Sumter School District Academics Department

What an incredible two day workshop with our International Teachers at the PD Palooza: Passport to Collaboration! 🌍✈️
On April 26 & 23, The Office of Academics had the opportunity to bring together an amazing group of educators to learn from one another, share ideas, and strengthen the connections that make our classrooms so powerful. The energy in the room was something special, full of collaboration, creativity, and a true passion for student success.

PD Palooza,"Passport to Collaboration" brought together our incredible international teachers for an afternoon full of connection, learning, and shared experiences. The room was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and a genuine spirit of collaboration as educators from different backgrounds came together with a common purpose, supporting students and growing together.

There is something really special about the perspectives our international teachers bring to our district. Yesterday was a beautiful reminder that when we create space to learn from one another, we all become better.

A special thank you to Mrs. Roberson (Hillcrest Middle School), Ms. Grant (Bates Middles School), Mrs. Cheek (Ebenzer Middle School) and Dr. Silva (Crestwood High School) for Facilitating this workshop.

An example of the power of relationships! Our students feel safe, supported and above all, Loved!

Lemira Elementary scholars are gearing up for SC READY! 📚✨ Mrs. Gregg is leading the charge, ensuring all 3rd–5th grade students are engaged in targeted small groups for their testing blitz. The focus, the preparation, and the commitment are showing! Way to go, Lions, keep pushing toward excellence! 🦁💛

Our educators, and ultimately our students cannot excel without meaningful collaboration. Today, we concluded what may be our final collaboration day for this school year, but certainly not the end of this powerful partnership between the instructional coaches, reading coaches, and 4th and 5th grade teachers of Lemira Elementary and Rafting Creek Elementary. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, shared expertise, and collective focus on student achievement demonstrated by both teams.

✨ From the Classroom to Malawi!

Third grade students from Millwood Elementary took an incredible virtual trip to Malawi, Africa to deepen their understanding of the setting in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. As they read about William Kamkwamba, the inspiring main character, students explored what life looks like in the place he calls home. Through immersive experiences, they were able to see the landscapes, villages, and environment that shaped William’s story.

Experiences like this are a great example of Instructional Innovation in action, connecting literature, culture, and technology to make learning more meaningful and engaging for students. Learning truly takes flight when students can see the world beyond the pages of a book! 📚🌍

It was a great day at Crestwood High School! The Knights celebrated their journey toward exiting the ATSI designation. Their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to student achievement continue to make a difference for their students and school community.

There is tremendous power in collaboration. Today, the team at Lemira Elementary School hosted a collaborative planning session with Rafting Creek Elementary School as they worked together to prepare for next week’s ELA and Math instruction. Opportunities like this allow educators to share ideas, strengthen instructional practices, and ensure that every student receives high-quality learning experiences.

Today was all about collaboration!
Instructional Coaches planning, problem-solving, and aligning around what strong instruction looks like.
When we grow together, our teachers and students benefit.

Excellence and character were on full display as RE Davis College Preparatory Academy students were honored at the Chamber of Commerce Golden Apple Awards! 🌟 Nominated by their teachers, counselors, and administrators, these twelve outstanding students were celebrated for demonstrating integrity, determination, leadership, and honesty—qualities that make them true role models.
Each recipient received a certificate and a proclamation signed by Mayor David Merchant and County Council Chairman James T. McCain, Jr.
The Golden Apple Awards program, sponsored by SAFE, recognizes exceptional middle and high school students throughout Sumter School District.