District 56: Full of treats, no tricks.
Looking back, it seemed like last week we started the 2022 - 2023 school year. Or so it seems. Where did the time go?
Just this past Monday we celebrated Halloween. Known as the time for “Trick or Treating,” I fondly remember my childhood times of quite a few treats and virtually no tricks.
I think District 56 has had a sterling start to the new year. We have achieved much in the arts, academics, and athletics during the first nine weeks.
In consecutive board meetings, we held special recognitions for outstanding accomplishments associated with the exemplary performance of test scores from last year or athletic success this year.
In September we recognized six students for achieving the Maximum Score Possible on the SC Ready assessment (English-Language Arts and/or Math). We also recognized fifteen students for the Maximum Score Possible on End-of-Course (EOC) exams for high school credit. Further, we recognized one student for the Maximum Score Possible on the SCPASS exam in science.
During the September board meeting, we recognized five schools for test score averages above where they were pre-pandemic.
In the October board meeting, we recognized both academic and athletic achievements. Clinton High School had two National Merit Semifinalists (exceptional scores on the PSAT) as well as four students who earned College Board National Rural and Small Town certificates of distinction.
The CHS Girls’ Tennis Team (10 players) won the Region 4/AAA championship; the CHS Boys’ Cross Country Team (21 players) won the Region 4/AAA championship and the CHS Football Team (52 players) won the Region 4/AAA championship--the first Region Championship since 2007.
In addition to the team awards listed above, a student at CHS won both the Girls’ Cross Country and the Boys’ Cross Country Individual Championships.
Beyond these accomplishments, our CHS Devil Regiment Marching Band earned seventh place in the Music portion of the AA Upperstate Championship. Much hard work and effort have gone into making our Devil Regiment a piston in constant improvement.
This November, CHS embarks on a new tradition: Wrestling. Usually, the winter months are left for Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball but this year they will share the floor with wrestling. Good luck, Red Devil Grapplers. Andrew Wright is the new coach and the “right man” for us.
Finally, our CHS Competitive Cheer team is under the capable leadership of Cole Mars, who is out of this world (Get it: Mars?). Their season is a long, grueling one…Best of luck to our Red Devil Competitive Cheer Team.
Robotics is up and running at both CMS and CHS under the direction of Crystal Pelkey and Jimmy Jacobs, respectively. The CMS and CHS Academic and Science Olympiad Teams are in full practice under the watchful eye of Terri O’Shields.
The CHS Art Department, led by Audrey Jordan, has a lot of wonderful things happening as does the CHS Drama Department under the skill and supervision of Valerie Wiltberger.
Many things are happening. Many good things!!!
Fall may bring a chill in the air but in District 56 things are heating up.
It’s a great time to be a student, parent, teacher, or employee in District 56.
