Members of the Edisto High School Choir presented the monthly character trait at the May 15th, 2012 board meeting.  During the presentation of this month's character trait, diligence, several members of the girl's choir, as well as the boy's quartet, performed select songs. 

At the April 17th regular board meeting, the OCSD4 board approved two administrator changes.  Belinda Johnson, principal of Edisto Elementary School for the past 17 years, has been chosen to lead the new Elementary/Middle School Alternative Program located at the STAR Center in Cope.  In addition, Thomas Drew, the current principal at Lockett Elementary School, will now assume the principal duties at Edisto Elementary School.  Both administrators will start their new positions on July 1st, 2012.

At the April 17th, 2012 board meeting, David Hess was approved as the new principal for Branchville High School.  Mr. Hess will start his new duties on July 1st, 2012.  Mr. Hess is currently a school administrator and has previously taught at Branchville High School.  Mr. Hess received a BS in Education from Slippery Rock University and a Masters in Education Administration from the University of Scranton. 

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Mick Zais visited OCSD4 schools on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012.  Dr. Zais toured the Hunter Kinard Tyler Elementary and High schools, as well as Carver Edisto Middle School.  Dr. Zais met with the school principals and district staff and discussed achievements and concerns.   

The Palmetto awards are given out annually for attaining high levels of absolute performance and/or attaining high levels of growth.  We congratulate the following schools for their 2011-2012 general performance awards:

Cope Area Career Center-  Palmetto Gold Award
Carver Edisto Middle School-  Palmetto Silver Award
Lockett Elementary School-  Palmetto Silver Award
Edisto Elementary School-  Palmetto Silver Award

At the regular February board meeting, Ms. Turner and the board recognized Deneichia Binghak for her artistic skills in the design of OCSD4's Christmas card, used this past holiday season.  Deneichia is an 8th grader at Carver Edisto Middle School.  Accompanying Deneichia is Ms. Hallman, CEMS's art teacher.  Thank you Deneichia for your holiday cheer! 

On Saturday February 25th, at the A/AA Individual State Wrestling Finals held at the Anderson Civic Center, Xavier became the State Champion in the 132 pound weight class. Xavier is a Junior Wrestler at Edisto High School. Congratulations also to Xavier's Head Coach Jerry Norbo.

At the February 21st board meeting, second grade students from Edisto Primary School performed a musical and theatrical skit in order to demonstrate this month's character trait, honesty.  On hand for the performance were:  Tyler Rickenbaker, Madison Zorn, I-Jahnae Fuller, and Craig Hart.

On Tuesday, February 21st, Mr. Joseph P. Garvin was presented with a pin and certificate commemorating his 20 years of school board service. Prior to joining the OCSD4 board in 1997, Mr. Garvin served on the Orangeburg One school board.  We are thankful for Mr. Garvin, and all of our board members, for their efforts and leadership in OCSD4.

OCSD4 welcomed a 5 member team to the district on Monday, February 13 to conduct a Quality Assurance Review for district accreditation.  In a called board meeting on February 15 the Lead Facilitator, Ms. Pat Summers, presented the Oral Exit Report. 

Ms. Summers announced six commendations and four required actions to the board members and the public audience.  We are very proud of our district and all the dedicated employees who work collaboratively to achieve these commendations.  The four required actions will guide us as we continue to pursue district-wide improvement. 

Click on the below link to view the AdvancED Exit Report. 
SACS

Students from Branchville-Lockett Elementary displayed their acting and media design talents at the January 17th, 2012 board meeting.  The board room audience was treated to a special film presentation of this month's character trait-forgiveness.  The main actors and actresses were present to receive their standing ovation.

January is school board recognition month and we thank our board for their hard work and dedication to the students, staff, and schools in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 4.  Board members received gifts of thanks from all of the district schools during the January 17th, 2012 board meeting.