining room and ceiling of the sun porch incorporate the life and joy of the outdoor surroundings.

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Play with Me: Children & Adults Learning Together was held on Monday, June 17, 2013 at the Heritage Apartment Office area in Nicholtown.

The Junior League of Greenville

by MANDY BULLOCK

is making things happen in Nicholtown

In the Spring of 2012, Nicholtown resident Representative, Chandra Dillard, approached the Junior League of Greenville in hopes of gathering support for a project to help the citizens and children of Nicholtown.

Representative Dillard spoke to the JLG membership at the September 2013 General Membership Meeting held at the Greenville Country Club. She explained to the membership that there are 300 to 400 children, preschool age and younger, who are not currently enrolled in an early childhood education program because none exist in the Nicholtown community.

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Prison data shows a correlation between lack of early educational program involvement and increased chances of being arrested later in life. A task force was established with an intitial fund raising goal of $50,000 to hire a consultant to make the dream of quality early childhood programs and services in Nicholtown become a reality. The United Way committed to the project but needed additional financial support to release funds.

Representative Dillard knew exactly where to go to find driven women committed to making a real difference in the community. In the summer of 2012, JLG President-Elect, Anna Kate Brown, and JLG President, Kristy Way, were asked to sit on a task force for Nicholtown Early Learning, joining many other community leaders and early childhood specialists, as well as JLG Past-President, Kimberly Cooley, a United Way representative.

Realizing the importance of this project and the difference it could mean for the children of the Nicholtown neighborhood, the Junior League of Greenville’s neighborhood, both the outgoing 2012-2013 Board of Directors and the incoming 2013-2014 Board of Directors met jointly and voted to support this project in a big way. At the Annual Meeting in May 2013, the JLG presented an initial $10,000, raised from the 2012-2013 Annual Fund, to the Nicholtown Early Learning Task Force. Nicholtown resident and task force member, Yvonne Reeder, was present to accept the League’s gift. This initial gift, along with a grant from the Community

Foundation of Greenville and a commitment from First Steps of Greenville County unlocked matching funds from United Way, and the project was off the ground.With “Making Ourselves at Home” as the theme

for the 2013-2014 League year, and looking ahead to the celebration of the Junior League of Greenville’s Nearly New Shop and its 10th anniversary in the Nicholtown community, the JLG kicked off its first General Membership Meeting of the 2013-

2014 year in September with Representative Chandra Dillard there to speak about the early childhood need in Nicholtown.

The JLG membership was reminded of the Shop’s move from downtown, that took place during the 2003-2004 JLG year, and the high hopes that the JLG would help revitalize the area surrounding the Pleasantburg corridor. At this September General Membership Meeting, it was recommended by the JLG Board of Directors to commit $100,000 over the next two years to this project, and during the October General Membership Meetings, held at various agencies, the membership voted in support of this generous commitment. As this 20132014 JLG year comes to a close, a consultant, Kent Peterson, from the Strategic Thinking Group in Kansas City, KS, has been hired to create a strategic plan to include best practices for serving the children of Nicholtown with a sustainable model.

The Nicholtown Early Learning Task Force is at work collaborating with him to make this vision a reality.

Though this dream is not yet a reality, the Born Learning Resource Center is. Created through a partnership with the South Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Network, Heritage Community Apartments and the Nicholtown Early Learning Task Force, this resource center opened in April 2014 and is located in the Heritage Community Apartments in Nicholtown.

The Born Learning Resource Center is a place where parents can bring their young children (ages infant to five years old) to play, learn, and get useful informa-

VISIONS To advertise in VISIONS call 864.233.2663

or email at editor-visions@jlgreenville.org or visit us online www.jlgreenville.org to download a current media kit

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tion and resources for learning and development. It is not a childcare facility, and children must be accompanied by a parent at all times. There are two resource rooms available, one for infants and toddlers and the other for preschool children. Each room has high quality materials and books that parents and children can use free of charge when the Resource Center is open. There are also bags that families can check out with books, toys, and other items that can be used for the enrichment of their children. These bags include age-appropriate materials with activities and instructions for the parents about how to be involved.

JLG members are encouraged to come visit and to volunteer at the center. A one-time, 45 minute training session/orientation is requested, along with a biweekly or monthly commitment to being at the center for two hours to help facilitate positive parent-child interactions for families who come to the center. This could mean planning a game night with parachute play or helping parents choose which materials to check out.

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Parachute play development skills - children learn cooperative play, refine perceptual skills, reinforce turn-taking and large muscle coordination.

We are thrilled with this step and look forward to seeing more results from the efforts of the Nicholtown Early Learning Task Force, hopeful that the League’s early and continued involvement with this proj-

ect will improve the lives of the children in Nicholtown, as well as the people in our community. Stay tuned to see what wonderful things begin to take place where the JLG has helped plant a seed. V

MULLINS, continued from page 5

Schools. He is committed to working with community partners and that has made our efforts so much easier,” said Mullins.

So how is Grier Mullins’ work tied into the Junior League of Greenville? This year during our Big Night Out event, the JLG presented a $22,000 grant to Public Education Partners in support of its initiative at Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School. A big proponent of the two-fold gift of both funds and volunteers in support of community projects, the Junior League of Greenville has also created a volunteer placement in which its members will coordinate reading nights and other reading opportunities with the students of Thomas E. Kerns Elementary. This recent work of the Public Education Partners program facilitates teacher trainings and has “energized the teachers, staff, and board in an incredible way,” states Mullins.

The goal for the program, as a whole, focuses on children reading by the end of the third grade. Research shows that there

is a lack of books available to children in low income homes. Public Education Partners is donating 11,000 books to eighteen

““My work is great. It works out well because I have a love for the Junior League of Greenville and having them partner with my work is wonderful.””

Grier Mullins, JLG Sustainer schools in the Greenville County School System. These schools were chosen to participate in this reading program based on poverty levels and those who have had training for parents about summer reading programs. Book lists and bookmarks

are also given as resources for the parents to aid in selecting appropriate books. Each student in the chosen schools will attend a Book Fair with hundreds of books, receive a backpack and choose fifteen books to take home and keep. “It is really touching to see a child get his or her very own books.

Many of them do not have their own books at home to look at and read. One 6 yearold student asked me if he could get two Curious George books. He said he wanted one for himself and one to give to his cousin because his cousin did not have any books,” says Grier. “My work is great. It works out well because I have a love for the Junior League of Greenville and having them partner with my work is wonderful.”

Women like Grier Mullins are what the Junior League of Greenville is all about. V ***Grier Mullins’ daughters, Elizabeth Clark and Kathryn Rowan are both members of the JLG, as well as her mother, Ducky Gower, and other members in her family.

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// Public Education 101

Public Education 101:

Greenville County

by MK Allen

How does a society quantify good education? News stories tell us

about the lack of funding in public education, the tireless debates about textbook standards, and how South Carolina as a whole has not done well in testing scores compared to the rest of our nation. Why do our children in South Carolina seem to be surpassed by their peers in other states? And how do Greenville County Schools compare? The latest statistics from the George W. Bush Institute’s Global Report Card show that in 2009 the average student in our district had a reading and math level that would perform better than 47% of all other public students in the nation.

As the nation’s 45th largest public school district and the largest school district in South Carolina, it is impossible to pigeonhole our school system and its 70,441 students with generalized statements. The students in our area come from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the job growth we have experienced in recent decades. Young families are clearly recognizing the benefits of living in the area and are contributing to an annual population growth of 1.9% per year.

Burke Royster

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Greenville County was acknowledged nationally as a “high quality school district” by AdvancEd Accreditation Commission, and according to their review team, Greenville has “some of the finest schools they have ever seen”.

A few months ago, I sent emails to different figureheads in the district. I was delighted to receive an acceptance for my interview request from the District Superintendant himself, Mr. Burke Royster.

Now with around 72,000 students and 10,000 employees, Mr. Royster oversees an organization comparable to a large private company. With over 30 years experience as a teacher, coach, school administrator and district head, he is certainly qualified for the job. Mr. Royster also believes in futhering his own education as he pursues a Ph.D. in Education from USC. He says his job would be impossible if not for those other individuals in Greenville County who all play a part in the district’s operational structure.

During our visit Mr. Royster discussed his vision for the future of Greenville students with regards to technology and its contribution to a new phase in education.

“We have to move students away from

spending time memorizing facts,” he said.

“Instead, we need to balance learning with critical thinking and working with others as students would be required to do in real situations.” For the past year a Technology Committee made of professionals and school district employees has been evaluating the capability of placing a tablet or mobile device in the hands of each Greenville County student. Right now there are satellite programs showing success at Berea Elementary School and Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School.

By exposing these students to technology early, they are improving students’ performance and gaining skills for the future workplace. These satellite programs will serve as a benchmark for the coming years, when we may see our students using tablets instead of traditional classroom tools.

Some of the biggest changes we have seen in our school system throughout the years are those seen in the Magnet School Program. Currently 15% of Greenville County students in all grade levels participate in this program. It began in the 1990’s as a way to bolster the schools and draw talented students from

the periphery zoning areas so that they might capitalize on their own strengths and talents. Today, there are eleven magnet academies offering specific study areas such as Carolina High School’s status as an Academy of Engineering Technology and Health Professions and J.L. Mann High School’s Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. In years past, there have been situations created due to the “first-come, first-served” enrollment policy where parents were camping on school grounds overnight to secure a seat for their child in coveted school locations. This year was the first time that an online “lottery system” was implemented

and parents had the ability to check their child’s status on the schools’ website.

“We have to move students away from spending time memorizing facts.”

Burke Royster, District Superintendent The district hopes the new system will give better access to information and

assurance for parents who are trying to choose their school location.

After meeting with Mr. Royster at District Office, I was still interested to learn more about how the Magnet Program has affected the schools and I spoke with Mr. Edward Holliday, Principal of Stone Academy of Communication Arts. Since the 1990s, Stone Academy’s art program has drawn younger students from all over our area, and it now hosts more than 600 students. If you saw the school today it would be hard to believe that it was almost closed three times, but a handful of parents in the surrounding neighborhood fought to keep it open. Mr. Holli-

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day shared with me how the Arts can be a component of a traditional education because “reading music or symbolic language taps into the brain where we use math. The more we learn about Common Core Standards and the school’s assessment, we are already seeing how we are supporting the foundation of applying knowledge instead of memorizing facts.”

Mr. Holliday believes that students should have several basic skills to thrive in the 21st century economy (based on Tony Wagner’s The Global Achievement Gap): critical thinking and problem solving, the ability to communicate effectively, and the ability to collaborate.

Since the inception of the Art Magnet program, the school has boasted full participation in their Arts curriculum and received awards such as Art in Education Grants, Palmetto Pride Grants, Golden Apple Awards and Finalist for Palmetto’s Finest in 2011-2012. Bravo!

While the teaching techniques vary

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widely from teacher to teacher, all teachers are required to maintain their skill levels. The Greenville County School District has a separate Professional Development Department that guides the district employees through state guidelines and offers connections to continuing education. Teachers maintain their status by participating in an annual minimum of 24 hours of professional development or continuing education and follow the

State Certification Guidelines to earn renewal credits based on education level.

Continuing education is offered through over 4,000 free workshops each year and through area colleges. Our teachers’ annual continuing education requirements help them to maintain their market acumen.

Given that we have talented teachers and progressive school programs, then why do we still see low national

“Reading music or symbolic language taps into the brain where we use math.

The more we learn about Common Core Standards and the school’s assessment, we are already seeing how we are supporting the foundation of applying knowledge instead of memorizing facts.”

Edward Holliday, Principal of Stone Academy

ratings? Based on my conversations with Mr. Royster and Mr. Holliday, we see a disparity of students’ performance based on their socio-economic level. Our large district square mileage affords an inherently wide socio-economic gap. Many parents grew up in homes focused on putting bread on the table, while reading or math subjects were after-thoughts. Finding a way to maintain schoolwork once students go home seems to be where the disconnect lies. Many after-school programs are available to students who seek tutoring, but there are certain programs that stand out more than others.

I recently attended a seminar with our affiliated organization, Public Education Partners of Greenville County. The two leaders of the organization, Grier Mullins and Susan Shi, spoke at one of our Junior League General Membership Meetings in March.

Their primary message was about the importance of maintaining a competitive early education level for our students. Based on their findings, a widening gap is created when children are not encouraged to maintain their current reading and math levels over the summer. Their group has taken the initiative to start programs with the Greenville County School District to help many students with summer reading materials, to offer continuous training for teachers, and to support book fairs. By pinpointing certain schools based on their testing scores and socioeconomic levels, they have focused on a handful of schools which seem to need the most support for their students. The organization has already seen results in their short time of service, so perhaps programs like this are part of the answer we are looking for as a response to “filling the gap”.

Greenville County Schools is lucky to have a combination of strong school leaders and a vital support network with individual parents, PTAs and non-profit partners. The challenge that is posed to us as the public is to determine the best way to continue moving our district forward to the next competitive level. V

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VISIONS

// Junior Volunteers

A Tribute to the JLG Junior Volunteers A small, innovative committee comprised of 6 JLG women and 2 Sustaining Advisors is making its mark on the Greenville education system. The Junior Volunteers, as they are aptly called, have the unique opportunity of being part of an In-League Placement with fellow JLG Members while mentoring middle school students in the Greenville Community. Originating just four years ago, this group has already expanded to work with two schools, the Junior Beta Clubs at both Sterling School and Lakeview Middle School.

Their goal is to help each student creatively complete required volunteer hours, while working to promote voluntarism with some of our youngest citizens.

An engaging speaker is chosen each month from partner non-profit organizations to educate the students on what each branch offers the Upstate community and how to get involved. A project is then spearheaded by the Junior Volunteers Committee to implement what the students have learned. From sending thank you notes to local civil servants to making scarves for the homeless, these

26 • Spring 2014

activities instill a lasting sense of respect for both those who serve and those in need. Just as it is vital to learn to care for one’s physical and mental well-being, it is also important for children to engage with their community by learning to give back.

The most popular event of the year involves making and delivering chew toys to the dogs at the Greenville Humane So-

ciety. A fashion show using styles from the Nearly New Shop is also a big draw, and includes school faculty and families in the sartorial excitement. From building planter boxes on Earth Day to hosting a book drive to help the students serve their peers, one thing is certain: the women of Junior Volunteers demonstrate that voluntarism at school is not just educational, it is rewarding and fun. V

A Tribute to the Junior League of Greenville’s Junior Volunteers Program I was working in my room one day this past spring I was interrupted by the telephone ring.

“You must hurry up – get down here – you have a guest.”

Surprise! Lakeview Beta was about to be blessed!

Kimberly Witherspoon was introduced to me...

Shared an idea with which I could not disagree.

She said Junior League would like to partner with us…

Help us with service projects – for Betas, a must!

No money from our pockets? Wow, that sounded great!

I was easily convinced. When was the starting date?

We sure needed the help, the aid, that extra punch…

A way to get more involvement…that was my hunch.

See, Lakeview’s population is really unique.

Let me tell you about us…give you a sneak peek.

We are a school whose poverty rate is quite high.

Some students’ stories would make you lie down and cry.

The students are transient, they move when the rent’s due Unless they are homeless which is often-times true.

They may live with Mom, Dad, Grandma, a family friend…

Aunts, uncles, siblings, or some other long lost kin.

For many, survival is the name of the game.

Education is not that hot bright burning flame.

Students don’t know it’s bad - it’s their reality.

Happy to be at school - that’s their stability.

Of course all the Lakeview Betas don’t fit this mold.

But they’re always a few within our family fold.

But don’t feel sorry for them and don’t shed a tear.

We want them to succeed and that’s why we’re all here.

Through service to others, benefits can be great.

Less stress, less depression, and there’s some more, just wait…

Improved mental health, trust, and cooperation Positive opportunities, and lots of fun!

Junior League support allows them these benefits to reap.

There will be long lasting effects – so rich and deep.

I read an article where one googled “hero.”

A picture appeared of someone helping students grow.

If that is the case, and I believe it to be The Junior League should be pictured there for us to see.

Real heroes don’t wear capes or have magical powers.

They support our youth devoting minutes and hours.

True heroes serve others no matter what the cost.

That’s you, Junior League…saving kids from being lost.

You’ll be modeling for them how to serve others too…

And for that, a sincere and very grateful thank you.

Beth Huguley Junior Beta Club Advisor, Lakeview Middle School

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VISIONS

// Writing Contest

Young Women’s

Writing Contest

In a time when we rely so heavily on technology, the art of the written word has become remiss to many adults. We at the Junior League of Greenville believe that the ability to express thoughts in proper form within a letter, thank you note, or email is still highly valuable. In 2013, we posed a challenge to female high school students in Greenville County asking them to submit writing entries in order to promote the value of writing. With TD Bank’s financial support, we received entries speaking to the students’ personal experiences. Due to the competition’s success, the Junior League of Greenville was proud to continue the contest in 2014, extending it to female middle school students in Greenville, as well. Here is the winning submission by Katherine All.

What is one of the biggest challenges for women your age?

O

by Katherine All

MK Allen, member of the VISIONS committee, with Katherine All, winner of the Young Women’s Writing Contest.

Congratulations to Katherine All of J.L. Mann High School, Winner of our Young Women's Writing Contest 28 • Spring 2014

ne of the biggest challenges for women my age is looking beyond all the expectations society places upon us. Social media is more popular than ever, and young girls are faced with images of the ‘perfect woman’ at every corner. While society has acknowledged that women can achieve anything men can, we are now expected to achieve far more than should be asked of us. A perfect body, a flawless face, and conforming to social standards are just a few of the many things that are “required” of us.

If someone were to look in any of the magazines that are popular today, it is guaranteed that there will be at least one picture of a woman in a bikini. She’ll probably have the perfect body that many girls would die for. The article will tell all about the amazing way she lost fifty pounds, because as everyone knows, weighing over 150 pounds is absolutely scandalous. There will be quick

tips on how to lose weight and get into shape so that you too can be classified as good looking. Still, don’t lose too much weight, or you’ll immediately be labeled as anorexic and be looked down upon.

The line of weight is an extremely fragile one, and one that shouldn’t have to be walked.

Nowadays there are hundreds of different makeup brands. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing makeup, many brands are now implying that to look pretty you must have layers of makeup to remake your face into something perfect. Girls begin to think that to be beautiful, you must change the way you look. To them, even a hint of acne is social suicide. However, nobody has a ‘perfect face’. Flaws do not detract from beauty, and even famous models have the help of stylists and photo-shop. Yet girls my age are not exposed to that side of the story. They are simply shown the ideal image and then sold millions of products to help hem attain that

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VISIONS

// Writing Contest

beauty. How can you have self-confidence if you’re told that your face or body needs improvement?

New technology has made it so that it’s uncommon not to have at least one picture of yourself on display for others.

Instagram, ShapChat, and Facebook are just a few tools that can display multiple pictures. Sharing photos in and of itself is not harmful, but the repercussions often are. Critics are everywhere, always ready to find something wrong with a face or body. Magazines and TV expose girls to stick thin women with pounds of makeup on their faces and call that the ideal woman. It’s nearly impossible to attain such a look, but the challenge of attaining it can sometimes have deadly consequences.

The idea of having something wrong with your body can manifest into more extreme problems such as anorexia or bulimia. Eating disorders such as these can lead to more problems such as anxiety and depression, and can have horrible impacts on overall health. Nearly 10

30 • Spring 2014

million girls in the United States alone have some form of anorexia or bulimia, and the number of cases is rising at a disturbing rate. It isn’t hard to make the connection between more cases and even more impossible body images provided by the media.

“It’s nearly impossible to attain such a look, but the challenge of attaining it can sometimes have deadly consequences. ” Body-image is one of the most prominent things in a teenage girl’s mind, and she draws from the things around her to form that image. How can she possibly have a healthy idea of how she should look when she is shown pictures of impossibly thin models photo-shopped until there’s almost nothing left of them? So-

ciety’s idea of beauty is becoming more and more corrupted. Self-confidence is vital to adolescents, but mainstream and social media are destroying it.

As if body issues weren’t enough, many TV shows promote ridiculous or illegal behavior to ‘have a good time’.

Morals have been abandoned, and producers push the limits as much as possible to gain more viewers. Extreme is the new normal on TV, and its influence is hard to escape.

In conclusion, the biggest challenge for girls my age is to not be influenced by the ideals and expectations today’s society has created. Girls should be looking to the real people in their life for role models, not the celebrities that are practically worshipped today. Spending excessive amounts of money does not make you classy. Fame isn’t always good.

Starving yourself does not create beauty, but taking care of your body does. Until young girls begin to realize these things, challenges like this will continue to harm today’s youth. V

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