State Superintendent Visits Dutch Fork High!

By Kelly Payne, Social Studies Teacher

Dutch Fork High School got a special visit form the state’s top educator on Wednesday, September 29^th. State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex spoke to Kelly Payne’s Current Issues class, using the opportunity to discuss education funding in South Carolina, greater financial transparency at the school level, challenges facing public schools, and the need to recruit and retain excellent teachers for every classroom.

Rex told the class about the Teach for America program where the top 1% of Ivy League grads teach for two years in high poverty school districts. South Carolina is in the process of partnering with Teach for America next year.

The students asked Rex, “How can we cut a path towards better schools? And what exactly do we need to change in order to increase academic achievement?” Rex surmised we need stable funding, smart spending, and the ability to reward outstanding teachers and replace bad ones.

Rex’s visit was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet our state superintendent who is in his last months of serving as state superintendent, Payne said. “Improving education is one of the biggest issues we face in South Carolina, so it was meaningful for my students to hear directly from Dr. Rex about his experiences leading our states education system. It meant a lot to the students that he took time from his busy schedule to be with us.”

Rex is the latest in a series of top state leaders to speak to Payne’s students. Previous guests this semester have included, Representative Nathan Ballentine, South Carolina Treasurer Elect Curtis Loftis, Richland County Council Chairman Damon Jeter, and The State Paper political reporter, John O’Connor.

The anunual College Fair (Ed-Op) is this Monday, October 4th in the Dutch Fork gym. Seniors are welcome from 10:00-10:30 am. Juniors can join the fun from 10:30-10:50. Over 50 college reps will be available to answer questions and provide information. Parents are welcome to attend.
http://ping.fm/uYatH

Free ACT Preparation!

The PLAN Assessment will be administered to all 10th grade students on Wednesday, September 29, 2010.  The program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. All 9th and 11th graders who want to register for this assessment, please contact Mrs. Turnage (KATurnag@lex5.k12.sc.us) in guidance.

DFHS Journalism Kudos
http://ping.fm/CnskD

DFHS Journalism Kudos

Congratulations to Debbie Gascon (and the staff of The Legacy) and Russell Young (and the staff of Revelations) for once again making Dutch Fork proud!

 

At the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association's annual yearbook and literary magazine competitions:

 

Revelations earned an Honor rating and won 1st place in Non-Fiction writing.

 

The Legacy won Best Cover, 3rd place in Feature Photography, 2nd place in Sports Photography, earned a Superior rating, and brought home the Palmetto Award (distinguishing it as the Best Yearbook in its division).

SC Teacher Of The Year To Visit DFHS

Dutch Fork High School will welcome Kelly Hall Nalley, the South Carolina Teacher of the Year, on Thursday, September 30.  Nalley began her career as a middle school Spanish teacher and was most recently a Spanish teacher at Fork Shoals School in Greenville. As a 13-year teaching veteran, Nalley has developed and written curriculum for her school district and led elementary and secondary Spanish workshops.  In addition to having served as a Teacher Cadet cooperating teacher, she is an elementary foreign language teacher trainer and a new teacher mentor. During her time at Dutch Fork High School on Thursday, she will work closely with Mrs. Carol Jackson and the Teacher Cadets, as well as meet with the school's PBIS committee. For more information about Nalley and her contributions to public education, please visit the Cerra website.

http://www.cerra.org/newsAndMedia/articles/65.html

DUTCH FORK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CONSTITUTION DAY OBERSERVANCE, THE ANNUAL JAMES OTIS JR. LECTURE AT THE STATE HOUSE

By: Ms. Kelly Payne, Social Studies Teacher

The Honorable Matthew J. Perry joined high school students from across South Carolina at the State House September 17, for the second annual Constitution Day Observance James Otis Jr. Lecture at the State House.

“What an incredible opportunity for our students to listen to one of the greatest civil rights lawyers in the history of South Carolina,” said Kelly Payne, Dutch Fork High School Social Studies teacher.

This year’s program focused on the 14^th Amendment, which formally defines citizenship and protects a person’s civil and political rights. The amendment has been garnering a lot of national attention recently as it relates to the children of illegal immigrants right to citizenship. “My students have been studying this national issue and had a chance to take a compelling look at our nation’s history live from the floor of the South Carolina State House,” Payne said, “It was an honor to participate in this historic event with more than 125 other students from communities throughout South Carolina.”

The lecture is named after James Otis, Jr. who was one of the most influential lawyers in American history. Every high school in the state was invited to send one student as a prominent “James Otis Scholar.” Dutch Fork’s scholar for 2010 was senior, Taylor Moore. Mr. Collins of the American Board of Trial Advocates graciously included 40 additional students from Dutch Fork High School to participate in the September 17^th event.

Collins & Lacy, founding partner Joel Collins and others with the South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Foundation started the program last year with an emphasis on educating young people.  “The lecture is designed to acknowledge the wisdom, courage, mistakes and successes of our predecessors who made critical contributions to develop our country’s right to self government and preservation of individual liberties, “ said Collins, who also teaches a course on the Constitution at the University of South Carolina Honors College.

Federal law requires all schools that receive federal assistance to have a program about the Constitution on or around the anniversary date of the signing of the Constitution, which was September, 17, 1787.  SCETV provided live coverage of the Constitution Day event from the State House floor.

Student Council Induction

           On September 20, 2010, Student Council members and their families gathered together to celebrate the induction of the students. The theme of installation was “The Beginning of Your Civic Lives.” There were speakers such as Hope Walker, Student Body President of Newberry College, Ryan Duane, Student Body President of Clemson University, and Ebbie Yazdani, Student Body President of USC.

          All of the speakers are Dutch Fork alumni who have previously served on Student Council. Nathan Ballentine, State Assemblymen, was also a speaker at the installation for the sixth consecutive year. The speakers had good advice for the upcoming leaders and the parents got to learn more about the responsibility of being a member of Dutch Fork Student Council.

          After the speakers, there was a potluck dinner for all of the students and their families. After everyone had eaten, the Student Council officers were sworn in by oath and then they all lit candles signifying the Light of Leadership in their lives.  

             



Honors/Advanced Placement Parent Seminar

Honors/Advanced Placement Parent Seminar
By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

On Tuesday September 21, 2010, Dutch Fork High will hosted an informational Seminar for all parents and guardians of students enrolled (or interested) in honors or advanced placement (AP) courses. This seminar was held in the auditorium at 6:30pm. Topics discussed were as follows:

• Goals and Objectives of Program
• What is Advanced Placement and its Prelevance
• AP and College Success
• Factors Influencing Admission Decisions
• Benefits of Taking Rigorous Courses
• The Dutch Fork Approach
• Current AP Courses at DF
• New and Emerging AP Courses
• Performance Data
• Cost Savings Related to Taking AP Courses
• PSAT/SAT, PLAN/ACT'
• Scholarship Opportunities
• any much, much more.....

Dutch Fork High School Orchestra students attended the USC Symphony last night! Heavy metal violinist Rachel Barton Pine wowed the audience. http://ping.fm/eJBTO

USC Symphony Welcomes Dutch Fork High Students!

A wonderful night of beautiful music was had by all our orchestra students who attended the USC Symphony last night!  The Koger Center for the Arts was filled with buzzing patrons, guests, students and fans as they kicked off their first performance of the year last night.  An unbelievable performance by Rachel Barton Pine as she joined the Symphony on Scottish Fantasy, op.46  Rachel is an amazing woman of strength and has over come personal obstacles to remain in the music industry at such a high level.  She and her husband live in Chicago but she travel extensively.  Check out her personal story here-she was a virtuoso at age 7!  What is even more amazing is her ability to connect with the younger generation with classical music.  "Where metal meets classical" is how she describes her love for heavy metal!
Our students were personally welcomed during the show by the USC
Symphony's conductor Dr. Donald Portnoy.  Our students were one of 4 high schools who were chosen to be apart of a rare weekend of strings and the opportunity to perform with the USC Symphony on Saturday.  The culminating performance will be on Saturday at 3:30pm in the Koger Center for the Arts.  The Dutch Fork community should be very proud of this invitation and the opportunity our students have had to enjoy a high level of training from such gifted musicians.
You can learn more about them on Facebook.

Dutch Fork High School Masterclass Orchestra

The Dutch Fork High School Masterclass Orchestra is one of four orchestras from across the southeast selected to participate in the 2010 Southeastern String Orchestra Festival at the University Of South Carolina School Of Music September 23-25. They will join students from Spring Valley High School, Charleston County School of the Arts and Oak Ridge (Tennessee) High School for three days of intensive rehearsals and master classes. Students will work with Dr. Donald Portnoy, Director of the USC Symphony and Mr. Neil Casey, Assistant Director of Orchestras, as well as members of the string faculty at USC.

The festival begins on Thursday evening with the opening concert of the USC Symphony Orchestra, featuring violinist Rachel Barton Pine. It concludes on Saturday afternoon with a concert by the students at 4:00 p.m. in the Koger Center for the Arts.

Lady Foxes ranked 10 in SC! http://ping.fm/mpF71

Top 3 Assets of Dutch Fork High School's Volleyball Team

Click here to see the Lady Foxes vs Irmo!

Dutch Fork High School's rigor doesn't just end in the classroom.  As the Lady Foxes of Volleyball can attest, one of their strongest assets lies with Coach Cindy Robarge-Esposito.  Cindy grew up in Columbia and was a 3 time All State volleyball player volleyball player at Spring Valley High School and was one of the first Columbia kids who played for Carolina Juniors Club started by USC Coaches at the time.  Coach Robarge-Esposito was the first Columbia volleyball player to receive a scholarship to play Volleyball at USC, and was a hometown favorite. Coach Robarge-Esposito a stand out at USC playing all four years, 1995-1998, under Coach Kim Hudson-Williams, Coach Robarge-Esposito excelled as a right side and middle hitter and has many awards to her name, some of those are: All-SEC and All-SEC Tournament.

Another huge asset to the Dutch Fork's volleyball team is it's strong leadership where the seniors are concerned. Coach Robarge-Esposito shared that her "seniors have really stepped up and lead this team.  It will be hard to replace these girls...this is a very special team with a unique bond..."  The Lady foxes are a strong team and should continue to do well as they work to win one match at a time.

Finally, the Lady Foxes third asset is the strength of the classes to come.  While we have a group of strong seniors, we also have several juniors and several sophomores who are playing well and contributing heavily to the teams overall play.  Coach Robarge-Esposito shared that "after turning around the Coker College Volleyball team and coaching in Naples, Florida, it's good to be back home and give back to her home town."  She feels blessed to coach at Dutch Fork High School and looks forward to helping get our girls recruited and building a winning program!

Come out and support these girls at their next home game-Scheduled for September 21st, 2010 at 7pm!

Log onto our official fan page for an up to date calendar too!

Knotts Speaks to Lake Murray/Irmo Rotary Club

Knotts Speaks to Lake Murray/Irmo Rotary Club
By Kelly Payne, Social Studies Teacher

Coach Tom Knotts, our new head football coach and athletic director of Dutch Fork High School spoke to the Lake Murray Irmo Rotary Club on September 15^th.  He was joined by the Dutch Fork Interact Club and Social Studies teacher, Kelly Payne.

Coach Knotts, 53, has coached at three North Carolina high schools in 30 years, compiling a career record of 296 and 60.  Even more impressive, he reached the state finals at each of the three schools.

Knotts spoke about the highlights of the past three decades he’s spent coaching. He also reminisced about noteworthy football players he’s coached and the successes they’ve met after playing on his football field.

The Rotary Club of Irmo is involved in many service projects.  To learn more about our local chapter, log on to their website here.  To understand what Rotary is all about from the National level and look for scholarships they offer, log on to Rotary International.

One Hundred Sixty-Two Students Named AP Scholars at Dutch Fork High!

AP® SCHOLAR AWARDS

For Immediate Release
Contact: Robert S. Jackson, Ed. S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

Date: September 14, 2010

One hundred sixty-two students at Dutch Fork High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®) Exams.

            The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®) provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.8 million high school students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.

Students took AP Exams in May 2010 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

At Dutch Fork High School:

Nazia Tabassum has been designated as the South Carolina State Scholar. This award is granted to one male and female student in each U.S. state and the district of Columbia with scores of three or higher on the greatest number of AP exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.

Eighteen students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.  These students are:  Marc-Olivier Blais, Andres Contreras Vega, Aubree L. Decoteau, Kristina M. Drake, Joshua C. Johnson, Matthew C. Koon-Stack, Adam R. Kuhn, Ang Li, Lauren E. Lowery, Lawrence Lucas, Mark A. Morgan, Travis M. Orr, Rebecca A. Ready, Joseph B. Studemeyer, Nazia Tabassum, Benjamin R. Wagner, Matthew J. Williams, and Trevor H. Williams.

Fifty-seven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are: Michelle A. Arms, Marc-Olivier Blais, Andres Contreras Vega, Jillian M. Cothran, Aubree L. Decoteau, Jennie M. DeWitt, Kristina M. Drake, Alexandra C. Drye, Fredrick R. Gallant, Sarah B.Grosse,

Benjamin R. Gustafson, Kourtland B. Haile, Delaney D. Horel, Kristina L. Izett, Joshua C. Johnson, Priyanka S. Juneja, Nicholas J. Klein, Hannah M. Knowles, Matthew C. Koon-Stack, Adam R. Kuhn, Ang Li, Jeonghyun Lim, Lauren E. Lowery, Lawrence Lucas, Mary K. Macklen, Laura E. Mansfield, Meghan A. Matlack, Mark A. Morgan, Aysha Mushtao, Kathleen L. Nisbet, Travis M. Orr, Anisha K. Patel, Kathryn J. Payne, Rebecca A. Ready, Jesse R. Richards, Davis C. Riddle, Kristen J. Rivers, Ashley K. Ruppel, Savannah J. Savage, Brett Smentek, Tyler T. Smith, Nicholas C. Sonek, Mark A. Stanton, David Stephens, Joseph B. Studemeyer, Evan Sutker, Nazia Tabassum, Thomas G. Tarter, Seth A. Thomas, Grace E. Tuttle, Tyler G. Vincent, Benjamin R. Wagner, Virginia E. Walker, Gloria Z. Wang, Matthew J. Williams, Trevor H. Williams, and Rebecca A. Zobel.

Twenty-eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Simone N. Alston, Lucas J. Boncorddo, Kathleen T. Cao, Kelsey L. Carmichael, Sarah E. Chapman, Ivory Chen, Victoria C. Decroes, Tasneem A. Dossaji, Samuel D. Grosse, Jessica M Heron, Joshua R. Hilke, Paul J. Hill, Amy M. Hodgin, Robert K. Hofmann, Katie E. Jerald, Taylor Jeziorski, Grant G. Martz, Heather L. McGowan, Daniel D. Pardue, Rebecca E. Pittman, Jamie Ralston, Claire E. Richards, Kelly A. Saxby, Michael G. Shedd, Constance T. Smith, Kaitlyn R. Stevenson, Felician G. Stratmann, and Emily M. Zimovan.

Seventy-seven students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams, with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are: Benjamin T. Aaron, Robert C. Applegate, Carly W. Basinger, Rachael L. Baughman, Thomas J. Beaty, Rebecca C. Bellino, Kelsey Boyer, James B. Bryan, Bria O. Burgess, Alexis A. Clemens, Lauren E. Coloney, Elizabeth Condra, Dylan M. Cooper, Kelsea B. Downing, Zachary S. Duskin, Caitlyn D. Etherington, Tiara D. Felder, Elizabeth L. Filaseta, Robert A. Finney, Anna M. Gagnon, Amanda T. Gardner, Brandon T. Giles, Saahirah B. Goodwin, Christefan A. Green, Madison E. Hagerty, Amanda N. Hairston, Seema D. Harpalani, Carl P. Hust, Jennifer D. Iacono, Jasmine N. Jackson, Bradley E. Johnson, Carson L. Joye, Kelsey Kawamoto, Jessica L. Keasler, Jessica N. Kicklighter, Jonathan D. Klett, Jennifer M. Latta, Aubrey E. Leaman, Sterling P. Lecy, Jeffrey W. Leister, Auriel Matin, Jacob M. Mayberry, Anna M. McClintock, Tanner W. McLeod, Rozina Merchant, David A. Metz, Taylor E. Miller, James B. Mitchell, Justin A. Moore, Jed A. Newman, Benjamin D. Ott, Shawn N. Patel, Sallie K. Pensa, Elaina C. Perez, Lexi A. Plattenburger, Kailey Porter, Levy A. Price, Keri S. Richardson, Nidah Rizvi, Cameron N. Sandel, Georgiana D. Sellers, Aaron J. Siegel, Sarah C. Snedecor, Kyle L. Spirek, Kyle K. Srimoungchanh, Robert B. Statler, Jesse M. Tetreault, Courtney M. Thomas, Jessica K. Thompson, Jessica Tobey, William C. Tolar, Jessica A. Torres, Allyson T. Von Kannel, Zachry Z. Wang, Natasha L. Weese, Scott M. Winters, and  Sara A. Witherspoon.

Of this year’s award recipients at Dutch Fork High School, seventy-five are sophomores or juniors: Benjamin T. Aaron, Simone N. Alston, Carly W. Basinger, Rachael L. Baughman, Rebecca C. Bellino,

Lucas J. Boncorddo, James B. Bryan, Bria O. Burgess, Kelsey L. Carmichael, Sarah E. Chapman, Ivory Chen, Alexis A. Clemens, Elizabeth N. Condra, Dylan M. Cooper, Jillian M. Cothran, Tasneem A. Dossaji, Caitlyn D. Etherington, Fredrick R. Gallant, Brandon T. Giles, Benjamin R. Gustafson, Jessica M Heron, Joshua R. Hilke, Paul J. Hill, Delaney D. Horel, Carl P. Hust, Jennifer D. Iacono, Katie E. Jerald, Taylor Jeziorski, Bradley E. Johnson, Carson L. Joye, Kelsey Kawamoto, Hannah M. Knowles, Jennifer M. Latta, Aubrey E. Leaman, Sterling P. Lecy, Jeffrey W. Leister, Jeonghyun Lim, Lawrence Lucas, Mary K. Macklen, Laura E. Mansfield, Meghan A. Matlack, Jacob M. Mayberry, Tanner W. McLeod, Rozina Merchant, Taylor E. Miller, James B. Mitchell, Justin A. Moore, Aysha Mushtao, Kathleen L. Nisbet, Shawn N. Patel, Daniel D. Pardue, Elaina C. Perez, Lexi A. Plattenburger, Claire E. Richards, Jesse R. Richards, Nidah Rizvi, Ashley K. Ruppel, Cameron N. Sandel, Kelly A. Saxby, Georgiana D. Sellers, Michael G. Shedd, Tyler T. Smith, Nicholas C. Sonek, Kyle L. Spirek, Kaitlyn R. Stevenson, Courtney M. Thomas, Seth A. Thomas, Jessica A. Torres, Grace E. Tuttle, Tyler G. Vincent, Gloria Z. Wang, Zachry Z. Wang, Natasha L. Weese, Emily M. Zimovan, Rebecca A. Zobel. These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn another AP Scholar Award.

        Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. In 2007, thirty-seven AP Exams were offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving or oral response) questions (except for the Studio Art exam which evaluates students’ original artwork).

            The College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT^®, the PSAT/NMSQT^®, and the Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

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SAT Scores Continuing to Soar at Dutch Fork High

SAT Scores Continuing to Soar at Dutch Fork High!


by Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

The SAT is a standardized test used by nearly all college admissions throughout the United States to evaluate a student’s college readiness. Owned, published, and developed by the College Board, the SAT consists of three distinct sections that objectively measure the critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills of the students. Each year, more than two million students take the SAT.

SAT scores are arguably the most reliable measure of a high school’s ability to prepare its students for college. The scores from each of the three sections can range from 200 to 800, so the maximum total score is 2400. Since the average score for each section is roughly 500, the average total score is about 1500. Nearly all traditional four-year colleges require SAT scores as part of the application process for high school students.

Based on the latest data available from the School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties (Testing Summaries) students from Dutch Fork High School (DFHS) have significantly outperformed those from other high schools across the country on the SAT. The results for 2010 reveal that the composite score of 1572 for Dutch Fork High School students remains in the top tier of schools in South Carolina. 1572 is also 63 points higher than the national average (1507), 125 points higher than the state average (1447) and 36 points higher than the district average of 1519. The DFHS subject comparisons for the critical reading, math, and writing portions of the exam are as follows:

Additionally, students at Dutch Fork High School have progressively scored higher on the SAT. Our five year average is 1579 (Critical Reading - 519 , Math - 547, and Writing - 502 ).

Over the past three years, we have remained consistent in our SAT performance and continue to perform better than the district, state, and national averages.

In general, most high school students must achieve a combined SAT score of at least 1500 for admissions into the mid-tier colleges. To be considered by the top-tier colleges and universities like Stanford and MIT, students need a total score of at least 2000. Taking the SAT is one of the more critical components of the college admissions process. Making sure you achieve a high SAT score, will enable you to get into many of the prestigious colleges and universities across the country and qualify for many scholarships. Do not underestimate the importance of a high SAT score. Take your preparations for this admissions exam seriously while you are enrolled in the appropriate classes. The combination will better prepare you for your college experience.

Please visit http://www.collegeboard.com/ for more information about the SAT.

Dutch Fork High using Web 2.0 in Education

Ms. Carol Jackson uses Edmodo.com

You won't believe all the technology that is being integrated into the classroom at Dutch Fork High School!  From Flickr to Blogger to even Tweeting with Mr. Morton, students are using Web 2.0 tools to complete projects, collaborate with small groups and so much more.

Ms. Carol Jackson, who teaches AP English, recently used Edmodo.com to facilitate a paper on one of the literary pieces she uses to cover the South Carolina Standards.  Take a minute to look at the tool and the tour!  It's very slick! Web 2.0 Tools are here to stay. Creating value at an early age will make our students more competitive and comfortable with these tools as they continue to advance to college.
Students are engaged and excited to use the technology they usually only are able to use at home.  During one class period Mr. Morton was able to log onto the site and personally tweet the class on what a great job they had done!  An excitement and connection was created through the Web 2.0 tool that had never been used prior.

Education is about integrating technology not just learning pieces and parts.  At Dutch Fork High, we understand Web 2.0 tools are the future for our students and the jobs they will attain in years to come.

Lexington Richland 5 Encourages Everyone to Vote for School Board!

This November on election day, community members will have the opportunity to choose four board members that will help guide our district in the future.  Board members are integral to allowing the community to have a voice in important instruction, fund appropriations and direction of Lexington Richland School District 5.

Please review the list of candidates here and educate yourself so you can be an informed voter in November's election.  For the complete list of Lexington Richland School Board candidates, click here!

I am honored that you took the time to read my blog.  Please become a follower so you can receive email updates when the blog is updated.

ACT Scores Released!

ACT Scores are Flying High at Dutch Fork High

Our ACT scores have been released for 2010. The ACT is a national college admissions test that examines a student’s ability and knowledge of four key subject categories:

• English

• Mathematics

• Reading

• Science

ACT scores (along with an applicant’s high school grades, curriculum, and class rank) are the largest determinants into whether a college will accept an applicant. The ACT test is based out of 36 points, with scores ranging from 1 to 36. The average ACT score of all 1.4 million test takers nationwide remains consistent from year to year, and was just above 21.1 in 2009. Almost 30% of ACT takers score between a 19 and 23. 55% of all ACT takers score between 17 and 25. The ACT is accepted by all four year colleges and universities located across the country.

At Dutch Fork High, 53% (240 students) of the class of 2010 attempted the ACT at least once during their sophomore, junior, or senior years and received a composite average of 22.6. This remains higher than the district average of 22.2, state average of 20.0, and national average of 21.0.

District ACT Report

Getting a high ACT score can mean thousands of dollars in scholarships for college. For high school students, taking the ACT is one of the critical elements of the college admissions process. Receiving a High ACT score qualifies a student for many scholarship opportunities. Post Secondary Institutions give a large amount of weighting to college entrance exams, such as the ACT. For example, the University of South Carolina accepted Seventy-five percent of admitted fall 2010 freshmen who scored a 24 or higher on the ACT, and also earned a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. AT USC, admissions consideration requires excellent high-school grades and strong scores on the ACT. Higher ACT scores may offset grades or vice versa. Fifty percent of fall 2010 honors freshmen received scores between 31 and 33 on the ACT.

USC Freshman Admission Requirements

Taking the ACT is one of the most important parts of the college admissions process. Make sure you achieve a high ACT score, and you will be able to get into many of the prestigious colleges and universities across the country and qualify for many scholarships. Do not underestimate the importance of a high ACT score. Take your preparations for this admissions exam seriously while you are enrolled in the appropriate classes that will better prepare you for your college experience. Doing so, will inevitably prepare you for a lifetime of academic and personal achievements.

Submitted by Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S.,

Assistant Principal for Instruction