Sumter School District Welcome Guide 2020-2021

2020-2021

Sumter School District

Welcome Guide

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Learn about our local ecosystem and the animals that live right in our own back yards!

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South Caro lina

Welcome

from the Superintendent

Sumter School District is pleased to partner with The Sumter Item to provide the 20202021 Welcome Guide. This magazine features a variety of insightful information about our schools and the community at large for our Sumter parents, students, school district employees and our stakeholders.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and the Sumter School District staff, welcome to the 2020-2021 school year, one that has been unique as we opened our virtual doors on Aug. 28, 2020. While this has been a challenging summer, we continue to display resilience, adjusting to the rapid and continuous changes. Although fluid, I am confident in the strong commitment and ability of our administrators, teachers and support staff to effectively serve the needs of our children while providing quality instruction.

We know that education as we know it will never be the same. While it is clear that there are no easy answers, quick solutions or concrete approaches to return to the lives as we once knew as normal, we continue to work toward the return to face-toface instruction delivered in the traditional brick and mortar of the schoolhouse. We will continue to evaluate our options as we plan to phase in face-toface instruction that will ensure everyone’s safety.

An essential priority in the reopening of schools is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. As a result, we formed a task force and utilized various resources to create a detailed plan to safely return to school. Resources that contributed to the development of the plan included guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Department of Education.

The reopening of schools plan is available on the school district's website. While the document has been developed, flexibility continues to be underscored as adjustments may be necessitated by ongoing guidance and for compliance. Our goal is to maintain a normalized environment where students can learn and teachers can teach. This year’s return to school will come with new protocols and procedures in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Our team is committed to delivering a balanced educational program designed to provide access and opportunity for all students as we prepare them for college, a career and/or military readiness. We are also emphasizing a well-rounded approach to address the social and emotional needs to support the whole child.

We encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the Sumter School District website for important information. We are grateful for the dedicated staff who will ensure that the coming year is one filled with innovation, learning and engagement resulting in the success of our children.

Thank you for your patience and continued support during these trying times. We understand the challenges faced during these uncertain times but reassure you that we will continue to focus on the whole child. Sumter School District looks forward to working closely with you and our community to provide a caring and nurturing learning environment where all children can be successful. We are focused and committed to emerging stronger. Together Sumter: Every School, Every Student, Every Day! We are #Sumter Strong!

For the children,

Dr. Penelope E. Martin-Knox Superintendent

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 3

Welcome

from Sumter Economic Development We want to welcome you back to school and encourage you all to have an extraordinary year of learning.

Certainly, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures and people. Long before we knew COVID-19 would lead to a virtual learning environment, our district was taking steps to stand out by becoming STEMcertified, by leaping forward in testing and instruction and by challenging capacity for greatness. The emergence of COVID-19 will undoubtedly strengthen your resilience and will serve as a reminder of the importance of being flexible and buoyant. While there are a multitude of uncertainties that accompany this world-wide pandemic, you can rest assured that the entire community is advocating for your very best outcome as you become one of our very best assets.

As economic developers, we recognize the significance that Sumter School District plays in developing our talent and making us globally competitive when recruiting new businesses and expanding those already here. That’s why we continue to support and advocate for our district

by developing and hosting the Manufacturing and Technology Expo for eighth grade students; leading the development and design of the internationally recognized community-wide eSTEAM Sumter Festival; initiating the Emerging Leaders Program; and supporting the E3 Teachers Summer Symposium. We embrace the opportunity to collaborate with our education and business stakeholders to empower skilled and prepared Sumter students.

Now, as we embark on this unique and unparalleled 2020-21 school year together, the one word that continually surfaces in my mind is the same word that started this message—extraordinary. The extraordinary circumstances in which we now find ourselves is a call to action for extraordinary students, staff and schools. And we are so very fortunate to have all three elements right HERE. Have a great year, and make the most of this extraordinary time. We will be right by your side.

Jay Schwedler President and CEO Sumter Economic Development TheLINK Economic Development Alliance Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 5

WELCOME

from The Sumter Item

On behalf on The Sumter Item, I’d like to welcome you to the 2020-21 Sumter School District Welcome Guide. As the Sumter region’s leader in media for more than 125 years, we are glad you are here.

Inside these pages and throughout this school year, you will see complete and vibrant coverage of our local schools through The Sumter Item. From features on exceptional student achievement to explanations of complex budget issues to videos on unique programs in our classrooms, our mission as Sumter’s premier media company is to keep you informed and entertained.

Of course, this year is different than most due to the pandemic, and our mission to keep you ‘in the know’ is more vital than ever as local education evolves.

The Sumter Item of today is more than just a newspaper. Studio Sumter, the video wing of our media operation, produces shows such as Sumter Today.

Sumter Today, posted Monday through Friday at TheItem.com and Facebook. com/theitem, highlights some of the great things happening throughout our community, including much of the progress being made inside our schools.

Our popular local sports coverage is also on display daily inside our newspaper, as well as on our website and social media. Follow The Item Sports across our social pages for exciting, expanding coverage of our local teams throughout this 2020-21 school year.

If you have not already, please consider subscribing to our local print and online coverage at The Sumter Item.

You can do so by calling our office at (803) 774-1200 or by visiting theitem.com/subscribe.

I’d also like to thank our incredible local business partners. Throughout these pages, you will see many of the people and businesses committed to helping build our school system and a better Sumter.

Support our local sponsors. Take care of yourself and your family. Thank our local teachers.

I hope you enjoy this magazine.

Best Regards,

Vince Johnson Publisher, The Sumter Item

6 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

What's inside

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Sumter School District: Who We Are .................... 8 District Administration Contacts .......................... 9 District Overview .................................................... 10 Working from Home

Attendance & New Student Registration ............. 11 Food and Nutrition .................................................. 12 Inclement Weather Procedures ............................. 14 Fire Safety ............................................................... 15 School Safety .......................................................... 16 Partners in Education ............................................. 17 School Directory and Principals ............................ 20 Sumter School District Board of Trustees ............ 22 Sumter Education Foundation............................... 24 Career Readiness.................................................... 25 Points of Pride ......................................................... 26 Teacher of the Year Finalists .................................. 28 Campus Teachers of the Year ................................ 29 District Teacher of the Year Winner ....................... 30 School Calendar ..................................................... 34

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About this publication The 2020-21 Sumter School District Welcome Guide is a partnership between The Sumter Item, the school district's Public Information Office and Sumter Economic Development.

Copyright 2020, The Sumter Item, Sumter School District

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Twitter.com/ SumterSCSchools 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 7

E R A E W WHO Mission:

sible,

to be respon is to equip students t ric st Di ol ho Sc r te The mission of Sum al society. tive citizens in a glob uc od pr d an ul sf es succ

Vision:

onsibly, e diversity, act resp ac br em to ts en ud st rict will educate all Sumter School Dist al society. tit a compe ive, glob in ly ive sit po e ut and contrib

Motto:

r and Enrich!

To Educate, Empowe

: s f e i l e B & s e u Val

l stakeholders nce requires that al lle ce ex l na io at uc cellence: Ed •Commitment to Ex ement. r and growth and improv l ua in nt co r fo iding sense of hono e ab riv an st n ai nt ai m d Standards: Build an •Unyielding Ethical andards. acterized by high st d will be integrity that is char for their actions an e bl ta un co ac e ar l stakeholders •Accountability: Al cceed based eds of others. e opportunity to su th d responsive to the ne te an gr e ar ts le Child: All studen •Educating the Who learn in an on individual needs. ts have the right to en ud St t: en m on arning Envir •Providing a Safe Le ive to learning. and valuable environment conduc eholders: Pervasive ak St t gs on am t or Supp tions.

•Collaboration and l strategies and solu fu ng ni ea m te ea cr collaborative efforts

Sumter School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in admission to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.

8 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Who to call Sumter School District 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900 www.Sumterschools.net

Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Superintendent Ext. 100 Penelope.martinknox@sumterschools.net Amy Hansen, Administrative Manager to Superintendent and Board of Trustees Ext. 100 Amy.hansen@sumterschools.net Dr. Brenda Hafner, Chief of Schools Ext. 103 Brenda.hafner@sumterschools.net Jennifer Miller, Chief Finance Officer Ext. 312 Jennifer.miller@sumterschools.net Dr. John Koumas, Chief Human Resources Officer Ext. 208 John.koumas@sumterschools.net Shelly Galloway, Executive Director of Communication and Community Engagement Ext. 105 Shelly.galloway@sumterschools.net Dr. Jadé McLeod, Executive Director of Instruction Ext. 516 Jade.mcleod@sumterschools.net

Samuel Myers, Executive Director of Operations Ext. 510 Samule.myers@sumterschools.net

Food Services Stacey Francis, Director of Food Services 4255 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: (803) 499-5950, ext. 109 Stacey.francis@sumterschools.net

Transportation Services Leonard Brailsford, Area One Hillcrest Transportation Office (Crestwood High Feeder Schools) 4305 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: (803) 499-3422 Leonard.brailsford@sumterschools.net Joshua Johnson, Area Two Sumter High Transportation Office (Sumter High Feeder Schools) 2580 McCray’s Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-4480, ext. 6235 Joshua.johnson@sumterschools.net Brian Jones, Area Three Furman Transportation Office (Lakewood High Feeder Schools) 3400 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-3168 or 481.3169 Brian.jones@sumterschools.net

Arpad Jonas, Executive Director of Information Systems and Technology Ext. 132 Arpad.jonas@sumterschools.net Veronne Davis, Executive Director of Student Support Services (803) 774-5500 Veronne.davis@sumterschools.net 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 9

District Overview

Sumter School District works diligently to help all students to develop the world-class skills, life and career characteristics of the Profile of the SC Graduate by equipping them to be responsible, successful and productive citizens in a global society. We focus on student achievement by ensuring challenging curricula and high expectations. Gaining reaccreditation by AdvancEd, the organization that conducts rigorous on-site, external reviews of schools and school systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential, is evidence of our academic success and continuous improvement.

Our academic programs address rigorous standards in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Research-based best practices focus on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.

Data is used to plan and implement instruction to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress and set appropriate goals. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) uses data-based problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention.

The district infuses 21st-century teaching by emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the use of digital libraries and the implementation of cutting-edge technology. Our students have access to world languages, fine arts, advanced placement, college level dual enrollment, the International Baccalaureate program and the Gifted and Talented program. Through our expansive Career and Technology Education (CATE) courses and numerous offerings at the Sumter Career and Technology Center, our students are developing career-ready skills. Sumter School District also produces well-rounded students through robust athletic programs and award-winning extracurricular clubs and organizations.

Our students develop life and career characteristics and soft skills through career exploration including exposure to employers via career fairs, shadowing, work cooperatives and partnerships; efforts and events sponsored by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and workforce readiness partners; and mentoring programs. Character development is encouraged and taught through character education, classroom guidance, small groups and intervention programs. Sumter School District works diligently to ensure that every student graduates on time and is prepared for post-secondary education, is career ready and has the foundation to become a productive citizen.

Sumter School District remains dedicated to its mission of equipping our students to be responsible, successful and productive citizens in a global society. A strong partnership between our families, the community and school personnel greatly enhances academic progress, and we are extremely grateful for your continued support. Our theme this year, “Together Sumter: Every School, Every Student, Every Day,� communicates our commitment to providing every student with a world-class education that will serve as a foundation for their future success.

10 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Attendance

Attendance Is important on the First and All Days of School It is imperative that students attend school regularly.

While some absences for illness are unavoidable, nothing can replace the educational, cultural and social contacts students experience through regular participation in class. Students with good attendance achieve more than students who are often absent.

Attendance is also a major criterion in preparing students for the world of work.

According to state law, students must attend a minimum of 180 days of school a year. New state attendance requirements identify a student as absent if a student is not in attendance for at least 50% of the instructional day. Additionally, students designated as absent (regardless of the reason) for 10% or more days of instruction will be reported to the State Department of Education as chronically absent.

Written notes from the parent, guardian or attending physician must be submitted within three days after returning to school or the absence will be considered unlawful. An absence is considered lawful when it is

the result of illness, death in the immediate family, emergencies and recognized religious holidays. A limited number of parent notes may be accepted at the discretion of the principal.

South Carolina law states that a student is deemed truant after three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences. School attendance personnel will contact the parent/guardian regarding unlawful absences and will schedule a conference to develop cooperatively a Student Attendance Intervention Plan, as required by law.

High school students who have more than five unlawful absences in a one-unit course or three unlawful absences in a half-unit course may lose credit for the course. Absences are counted in the high schools and middle schools by class, so students are encouraged to report promptly to every class.

For further information on attendance laws, contact Coordinator of Attendance Services Robin Mixon at (803) 469-6900, extension 506.

New Student Registration Registration Information

Parents who plan to enroll their child in Sumter School District for the first time are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to avoid last minute crowds. Parents may register their child in the school zoned for their residence during regular school hours.

Persons unsure of their school zone may contact the district’s attendance office at (803) 469-6900, extension 506.

Children must be 4 or 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, respectively. State law mandates that children ages 5 to 17 must be in school.

Upon registration, parents are required to provide school personnel with the child’s official birth certificate or other proof of name and age, proof of residence and the SC Immunization Form (DHEC 2740).

The district recommends that parents of children transferring from another school district also bring the child’s latest report card. Children transferring from out of state must have their health certificate information on a South Carolina form. Parents must take out-of-state certificates to a doctor or clinic in South Carolina to have the information transferred to the correct form.

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 11

Food Nutriti n All schools in Sumter School District offer wellbalanced and nutritious breakfasts and lunches in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. A standard breakfast will include a protein such as sausage, cheese or egg, low-fat milk, fruit or fruit juice and a variety of whole wheat grains (bread). The standard lunch includes a choice of meat or other protein, at least two vegetables, fruit or fruit juice, whole wheat grains (bread) and milk. Middle and high school students also have a la carte options.

All lunch and breakfast meals in Sumter School District are free of charge to all students. No meal applications are required or will be accepted.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, the weekly distribution of meals will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 noon at the following locations: Crestwood High

School, Hillcrest Middle School, Sumter High School, Cherryvale Elementary School, Crosswell Drive Elementary School, Chestnut Oaks Middle School, Willow Drive Elementary School, R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, Pocalla Springs Elementary School, Manchester Elementary School, Rafting Creek Elementary School, Bates Middle School, Oakland Primary School, Alice Drive Middle School, Kingsbury Elementary School and Wilder Elementary School.

Each Wednesday, students will receive breakfast and lunch for the entire week. To ensure food safety, please make sure meals are properly stored and refrigerated. When the parent/guardian or student picks up the meals, please provide the student’s meal card. (The student does not need to be present.)

Because of Covid-19, meals will also be delivered to specific areas of the community each Wednesday according to the following schedule: • Iris Winds 10 a.m. / Sherwood Forest 10:30 a.m.

• Mary McLeod Bethune Library 10:30 a.m./ Third Street 11:00 a.m.

• Salterstown Center 10 a.m. / Falcon Crest 10:45 a.m.

• Shiloh Community Center 10 a.m. / St. John’s School 10:45 a.m.

• Catchall Center 10 a.m. / Oakland Primary 10:45 a.m./ Shaw Heights 11:15 a.m.

• Crescent Mobile Homes 10 a.m./ American Mobile Homes 10:45 a.m.

• J. Delaine Community Center 10 a.m.

• Windsor City 10 a.m. / Hunter’s Crossing 10:45 a.m.

• Frierson Mobile Homes 10 a.m. / Ebenezer Center 10:45 a.m.

• Whispering Meadows 10 a.m. /Annie & Bush 10:30 a.m. / Lee Altman 11 a.m.

• Homestead 10 a.m./ Cotton Acres 10:45 a.m. / Cannery Road 11:30 a.m.

• New Bethel Church 10 a.m. / A&J Mobile Homes 10:45 a.m./ Pack Road 11 a.m.

• Pinewood Community Center 10:30 a.m. / Pinewood Gardens 11 a.m.

• Pioneer Drive 10 a.m. / Country Springs 10:30 a.m./ Havenwood 11 a.m./ Pearson Rd. 11:20 AM/ Timmerman 11:35 a.m.

• Wedgefield Post Office 10:15 a.m.

12 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

• North HOPE Center 10 a.m. /Trinity Baptist Church 10:45 a.m.

• Lantana Apts. 10:45 a.m. / Chestnut Point 11:10 a.m./ Dillon Park 11:30 a.m.

• South HOPE Center 10 a.m. /Lemira Elementary 10:45 a.m.

• Crosswell Drive Elementary 10:15 a.m. / Harmony Court 11 a.m.

• Jehovah FLE Center 10:45 a.m.

• Birnie HOPE Center 10 a.m.

• Coachman Apartments 10:30 a.m.

• Millwood School 10 a.m.

• Rembert Community Center 10 a.m.

• Rembert Post Office 10:30 a.m.

• Pisgah Cross Roads 11:15 a.m. *Distribution sites subject to change For questions regarding the school food service program, contact Stacey Francis, director of food and nutrition services, at (803) 499-5950, ext. 109.

Sumter School District is a USDA equal opportunity employer and provider.

EXCELLENT CARE. OUTSTANDING PHYSICIANS. Serving Clarendon | Sumter | Williamsburg | Orangeburg | Lee Counties Primary Care

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Eagerton Family Practice Carmen Cribb, DO Robert S. Eagerton, MD Renee Ward, FNP

McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon Monica Ploetzke, MD Tom Chappell, CNM

200 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0439 McLeod Primary Care Clarendon Clarence E. Coker, Jr., MD Lisa E. Heichberger, MD Susanne Johnson, FNP

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 4A Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0797

Orthopedics McLeod Orthopaedics Associates Rodney K. Alan, MD David Woodbury, MD John Carpenter, PA-C

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 4 Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-8828

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (843) 777-7900

Palmetto Adult Medicine Sumter Harry A. Jordan, Jr., MD Ansel R. McFaddin, MD Andrew J. Reynolds, MD Hugh T. Stoddard, Jr., MD Katherine S. Coffey, PA-C Abbie F. Kirby, PA-C James R. McMahon, FNP Emily J. Miller, PA-C

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 6 Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-3065

Surgery

1295 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 905-6800 McLeod Primary Care Turbeville Abbie Kirby, PA-C Amanda McConnell, PA-C

McLeod Surgery Clarendon Devonne D. Barrineau, MD 15 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-2822 Sumter Clinic: Danielle Saldaña, MD

1126 Clarence Coker Highway, Turbeville, SC 29162 (843) 659-2114 McLeod Family Medicine Kingstree Raymond K. Allen, MD Andrew Gulledge, FNP 512 Nelson Boulevard, Suite 200 Kingstree, SC 29556 (843) 355-5459

540 Physicians Lane Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 340-5110

Urology McLeod Urology Associates Sumter Kelly Maloney, MD 540 Phyisicans Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 340-5100

Cardiology

Vascular

McLeod Cardiology Associates Ryan C. Garbalosa, DO Prabal Guha, MD Dennis Lang, DO

McLeod Vascular Associates Gabor A. Winkler, MD

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 883-5171

540 Phyisicans Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 777-7043

Manning Clinic: 21 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102

Clarendon www.mcleodhealthclarendon.org

62763 Revised 08/25/20

Inclement Weather Procedures During periods of unsafe weather conditions when it may be questionable to hold school, the school district has several options including closing school, opening schools one hour late or opening schools two hours late.

Decisions for any of these options will be announced to the public no later than 5 a.m. on the day in question on the following local radio and television stations: WIBZ 95.5 FM, WKHT 93.7 FM, WICI 94.7 FM, and WDXY 1240 AM. The television stations used are WIS TV 10, WOLO TV 25, WBTW 13, WACH 6, and WLTX TV 19.

Information will also be announced in The Sumter Item, at TheItem.com and on the Sumter School District website, Facebook page and Twitter page.

Parents will also be notified by telephone through Edulink. Please make sure the school has your correct contact information.

Announcements are only made if there is a delay or closing.

Local Radio: WIBZ 95.5 FM I WKHT 93.7 FM I WICI 94.7 FM I WDXY 1240 AM Local TV: WIS TV 10 I WOLO TV 25 I WBTW 13 I WACH 6 I WLTX TV 19

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14 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Fire Safety

Sumter School District works with the Sumter Fire Department to run fire drills in schools and make sure students and staff know safe exits and procedures in the case of an emergency.

Safety tips from the Sumter Department On the day of the drill, the emergency drill alarm should be sounded on the school fire alarm system. Make sure that everyone can recognize the sound of the alarm and knows what to do when it sounds.

Teachers, officials and staff should be familiar with the school's fire protection system, including the location of fire alarm pull stations and sprinklers.

On the day of the fire drill, everyone in the school should participate.

Students with specific needs should be assigned an adult. Fire drills are a good opportunity to identify who among the student population requires extra assistance.

While it's important to make sure students leave the building as quickly as possible, order is more important than speed when it comes to conducting a safe fire drill.

Once everyone has safely exited the building, they should remain outside at a predetermined location until the 'all clear' has been given to re-enter the school.

Use rosters to ensure every student is accounted for.

Fire drills should be held both at expected and at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the conditions that can occur in an actual emergency.

School fire drills are a model for students to use in their homes. Encourage students to practice their escape plans at home — just as they do at school.

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 15

School Safety The first and most important priority of Sumter School District is the safety of our students and staff. Certainly in this day and age we can never be absolutely protected against all circumstances, but we do educate our students and staff throughout the year and rely on our parents to help us ensure we reinforce our own safety procedures.

Our joint emergency action plans were developed in accordance with state and federal best practices and in partnership with local public safety professionals.

Law enforcement is a partner in the annual review of the plans, and they evaluate our implementation of emergency drills and provide training for school staff as requested. The review of our plans reveal strengths and weaknesses, and in some cases, procedures are revised or enhanced.

Each joint emergency action plan at the school level helps prepare school sites on lockdown drills,

evacuation procedures, natural disaster precautions as well as communication with families, students, parents and communities during a crisis. School safety procedures also address the access of our buildings by the public. A variety of drills are conducted on a regular basis. Training in school safety for school staff takes place throughout the year, and the school district also provides immediate crisis response training for the Disturbance Intervention Response teams and the Mental Health Support teams.

Again, the safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority at all times in Sumter School District. Working together, we can ensure that the educational process is allowed to continue in the safe, uninterrupted environment that our children deserve.

Seeing our students thrive makes us all very proud.

Have a great year and know

the best is yet to come 16 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

.

Partners in Education The Sumter Partners In Education program is a joint venture between the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and Sumter’s public and private schools. By establishing and maintaining creative, quality partnerships to support Sumter’s schools, our community is making a positive difference for Sumter’s children. Individuals, businesses and groups are all instrumental in the success of our partnership efforts.

No business or organization is too large or small to serve as a partner. Each can contribute in a variety of ways, all of which are integral in ensuring each student receives the best education possible. Partner activities include financial contributions, in-kind donations and services, sponsorship of events and awards, attendance and academic incentives, internships, volunteering and mentoring. In turn, schools offer the partners what they can in order

to make the partnership truly beneficial for both partners.

Partnerships not only benefit students and schools, they also strengthen and provide advantages to the community. Today’s students will be the workforce of tomorrow. By investing in students’ education, the local community is essentially investing in itself to ensure its success for tomorrow.

If you are interested in becoming a community partner or adopting a school, please contact Shelly Galloway, executive director of communication and community engagement, at (803) 469-6900, extension 105. Become a Sumter Partner In Education and help make students’ dreams come true.

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 17

2

Associate’s Degrees & Bachelor’s Degrees

18

Palmetto College

Average

class size

9

17

105+ USC Sumter

Scholarship Opportunities OVER

$

91%

of our students receive some form of financial aid

NJCAA Athletics Teams

Baseball, Softball, Women’s Voll V eyball,

T , Men’s & Women’s Golf Men’s & Women’s Tennis and Men’s & Women’s Soccer

18 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

We enroll

Students from over

100 high schools in

South Carolina

Apply Online @

uscsumter. r edu r. and get started on your future today!

Serving the communities of our region since 1966

DARLINGTON KERSHAW A AW

LEE FLORENCE

20+

SUMTER

student clubs

& activities

CLARENDON

WILLIAMSBURG

University of South Carolina Sumter 200 Miller Road • Sumter, SC 29150

CALL or TEXT 803-408-7811 • USCSUMTER.EDU 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 19

School

DIRECTORY

Alice Drive Elementary

Lemira Elementary

Suzanna Foley, Principal 251 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0857 Fax: 775-7580 http://ade.sumterschools.net

Dr. Vanessa Canty, Principal 952 Fulton St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0658 Fax: 778-2730 http://lme.sumterschools.net

Cherryvale Elementary

Manchester Elementary

Pamela Rhodes, Principal 1420 Furman Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 494-8200 Fax: 494-8233 http://ces.sumterschools.net

Dr. Joan Tye, Principal 200 E. Clark St. Pinewood, SC 29125 Phone: 452-5454 Fax: 452-5423 http://mes.sumterschools.net

Crosswell Drive Elementary

Millwood Elementary

Dr. Shawn Hagerty, Principal 301 Crosswell Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0679 Fax: 778-2857 http://cde.sumterschools.net

Dr. Cornelius Leach, Principal 24 Pinewood Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0648 Fax: 436-2987 http://mwe.sumterschools.net

High Hills Elementary

Oakland Primary

Dr. Mary Kay Norton, Principal 1705 Frierson Road Shaw AFB, SC 29152 Phone: 499-3327 Fax: 499-9553 http://hhes.sumterschools.net

Josh Campbell, Principal 5415 Oakland Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 499-3366 Fax: 499-3361 http://ops.sumterschools.net

Kingsbury Elementary

Pocalla Springs Elementary

Phillip Jackson, Principal 825 Kingsbury Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 775-6244 Fax: 775-7021 http://kbe.sumterschools.net

Michelle-Curry McBride, Principal 2060 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-5800 Fax: 481-5813 http://pses.sumterschools.net

20 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy Anita Hunter, Principal 345 Eastern School Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 495-3247 Fax: 495-3211 http://redcpa.sumterschools.net

Rafting Creek Elementary Jennifer Howard, Principal 4100 Hwy. 261 North Rembert, SC 29128 Phone: 432-2994 Fax: 425-7386 http://rces.sumterschools.net

Shaw Heights Elementary Dr. Melissa Morris, Principal 1495 Frierson Road Shaw AFB, SC 29152 Phone: 666-2335 Fax: 666-3719 http://shes.sumterschools.net

Wilder Elementary David Wright, Principal 975 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 773-5723 Fax: 778-2918 http://wld.sumterschools.net

Willow Drive Elementary Preston Spratt, Principal 26 Willow Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 773-5796 Fax: 778-2847 http://wde.sumterschools.net

Alice Drive Middle

Hillcrest Middle

Sumter Career and Technology Center

Jeannie Pressley, Principal 40 Miller Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0821 Fax: 778-2929 http://adm.sumterschools.net

Tarsha Staggers, Principal 4355 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: 499-3341 Fax: 499-3353 http://hms.sumterschools.net

Bates Middle

Crestwood High School

Dr. Ayesha Hunter, Principal 715 Estate St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0711 Fax: 775-0715 http://bms.sumterschools.net

Dr. Shirley Gamble, Principal 2000 Oswego Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 469-6200 Fax: 469-7678 http://chs.sumterschools.net

Sumter Adult Education

Chestnut Oaks Middle

Lakewood High School

Dr. Maggie Wright, Principal 1200 Oswego Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 775-7272 Fax: 775-7601 http://coms.sumterschools.net

Cedric McKnight, Principal 350 Old Manning Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 506-2700 Fax: 506-2712 http://lhs.sumterschools.net

Sumter School District Administrative Office

Ebenezer Middle

Sumter High School

Marlene De Wit, Principal 3440 Ebenezer Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 469-8571 Fax: 469-8575 http://ems.sumterschools.net

Nicholas Pearson, Principal 2580 McCrays Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-4480 Fax: 481-4021 http://shs.sumterschools.net

Furman Middle

Brewington Academy

Michael Riggins, Principal 3400 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-8519 Fax: 481-8923 http://fms.sumterschools.net

James Boone, Principal 4300 E. Brewington Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 495-8069 Fax: 495-8068 http://ba.sumterschools.net

Dr. Shirrie Miller, Principal 2612 McCrays Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-8575 Fax: 481-4232 http://sctc.sumterschools.net

Sharon Teigue, Director 905 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 778-6432 Fax: 775-4665

Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Superintendent 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 469-6900 Fax: 469-3769 http://sumterschools.net

Sumter School District Annex 220 Hasel St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 774-5500

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2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 21

Board of Trustees *Ralph W. Canty, Sr., D.Min., Chairman Area 6 312 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-2263/Home (803) 773-3323/Office ralph.canty@sumterschools.net

Brian L. Alston

Area 1 3385N. Kings HY. 261 Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 572-1938/Cell alston4sc@gmail.com brian.alston@sumterschools.net

J. Frank Baker, Ed.D., Vice-Chairman

Member At-Large Seat 8 8670 Black River Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 968-5901/Cell Jfrankbaker49@gmail.com frank.baker@sumterschools.net

Sherril P. Ray

Area 2 528 Mimosa Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 491-7628/Cell sherril.ray@sumterschools.net

Rev. Daryl F. McGhaney, Clerk

Area 5 9770 Lynches River Road Lynchburg, SC 29080 (803) 437-2797/Home (803) 436-2343/Office vivian1@ftc-i.net or daryl.mcghaney@sumterschools.net

Matthew “Mac� McLeod

Area 3 2985 Bruce Circle Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 938-2701/Cell mac.mcleod@sumterschools.net

About the Board Sumter School District is governed by nine elected members of the Board of Trustees. Seven members represent single member districts throughout Sumter, and two are members at-large. The Board members are an important aspect of the district leadership. The Board sets policy, approves the budget, works with the Sumter County Legislative Delegation and Sumter County Council on issues of importance to the schools and oversees the efficient operation of the District.

The Board is committed to the education of students to the best of their individual abilities; to a constant awareness of the concerns and desires of the community regarding the quality and performance of the school system, with the Board assuming an educational leadership role; to the employment of a superintendent who will see that the district maintains a position as an outstanding school system and under whose leadership the school personnel will carry out the policies of the Board; and to the continued improvement of the district schools for the benefit of its students and their improved academic achievement.

22 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

*Term through Nov. 3, 2020

Contact Information John B. Hilton Jr., Ph.D. (Johnny)

Area 4 2691 Wedgefield Road Sumter, SC 29154 (803)468-4054/Cell johnny.hilton@sumterschools.net

Robin D. Mills, USAF

Deputy Dir. for Installation Support Shaw AFB Representative 504 Shaw Dr, Suite 2091 Shaw AFB, SC 29152-2091 (803) 895-1397/Office Robin.Mills@us.af.mil

Barbara R. Jackson Doctor of Pedagogy

Area 7 1510 Reedroman Road Sumter, SC 29153 (803) 316-5879/Cell barbarar.jackson@sumterschools.net

Amy Hansen

Administrative Manager to the Superintendent and Board 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 amy.hansen@sumterschools.net

Shawn T. Ragin

Member At-Large Seat 9 3835 Quiet Court Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 464-6859/Cell Shawnragin89@gmail.com shawn.ragin@sumterschools.net

Penelope Martin-Knox, Ed.D., Superintendent 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 penelope.martinknox@sumterschools.net

Additionally, the Board’s goals are as follows: •to communicate the educational expectations and aspirations of the community through the formulation of policies which stimulate the learner and the learning process •to manage the school system in accordance with board policy •to provide leadership in order that the goals and objectives of the school system can be effectively carried out •to maintain two-way communication with various publics served by the schools in order to interpret public attitudes, to identify policies and procedures of the schools, and to encourage public involvement with and understanding of the schools •to evaluate the data appropriate for the management functions of planning, evaluating, organizing and implementing the goals and objectives of the district •to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and align district resources with raising student achievement The Board of Trustees meet publicly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 PM unless otherwise announced.

Special meetings are scheduled as needed.

Our Board is a member of the South Carolina School Boards Association, and 100% of our members have completed the state’s orientation program.

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 23

Sumter Education

Foundation

Established in 2012, the Sumter Education Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm for Sumter School District. They operate independently from the school district under a separate Board of Directors. The Foundation is a chartered corporation in South Carolina and is tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Any gift to the Foundation provides a corresponding tax liability deduction from State and Federal income taxes (Taxpayer Identification # 57-0963633). All donations received are for the exclusive use of Sumter School District based on priorities established by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This commitment includes teacher innovation and recognition, student recognition, special programs/projects and grants for teachers. The Board of Directors acts as a fiscal agent for donors who wish to sponsor projects for schools, teachers and students. They also serve as a review committee for program ideas, gifts and grants available to schools and to individual departments, teachers, students and student groups to further the educational purposes of the Sumter Education Foundation and Sumter School District. Recognizing that the quality of education is important to the well-being of the community it serves, the Foundation Board will build upon the strong school system to ensure all students will be prepared to live, work and compete in tomorrow’s challenging workplace.

The Sumter Education Foundation embarked on a fundraising initiative to help our public schools Integrate Reading across the Curriculum. Their goal is to raise $500,000 to purchase sets of 500 books for each classroom library and other resources to support literacy in our classrooms as required in the Read to Succeed Act that was recently signed into law.

A classroom library is the heartbeat of a teacher’s environment. It is the window into an educator’s own personality, and it communicates the importance of literacy in the classroom. A large, varied and often-refreshed collection of books in the classroom improves reading performance in all subject areas. In addition, the more time children spend reading, the better readers they become.

Help us build a community of readers one book at a time. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit sefoundation.sumterschools.net.

24 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Career Readiness Sumter School District exposes students in grades k-12 to college and career readiness information. At the elementary level, students participate in career awareness activities; middle school students participate in career exploration activities such as interest and values assessments and the 8th grade Individual Graduation Plan conference; and in high school, students receive career guidance services to include interest skills and values assessments, job shadowing opportunities, internships, youth apprenticeships and cooperative learning opportunities that support choosing a cluster and major within the curriculum frameworks as part of their annual Individual Graduation Plan Conference. At all levels, CATE/Career Specialists sponsor field studies, which are different from field trips in that the field study is intended to expose students to career related information relevant to their age group. These activities are all in accordance with the Education and Economic Development Act’s (EEDA) initiative of Personal

Pathways to Success. Some of the programs used are the Microburst Employability Skills program and South Carolina Information System. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a coordinated, sponsored, coherent sequence of workplace experiences that are related to students’ career goals and/or interests, are based on instructional preparation, and are performed in partnership with local businesses, industries, or other organizations in the community. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment.

Every step along the Pathway is crucial to making each student's future a success.

Employment: Career Advancement

Continuing education and lifelong learning

Post-secondary: Career Preparation

Achieving credentials: college, certification, apprenticeships, military

9-12: Career Preparation

Academics and techincal courses, intensive guidance, individual graduation plans

8: Transition

Choosing a cluster of study and major (can change easily at any time)

6-8: Career Exploration Discovering interest areas

K-5: Career Awareness

Introduction to the world of careers 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 25

Points of Pride

• Accredited by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission • Over 80 National Board Certified teachers • Palmetto Gold and Silver Award recipients • Graduation rate above state average • Drop-out rate below the state average • Advanced Placement scores above the national average • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program at Sumter High School • Alice Drive Middle School, Bates Middle. Alice Drive Elementary: COGNIA Accredited STEM schools

26 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

• 10 STEM Cohort Schools • 14 AVID Schools • 3 Leader in Me Schools (Cherryvale Elementary, Rafting Creek Elementary and Shaw Heights Elementary) • 3 Arts in Basic Curriculum Schools (Cherryvale Elementary, Kingsbury Elementary and Crestwood High) • Lakewood High School, Grammy Signature School • National and state recognition for academic, fine arts and athletic programs • Over $200,000 worth of classroom library books

donated to schools through Sumter Education Foundation • Ben Carson Reading Rooms at R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, Shaw Heights Elementary and Manchester Elementary • State Teacher of the Year Finalists • Partners in Education initiative for mentors and community partners • Principal for the Day • One-to-Global Technology Initiative • Universal free breakfast and lunch • Full day pre-kindergarten program • Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) program • Air Force Junior ROTC at all high schools

• Extensive offerings for extracurricular, athletic and fine arts programs • Special programs: Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, Blind/Low Vision, Orthopedically Disabled, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Communication Disorder • Career and Technology Education (CATE) in the middle and high schools, in addition to programs offered at the Sumter Career and Technology Center • Environmental centers located at all three high schools • Talented and Gifted program in all district schools • Advanced Placement courses in English language composition, calculus, studio art, U.S. History and chemistry • Dual Credit Courses with USC Sumter and Central Carolina Technical College • Early College program through USC Sumter • Adult Education program • Comprehensive guidance • School psychologists and social workers • Alternative programs for at-risk youth • Service learning

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2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 27

Teacher of the Year

Finalists

Amy Chua is a third-grade general education teacher at Alice Drive Elementary and six-

year veteran to the profession. This is also her first time being named a campus teacher of the year.

Born and raised in Sumter, Chua has been at Alice Drive since she began teaching in August 2014.

She said she was completely surprised when the superintendent and others pulled into her driveway to surprise her with the announcement she was a finalist. In the classroom, relationships with students are most important and come first, she said, and mutual trust is key.

District Teacher of the Year for the 2020-21 school year.

Theresa Bailey has never been a campus teacher of the year, she said, but she was South Carolina's State Chemistry Teacher of the Year about a decade ago while in Lexington County.

That was a major recognition, but she said the compliments she receives from former students are the most special part of the job.

Bailey worked as a chemistry teacher at Spring Valley High School in Northeast Columbia before coming to Sumter in 2016.

She said she felt she had everything she could ever want at Spring Valley but has since learned that Sumter was her calling.

"After the second year here in Sumter, I knew this was a place that needed me, and I have a desire to be needed," Bailey said. "I can do more with kids who are at a lower (socio-economic) level than I could with those who were at the higher level and make a bigger difference. And, I have learned that. I have decided that this is where I need to be, and this is where God wanted me to be."

Steffanie Taylor is an eighth-grade science teacher and is in her fifth year teaching. With a bachelor's degree in biology from Winthrop University, Taylor worked in social work as a qualified intellectual disabilities professional for five years before realizing her calling was to be a classroom teacher.

She's been at Chestnut Oaks Middle School ever since.

Taylor said she finds it best to provide learning in an enjoyable environment for the children and thinks children need that in order to have hope.

"At the beginning of the school year, I always start by telling my personal story to relate to them," Taylor said. "I struggled in middle school and wasn't an 'A-B' student, and it took teachers in high school to really see my potential and push me and make learning fun."

What also helps her connect with middle schoolers is attending their extracurricular events and later talking about them with the students.

28 2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Campus Teachers of the Year 2020-2021 Amy Chua

Operdella Choice-Miller

Elizabeth Keefe

Alice Drive Elementary

Furman Middle

Pocalla Springs Elementary

Hope Spann

Lauren Hansen

Alice Drive Middle

High Hills Elementary

Carolyn Phillips

Erica Lyles

Sandra Conley

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy

Bates Middle

Hillcrest Middle

Marcia Ragin

Annette McCaffrey

Brewington Academy

Kingsbury Elementary

Dahlia Konnert

Vakenya Rhems

Cherryvale Elementary

Lakewood High

Steffanie Taylor

Samantha Smith

Christi English Rafting Creek Elementary

Adrienne Kennedy Shaw Heights Elementary

Wendy Jacobs

Chestnut Oaks Middle

Lemira Elementary

Sumter Career and Technology Center

Sharease McDowellDwyer

Nicky Pack

Theresa Bailey

Manchester Elementary

Sumter High School

Kathy Lyons

Regan Yates

Millwood Elementary

Wilder Elementary

Lauren Weathers

Jaime Patterson

Oakland Primary School Teacher of the Year

Willow Drive Elementary

Crestwood High

Juanice McLaurin Crosswell Drive Elementary

Nicole Anaya Ebenezer Middle

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 29

Alice Drive Elementary's Chua wins district's top teacher honor

BY BRUCE MILLS Sumter School District named Amy Chua its District Teacher of the Year for the 2020-21 school year. Chua is a third-grade teacher at Alice Drive Elementary School.

District administration made the announcement during its annual opening meeting for teachers, administrators and staff held this year on YouTube Premiere due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born and raised in Sumter, Chua has been at Alice Drive since she began teaching in August 2014.

In the spring, Chua was named her school’s teacher of the year and then one of three finalists for the district’s top honor.

“I went to school there. It was always my dream to go back to Alice Drive and be able to teach there,” Chua said after being named a finalist in May. “I feel a huge sense of responsibility to give back to Sumter

and for the future of Sumter, for the children that will one day be our community’s leaders.”

The other finalists were Chestnut Oaks Middle School's Steffanie Taylor and Sumter High School’s Theresa Bailey.

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THANK YOU for supporting Sumter’s

nationally acclaimed local news outlet It’s been a year for the books – and award plaques – at The Sumter Item.

From the content and design of the 125-year-old newspaper to video and events, our small, dedicated staff at The Item has been honored to receive a handful of different recognitions, both statewide and nationally.

The Sumter Item was named one of three finalists for the 2020 Mega-Innovation Award for newspapers.

Along with The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Salt Lake Tribune, The Item presented its precedent for large-scale changes and continued vision for sustainable local news at the nation’s largest annual newspaper gathering in February 2020.

Also in February, The Sumter Item was chosen for the state’s largest Facebook Journalism Project grant.

Combined with a grant from the Google News Initiative, The Item was awarded $107,000 for expanded COVID-19 coverage and to bring local news to communities that have been historically underrepresented and incompletely portrayed.

Over the summer, The Item was recognized with a media appreciation award for its positive community

coverage of the Sumter Fire Department that goes beyond breaking news. The award was presented by the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association.

The Sumter Item’s newsroom won 21 awards from the South Carolina Press Association for work done in 2019, ranging in honors for writing, photography, video and page design in the organization’s annual news contest. In the SCPA contest for work done in 2018, the newsroom secured 13 awards, including six first-place recognitions.

This year’s eight first-place awards included one for in-depth reporting on the education beat, two feature articles, one for front page design and four photos.

The second- and third-place awards included three episodes of Sumter Today, five photos, one for frontpage design, one for coverage of the police beat, two feature articles and one for innovation.

We are here every day for you, our community. To improve it and to hold it accountable. Thank you for your support and trust because it takes you to make all of this possible.

Interested in Subscribing?

Get $50 Off an annual print and digital subscription to The Sumter Item when you mention the Sumter School District Welcome Guide. Call (803) 774-1200 to set up your subscription. * New subscribers only. Must live in The Sumter Item delivery area. Annual subscription rate of $149 represents $50 off The Sumter Item’s regular annual subscription rate of $199.

2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 31

#TEACHSUMTER

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2020-2021 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 33

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Last Day 3rd Quarter First Day 4th Quarter

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Interim Reports Memorial Day Holiday

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