Back to School 2022

to 2022

Inside: Tax-Free Weekend Begins Friday School Information and Schedules Clever Tips for Organizing Your Locker

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

AUGUST 4, 2022

THE SUMTER ITEM

Tax-free weekend begins Friday School supplies, clothing, shoes and more on ‘no-sales-tax list’ for 3 days

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com It’s that time of year again.

The state’s annual tax-free weekend begins Friday morning, Aug. 5, and runs through Sunday night, Aug. 7.

State Department of Revenue spokesman Tim Smith and local retailers spoke recently about the three-day, tax-free holiday set aside for the purpose of helping families and teachers get ready to go back to school.

Each year at this time, South Carolina eliminates its 6% sales tax for the entire weekend on dozens of items.

The exemptions also include local sales taxes, including any penny taxes.

Back-to-school supplies are always popular sales items this weekend, but many other items also make the “no-salestax list,” including clothing, accessories, shoes/footwear, computers and printers. Cloth face masks and neck gaiter face masks – considered clothing accessories – also are on the list if shoppers are looking to purchase additional ones to restock their supply, given COVID-19.

There have been no changes this year to what is tax-free and what is not exempt, according to Smith, and that means the answer on smartphones is again “no.” Cellphones and smartphones are not tax free.

As is normally the case, laptop computers and tablets will offer some of the best savings overall of exempt items for shoppers, given their general price ranges. Families who purchase lots of clothes can also rack up big savings.

The state agency also emphasized if an item is eligible, it is tax free whether purchased in a physical store or online with the retailer during the weekend.

The online purchase, though, must be made and completed during the weekend to be tax free, according to the Department of Revenue. That means an online shopper must check out of their online shopping cart by Sunday night. The item does not have to be delivered this weekend, but shoppers do actually need to make the purchase this weekend.

If a shopper waits until Monday to purchase and

make their order complete, it’s no longer tax free, according to the agency.

With online purchases during the weekend, shipping/handling and delivery fees on qualifying items are also tax free.

LOCAL DEALS IN ADDITION TO TAX-FREE SALES

Like many stores, Simpson Hardware and Sports has some discounts during the tax-free weekend, according to Marketing Manager Grant Watson. The entire shoe department – men’s, women’s and kids – will be 10% to 60% off on Friday and Saturday.

Graphic T-shirts will be buy one, get one 30% off. Bookbags will be 15% off.

Simpson also has other items for classrooms, includsummer closeout sales this ing the brand Schoolgirl weekend, especially clothing Style. Numerous other bulleitems, up to 40% off. tin board sets and bulletin Watson added most adverboard paper are also availtised deals will also be available. able for purchase online at Office Church School Supwww.shopsimpsons.com. ply also offers laminating for With online sales, Simpson ofposters, Goins added. fers curbside pickup service, “ship to home” and “pick up in store” options as well, he added.

And it would not be back to school locally without mentioning Office Church School Supply Co. With so many school disPHOTOS BY CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM tricts in the state now starting Demarcus Hayes at Bates Middle school before the tax-free School tries on cleats for footweekend, owner Faith Goins ball at Simpsons on August 2. held her annual back-toSimpsons and Office, Church, school bash last week.

School Supplies offer tax-free on She said the store will offer their supplies at Sumter stores the same discounts on Friday during tax-free weekend from and Saturday as it did during the bash.

Aug. 5-7.

With any purchase, teachers will receive a free desk calendar while supplies last, she added.

Additional discounts will be available on all educational supplies this weekend, Goins said, and the 780 S. Pike West supply store will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The local school supply store has served teachers and school families In past years, shoppers across the state for decades and is the have saved between $2 million and only one in $3 million during the tax-free weekend. the surrounding Source: S.C. Department of Revenue area.

Popular items this year include teacher decorative

DID YOU KNOW?

WHAT COUNTS AS A SCHOOL SUPPLY? School supplies are items used in the classroom or at home for school assignments. They include -- but are not limited to -- pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, books, backpacks, lunchboxes and calculators and will have no sales tax during the holiday.

Items such as refrigerators and toiletries purchased by college students are not used for school assignments and are not exempt.

Similarly, these items purchased for office, business or non-school use are not exempt.

READY TO SHOP?

Items that will have no sales tax: • Clothing • Clothing accessories (including cloth face masks, neck gaiters) • Shoes/footwear • School supplies • Computers/printers • Computer accessories when sold as a package with a computer • Diapers • Earbuds and headphones • Some bed and bath items, including blankets, pillows & towels Non-exempt items: • Jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear • Furniture • Digital cameras • Digital music players • Cellphones, smartphones • Cleaning supplies • eReaders • Video game consoles • Office supplies used in a business • Computers used in a business • Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, mouth guards, pads, etc.)

• Mattresses and box springs For a full listing of exempt and non-exempt items, go to www.dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend.

Source: S.C. Department of Revenue

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

THE SUMTER ITEM

School Information and Schedules Monday, Aug. 15 is the first day of school for grades 1-12.

Monday, Aug. 22, is the first day of school for all prekindergarten and kindergarten students. Elementary schools in Sumter School District will stagger kindergarten start dates for the 2022-2023 school year. This will allow each classroom teacher to use Aug. 15-19 to conduct the academic portions of the KRA testing with a smaller group of students each day. Your child’s kindergarten teacher will contact you to schedule the appointment time and date for testing.

Alice Drive Elementary School

Principal: Eric Masaitis 251 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 775-0857 Fax: (803) 775-7580 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. ade.sumterschools.net Jump Start Camp Student Orientation will be held Thursday, Aug. 11 for prekindergarten through grade two and Friday, Aug. 12 for third through fifth grade according to the following schedule: Thursday, Aug. 11: prekindergarten: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. or 2 - 3 p.m.; kindergarten 12:30 p.m.; first grade 1:30 p.m.; second grade 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 12: third grade 12:30 p.m.; fourth grade 1:30 p.m.; fifth grade 2:30 p.m.

Class rosters will be posted in the hallways and by the classrooms. Students and parents will report to the child’s assigned classroom to meet with the teacher. Tables will be set up in the cafeteria to join the PTA, register for PERK, order school shirts or pick up other information.

Additional parking will be available at Westminster Presbyterian Church across the street from the school.

The first day of school for first through fifth grade students is Monday, Aug. 15. The first day of school for prekindergarten and kindergarten students is Monday, Aug. 22.

Kindergarten teachers will use the week of Aug. 15 through Aug. 19 to conduct the academic portion of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Teachers will contact the parents of each enrolled kindergarten student to let them know their child’s date to attend the assessment.

Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedures: All first through fifth grade students should be dropped off and picked up at the circular drive on Alice Drive. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students should be dropped off and picked up at the circular drive on Miller Road. Parents who need to park to enter the school building are asked to park in the parking lots in front of the school. The parking lot at Westminster Presbyterian Church may also be used if additional parking is needed.

For safety reasons, parents are asked not to drop off a child on Reynolds Road, at the sidewalk to the left of the main entrance or behind the school. Please do not park in the staff parking lot behind the cafeteria. We ask that all parents and students utilize our sidewalks at all times and do not walk through the traffic flow.

Alice Drive Middle School

Principal: Jeannie M. Pressley 40 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 775-0821 Fax: (803) 778-2929 School Day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. adm.sumterschools.net Alice Drive Middle School, a nationally accredited STEM school, is ready to RISE in the 2022-2023 school year!

There will be a “Hawk Jump Start” for sixth graders on Wednesday, Aug. 10. All sixth graders are welcome to drop in the Nest between 8:30 -11:00 a.m. to help with transition to middle school. Tables will be available in the gym with general information and staff will be available to answer any questions.

Monday, Aug. 15, is the official first day of school for all students. Monday/Tuesday, Aug. 15-16 will be designated as our “RISE” Camp. Students will receive their schedules, take ID pictures, review school-wide behavior expectations/procedures, tour the building, update Chromebooks and explore STEM through a variety of problem-based learning activities.

School pictures will be taken on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Information will be sent home with dates for Open House!

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Parents who bring children to school should enter campus using gate one off of University Drive by making a right turn only. The earliest students may be dropped off in the mornings is 7:10 a.m. To avoid congestion, parents are asked to make a left-turn only when exiting campus out of gate two. Walkers should enter the designated entrance in the gym foyer. In the interest of student safety, please do not drop students off on University Drive, at the front of the school or in the bus loading/unloading area.

The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 15. Bates Middle School will host a mini camp for sixth grade students as follows: Sixth Grade Mini-Camp Aug. 10 from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

No bus transportation will be provided for the mini-camps.

Meet the Teacher Night is scheduled for Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: For the safety of students at Bates Middle School, all cars picking up and dropping off students should enter the drive from Scotkins Court and exit on Bailey Street. Students are not to be dropped off or picked up on Bailey Street. Gates will open at 7:15 a.m. and will close at 7:55 a.m.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., gates will be opened for afternoon pick-up. Parents are not permitted to park in the front of the building to pick up students from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

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Cherryvale Elementary School

Mrs. Pamela D. Rhodes Address: 1420 Furman Drive, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 494-8200 Fax: (803) 494-8233 School Day: 7:20 a.m. - 2:10 p.m. ces.sumterschools.net Cherryvale Elementary School is a school where staff and students Believe, Serve, Lead and Achieve! On Thursday, Aug. 11, from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Cherryvale Elementary School will hold Meet the Teacher and Orientation.

During this session, parents will receive back to school information, review policies and procedures and meet staff members. Also, on Thursday, Aug. 11, our kindergarten team will hold their “Jump Start to Kindergarten” session from 5 - 5:30 p.m. An Open House event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 5 6:30 p.m. More information for the events will be placed on Cherryvale Elementary School’s website and social media pages.

Chromebook distribution for new students in prekindergarten through grade 5 will take place on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and during the Meet the Teacher and Orientation event that same evening. Chromebooks can be picked up in the school’s media center.

Student uniforms at Cherryvale Elementary School will be optional. Uniforms will not be mandatory for the 2022-2023 school year due to the school uniform shortage from the various vendors. If students choose to wear uniforms, students must wear pants, skirts,

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Bates Middle School

Principal: Jeff Barrineau 715 Estate Street, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 775-0711 Fax: (803) 775-0715 School Day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. bms.sumterschools.net Facebook - www.facebook.com/ batesmiddle Twitter - @WeAreBates

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

AUGUST 4, 2022

or shorts that are black, navy blue or khaki. They must also wear collared shirts, blouses or sweaters that are white, light blue or navy.

Breakfast is from 6:50 a.m. until 7:20 a.m. In order to participate, students must arrive before 7:15 a.m. Breakfast and lunch are free for all students.

Monday, Aug. 15, is the first day of school for students in grades 1-5. Monday, Aug. 22, is the first day for kindergarten and prekindergarten students. The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) will be administered during the week of Aug. 15-19.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures for students who are car riders will remain the same when we return for the 20222023 school year. During morning hours, parents must drop off car riders at the front entrance of the building.

During afternoon hours, they must pick up students at the back of the building. The school building opens daily at 6:50 a.m. to welcome students.

Cherryvale Elementary School is a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) school and an Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) school.

Parents and students will receive more information regarding these initiatives at the parent orientation. Components of these initiatives will be embedded into the core curriculum. Administrators, teachers, and staff invite families, stakeholders, and community members to visit the school and invest in our future—invest in our students!

The administration and the staff of Cherryvale Elementary School are #ALL IN, #SumterSDProud and we have our Falcon #TalonsUp as we are Excellence Under Construction!

Chestnut Oaks Middle School

Principal: Mrs. Jenaii D. Edwards 1200 Oswego Road, Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: (803) 775-7272 Fax: (803) 775-7601

School Day: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. http://coms.sumterschools.net Welcome parents and students to an amazing year where Falcons SOAR! The first day of school is Aug. 15.

The instructional day is 8 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Chestnut Oaks Middle School “Jump Start” for sixth grade parents and students will be Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 8:30-10 a.m. Seventh and eighth grade orientation will be held in the gym for parents and students from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 10. Parents will receive pertinent information such as schedules, bus routes, meet the teacher, etc. We are excited and look forward to meeting you at the times listed above! Information will be sent home with dates for Open House.

Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of school. Parents are respectfully requested to review the handbooks with their children.

School uniforms are no longer required this year due to the low availability; however, students are required to follow the Board of Trustees Policy on the student dress code.

This policy can be found on the district’s website or on the Chestnut Oaks Middle School Facebook page.

Students are expected to use a school district issued Chromebook to engage in learning activities and completion of assignments. Students new to Sumter School District will be issued a district Chromebook from Chestnut Oaks Middle School during orientation or the first week of school.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Car riders should be picked up and dropped off on the circular driveway at the front of the school on Oswego Road.

Students are not to be picked up or dropped off in the bus port area.

Crestwood High School

Principal: Dr. Jayson Leach 2000 Oswego Road, Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: (803) 469-6200 Fax: (803) 469-7678 School Day: 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Crestwood High School (CHS) will host its Jump Start for all rising ninth grade/ newly enrolled students and their families to tour the building Wednesday, Aug. 10, based on the following schedule: Welcome - 5:30 until 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center.

Meet the Teacher – 6 until 7 p.m. in the main building.

Upperclassmen can tour the main building from 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Parking is available in the parking lots located in front of the school, fine arts centerand gymnasium.

Student schedules and a newsletter will be mailed on Monday, Aug. 1.

Additionally, students and parents may access schedules via the student and/or parent portal.

Schedule confirmations will be conducted in person or virtually from Aug. 8 – 12. Please call the CHS Guidance Office to schedule your appointment time.

Courses will be changed by appointment if there are one of the following legitimate needs: 1. Scheduled for a class in which credit has been received; 2. Not scheduled for eight classes; 3. Course(s) required for graduation are needed; 4. Failed a course and prerequisite is required.

Schedules will be reviewed based on the following schedule: Monday, Aug. 8 – Senior Confirmation Day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 9 – Junior Confirmation Day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Thursday, Aug. 11 –Sophomore Confirmation Day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

THE SUMTER ITEM Friday, Aug. 12 – Freshman Confirmation Day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of school. Parents are respectfully requested to review the handbooks with their children. The first day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 15.

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures: Parents who drive their children to school should arrive no later than 8:35 a.m.; the building will open at 7:30 a.m.; the pick-up time is no later than 4:15 p.m.

Students are required to arrive at the designated parking lot no later than 8:30 a.m.

Student drivers must complete the school driver safety course and complete the application before driving privileges will be granted. Permits will be sold on a first-come/ first-served basis. Parking permits may be purchased at school; mail-in registration fees do not include parking permits.

Crosswell Drive Elementary School Dr. Shawn P. Hagerty 301 Crosswell Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 775-0679 Fax: (803) 778-2857 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. cdes.sumterschools.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CrosswellDriveElementary

The faculty and staff of Crosswell Drive Elementary welcome all students and families to our 2022-2023 school year. We are committed to academic excellence and continually strive to meet the needs of each individual student.

The instructional day will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m., and we will begin dismissal procedures at 2 p.m. daily.

Breakfast will be served from 6:50 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. each morning.

“Meet the Teacher Night” will occur on Aug. 17 from 3 - 7

Presented By:

eSTEAM

Ebenezer Middle School

Principal: Bertha Timmons 3440 Ebenezer Road, Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: (803) 469-8571 Fax: (803) 469-8575 School Day: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ems.sumterschools.net Welcome to Ebenezer, where we promote Tiger P.R.I.D.E. – Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence!

Important Dates •W ednesday, Aug. 10, 9 - 11 a.m. – Orientation for sixth grade students and students new to Ebenezer.

Bus transportation will not be provided.

•M onday, Aug. 15 – First day of school •T hursday, Sept. 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Open House Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of school. Parents are respectfully requested to review the handbooks with their children.

School uniforms will not be worn this year; however, students are required to follow the Sumter School District Student Dress Code. This policy can be found on the district’s website and in the student handbook. The policy can also be accessed from Ebenezer’s webpage.

All Ebenezer students are encouraged to carry clear book bags. The school will make available one clear book bag per student.

Breakfast starts at 7:40 a.m. and will end at 8:25 a.m. Students desiring to eat breakfast should arrive before 8:15 a.m.

The first period begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Parents who drive their children to school should enter the south gate and drive around the back of the school to the drop-off/pick-up area located on the north end of the building. The building will open at 7:40 a.m., and students should arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. All children should be picked up no later than 3:45 p.m. Students who are not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will ride the bus home.

Furman Middle School

e

Michael Riggins 3400 Bethel Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-8519 Fax: (803) 481-8923 School Day: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. fms.sumterschools.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmsIndians

Sumter Festival Join Us to Celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Saturday October 1, 2022 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

p.m. Information packets about our school, policies, procedures, health related documentation and many more items will be provided during that time.

All student supplies (except bookbags) will be provided throughout the school year.

For up-to-date information please like our Facebook page or contact the school directly.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Drop-off time for car riders will begin at 6:50 a.m. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up from designated drop-off and pick-up areas only. No front entrance dropoffs or pick-ups are allowed during on-time arrival and dismissal procedures. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for further information.

Downtown Sumter www.eSTEAMsumter.com

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Orientation for sixth grade will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, from 4 – 6 p.m. Sixth grade students will have a two-hour mini-camp where they will be provided with an in-depth orientation and tour of the school. Parents may walk their student to their homeroom class to meet the teachers then return at 6 pm to pick up their sixth grade students.

Orientation for seventh and eighth grade students will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, from 4 – 6 p.m. Students and parents can go to their homeroom to meet the teacher and pick up a schedule.

School uniforms will be waived this year due to the low availability; however, students are required to follow the Board of Trustee’s Policy on the student dress code.

This policy can be found on the district’s website or on Furman’s Facebook page.

The first day of school for

THE SUMTER ITEM students is Monday, Aug. 15.

Homeroom assignments will be located on the walls in the hallway and outside of the classrooms. Staff members will be available to assist students with finding their homerooms. Also on the first day of school, all students who will be bus riders should plan to ride their assigned bus in the morning so the bus driver will know the students, and the students will become familiar with their bus number and driver.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Students who arrive by car should be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. at the student drop-off area located in the fenced area beside the school. (Please see our Facebook page for directions and map). Students may be dropped off at the main office entrance after 8:30 a.m.

Students may be picked up in the afternoon in the fenced area beside the school at 3:30 p.m. Parents must pick students up no later than 4 p.m.

As a safety measure, all parents, students, and smaller children are asked to remain in their vehicles while waiting to pick up students.

High Hills Elementary School

Principal: Dr. Mary Kay Norton 1705 Frierson Road, Shaw AFB, SC 29152 Phone: (803) 499-3327 Fax: (803) 499-9553 School Day: 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. hhes.sumterschools.net The faculty and staff of High Hills Elementary School excitedly welcome all returning and new students and their families to the 2022-2023 school year. The new school year begins Monday, Aug. 15.

High Hills, a proud Leader in Me School and Home of the Panthers, serves fourth and fifth grade students only. In order to accommodate parents with children at multiple schools, a drop-in orientation will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Parents may visit at their convenience to meet their child’s teachers and tour the school.

Panther Pride T-shirts will be on sale. Classroom supplies and materials have been purchased through Title 1, however, some additional items may be requested by the individual teacher. Visit our website for the generic Supplies List.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Instruction begins at 7:30 a.m.

Students will be marked tardy after 7:30 a.m. Parents are able to access the school through the Frierson Road gate and the 441 open-access gate. Drop-off time for car riders will begin at 6:50 a.m. when adult supervision is provided. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the designated and supervised area in front of the school.

For your child’s safety, please do not drop students off in the school parking lot or on Frierson Road. Walkers and bike riders from Base Housing will be able to enter from the back gate starting at 6:50 a.m. We look forward to a “PAWSOME” school year!

Hillcrest Middle School

Principal: Tarsha B. Staggers 4355 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: (803) 499-3341 Fax: (803) 499-3353 School Day: 8 a.m. - 3: p.m. hms.sumterschools.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/ hillcrestmiddlewildcats New Student Orientation New Student Orientation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 am. During orientation, the faculty will be introduced, an overview of the student handbook will be provided, and other important information concerning the opening days of school will be covered as well.

Open House Open House will be held Aug. 25, from 5 - 7 p.m. All students and parents are welcome to attend.

Parent University Parent University is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.

Questions regarding how to maneuver through Schoology, Google, and our other school programs as well as information regarding student expec-

tations will be addressed.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Drop-off time for car riders is no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Adequate supervision is not available before this time. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up in the back of the school at the student drop-off/ pick-up area. The entrance to the student drop-off/pick-up area is on Old Highway 521 and goes around to the back of the school. Please do not use the teacher parking lot to drop-off/pick-up students.

Kingsbury Elementary School

Principal: Phillip Jackson 825 Kingsbury Road, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 775-6244 Fax: (803) 775-7021 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. kbe.sumterschools.net Kingsbury Elementary School will host a Jump Start Camp/ Orientation program for students and parents Thursday, Aug. 11, according to the following schedule: 8:30 a.m. for kindergarten and third grade students; 9:30 a.m. for first and fourth grade students; and 10:30 a.m. for prekindergarten, second and fifth grade students. Parents and students are asked to come to the commons area upon arrival. Classroom assignments will be posted there. Then, you will report directly to your child’s classroom.

Monday, Aug. 15, is the first day of school for grades 1-5.

Elementary schools in Sumter School District will stagger kindergarten start dates for the 2022-2023 school year.

This will allow each classroom teacher to use Aug. 15-19 to conduct the academic portions of the KRA testing with a smaller group of students each day. Your child’s kindergarten teacher will contact you to schedule the appointment time and date for testing. Monday, Aug. 22 is the first day of school for all prekindergarten and kindergarten students. Additional information will be shared at Jump Start Camp/ Orientation.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: All students should be picked up and dropped off in front of the school off Kingsbury Road. Parents who need to leave their car to enter the building are asked to park in the designated parking areas and not along the curb. The prekindergarten and kindergarten drop-off/pick-up location is for prekindergarten and kindergarten students only.

Lakewood High School

Principal: Dr. Maggie J. Wright 350 Old Manning Road, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 506-2700 Fax: (803) 506-2708 School Day: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. lhs.sumterschools.net Upcoming Events: Student registration will be held from 9 - 11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on the following dates: Freshmen– Tuesday, Aug. 2 Sophomores– Wednesday, Aug. 3 Juniors & Seniors– Thursday, Aug. 4 Students or parents may pick up schedules during registration. Schedules will also be available via the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Freshmen and New Stu-

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

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dent Orientation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center).

Any new upperclassmen who would like to attend are also invited.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Students should not arrive or be dropped off to school before 8 a.m. and should be off campus no later than 4:15 p.m.

Student drop-off and pick-up is located in the front of the auditorium, the third entrance on Old Manning Road.

The student parking area is located in the third entrance in front of the gym area. Students must complete an inhouse defensive driving course before applying to get a driver’s parking decal.

Due to safety concerns, the first driveway is designated ONLY for buses and is therefore off limits. Please do not use the bus driveway for student pick up or drop off.

parents and students will have the opportunity to meet their child’s homeroom teacher, learn more about AVID, prepare your child’s AVID binder, complete student paperwork and receive grade level expectations. Parents will also be able to meet other faculty and staff members, sign up for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), receive parent portal information, bus route information, meet with the school nurse, register for car-rider pick up numbers and get technical assistance for Chromebooks.

We are pleased to announce that once again this year, all necessary school supplies will be purchased through our Title I project. The only thing not provided are student backpacks.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Students may be dropped off under the awning in our parent drop-off/pick-up line as early as 6:50 a.m. All students will be offered a free, nutritious breakfast beginning at 6:50 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:30 a.m. Students arriving after 7:30 a.m. must be signed in at the front office. Student pick-up begins at the front of the school under the awning at 2:15 p.m. In order to keep all students safe, we ask parents to remain in their cars and use their assigned parent pick-up number when picking up students.

For more information, please call our school. You may also like our Facebook page or go to our school website. We look forward to seeing all of our Manchester Panthers very soon. Panthers Have AVID-TUDE!

Lemira Elementary School

Principal: Stephanie Gregg, Ed.S 952 Fulton Street, Sumter, SC 29153 (803) 775-0658 Fax (803) 778-2730 Instructional Day: 7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Office Hours: 6:50 a.m. – 3 p.m. lme.sumterschools.net Orientations: Lemira Elementary School is excited to open its doors to students for the 2022-2023 school year. To kick off the school year, we will host our “New Student Jumpstart Camp” for all new students to Lemira on Aug. 11, from 4:30 5:30 p.m. Both parents and students are encouraged to attend. Following, we will host our grade level orientations and the Back to School Bash for all returning and new students Thursday, Aug. 11 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Class rosters will be available and posted. In addition, the school supply wish list for the 2022-2023 school year has been posted on the school’s website and will be available at the orientation.

We look forward to an exciting year of learning and growing!

Instructional Day: The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 15, for grades 1-5. Monday, Aug. 22, is the first day for prekindergarten and kindergarten. Instruction begins daily at 7:30 a.m. for all grade levels. Students should arrive on campus no earlier than 6:50 a.m. and no later than 7:30 a.m. to avoid being tardy. Chromebooks will be used for the 2022-2023 school year. Students are encouraged to bring charged laptops to school on a daily basis. If you are in need of technical assistance, please call the school for technical support.

Uniforms: For the 2022-2023 school year, school uniforms will become optional. Although students are not required to wear uniforms, they must follow the district’s student dress code. Please reference the district’s dress code policy (Policy JICA) Key Factors: 1. Please refrain from buying jeans that have holes above the knees.

2. No Slides - Crocs must be worn in sports mode.

3. No leggings/jeggings, unless worn with a skirt or shorts.

4. Shorts and skirts must be knee length.

Office Hours: If you are in need of assistance, office hours are from 6:50 a.m. – p.m.

WE HAVE YOUR STUDENTS’ INSTRUMENTS FOR SCHOOL Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute, Pianos, Keyboards, Drums, Hammond Organs & Leslie Speakers

Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedures: All students may be dropped off in the morning at the traffic circle in front of the school’s entrance on Fulton Street and exit on the Boulevard Road. Parents are reminded to not drop students off before 6:50 a.m. For student’s safety, parents are reminded not to drop their child off in the grassy area across the street from the school on Fulton Street. During pick-up, all car riders will be dismissed through the gate under the breezeway using their car number. Each student will be provided with numbered car tags and book bag tags. Parents arriving without a car tag number will be asked to go into the office to have their credentials verified. Parents will not be allowed to walk up to the car pick up gate to retrieve students, and students will not be permitted to cross Fulton street to walk to their rides, for safety is our number one priority.

Manchester Elementary School

Principal: Maria Dantzler 200 West Clark Street, Pinewood Phone: 803-452-5454 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. mes.sumterschools.net Welcome Back to the 20222023 school year Manchester Panther Families! We would like to announce for the 20222023 school year we will implement Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) schoolwide (prekindergarten through Grade 5). The goal of AVID is to utilize best practices and systems to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. An important part of our implementation will be our school agendas (calendars) and three-ring binders for all students.

The first day of school for first through fifth grade students is Monday, Aug. 15. prekindergarten and kindergarten students’ first day of school is Aug. 22. Our Prekindergarten and kindergarten teachers will contact you to schedule appointments to complete early screening and beginning of the year assessments during the week of Aug. 15-19. Registration is open for all students in prekindergarten through grade 5.

To help prepare for the new school year, we would like to cordially invite all of our families to attend our Jump Start Camp and Parent Orientation on Thursday, Aug. 11. Prekindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students and their parents/guardians may dropin anytime between 2 – 3:30 p.m. Second through fifth -grade students and their parents/guardians may drop-in between 3:30 - 5 p.m. Each classroom teacher will send a postcard to welcome all of our students to their new classrooms.

During our Jump Start Camp and Parent Orientation,

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Millwood Elementary School Principal: Jessica C. Wright, Ed.S. 24 Pinewood Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 775-0648 Fax: (803) 436-2987 School Hours: 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. mwe.sumterschools.net

Millwood Elementary School, the school where Attendance, Academics, and Behavior are our top priorities by always putting students first in a safe learning environment, is gearing up for an exciting 2022-2023 school year!

Our theme for this school year is Embracing the N.O.R.M. - Navigating Opportunities, Relationships and Morale.

This year we are enthusiastic about welcoming our new principal, Jessica Wright. She comes to us with multiple years of experience from Sumter County and surrounding districts. A “Meet the New Principal ‘’ and other Mustang Administration and Staff members has been scheduled for Aug. 5. Additional information will be sent out about this event as the time comes closer.

School information regarding prekindergarten through grade 5 will be discussed at the Meet the Teacher orientation on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. − 2 p.m. The annual school-wide drive-

We would like to wish all the students a safe and happy school year!

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

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through Back to School Bash Supply Giveaway will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Chromebook distribution for new students in kindergarten through Grade 5 will take place on Aug. 11 during the Meet the Teacher orientation event and on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. during the Supply Giveaway.

The first day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Monday Aug. 15. The first day of kindergarten has been staggered. During the meet teacher day your child’s teacher will give you a schedule of the arrival day and time for your individual student. The first day for prekindergarten is Aug. 22. Below is pertinent information as we begin to welcome all of our students back into the building.

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures: For the safety of our students, the earliest drop off time is 7 a.m., and the latest pick-up time is 2:30 p.m.

Students in grades PreK, first and fifth will be dropped off and picked up at the Horseshoe, which is located across from Food Lion on Wedgefield Road.

Students in grades second, third and fourth will be dropped off and picked up on Mustang Drive off of Pinewood Road. If there are multiple children attending Millwood, older siblings will be dropped off and picked up with the youngest sibling in the family.

Breakfast and Lunch: All students are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch daily. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. Breakfast typically ends at 7:30 a.m. Each teacher has a designated time for his or her class to eat lunch and participate in recess. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria.

Millwood Elementary School is a partner with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the University of South Carolina Aiken @ Sumter. Parents will receive information about our partnerships during Meet the Teacher orientation. Students will receive information pertaining to our school wide policies and procedures at our school-wide assembly on Friday, Aug. 19. The administration and staff look forward to another successful year as we reflect, refocus, and re-energize all of our efforts to ensure academic excellence for each of our students.

kindergarten students will begin on a regular schedule the following week, Aug. 22.

The first day for first grade students is Aug. 15.

Parents are asked to pin a small piece of paper on their child the first day of school with the child’s name, telephone number and bus numbers if applicable. If the child will be picked up daily, please indicate parent pick up or the name of the daycare that will pick the child up.

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures: For drop off, please stay in the right-hand lane and pull up as far as you can to a staff member if you are only dropping off. If you wish to park and walk your child to the door, please stay in the left-hand lane and park in the parent parking lot and cross to the sidewalk at either end of the parking lot. You may then walk to the door to drop off your child. An OPS staff member will assist your child to his/her classroom.

For parent pick up, you will be issued two cards with a number specific to your child.

Please make sure to have that daily to pick up your child. If you do not have the card, you will be asked to go to the main office to pick up your child with a valid ID. You may either wait in the line that forms from the right lane, or walk up to pick your child up from a classroom located near the drop-off/pickup location.

On the first day of school, the students will receive a packet of information to share with parents. Please complete all requested forms and return them to the school the following day, especially concerning emergency contact/ allergies information.

Please check the school’s website (ops.sumterschools. net) or the Oakland Primary School Facebook page for the supply lists and other pertinent information as we get closer to the start of the 20222023 school year. We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year as we continue to educate the whole child!

Oakland Primary School

Welcome to Pocalla Springs Elementary! We are anticipating an amazing 2022-2023 school year filled with excitement and learning.

Registration Information: It is important to register new students, prekindergarten and kindergarten students early. Registration can take place online on Pocalla’s website pses.sumterschools.net or at the main office. All registrations require the student’s birth certificate, immunization record, picture ID of parent/guardian and two proofs of address (utility bill or lease agreement, for example).

Orientation: Orientation in grades PreK5 will be held on Thursday, Aug. 11 according to the following schedule: Orientation will begin at 1 p.m. for grades PreK-2. Orientation for grades 3 – 5 will begin at 3 p.m. Students and parents will meet teachers, view bus schedules, locate classrooms and receive other information. Post cards will be sent home prior to orientation with the teacher’s name. Staff members will be available to assist students with finding their homerooms. PreK- second grade (Gate 2) will enter through the main entrance. Third through fifth grades (Gate 1), will enter through the doors by the red flag. Chromebooks will be issued during the orientation hours for kindergartners and new students.

Instructional Day: The first day of school for students in grades 1 - 5 is Monday, Aug. 15. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will be testing during the week of Aug. 15-19. There will be a staggered schedule for prekindergarten and kindergarten students. Parents will be given appointment times during orientation. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will only come to school during their appoint-

Principal: Joshua Campbell 5415 Oakland Drive, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 499-3366 Fax: (803) 499-3361 School Day: 7:30 a.m.– 2:15 p.m. ops.sumterschools.net The school day begins daily at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:15 p.m. Students reporting laterthan 7:30 a.m. will be marked tardy. Breakfast is served daily from 6:50 until 7:20 a.m.

Note: Students who wish to eat breakfast should be dropped off no later than 7:10 a.m. in order to have time to eat before going to class. Student drop off begins at 6:50 a.m.

Jump Camp: Class rosters will be posted Friday, Aug. 12, the day of our Back to School Jump Camp, which is scheduled for 12 - 3 p.m. The teacher will contact you with the time to come during those hours, as we will be having small groups from each class come. You will be able to sign up for parent pick-up cards either before or after your scheduled time. We will also have booths set up with information regarding bus transportation and day care for before and after school care if needed. Copies of the school supply wish list can be found on the school’s website or Facebook page.

The first day for PreK students is Aug. 22.

For the 2022-2023 school year, kindergarten students will start on a staggered schedule, coming to school one day the first week. This time is being set aside for mandatory Kindergarten Readiness Assessment testing.

Teachers will contact parents/guardians to let them know which day they will come the first week of school to complete the testing. All

Pocalla Springs Elementary

Principal: Michelle Curry-McBride 2060 Bethel Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 803-481-5800 Fax: 803-481-5813 School Day: 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. pses.sumterschools.net

ment time for testing. Aug. 22 is the first day of school for all Prekindergarten and kindergarten students. The school day is from 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Drop-off/pick-up procedures: To drop off students, enter (Gate 1) nearest the marquee and continue straight and follow the drop-off signs. Dropoff time for car riders begins at 6:50 a.m. for students who wish to eat breakfast. Students are tardy after 7:30 a.m.

After 7:30 a.m., parents will need to go to the main entrance and walk their child to the Attendance Office. Dismissal is at 2:15 p.m. Car riders in prekindergarten through first grade and their siblings are picked up at the colored fences (drop-off area).

Car riders in second through fifth grade (Gate 2) are picked up at the covered area behind the cafeteria.

Pocalla Springs is a Title I school, and school supplies will be furnished by the school throughout the year.

Parents are only responsible for purchasing book bags.

Take-home school supplies will be given to parents during orientation.

Open House will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29. All students and parents are welcome to attend. This information is subject to change.

Please visit our website, Facebook, and twitter often for the most up-to-date information.

Rafting Creek Elementary School

Principal: Brandon Wells 4100 Highway 261 North Rembert, SC 29128 Phone: (803) 432-2994 Fax: (803) 425-7386 School Day: 7:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. rces.sumterschools.net Meet the Teacher event will be held Thursday, Aug. 11 from 6 until 7 p.m. Information concerning expectations, policies and procedures, new initiatives, and buses will be discussed.

Parents are encouraged to form a partnership with Rafting Creek and to participate in as many activities as their schedules will allow. We invite parents to have lunch with their children as often as possible. Please notify the office one day in advance of your plans to eat lunch. All guests must report to the office upon arrival.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Parents who transport their children to school must follow the signs to the rear drop-off point. The student drop-off is open from 7 a.m. until 7:20 a.m. daily. Please do not drop students off before 7 a.m. as there will be no supervision.

Car riders reporting after 7:20 a.m. must use the front entry.

Students must report to homeroom by 7:25 a.m. Students are tardy after 7:30 a.m. and must be signed in at the attendance office by an adult.

R. E. Davis College Preparatory Academy

Principal: Anita L. Hunter 345 Eastern School Road, Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: (803) 495-3247 Fax: (803) 495-3211 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Tardy at 7:35 a.m.

Website: sites.google.com/sumterschools.net/redcpa/home Facebook page: www.facebook. com/REDavisCPA/ We are excited to start a new year of learning at R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, where we Seek excellence, Work Hard, Observe rules and procedures, Respect ourselves and others and Do the right thing. Orientation for students in prekindergarten through grade 5 will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Students in Grades sixth – eighth will have orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

During the start of each orientation, parents/guardians and students are asked to join the administration team in the gym. Students and parents/guardians will then have an opportunity to report to the child’s assigned classroom to meet with the teacher.

School will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. and dismiss at 2:20 p.m. Student uniforms are not mandatory this year. Students should adhere to the Sumter School District board policy on dress code.

THE SUMTER ITEM We look forward to an exciting year of learning and growth. The first day of school for grades 1-8 is Aug. 15. Students in prekindergarten and kindergarten will start on Aug. 22.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures: Morning drop-off time for car riders is 7–7:30 a.m. at the front entrance near the gym.

The afternoon pickup location is the same as the morning drop-off. Dismissal is from 2:20 to 2:35 p.m.

Shaw Heights Elementary School

Principal: Dr. Melissa Morris 1495 Frierson Road, Shaw AFB, SC 29152-1427 Phone: (803) 666-2335 Fax: (803) 666-3719 School Day: 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. shes.sumterschools.net The school day begins at 7:30 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 7:40 a.m. Car riders and walkers should arrive between 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. if they would like to eat breakfast. Class rosters will be posted the morning of Aug. 11, the day of our back to school drop-in. Copies of the school supply wish list can be found on the school’s website or Facebook Page. We have also placed copies at Wal-Mart.

The back to school drop-in will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, from 1 - 3:30 p.m. Feel free to come by the school during this time to meet your child’s teacher, see the classroom, join the Shaw Heights Elementary PTO, purchase a Shaw Heights t-shirt, and sign up for parent pick-up cards.

PT0 dues and fees owed previously will be accepted at this time. If you have any textbooks from the previous year, please bring them with you so that we can credit your child’s account. Parents may also purchase a school t-shirt for $10 for youth sizes and $15 for adult sizes as well as ACE water bottles for $3.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Drop-off time for car riders will begin at 7 a.m. when adult supervision is provided.

Car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the designated area to the left of the school in front of the cafeteria. Please do not drop off or pick up in front of the school; this area is designated for buses only.

Sumter High School

Principal: Anamaria Sandor 2580 McCray’s Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 803-481-4480 Fax: 803-481-4021 School Day: 8:40 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. shs.sumterschools.net Sumter High School faculty and staff welcome students to a great 2022-2023 school year.

The first day of school for students is Aug. 15. Students in grades 9 - 12 may pick up schedules and student PowerSchool login information on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. in the Commons area following the schedule: 8:30 10 a.m. ninth-grade students, 10 - 11:30 a.m. 10th-grade students, 1 - 2:30 p.m. 11th-grade students, and 2:30 - 4 p.m.

12th-grade students.

Sumter High School will host its Jump Start/Orientation for freshmen and all newly enrolled students on Wednesday, Aug. 10, according to the following schedule: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Session I) - students with last names beginning A-L and 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(Session II) - students with last names beginning with M-Z. Students will meet the administration team in the Sumter High School Gymnasium at the start of each session followed by a transition into the Commons area and to their respective classrooms.

Orientation will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the front of campus using Gate 1 and at the rear of campus using Gate 5.

All Sumter High School students new to the district and new freshmen need to have their pictures for the student identification cards taken. A schedule will be announced and posted on the school website. All students must pay class fees during the first two weeks of school.

Class fees are $5 for freshmen and sophomores and $10 for juniors and seniors. Students or their parents must pay for lost or damaged textbooks

from the past year before any additional textbooks can be issued to a student. All checks for fees should be made payable to Sumter High School.

Fees can be paid at orientation or see the bookkeeper to pay during regular building hours.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: Parents who drive their children to school should drop off students in the front of campus using Gate 1 off McCray’s Mill Road no later than 8:30 a.m.; the pick-up time is no later than 4:15 p.m. using Gate 1. In the interest of student safety, please do not pick up students in the student parking lot, in the bus loading/unloading area, or outside the school premises on McCray’s Mill Rd. or Stadium Rd. Students who drive must arrive at the designated student parking lot no later than 8:30 a.m. The parking permits will be issued during the first week of school. Permits must be obtained in person at Sumter High School in the main office during lunchtime. Students will need to present the vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license. Please see the new driving/parking procedures on the school website and in the student/ parent handbook.

Wilder Elementary

Principal: David Wright Address: 975 South Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 803-773-5723 Fax: 803-778-2918 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

1st Bell: 7:30 a.m.

Tardy Bell: 7:35 a.m. wld.sumterschools.net Jump Start Orientation: Wilder Elementary School will host a “Jump Start” orientation for all students and parents Thursday, Aug. 11, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Our Prek-second grade focus will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by our thirdfifth grade focus which will begin at 9:30 a.m. Classroom assignments will be posted in several locations throughout the school. Parents and students will be invited to go directly to the classrooms and participate in our Jump Start activities.

School Hours of Operation: Breakfast is served for bus students as they arrive and for car riders from 7 a.m. until 7:25 a.m. The first bell rings at 7:30 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 7:35 a.m. Instruction begins promptly at 7:35 a.m.

Office hours are from 7:15 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: The horseshoe on South Main Street is the only drop-off and pick-up area for car riders.

Drop-off is no earlier than 7 a.m. in the front of the school.

Parking spaces are provided for parents who must walk students to class or pick them up in the afternoon. If a parent has a conference, they should park in the parking spaces provided in the front of the school. All parents must report to the main office for a visitor pass.

Walkers Procedures: All walkers will enter and exit through the two gates located on South Main Street. (Gates are located on the picnic shelter side of South Main Street and at the corner of South Main Street and Newberry Street.) The student’s address will determine which gate he or she will use in the afternoon. Parents should not park along the fence or in the church parking lot. Parents should not walk through the exit to receive children.

Daycare/Bus Riders Procedures: All daycare students and bus riders report to the bus port at the end of the 100 Building on Floral Avenue.

All Exceptional Education bus riders will report to the bus port on Floral Avenue (this is located at the back of the school).

Willow Drive Elementary School

Principal: Jackqueline Thomas 26 Willow Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 773-5796 Fax: (803) 778-2847 School Day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. wde.sumterschools.net Willow Drive Elementary School, home of the Soaring Eagles, will host an orientation for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and their parents on Thursday,

2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

THE SUMTER ITEM Aug. 11, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. A “Jump Start Camp” will be held for our rising fifth grade students and their parents on Aug. 11. More information is forthcoming.

Orientation for Prekindergarten will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, at 9 a.m. Your child’s classroom teacher will make parental contact

by Aug. 9. This contact will include information to schedule a classroom visit and back to school information. Parents will receive bus schedule information, register for a car pick- up decal, and have an opportunity to join the PTO. Classroom assignments will be posted in the front lobby of the school and displayed on each classroom door. The first day of school for first through fifth grades is Monday, Aug. 1. The first day for prekindergarten and kindergarten students is Aug. 22.

Breakfast will be served each morning from 6:50 to 7:30 a.m. beginning Aug. 15.

Students should not report to school before 6:50 a.m., as there will not be supervision available until that time. We highly encourage students to be on time for school each day. Students are considered tardy at 7:30 a.m. and must be brought into the front office by an adult to be signed in when tardy. Office hours are from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures: There are two areas available for students to be dropped off in the mornings and picked up if they are car riders. The front drive-thru area is for students in grades first, second, and third. The side drive-thru area (near big playground) is for students in Kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grades. If your student has a sibling, then all can be dropped off or picked up at the drive-thru of the youngest sibling.

In the interest of safety, students should not be dropped off at the front door of the school building. Afternoon pickup will be in the same location where students are dropped off in the mornings.

Students will be dismissed by 2:15 p.m. Car riders should be picked up no later than 2:35 p.m.

Sumter Career and Technology Center Principal: Dr. Shirrie B. Miller 2612 McCray’s Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-8575 Fax: (803) 481-4323

School Day: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. sctc.sumterschools.net Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ sctcsumter/ Twitter: twitter@sctcsumter Instagram: Instagram@sctcsumter Sumter Career and Technology Center (SCTC) is a nationally certified STEM school as well as a Transform SC center, a SREB Pacesetter CTE Center, and South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship member. SCTC is where faculty, staff and administration invest in the future of our students by producing college, military and career ready students.

The first day for students in grades 10–12 is Monday, Aug. 15. Open House for students and parents is Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Orientation for students is Thursday, Sept. 8. Morning orientation is scheduled for 9:15–10:15 a.m., and afternoon orientation is scheduled for 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of school. Parents are encouraged to review the handbooks with their children.

Chromebooks will be distributed at each student’s home high school. Please check with your home high school for distribution dates.

Students walk from Sumter High School through the back gate while students from Crestwood High and Lakewood High schools are transported by bus to Sumter Career and Technology Center. The school building opens daily at 9 a.m. to welcome students.

Sumter County Adult Education

Director: Dr. Vanessa Smith-Canty 905 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150 Telephone: (803) 778-6432 Fax: (803) 775-4665 Hours of Operation: Monday and Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday - 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Second & Fourth Saturdays - 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adult Education classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Student Orientation will be held during the week of Aug. 23. The last day to enroll for session one is Sept. 1.

AUGUST 4, 2022

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4 clever tips for organizing your locker Back to school means getting a new locker, especially in high school. If you’re a student, here are four suggestions to help you organize your locker.

1. Choose sturdy accessories. Use sturdy storage containers you don’t have to replace every year. This way, you’ll stay organized and won’t have to spend money on new ones next year.

Keep the matching textbooks nearby to save time before class.

Visit your local shops to stock up on every­ thing you need.

2. B uy shelves. Some shelves are designed to hang from the permanent shelf in your locker. You can also get ones made of fabric, which have extra pockets on the sides to maximize storage. Additionally, me­tal or plastic ones can be placed in the bottom of the locker to keep your bags separate from your boots and shoes.

3. M aximize door usage. Magnetic accessories are extremely practical. For example, you can use baskets to organize pencils and other small objects. A dry-erase board or magnets can help you keep important notes like appointment times and exam schedu­les in sight.

4. A rrange supplies wisely. Keep binders for each subject in alphabetical order to find what you need at a glance.

For Your Braces!

Don’t forget to pack your book bag with tools for your braces.

Wax Toothbrush Proxy Brush Mirror Rubberbands Plakers Orthopicks Retainer Case Mouthguard for Sports

Thomas W. Epps, DMD

Orthodontics for Children and Adults 669-A W. Wesmark Blvd.

(803) 775-5500

...of Faith, Learning, and Family.

www.laurencemanning.com Serving the Clarendon and Sumter communities since 1972, Laurence Manning Academy is a private, Christian school committed to providing students in grades K3 through 12 with a high quality education within a safe, friendly, and morally rich environment.

803-435-2114

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2022 BACK TO SCHOOL

AUGUST 4, 2022

THE SUMTER ITEM

Our Award-Winning Private Preschool Programs!

• Private 4-year-old kindergarten that exceeds SC Early Learning Standards • Degreed teachers • Creative curriculum fosters the development of the whole child • SC Farm to Preschool Program • Infant/Toddler Stimulation Program • 2- and 3-year-old kindergarten

Archway Academy South Carolina’s Premier Early Education Programs

Free Book Bag with Fall Registration While supplies last

www.archway.academy Two Convenient Locations in Sumter Open 6:30am - 6:30pm

2049 McCrays Mill Rd. (803)773-6480

416 S. Wise Drive (803)773-4300