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Lowcountry

NIET Receives $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Support Principals and School Leaders in South Carolina

October 1, 2020 by 0 Comments
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NIET, University of South Carolina, BranchED will partner to support principals in building equity and providing students with access to high-quality STEM education and social-emotional learning

The U.S. Department of Education awarded the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) $2.5 million today, in partnership with the University of South Carolina and the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED), to build the capacity of South Carolina’s principals and school leaders in supporting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and social-emotional learning for students.

This 3-year grant from the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program will support principal coaching and training, with a focus on advancing equity for all students, in the following six districts, reaching 150 administrators in 95 schools who serve a total of 58,000 students:

The partnership will create the South Carolina Principal Leadership Network, a two-year cohort-based program that will administer high-quality virtual professional development in STEM and social-emotional learning (SEL), coupled with quarterly on-site coaching and networking opportunities through virtual communities of practice. The training will be rooted in evidence-based practices that accelerate student achievement growth and will be tailored to the needs of the participating school leaders, teachers, and students. In addition, the inclusion of BranchED, which supports effective educator preparation at minority-serving institutions, will allow the partnership to put a particular focus on serving leaders from diverse backgrounds.

“Equipping students with the skills and knowledge to be successful and helping them to become informed and thoughtful citizens go hand in hand,” said NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen. “This partnership will equip school leaders across South Carolina to better support their teachers and advance STEM and SEL efforts in their schools that better prepare all students to be able to choose their path in life. We are particularly glad to have the University of South Carolina and BranchED as partners to advance equity, build the capacity of a diverse group of teachers, and increase opportunities for students.”

NIET will provide on-site coaching and networking opportunities, and NIET specialists will deliver professional development that focuses on creating and communicating a culture of equity, shared instructional leadership, and creating a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement. Additionally, through this grant, the University of South Carolina faculty will provide principals and leaders with training designed to encourage equity of access to high-quality STEM education for all students. BranchED will focus their support on leading culturally relevant pedagogy to foster inclusion and integration of social-emotional learning and work with NIET on connecting principals to learn from each other through the virtual communities of practice.

This innovative project will align principals’ needs with evidence-based practices for excellence in leadership. The support provided in the partnership will provide a powerful tool for advancing school leaders’ leadership capacity and improving educator retention, school culture, and student outcomes − and it has the potential to become a model for school leader support and development nationwide.

About NIET
For two decades, NIET has partnered with schools, districts, states, and universities to build educator excellence and give all students the opportunity for success. NIET’s initiatives, including the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement, teacher and leader development, school improvement, rubric and observation systems, and educator preparation, have impacted more than 275,000 educators and 2.75 million students across the U.S. Learn more at www.niet.org. 

About the University of South Carolina
The primary mission of the University of South Carolina Columbia is the education of the state’s citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement. Among America’s oldest and most comprehensive public universities, the University of South Carolina Columbia is the major research institution of the university system and its largest campus. At the heart of its mission lies the university’s responsibility to state and society to promote the dissemination of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and an enhanced quality of life. Learn more at www.sc.edu.

About BranchED
BranchED is the only nonprofit organization in the country dedicated to strengthening, growing, and amplifying the impact of educator preparation at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), with the longer-range goals of both diversifying the teaching profession and intentionally addressing critical issues of educational equity for all students. Its vision is for all students to have access to diverse, highly effective educators. Learn more at www.educatordiversity.org.

Lowcountry

East Cooper Rotary Club Lines Up Flags for Heroes

October 1, 2020 by 0 Comments
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(MOUNT PLEASANT, SC)…To celebrate Veterans Day, East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club will showcase a breathtaking display of hundreds of American Flags.  Flags will be on display November 10 through November 16 at the Cold War Memorial near the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Individuals, businesses, corporations, and non-profits can sponsor a flag or more in honor of a hero(s) of their choice. Together we can engage and inspire our community by reminding us all of the true meaning of Veterans Day – a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club is proud to host this event along with the support of the USS Yorktown Foundation.  All of the funds raised through the Flags for Heroes program will be used for Rotary service projects and to support the Charleston Fisher House, a comfortable place for the families of heroes to stay while they are being treated at Charleston’s Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Last year, the club gave $1,000 to Charleston Fisher House, provided over 250 pairs of shoes for kids in need in partnership with the Mount Pleasant Lunch Rotary Club, and partnered with Toys for Tots by donating over 80 children’s bikes.

The cost of an individual sponsorship is $50 for a single flag and pole. There are also corporate sponsorship opportunities available that include advertising and promotional benefits that will be fulfilled by the Rotary. 

To sponsor a flag in honor of a hero or for more information, please visit charlestonrotaryflags.org.

THE EAST COOPER BREAKFAST ROTARY CLUB was chartered in 1996 with 35 active members. The club strives to provide educational and financial assistance to the East Cooper community. For information about the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club, please visit their website at www.ecbrotary.org.

Lowcountry

“Blood in the Low Country” – Debut Novel by Charleston Author Paul Attaway Now Available

September 30, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Blood in the Low Country by Paul Attaway 

Released for Worldwide Distribution

Mystery Thriller Is Attaway’s Debut Novel

Charleston, SC/September 30, 2020 – Blood in the Low Country (ISBN 978-1735401621, Linksland Publishing, 2020) by Paul Attaway has been released for worldwide distribution.  This religious mystery adventure tale is Attaway’s debut novel. This riveting book transports readers to the South of the mid-twentieth century with a façade of gentility that hides bigotry, greed, violence, and deceit; along with carefully crafted characters that will captivate readers.  The paperback edition of Blood in the Low Country retails for $18.95.  The book is also available in Kindle format for $8.99.  The book has earned strong endorsements and reviews from readers and reviewers alike who eagerly await Attaway’s next novel.

“I am very pleased to see Blood in the Low Country released,” said Paul Attaway.  “Writing the book was a labor of love.  I enjoyed developing characters, a setting,  and a plot that will entertain and thrill readers to the last page.  If you enjoy a good mystery, Blood in the Low Country is the book for you.”

Blood in the Low Country takes the reader back in time.  The year is 1973, and by all appearances, Monty Atkins has a wonderful life. He lives in beautiful Charleston, SC, his small law practice is growing, and he and his wife are raising two boys. Walker is their own son and Eli is a child from Rose’s first marriage, a troubled union she has been running from since its dissolution. 

But brewing beneath the surface lurks a conspiracy of lies, about who they are and what they believe. When a brutal murder and a shocking betrayal turn their world upside down, Monty’s faith in God and in everything he holds true is stretched to the breaking point. He must decide if there is anything, he won’t risk to save his family. This Southern family mystery will captivate you as the hunt for the killer threatens everything Monty holds dear.

Lowcountry

Summerville Spotlight: Hometown Roots Farm – Organic Farming and Family Fun in Summerville, SC

September 30, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Are you bored at your house looking for something fun to do with your kids? Come check out this awesome family-owned farm fall festival! There are lots of educational and fun things to do. Come on out and paint a pumpkin. Experience an organic food truck. Walkthrough a scavenger hunt cornstalk maze. Ride a barrel train ride. Interact with chickens rabbits and pigs. And last but definitely not least go on an awesome hayride. Hope to see you there! All information can be found here

Hours
Sun 10am – 7pm
Mon Closed
Tues 4pm – 8pm
Wed 4pm – 8pm
Thurs 4pm – 8pm
Fri 4pm – 10pm
Sat 10am – 10pm

Location: 1640 Calamus Pond Road, Summerville, SC 29486

About Hometown Roots Farm

Hometown Roots Farm is a pure organic farm offering organic foods, green venue space for events – wedding, birthday, & more. Many festivals throughout the year, virtual farm, classes, and yearly events for families, fundraisers, corporations, and more!

Hometown Roots Farm was started by a couple and their children that are 5th and 6th generation farmers. This farming couple had moved to the city and worked for big corporations. Just ten years later, after lots of research they realized there was a connection to GMO crops that were planted in the late 1990s and their own health. It was then that they went back to their Roots, remembering farming and planting pure seeds with their ancestors. They started to put into motion a green space to grow the purest, healthiest, cleanest, most organically grown foods on the planet for their family and their community. They sold their house, packed up their family, left the city, and moved to the farm. But it didn’t end there, that was only the beginning….and so the story goes….plant seeds of change….

Hometown = Every Hometown needs a Hometown Roots Farm, a green organic hometown space for our food crops, our animals, and our community Roots = Going back to our Roots when we planted non-GMO crops with our ancestors, growing organic healthy roots with no pesticides, no insecticides, no synthetic fertilizers, and no chemicals Farm = Our commitment to keeping our community green with pure organic practices and being the seeds of change We are so excited you are here to share in our green food movement!

We also offer organic meals and desserts, food truck and produce deliveries by our sister company FarmHers Basket Virtual Animal Farm Experiences, Private & Group Tours, School Field Trips, Book our Space as your next Event Venue (weddings, birthdays, bridal showers, bachelor & bachelorette party, retirement, graduations, baby showers, gender reveal, family reunions or just gathering with friends & More) All the fun you find on our farm is in large part due to the Farmer’s Wife being raised by a Kindergarten teacher and 4-H Adviser. She grew up to become a homeschool mom & a 4-H Adviser as well:) Hope you enjoy our creative and fun farm and that it will bring you and yours pure Joy!

Blessings & See You All At The Farm!

Lowcountry

New Folly Beach Pier – Conceptual Look

September 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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The Folly Beach Fishing Pier is a Lowcountry landmark. Thousands of locals and visitors have fond memories of fishing, dancing, or enjoying the views. As the current 1045-foot-long pier, opened in 1995, reaches the end of its useful life, Charleston County Parks is honored to announce the creation of the next Folly Beach Fishing Pier that will serve our community for generations to come. Follow along with the entire transition here. 

The Folly Beach Pier will close to the public starting Oct. 19, 2020. Construction is expected to take 28 months, with the new pier opening approximately the Spring of 2023.

Here is a closer look at conceptual designs of the future pier

Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

National publication honors family engagement initiative from North Charleston Elementary

September 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – North Charleston Elementary School is the first school from Charleston County School District to be featured in the annual National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) Promising Partnership Practices handbook. The Dolphins are in the 2020 edition thanks to their initiative, Painting on Purpose with Parents.

The handbook is a collection of programs, events, and initiatives from schools across the country and the world. Forty entries from 14 districts in nine different states, as well as schools from Ireland and Scotland, are in this year’s edition.

The publication provides other schools with quality examples of community engagement from schools, which create better educational atmospheres and opportunities for students and their families.CCSD has been part of NNPS (sponsored by Johns Hopkins University) since 20 17; 40 of the district’s Title I schools are involved with this network.

North Charleston Elementary School’s (NCES) Painting on Purpose with Parents, which was held at the school in February 2020, linked artwork with behavioral goals of the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) program. An art activity reinforced the underlying goal of PBIS to support students’ positive behaviors and positive emotions about their own skills and talents.

With a parent/guardian partner, students also gained immediate family support and encouragement during a fun experience. Margaret Balcer (artist and Reading Interventionist at A.C. CorcoranElementary School), Sylvia Weeks (NCES P.E. teacher), and Tyra Johnson (NCES Parent Advocate) took the lead for the activity. Balcer gave step-by-step directions to students and parents on how to plan for a painting. Students showed parents skills that they learned in art class, as they paid attention to lines, shapes, colors, and blending techniques.

The experience helped students practice PBIS-related behaviors such as taking turns waiting for supplies, developing patience as the paint dried, and completing their paintings. Most importantly, the students practiced persistence. They did not North Charleston Elementary School_give up even if their painting did not turn out exactly as expected. Some students even encouraged their parents and friends to demonstrate this kind of dedication and patience.

“The project was important because painting is therapeutic and we wanted to offer families a wonderful experience and reward students,” said Johnson. “The school community is grateful because applying for an award or recognition is uncertain. However, we are overwhelmed with excitement to see our program highlighted in the Promising Partnership Practices handbook and to know we are the first school in our district to be recognized in this publication. We hope this will help other schools in CCSD pursue this kind of honor, and more importantly, increase their level of engagement with families.”

You can see the online edition of the Promising Partnership Practices handbook by clicking on this link; North Charleston Elementary is featured on page 26 of the document.

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About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally-accredited school district that is committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system inSouth Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 87 schools and specialized programs.CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.4921 Durant Avenue● North Charleston, SC 29405● tel. (843) 745-7107● fax. (843) 554-5716● ccsdschools.com/nces

Lowcountry

BCDCOG Adds Loan Administrator to Staff

September 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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NEW HIRE WILL ASSIST IN ADMINISTRATION OF CARES ACT FUNDING
NORTH CHARLESTON (Sept. 29, 2020) – The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) is pleased to announce Melanie Pasheluk has joined its staff as a loan administrator.

Pasheluk will primarily work to facilitate the loan process and maintain the agency’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, including the recently established

BCDCOG CARES RLF.

“Melanie brings considerable experience to her position as loan administrator,” said BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum. “She has an excellent track record and we are pleased to have her join our team as we work to assist local business owners in the BCDCOG CARES RLF process.”

Prior to joining the BCDCOG, Pasheluk worked in the banking industry with a focus on loan processing and administration. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2011 with a degree in psychology and Spanish.

“I am very excited to join an organization that is actively working to support and empower regional businesses,” said Pasheluk. “Knowing that these funds have the potential to offer a lifeline to many businesses affected by COVID-19 makes the work that much more important.”

BCDCOG was recently awarded $560,000 in CARES Act funding by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). The federal money is being used to capitalize the BCDCOG CARES RLF, aimed at stimulating long-term, private-sector investment and employment in the region.

To learn more about the BCDCOG CARES RLF or to begin the application process, visit bcdcog.com/bcdcogcares. Questions can be directed to Melanie Pasheluk at (843) 529-2573 or melaniep@bcdcog.com.

ABOUT BCDCOG:

The BCDCOG is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester county leaders in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. BCDCOG’s purpose is to strengthen the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions.

For the latest on BCDCOG, visit www.bcdcog.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @BDCCoG.

Lowcountry

South Carolina House of Representatives Recognizes Carolina Youth Development Center 230 Year Anniversary

September 28, 2020 by 0 Comments
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COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina House of Representatives recognized Carolina Youth Development Center’s (CYDC) 230 year anniversary by approving H. 5563. The resolution, introduced by Representative Marvin Pendarvis (D) and Representative Sylleste Davis (R), commemorates the organization’s anniversary which takes place on October 18, 2020. 

“CYDC has been a strong presence in the Charleston community, serving our state’s most vulnerable children and youth for more than two centuries,” said Representative Pendarvis. “This organization has worked hard to overcome struggles and challenges to ensure voices of the underserved are heard and I am honored to take part in celebrating their success.”

On October 18, 1790, the city of Charleston passed an ordinance that established the Charleston Orphan House for the purpose of supporting and educating the city’s orphaned youth. The non-profit officially changed its name to the Carolina Youth Development Center in 1978 but continued its long-practiced mission of protecting children, empowering families and preparing youth for adulthood. For nearly two and a half centuries, CYDC has served South Carolina children and families.

“Recognizing our community’s history is important and I am excited to celebrate CYDC’s impact in the Berkeley community,” said Representative Davis. “Their dedicated staff and committed volunteers help support our children and deserve recognition for their continued efforts!” 

CYDC’s mission is to protect children, empower families and prepare youth for adulthood by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness in collaboration with families and community partners. The organization provides services to more than 800 children and families and housing for up to 48 residents across two campuses in North Charleston and Berkeley counties.

In celebration of their 230th anniversary, CYDC will hold a virtual Birthday Bash on their Facebook page from October 13th -18th. The celebration will also include a ribbon-cutting at the new Family Support Center, located in the George Williams Building on CYDC’s North Charleston campus. 

The virtual celebrations allow members of the community to celebrate 230 years of CYDC from wherever they are! For more information on CYDC’s history and a detailed list of events, please visit CYDC.org.

About Carolina Youth Development Center:
Founded in 1790 as the Charleston Orphan House, Carolina Youth Development Center’s mission is to empower and equip our community’s children by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness, in collaboration with families and community partners. Our vision is that all children have loving and stable families and a nurturing community that empowers them to lead successful lives. For more information visit CYDC.org.

Lowcountry

Exclusive New Listing: Old Mount Pleasant, SC Charming Home: 436 Church Street

September 26, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Beyond spectacular. Circa 1850s, this architectural wonder in the prime location of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village boasts a full renovation, yet maintains sophisticated historic charm. The unparalleled beauty of this 3,305-sq.-ft. home, with five bedrooms and 3.5 baths, now has every modern amenity. Sitting on a property of nearly half an acre, this gem has stood the test of time

At the entrance, the home’s iconic character is breathtaking as your eye takes in a glorious working fireplace and a stylish sea of heart pine floors. Enter the harbor gourmet kitchen, where 10-ft. ceilings allow for streams of natural light. Luxurious Carerra Marble countertops and a grand butler pantry work together for the perfect finish

While you’re minutes away from the Shem Creek waterfront district, where locals love to dine, your own outdoor space provides the perfect entertaining area or place to
unwind. The 760 square feet of double portico porches feature elegant touches such as traditional gas lanterns. Tasteful landscaping can become whatever you imagine. Make this grand backyard your canvas with a luxurious pool, outdoor kitchen or guest house

What about the 1870-sq.ft. basement? Nothing average here. Whether you choose to set up your hobby shop, turn it into the ultimate game room or create a grand party space, your vision is its command. This rare residence is near the beaches of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms and is walking distance to trendy downtown and Pitt Street Bridge. Your chance to own a gorgeous piece of Charleston history.

Listing Agent: Bradham Wilder with ERA Wilder Realty  –  843-212-2290  bradham@erawilderrealty.com

Full Listing Details