JASPER WEATHER
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 48 F
Forecast:
Tue - Partly Cloudy. High: 55 Low: 41
Wed - Showers. High: 62 Low: 36
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
SPOTLIGHT
BOARD SELECTS HEATH NEW INTERIM
Larry B. Heath has been named to succeed John Taylor as the Interim Superintendent of the district. The Board made the appointment effective January 20.
Heath brings 38 years of service in education, all of it served in the Chester County School District. He recently retired as Superintendent there but agreed to come to Jasper to assist during its transitional period.
Michael Hubbard, Board Chair, expressed appreciation for Taylor's service for the past six months. Family health issues made extension of his six month term impossible.
The Johnson C. Smith University graduate holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Winthrop University and an Educational Specialist certification from the University of South Carolina.
Heath began his career in Chester as an elementary school teacher and moved up to teaching high school, serving as Assistant Principal and Principal, key positions in curriculum and assessment, before served as associate and assistant before taking over the Superintendent desk.
Chester has 12 schools with 6,000 students.
WELLNESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED
The third annual Wellness Conference of the Beaufort and Jasper School Districts has been scheduled for Monday, February 15, at Bluffton High School.
Key speakers will include representatives from Geo Fitness, a program that will soon be incorporated into the Jasper physical education program as a result of a recent grant.
EVERY DAY, A NEW DAY...A NEW WAY
The JCSD Public Information Office has again been honored. A photograph of a spectacular sunrise over a new school was seen as a visualization of the district's slogan, "A New Day... A New Way..."
DISTRICT ADDRESS
Jasper County School District
Larry B. Heath, Acting Superintendent
10942 North Jacob Smart Boulevard
Post Office Box 848
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936
Phone (843) 717-1100
Fax (843) 717-1199
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UNDER WAY; AND THE WAIT IS ON
The Jasper County Board of Education anxiously awaits the names of candidates who have met the criteria set by community forums and Board consideration. Brochures that describe the geographic area, the district itself, and those desired traits have been prepared. They are being sent, together with detailed application forms, to all who have responded to advertisements in national publications and websites.
Deadline for the return of applications was January 20 and activity to select the next JCSD leader is expected take place at special sessions in February.
Ray and Associates of Cedar Rapids, IA, is conducting all aspects of the selection process and will soon present the Board with leading candidates for interviews.
ALL STUDENTS NOW IN UNIFORM
All schools, all grades, all students in Jasper County School District are now wearing uniforms. No changes were made as to colors for the upcoming year
Cargo pants and T-shirts are not permitted. Shirts must be collared. There are a few changes in the Student Dress Code, but the uniforms remain as previously announced.
Pre-K through 5 students wear either a Royal Blue or White shirt, polo or collared. Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts may be either Khaki or Dark Blue.
Middle School students at Hardeeville, grades 6 through 8, wear either a Dark Green or Gold shirt, polo or collared. Students at Ridgeland Middle School,grades 6 through 8, wear either Black or Gold shirt, polo or collared. Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts may be either Khaki or Black.
High School students at Hardeeville, grades 9 through 12, wear either an Orange or Gray shirt, polo or collared. Students at Ridgeland High School, grades 9 through 12, wear either Red or Gray shirt, polo or collared. Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts may be either Khaki or Black.
No logo allowed except that Hurricane or Jaguar school symbols are permitted, not required. Cargo pants and T-shirts are not permitted.
To view shirt colors, click here.
ACADEMIC EVENTS
| Feb. 1 | BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
| Feb. 8 | Board Meeting |
| Feb. 15 | Presidents Day - Holiday |
| Feb. 15 | Wellness Conference-Bluffton |
| Feb. 22 | Board Meeting |
RESOLVE TO ACHIEVE
Let us all resolve to live our district's "Vision Statement" to the utmost.
"The Jasper County School District aspires to become the pride of the community where all students are empowered to excel to high academic standards guided by highly qualified professionals and dedicated citizens."
JASPER'S SCHOOLS STRIKE GOLD
Both Hardeeville and Ridgeland High School, in their first year of existence, were recognized by the State for their outstanding academic performance. They will receive Palmetto Gold Awards for their growth index according to standards established by the legislature and the state's Education Oversight Committee.
They were honored for their excellent academic performance and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.
The 2008 School Report Card displayed Excellent growth patterns in testing and the two Jasper high schools had a combined graduation rate of 93.2%, among the highest in the state.
SCHOOLS ATTACK OBESITY
A study of third, fifth and eighth graders has resulted in findings that a third of the students were considered to be obese. According to studies, South Carolina has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, and our adolescents are seventh highest in the U.S.
Eat Smart Move More South Carolina Lowcountry, two dozen health, social, and educational groups, are anxious to help the JCSD with this health epidemic. They are working on a new 2010 BMI study on Jasper students. Both the 2007 and 2008 studies can be seen at links below.
ESMM will present its third School Wellness Conference with a number of nationally recognized fitness experts to provide the latest innovations. Many of Jasper's physical education teachers, nurses, music teachers and social workers are expected to attend the conference.
Parents... Be there...
Connect with your child in meaningful ways during the every day moments of life. Be there for your child.
Be your child's favorite teacher.
