Congratulations to Nas Berry, a senior on the Fort Mill High School basketball team, for being named the Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week! Nas showcased his incredible skills with standout performances, including 14 points against York, 23 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Gaffney, and 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Providence. This recognition highlights Nas’s hard work and dedication on the court, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Special thanks to the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Super Chix for sponsoring this award and supporting student-athletes…
Congratulations to Jon DaSilva, a senior wrestler at Fort Mill High School, for earning the title of Athlete of the Week! Jon had an impressive performance at the Southern Slam, finishing with a flawless 5-0 record—all wins by pin—to claim the championship title. This recognition highlights Jon’s dedication, skill, and sportsmanship on the mat. A big thank you to the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Super Chix for sponsoring the award and supporting the outstanding athletes at Fort Mill High School. Post Views: 36
COLUMBIA, S.C. —South Carolina’s public schools, serving more than 800,000 students, remain a central focus of the state’s budget, with billions in taxpayer dollars allocated annually. As lawmakers prepare to reconvene in January, the Department of Education is outlining its priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver is advocating for significant investments, particularly in teacher pay and rural school infrastructure. Weaver aims to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000, building on recent progress that saw starting salaries increase from $32,000 to $47,000 over the last six years. She also proposes $5 million to expand…
The Yellow Jackets varsity boys basketball team defeated Marvin Ridge at home Tuesday night, 58-39. Fort Mill improves to 9-1 on the season. Their next game is a home matchup against Catawba Ridge. This will open up Region 5-3A action for both teams. Find me on Twitter & Instagram. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 31
The Fort Mill Lady Jackets basketball team lost 51-58 to Marvin Ridge at The Hive Tuesday night. Fort Mill held the lead through the first half, but lost it early in the third period when Marvin Ridge put on a strong full court defense and an aggressive offense. The score remained close until the final minutes of the game when the visitors kept and held a seven point lead. Fort Mill falls to 5-5 on the season. They open up with region play Friday at home against Catawba Ridge. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 16
The Fort Mill boys varsity basketball team won 57-34 over the visiting Andrew Jackson Volunteers Monday night. The Yellow Jackets improve to 8-1 on the season. Earlier in the night at The Hive, the Andrew Jackson Lady Volunteers defeated the Lady Jackets 53-32. The Lady Jackets fall to 5-4 on the season. Both teams are at home Tuesday night against Marvin Ridge. Find me on Twitter & Instagram. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 21
Gold Hill Middle School is proud to announce the induction of a new class of members into the esteemed Beta Club. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic achievement, character, leadership, and service, the core values of the National Beta Club. The National Beta Club, the largest independent educational youth organization in America, provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, make a positive impact on their communities, and excel academically. The newly inducted members of the Gold Hill Middle School Beta Club will have the chance to participate in a variety of activities, including community service projects,…
FORT MILL, SC —The Fort Mill School District is excited to announce the selection of Jennifer Hendershot as the Sugar Creek Elementary School Principal, effective January 2025. Ms. Hendershot replaces Michelle Gritz, who will be leading the new Flint Hill Elementary School, opening in the fall of 2025. Ms. Hendershot has served as Assistant Principal at Fort Mill Elementary School since 2020. Prior to her leadership role, Ms. Hendershot taught 13 years in New Jersey and four years at Fort Mill Elementary School in first, second, and third grades. Ms. Hendershot holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University,…
Fort Mill High School Wrestling, won 56-12 vs Lugoff Elgin Wrestling, won 74-6 vs River Bluff Boys Varsity Basketball, won 67-28 vs York Girls JV Basketball, won 27-8 vs York Girls Varsity Basketball, won 57-20 vs York Nation Ford High School Girls JV Basketball, won 34-15 at Lancaster Varsity Girls Basketball, lost 31-42 at Lancaster Varsity Boys Basketball, lost 67-80 at Lancaster Post Views: 18
Special Recognitions Fort Mill High School Girls Swim Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Fort Mill High School Boys Swim Team Members Turner Wiand and Dominic Impens – Palmetto’s Finest Record Book for SCHSL Fort Mill High School Girls Cross Country Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Fort Mill High School Boys Cross Country Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report: Monthly Financial Report October 31st – Fourth Month in Fiscal Year Total Revenue $48,561,893 Total Expenditures $67,602,607 Decrease ($19,040,714) – Cash flow…
Isaac Campbell, a senior on the Fort Mill High School Cross Country team, has been named the Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week. This recognition celebrates his outstanding performance at the recent 5A State Championships, where he clocked an impressive 15:59 in the 5K, securing a 2nd place individual finish. Campbell’s remarkable effort also helped propel his team to victory, earning the title of 5A Division II State Champions. The Fort Mill Athletic Booster Club, along with sponsors Jersey Mike’s Subs and Super Chix, presented Campbell with this week’s award. Congratulations to Isaac and the entire Yellow Jackets…
FORT MILL, SC —Springfield Middle School students are bringing the themes of compassion and empathy to life through a schoolwide Day of Service on November 26th. Inspired by their shared reading of Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde at the start of the school year, the 711 students will partner with 29 local organizations, contributing over 2,800 hours of service to the community in a single day. The novel’s message—that a small act of kindness can ripple outward to make a significant impact—has driven this initiative. Students will distribute “Pay It Forward” cards during their service, encouraging others to…
The Fort Mill School District is calling on parents, educators, and community members to take part in the South Carolina Department of Education’s 2024 Instructional Materials Public Review. This important process ensures that the instructional resources used in schools meet high standards and effectively support student learning. Public Review Details Review Period: November 18, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Virtual Access: Materials can be reviewed online through the South Carolina Department of Education’s website. In-Person Review Locations: Materials are available at seven locations statewide, including the Winthrop University Library in Rock Hill. Why Participate? Your input is vital to the…
Dominic Impens, a standout swimmer from Fort Mill High School, has been named a Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming, an honor awarded to just 1,790 student-athletes nationwide. This recognition celebrates those who excel both academically and athletically, with Impens being one of only 24 students from South Carolina to earn the accolade in 2024. The requirements for this prestigious honor include maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the qualifying year and achieving a junior national swim qualifying time or higher. Impens has exceeded these rigorous standards, demonstrating his exceptional commitment to both the classroom…
Fort Mill High School freshman Owen Ware has been recognized as the school’s Athlete of the Week for his outstanding performance in cross country. Ware clocked an impressive 16:08 in the 5K at the State Qualifier. Congratulations to Owen Ware for his hard work and this well-deserved honor! Post Views: 85
The Fort Mill High School Girls Cross Country team secured the 5A Division 2 state championship at the SCHSL AAAAA State Championship on November 21, 2024, at The Farm XC Course in Newberry, South Carolina. The team’s consistent performance led to their victory, with all runners finishing in the top 25. Nation Ford High School in 4th place, and Catawba Ridge High School finished in 8th place The Fort Mill runners’ placements were as follows: 5th place Alivia Cleveland. 19:40.70 6th place Ella Demmerle. 19:46.01 7h place Avery Moriarty. 19:46.69 8th place Mia Zook. 19:48.91 13th place Kaylee Rovenstine. 20:08.34…
The Fort Mill High School Boys Cross Country team secured the 5A Division 2 state championship at the SCHSL AAAAA State Championship on November 21, 2024, at The Farm XC Course in Newberry, South Carolina. The team’s consistent performance led to their victory. Catawba Ridge High School finished in 4th place, followed by Nation Ford High School in 5th place. The Fort Mill runners’ placements were as follows: 2nd place Isaac Campbell. 15:59.19 10th place Owen Ware. 16:48.52 10 11th place Hudson Haley. 16:49.70 21st place Finn Leckrone. 17:12.43 29th place Zack Larner. 17:26.95 33rd place Tanner Helms. 17:30.92 These finishes contributed…
November 19, 2024, Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights Oath of Office to Newly Re-Elected Board Members Re-elected board members, Mr. Anthony Boddie, Dr. Scott Frattaroli and Mrs. Kristy Spears took the oath of office for their four-year term. Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Board Kristy Spears was elected Chairperson of the Board. Lipi Pratt was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Board. School Spotlight – Banks Trail Middle School Principal Marc Pyrc and his staff from Banks Trail Middle School shared information about their Club Unified program. The program is designed to bring together students with and without disabilities,…
Catawba Ridge’s all team schedule for the week of 11/18 is here. The Copperhead varsity football team faces TL Hanna this Friday in second round play of Class 5A-D2 teams. Catawba Ridge defeated Woodmont 38-35 to move on to the second round of playoffs. Post Views: 23
The SCHSL Class AAAAA Division II Cheer Qualifying competition was held on November 12, 2024, at Spring Valley High School. Among the standout performers were three teams from the Fort Mill School District: Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School, and Catawba Ridge High School. All three teams delivered strong performances that earned them qualifying scores, securing their places in the upcoming state championships. Chapin High School took the top spot with an impressive score of 317, closely followed by St. James with 306. Catawba Ridge clinched third place with a score of 276.5, followed by Fort Mill High…
FORT MILL, SC — Nation Ford High School has been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence organization as a 2024 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. The Lighthouse School distinction comes after extensive surveys and a two-day site visit, where classrooms were observed and students, parents and teachers were interviewed. Lighthouse Schools excel in nine categories, including: Student Focus and Support School Organization and Culture Challenging Standards and Curriculum Active Teaching and Learning Technology Integration Professional Community Leadership and Educational Vitality School, Family, and Community Partnerships Indicators of Success Designation as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School lasts for…
Fort Mill High School is celebrating sophomore football player Noah Hardy as the Athlete of the Week. Hardy’s outstanding performance on the field earned him this well-deserved recognition. The young athlete demonstrated his kicking prowess, successfully scoring on all three field goal attempts, with impressive distances of 48, 33, and 22 yards. Hardy also delivered three touchbacks and executed a successful onside kick. Congratulations to Noah Hardy on this achievement, and thank you to the sponsors, the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix for supporting Fort Mill High School athletics. Post Views: 56
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2024 FLINT HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT FORT MILL, SC —The Fort Mill School District is excited to announce the selection of Michelle Gritz as the Flint Hill Elementary School Principal. Ms. Gritz has served as Principal of Sugar Creek Elementary School since 2013. Ms. Gritz’s career is deeply rooted in the Fort Mill School District. She began as a second-grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School before advancing to assistant principal, a role she held both at Springfield and, later, at Sugar Creek Elementary when it opened in 2009. Ms. Gritz holds a Bachelor’s degree…
York County, SC — The results are in for the highly anticipated York County school board elections. Voters have made their choices, electing a diverse group of leaders across the county’s school districts who will shape the future of local education. Rock Hill School District: In a closely watched race, the following candidates secured seats on the school board: Lacy Daniel Jennifer Hutchinson James Burns Melissa Harris Montrio Belton Fort Mill School District: Three incumbent candidates emerged victorious: Anthony Boddie Scott Frattaroli Kristy Spears Clover School District: The Clover community selected the following board members: Jessica Cody Kenda Cook Tracy…
Approval of the Administrative Recommendation for Student Assignment for Elementary and Middle Schools The board voted to approve the administration’s recommendation as submitted. The new attendance lines will go into effect for elementary schools beginning with the 2025–2026 school year and for the middle schools beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Information regarding the new attendance lines and the process for approval can be found on the district’s website. Approval of Bond Resolution for High School Projects The board voted to approve the Bond Resolution for the following high school projects: Construction of an Additional Gym at Fort Mill High…
The Fort Mill School Board will meet this evening at 5 p.m. to discuss and vote on two significant agenda items impacting the district. First, the board will address Student Assignment for Elementary and Middle Schools, aiming to ensure optimal placement and resource allocation for students across these grade levels. Following that, the board will consider the Approval of a Bond Resolution for High School Projects. Community members are encouraged to attend to stay informed about these impactful decisions. The full agenda is available here, https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/fortmill/Board.nsf/Public Post Views: 47
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. Today, we’ll introduce Kristy Thames Spears. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Hi! My name is Kristy Thames Spears and I am seeking RE-Election on the Fort Mill School Board. I was first elected to the Board…
Fort Mill High School senior tennis star Emily Rimmer was named Athlete of the Week. Rimmer, a standout player for the Yellow Jackets, recently achieved the title of Region Player of the Year and boasts an impressive undefeated season with a 12-0 record. Her dedication and skill on the court have set her apart, earning her this well-deserved recognition. The Fort Mill High School Athletic Booster Club, along with sponsor Super Chix, support this award to honor outstanding student-athletes each week. Congratulations, Emily, on your remarkable achievements and continued success on the court! Post Views: 22
In this Fort Mill School Board meeting, which was specially called with a single agenda item, district administrators presented updates to proposed student assignments for elementary and middle schools. The goal was to address community feedback and adjust attendance lines before the final voting meeting. Key details from the meeting are outlined below: Purpose of the Meeting: The meeting aimed to present updates to student assignment plans, specifically designed to manage utilization across the district’s elementary and middle schools and address parents’ concerns raised since the last meeting. Attendance Zones and Adjustments: Elementary Schools: Changes primarily occurred in the district’s…
Congratulations to Dominic Impens of Fort Mill High School Swim for being named Athlete of the Week! Dominic’s outstanding performance, winning gold in four state events—the 200 Medley Relay, 100 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, and 400 Freestyle—earned him this well-deserved recognition. Special thanks go to the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix for sponsoring the award and supporting student-athletes like Dominic. His achievements highlight his dedication and bring pride to the Fort Mill community. #WeAreFortMill Post Views: 75
The family of Stanley Brucker, a 61-year-old crossing guard who died in March after being struck by a vehicle near Fort Mill schools, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Fort Mill School District. The lawsuit, filed on October 18 in York County civil court, comes just days after another crossing guard was injured in a separate incident on October 15 at a different Fort Mill school. Brucker died on March 21 while stationed on Springfield Parkway near Fort Mill Middle and Elementary Schools. He was employed by Cross Safe, a contractor hired by the district. The lawsuit alleges…
The Fort Mill High School girls swim team has captured their third straight South Carolina State Championship. The Yellow Jackets demonstrated their depth and determination, securing the title with a score of 483 points, well ahead of their closest competitors. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Fort Mill swim program, which had long faced challenges in reaching the top, with nine runner-up finishes before finally breaking through for a championship. Now, with this three-peat, the girls’ team has cemented itself as a powerhouse in South Carolina high school swimming. Despite not securing any individual event wins, the Jackets’…
Congratulations are in order for three local high school bands who delivered stellar performances in recent competitions. The Catawba Ridge High School Band took home the top honors as Grand Champions at the Olde English Festival of Bands in Rock Hill. Competing against 19 other bands on Saturday, Catawba Ridge impressed the judges with exceptional performances, winning in the categories of high music performance, high visual performance, high effect performance, and securing first place in Class 5A. Advancing to the finals as one of the top eight bands, the Copperheads continued their dominance by winning first place in each caption,…
Tega Cay, SC — Exciting news for young athletes in the area! Tega Cay Elementary School has recently launched a youth pickleball club, led by volunteer coach Josh Lee, a Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) Certified Coach. This 8-week clinic, organized in collaboration with the school’s PTO, is part of a broader effort to promote the sport among the youth community in Tega Cay and Fort Mill. Pickleball, a fast-growing sport across the country, is being embraced for its low-impact nature, making it an ideal option for kids who are still developing physically. “Pickleball puts less strain on the joints and…
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Scott Frattaroli. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ The Fort Mill School District is the heartbeat of our community. Home values continue to rise, business in the area is booming, and growth…
Isaac Campbell, a senior on the Fort Mill High School Cross Country team, has been named Athlete of the Week. Sponsored by the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix, this award recognizes Campbell’s impressive performance and leadership. Campbell earned the distinction after clocking a remarkable 15:53 in the 5K at the Coaches Classic. Ok Post Views: 31
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Michelle Hoffman. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Dear Tega Cay Sun readers, Hello, my name is Michelle Hoffman and I’m running for Fort Mill school board because I am a Parent, Teacher,…
As the holiday season approaches, the Thanksgiving Bag project, now in its sixth year, is once again calling on the Fort Mill and Tega Cay community to help provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. This initiative, led by Lindsay Gore and Christy Tolentino, has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, with last year’s effort delivering 168 Thanksgiving dinners to families across 14 schools in the Fort Mill School District. “We started this project after realizing that there were families just a few miles from us who were really struggling, especially during the holidays,” Gore shared. “We wanted to…
The Fort Mill School District is in the midst of a complex redistricting process, aiming to reconfigure elementary and middle school attendance zones in anticipation of the opening of Flint Hill Elementary next fall and Flint Hill Middle School in 2026. The process, while necessary to accommodate the district’s growth, has generated substantial feedback from concerned parents. During a school board meeting on Tuesday night, parents voiced their concerns as the district presented its revised recommendations for new attendance lines. These updated proposals are slightly different from those initially submitted by an Ohio-based consultant two weeks ago. Changes include the…
The federal government offers a vast array of exciting internship opportunities, but finding and navigating these positions can often be overwhelming. The GoGovernment Federal Internship Finder, created by the Partnership for Public Service, seeks to change that by centralizing the information students and recent graduates need to explore career paths in government. This tool compiles publicly accessible listings of internships and academic opportunities into one easy-to-navigate platform. Previously, applicants had to search across hundreds of different federal websites, often with limited application windows that were easy to miss. With the Federal Internship Finder, users can filter internship opportunities by factors…
District Report Card Dr. Michael Waiksnis, Mr. Matt Rohring and Mrs. Renee Beck presented information from the 2024 SC School Report Cards released by the South Carolina Department of Education and the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee. The report cards provide overall ratings of Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, or Unsatisfactory based on a 100-point scale for all public elementary, middle and high schools in South Carolina. Schools also receive ratings on various indicators such as academic achievement, college and career-readiness, and graduation rate. In the Fort Mill School District, 16 schools received an excellent overall rating, 3 received a…
This morning, a serious accident occurred during the drop-off period at Catawba Ridge High School, leaving both a crossing guard and a driver injured. According to reports, two vehicles collided near the school’s main entrance, and in the aftermath, one of the vehicles struck the crossing guard stationed there. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly responded to the scene and transported both the injured crossing guard and one of the drivers to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed, but school officials and community members are hopeful for their swift recovery. The school…
Nation Ford High School’s Varsity Swim Coach, Alyssa McAllister, has been named the South Carolina Class 5A Region III Varsity Swim Coach of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication and leadership in guiding the swim team to excellence. McAllister’s coaching has been instrumental in fostering both individual and team success throughout the season. The Nation Ford community is proud of her accomplishments and looks forward to continued achievements under her leadership. Post Views: 13
With the first “early decision” college-application deadline looming on November 1, and tuition plus room and board at a four-year college costing $28,000 – $60,000 per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its reports on 2025’s Best College & University Rankings, to help college-bound seniors make the most informed school choices. WalletHub compared over 800 higher-education institutions in the U.S. based on 30 key measures grouped into seven categories, such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The data set ranges from student-faculty ratios to graduation rates to salaries after graduation. Top 10 Colleges & Universities in…
Fort Mill High School junior, Joseph Duey, has been named Athlete of the Week for his stellar performance in football, tallying 15 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Sponsored by the Fort Mill Athletic Booster Club and Super Chix, Duey’s standout defensive effort earned him this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Joseph Duey! Post Views: 28
If you have a child attending a Fort Mill school, you have definitely heard Joe Burke’s voice on the other end of your phone or received one of the many emails he sends to keep you updated on what’s happening with your child’s school. Serving as the Chief Communications Officer for the Fort Mill School District, it’s Joe’s job to keep parents and children informed while also navigating multiple points of change in a town with ever expanding growth. As he enters his eight year, we wanted to get to know the man behind the voice, while asking him to…
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Denise Casey. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Dear Readers, I am Denise Casey, candidate for Fort Mill School Board. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to encourage…
FORT MILL, S.C. — Due to ongoing repairs from a significant water main break, approximately half of the schools and district facilities in Fort Mill may experience disruptions in water service. As a precaution, all schools and district facilities will be closed on Tuesday, October 8. The unexpected nature of this disruption has led to the decision not to transition to eLearning for the day. District officials cited the proximity to the upcoming scheduled holiday and teacher workday as a factor in determining the course of action. Instead, a make-up day will be scheduled in the early part of next…
ROCK HILL, SC – Fort Mill High School’s Yellow Jackets delivered a dominant performance at the Region 3-5A swim meet on Saturday, sweeping both the boys’ and girls’ championships. The meet, held at the Rock Hill Aquatics Center, saw Fort Mill score an impressive 430 points in each division, securing decisive victories and showcasing their depth and talent. This is the 16th year in a row they have won the regional championships. Key individual performances were central to Fort Mill’s triumph. Turner Wiand led the boys’ team with two victories, winning the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Dominic Impens…
The Fort Mill School District has once again proven itself to be the best in South Carolina, according to the 2025 rankings by Niche.com. The district was named the #1 Best School District in the state, as well as the best in the Charlotte metro area. Additionally, Fort Mill’s teachers were recognized as the second-best in South Carolina, highlighting their commitment to providing top-notch education. The district was also rated as the best place to teach in the Charlotte area and recognized as having the best teachers in the Charlotte area. In the elementary school category, Fort Mill School District…
Adrian Paredes Carrillo Named Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week Congratulations to Adrian Paredes Carrillo, a senior on the Fort Mill High School (FMHS) swim team, for being named the FMHS Athlete of the Week! He showcased his versatility by placing first in the 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. Additionally, he secured second place in the 100 Butterfly. This Athlete of the Week award is sponsored by the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Super Chix. Their support highlights the importance of community involvement in celebrating the accomplishments of student-athletes like Adrian….
FORT MILL, S.C. — The School Counselors of Fort Mill School District will host Parent University on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Forest Creek Middle School. This event aims to provide parents with valuable resources and information to support their children’s education, mental health, and physical wellness. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with vendor tables offering information about community resources. Attendees can browse and speak with local organizations before the sessions begin. Starting at 9:30 a.m., four concurrent, 30-minute sessions will be held, covering a variety of topics relevant to parenting and student success. Sessions will continue until 12:00…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2024 NATION FORD HIRES NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FORT MILL, S.C. – Nation Ford High School is excited to announce the appointment of Bryan Dillon as the school’s new Athletic Director, effective October 21, 2024. Principal Chris Chandler shared the news following board approval on Tuesday evening. Dillon joins Nation Ford after nine successful years as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Clover School District. His background also includes extensive experience in collegiate athletics, having held positions with the Big South Conference, UNC Asheville, and Winthrop University. “We are thrilled to welcome Mr….
Special Recognitions · Service Awards for 25 and 30 Years of Service to the district. School Spotlight – Forest Creek Middle School Principal Christine McNeil, along with staff members from Forest Creek, shared their story. From opening a new school in the midst of a Global Pandemic to building a new school culture for students as they returned to school. The school is now in year four and has seen excellent gains in the academic achievements of all students. The school continues to shape their student’s environment and educational achievement through their school motto: Focus on a growth mindset. Commit…
Ross Thompson, a senior volleyball standout, has been recognized as Fort Mill High School’s Athlete of the Week. Thompson’s impressive performance on the court included 36 kills and 8 blocks, solidifying his contribution to the team’s success. His athleticism, leadership, and hard work have earned him this well-deserved accolade. The award, sponsored by the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club and SuperChix, is given to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in their sport. Post Views: 98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2024 FORT MILL, SC — We are closely monitoring weather conditions that indicate the potential for severe weather in our area starting late Thursday and continuing in to Friday. Forecasts suggest that we may experience high winds that could create unsafe travel conditions for buses and car riders. The National Weather Service has advised that wind speeds may exceed the state guidelines for safe bus operation. In light of this information, all Fort Mill schools and district facilities will be closed on Friday, September 27. We will transition to eLearning for the day. At this…
Fort Mill, SC — Catawba Ridge walked away with a 30-0 win over Fort Mill to open up Region 3-5A play for both teams. With Fort Mill winning the toss and deferring to the second half, Catawba Ridge executed an unflappable opening drive for a touchdown. Between penalties and Catawba Ridge’s defense, Fort Mill wasn’t able to move the ball much on this drive or the rest of the night. Their first three drives of the night all ended with punts or a turn over on downs. Down 10-0 in the second quarter, Fort Mill’s defense put up an impressive…
Fort Mill High School is proud to announce Emily Rimmer as the Athlete of the Week. A senior on the tennis team, Emily had an outstanding performance, going 2-0 this week to help her team remain undefeated in the region. Her dedication and success on the court have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Emily for her hard work and leadership! Post Views: 90
Procurement Updates The South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code requires that all State agencies or agencies that have adopted a procurement code that is substantially similar to the State code formulate a Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Plan (“MBE Plan”). The MBE Plan is designed to ensure that minority businesses are offered the opportunity to fully participate in the overall procurement process of the district. The MBE Plan must be approved annually by the school board. First Reading of District Cell Phone Policy Mr. Grey Young presented policy JICJ–Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day for first reading. This…
Catawba Ridge’s 2nd Annual Men’s Lacrosse Golf Tournament is set for October 14 at the Chester Golf Club. There will also be a silent auction with all proceeds going to the school’s men’s lacrosse team. Registration and sponsorship information can be found here. Image rights belong to the Catawba Ridge H.S. lacrosse team. Find me on Twitter and Instagram. Post Views: 99
(Updated at 9:55 a.m. Sept. 17.) “Due to the confidential nature of personnel matters, the district is unable to provide specific details at this time,” Joe Burke, chief communications officer for the Fort Mill School District, said. “However, we can confirm that Coach Michael Allen has resigned from his position, effective immediately. Assistant Coach Jason McManus has been appointed as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. The school will determine the next steps regarding the coaching vacancy in the coming months.” (Updated at 8:00 p.m. Sept. 16.) Coach Michael Allen allegedly turned in his resignation today as…
With World Teachers’ Day around the corner and teachers making an average of 5% less per year than they did 10 years ago after adjusting for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst States for Teachers in 2024, as well as expert commentary, in order to help educators find places to work with good teaching environments and above-average compensation. WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers’ income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to public-school spending per student. South Carolina ranks 29th overall in…
Catawba Ridge 38, Spring Valley 14 Clover 37, York 6 Lancaster 32, Fort Mill 27 Richland Northeast 58, Nation Ford 49 Hartsville 49, Rock Hill 30 Northwestern 28, South Pointe 14 Post Views: 43
The Nation Ford Falcon’s varsity football game was moved to Thursday night due to expected bad weather on Friday. Despite the shortened practice week, the Richland Northeast Cavaliers showed up to play football and scored quickly on the opening drive of the night. It was the beginning of an offensive showcase as Nation Ford returned the favor with their own opening drive touchdown. Pretty soon the two teams were trading touchdowns until the start of the second half when Richland Northeast scored 22 unanswered points. Nation Ford lost 49-59 to the Cavaliers and the Falcons drop to 1-3 on the…
It continues to be an offense slanted game as Nation Ford enters the half up 42-30. Special teams continues to have an impact. The Falcon’s last touchdown of the half came off of a scrubbed field goal attempt. A scrambled throw into the end zone by the Nation Ford kicker found friendly hands. Post Views: 73
It’s been an offensive and special teams battle so far. The teams have traded touchdowns with The Falcons scoring their third touchdown with an onside kick. Post Views: 34
The Fort Mill High School ABC’s annual fundraising golf tournament is set for October 17. Sponsorship and team sign up information can be found here. Tournament proceeds benefit all sports teams at Fort Mill High School. https://form.jotform.com/240803512384148 Post Views: 93
Fort Mill High School has proudly named senior volleyball player Garrett Stein as their Athlete of the Week. Stein, who serves as the team captain, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill on the court, earning him this well-deserved recognition. In a standout performance, Stein recorded 23 assists and 19 digs, highlighting his versatility and commitment to the game. Post Views: 85
Earlier this month Blythewood High School junior football player, Troy Moore, passed away suddenly. The team decided to dedicate the season to Moore. To honor the 16-year-old, the team will use the TROY STRONG message in addition to wearing decals with the initials TM and his number, No.51, on their helmets. In response, the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets will wear the same stickers on their football helmets this season. The two teams met up this past Friday evening with Blythewood coming away with the win. Find me on Twitter or Instagram. All photos by Chris Coffee. Post Views: 333
Fort Mill, SC — The Nation Ford Falcons kept Friday night’s game close against the River Bluff Gators, but came up short with a 35-30 loss. The game was an offensive showcase as the Falcon’s quaterback, Jacob Sanford, threw for four touchdowns. A touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter put the Falcons within five points of the Gators. Nation Ford failed on the two point conversion and the following onside kick. The 1-2 Falcons are home next Friday against Richland Northeast (3-0). Their first region game is the following Friday at Northwestern (3-0). Find me…
Fort Mill High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football vs. Blythewood Nation Ford High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football vs River Bluff TDB – Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Rocky Mountain Classic (Sevierville, TN) Catawba Ridge High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football @ Chester Find me on Twitter or Instagram. Post Views: 145
Fort Mill High School 5:00 pm Girls Tennis @ Clover 5:30 pm JV Boys Volleyball vs Clover 5:30 pm JV Girls Volleyball @ Clover 6:45 pm Varsity Boys Volleyball vs Clover 6:45 pm Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Clover 7:00 pm JV Football @ Blythewood Nation Ford High School 6:00 pm Varsity Boys Volleyball vs Blythewood 7:30 pm JV Football @ River Bluff Catawba Ridge High School 5:00 pm Boys Volleyball @ Northwestern 5:00 pm Tennis vs Northwestern 6:30 pm Girls Volleyball vs Northwestern Post Views: 30
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced the launch of the ‘Free to Focus SC’ initiative, a statewide effort aimed at reducing digital distractions in schools. The announcement follows final approval by the State Board of Education earlier this week of a model cell phone policy designed to limit smartphone use in classrooms across South Carolina. ‘Free to Focus SC’ will serve as a comprehensive resource for educators, parents, and students as they adapt to the new policy, which is set for statewide implementation in January 2025. Local school districts will begin finalizing the roll…
September 4, 2024 Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights Special Recognitions District Energy Management Program Mr. Joe Romenick along with representatives from Schneider Electric presented a project summary for the district’s long term utilities plan to generate savings for the district. The plan is designed to: The plan consists of two phases: Through this program in partnership with Schneider Electric the district could save an estimated $22 million over 20 years that could be reallocated to fund other district initiatives. State Test Scores Dr. Mike Waiksnis presented a report on the recent release of assessment data from the State Department…
Several York County area high schools kicked off their season with thrilling matchups. Northwestern narrowly escaped Hough with a 45-44 victory, while Fort Mill dominated Ballantyne Ridge 56-0. Other notable results included Lewisville’s shutout win over Central and River Bluff’s come-from-behind victory against Rock Hill. There were also some close contests, such as Indian Land’s two-point win over York and Lancaster’s comeback victory against Chester. Overall, this week provided plenty of excitement and set the stage for a competitive season. Lewisville 20, Central 0 Northwestern 45, Hough 44 River Bluff 48, Rock Hill 34 Fort Mill 56, Ballantyne Ridge 0…
Charlotte, NC – Last night the Fort Mill High School varsity football team kicked off their season with an away game at Charlotte’s newest magnet school – Ballantyne Ridge High School. The final score was a 56-0 shut out victory for the visiting Yellow Jackets. The first of two potential Fort Mill touchdowns were called back due to penalties before Josef Anderson was finally able to punch one in that stood. A Ballantyne miscue on the subsequent kickoff gave the ball back to the Yellow Jackets on their opponent’s 10 yard line. Just short of 10 minutes into the game…
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Newly released SCREADY test scores from the 2023-2024 school year show that South Carolina students are falling short of state expectations in reading, writing, and math. The scores reveal that 53% of students tested at or above their grade level in English Language Arts (ELA), while only 42% met grade-level expectations in math. These results are far below the South Carolina Department of Education’s goal of 75% proficiency. While ELA scores have shown improvement since the pandemic, math scores remain troubling, with only slight gains from last year. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver expressed concern over…
FORT MILL, SC — The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) recently released the latest SC READY, EOC (End of Course) and Career Readiness Assessments scores for schools and districts across the state, and the Fort Mill School District is proud to announce that we continue to achieve academically at very high levels. These results underscore our district’s commitment to educational excellence and our ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality education to our students. The SC READY assessment scores are key indicators of student performance, and the Fort Mill School District has once again far exceeded the state average…
August 13, 2024 Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights Special Recognitions Recognition of School Board Members Mrs. Lipi Pratt and Mr. Joe Helms for SCSBA Levels of Service Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report: Monthly Financial Report June 30th – End of Fiscal Year Total Revenue $226,757,920 Total Expenditures $221,490,628 Increase $5,267,292 – Positive Cash flow No significant delinquent Real estate collections this month Collected in excess of 100% of Local Taxes Budgeted to Date – Over by $2,140,004 million. Had previously projected approximately $2.4M; however, final county tax collection adjustments…
Tega Cay, SC – The Collins Academy, a new and unique learning center celebrated its grand opening this week, aiming to transform the educational landscape of the area. Founded by Heather Collins, a 20-year veteran in teaching with a specialization in reading instruction, the academy focuses on personalized, multi-sensory learning methods tailored to each student’s needs. About Collins Academy Heather Collins, certified in the Orton Gillingham approach, established the academy after Covid left many students behind in their reading and writing skills. What began as a small tutoring center has now evolved into a full-fledged learning center with services that…
Tega Cay, SC – As the new school year begins, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of students walking to school. Here are some essential tips for students and parents to keep in mind: Walking to School Tips: Always stay on sidewalks when available. Only cross streets at intersections and crosswalks. Check all directions before crossing. Watch for cars leaving driveways. Walk in a group for increased safety and visibility. Parents, please share these tips with your children to help them stay safe on their way to and from school. Drivers, Your Role is Important Too: Slow down in and…
Congratulations to Nas Berry, a senior on the Fort Mill High School basketball team, for being named the Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week! Nas showcased his incredible skills with standout performances, including 14 points against York, 23 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Gaffney, and 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Providence. This recognition highlights Nas’s hard work and dedication on the court, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Special thanks to the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Super Chix for sponsoring this award and supporting student-athletes…
Congratulations to Jon DaSilva, a senior wrestler at Fort Mill High School, for earning the title of Athlete of the Week! Jon had an impressive performance at the Southern Slam, finishing with a flawless 5-0 record—all wins by pin—to claim the championship title. This recognition highlights Jon’s dedication, skill, and sportsmanship on the mat. A big thank you to the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Super Chix for sponsoring the award and supporting the outstanding athletes at Fort Mill High School. Post Views: 36
COLUMBIA, S.C. —South Carolina’s public schools, serving more than 800,000 students, remain a central focus of the state’s budget, with billions in taxpayer dollars allocated annually. As lawmakers prepare to reconvene in January, the Department of Education is outlining its priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver is advocating for significant investments, particularly in teacher pay and rural school infrastructure. Weaver aims to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000, building on recent progress that saw starting salaries increase from $32,000 to $47,000 over the last six years. She also proposes $5 million to expand…
The Yellow Jackets varsity boys basketball team defeated Marvin Ridge at home Tuesday night, 58-39. Fort Mill improves to 9-1 on the season. Their next game is a home matchup against Catawba Ridge. This will open up Region 5-3A action for both teams. Find me on Twitter & Instagram. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 31
The Fort Mill Lady Jackets basketball team lost 51-58 to Marvin Ridge at The Hive Tuesday night. Fort Mill held the lead through the first half, but lost it early in the third period when Marvin Ridge put on a strong full court defense and an aggressive offense. The score remained close until the final minutes of the game when the visitors kept and held a seven point lead. Fort Mill falls to 5-5 on the season. They open up with region play Friday at home against Catawba Ridge. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 16
The Fort Mill boys varsity basketball team won 57-34 over the visiting Andrew Jackson Volunteers Monday night. The Yellow Jackets improve to 8-1 on the season. Earlier in the night at The Hive, the Andrew Jackson Lady Volunteers defeated the Lady Jackets 53-32. The Lady Jackets fall to 5-4 on the season. Both teams are at home Tuesday night against Marvin Ridge. Find me on Twitter & Instagram. Photos credit Chris Coffee. Post Views: 21
Image credit Nation Ford H.S. athletics. Post Views: 8
Gold Hill Middle School is proud to announce the induction of a new class of members into the esteemed Beta Club. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic achievement, character, leadership, and service, the core values of the National Beta Club. The National Beta Club, the largest independent educational youth organization in America, provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, make a positive impact on their communities, and excel academically. The newly inducted members of the Gold Hill Middle School Beta Club will have the chance to participate in a variety of activities, including community service projects,…
FORT MILL, SC —The Fort Mill School District is excited to announce the selection of Jennifer Hendershot as the Sugar Creek Elementary School Principal, effective January 2025. Ms. Hendershot replaces Michelle Gritz, who will be leading the new Flint Hill Elementary School, opening in the fall of 2025. Ms. Hendershot has served as Assistant Principal at Fort Mill Elementary School since 2020. Prior to her leadership role, Ms. Hendershot taught 13 years in New Jersey and four years at Fort Mill Elementary School in first, second, and third grades. Ms. Hendershot holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University,…
Fort Mill High School Wrestling, won 56-12 vs Lugoff Elgin Wrestling, won 74-6 vs River Bluff Boys Varsity Basketball, won 67-28 vs York Girls JV Basketball, won 27-8 vs York Girls Varsity Basketball, won 57-20 vs York Nation Ford High School Girls JV Basketball, won 34-15 at Lancaster Varsity Girls Basketball, lost 31-42 at Lancaster Varsity Boys Basketball, lost 67-80 at Lancaster Post Views: 18
Special Recognitions Fort Mill High School Girls Swim Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Fort Mill High School Boys Swim Team Members Turner Wiand and Dominic Impens – Palmetto’s Finest Record Book for SCHSL Fort Mill High School Girls Cross Country Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Fort Mill High School Boys Cross Country Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report: Monthly Financial Report October 31st – Fourth Month in Fiscal Year Total Revenue $48,561,893 Total Expenditures $67,602,607 Decrease ($19,040,714) – Cash flow…
Image credit Nation Ford H.S. athletics. Post Views: 7
Isaac Campbell, a senior on the Fort Mill High School Cross Country team, has been named the Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week. This recognition celebrates his outstanding performance at the recent 5A State Championships, where he clocked an impressive 15:59 in the 5K, securing a 2nd place individual finish. Campbell’s remarkable effort also helped propel his team to victory, earning the title of 5A Division II State Champions. The Fort Mill Athletic Booster Club, along with sponsors Jersey Mike’s Subs and Super Chix, presented Campbell with this week’s award. Congratulations to Isaac and the entire Yellow Jackets…
FORT MILL, SC —Springfield Middle School students are bringing the themes of compassion and empathy to life through a schoolwide Day of Service on November 26th. Inspired by their shared reading of Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde at the start of the school year, the 711 students will partner with 29 local organizations, contributing over 2,800 hours of service to the community in a single day. The novel’s message—that a small act of kindness can ripple outward to make a significant impact—has driven this initiative. Students will distribute “Pay It Forward” cards during their service, encouraging others to…
Dominic Impens, a standout swimmer from Fort Mill High School, has been named a Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming, an honor awarded to just 1,790 student-athletes nationwide. This recognition celebrates those who excel both academically and athletically, with Impens being one of only 24 students from South Carolina to earn the accolade in 2024. The requirements for this prestigious honor include maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the qualifying year and achieving a junior national swim qualifying time or higher. Impens has exceeded these rigorous standards, demonstrating his exceptional commitment to both the classroom…
Fort Mill High School freshman Owen Ware has been recognized as the school’s Athlete of the Week for his outstanding performance in cross country. Ware clocked an impressive 16:08 in the 5K at the State Qualifier. Congratulations to Owen Ware for his hard work and this well-deserved honor! Post Views: 85
The Fort Mill High School Girls Cross Country team secured the 5A Division 2 state championship at the SCHSL AAAAA State Championship on November 21, 2024, at The Farm XC Course in Newberry, South Carolina. The team’s consistent performance led to their victory, with all runners finishing in the top 25. Nation Ford High School in 4th place, and Catawba Ridge High School finished in 8th place The Fort Mill runners’ placements were as follows: 5th place Alivia Cleveland. 19:40.70 6th place Ella Demmerle. 19:46.01 7h place Avery Moriarty. 19:46.69 8th place Mia Zook. 19:48.91 13th place Kaylee Rovenstine. 20:08.34…
The Fort Mill High School Boys Cross Country team secured the 5A Division 2 state championship at the SCHSL AAAAA State Championship on November 21, 2024, at The Farm XC Course in Newberry, South Carolina. The team’s consistent performance led to their victory. Catawba Ridge High School finished in 4th place, followed by Nation Ford High School in 5th place. The Fort Mill runners’ placements were as follows: 2nd place Isaac Campbell. 15:59.19 10th place Owen Ware. 16:48.52 10 11th place Hudson Haley. 16:49.70 21st place Finn Leckrone. 17:12.43 29th place Zack Larner. 17:26.95 33rd place Tanner Helms. 17:30.92 These finishes contributed…
Catawba Ridge’s all team schedule for the week of 11/18 is here. The Copperhead varsity football team faces TL Hanna this Friday in second round play of Class 5A-D2 teams. Catawba Ridge defeated Woodmont 38-35 to move on to the second round of playoffs. Post Views: 23
The SCHSL Class AAAAA Division II Cheer Qualifying competition was held on November 12, 2024, at Spring Valley High School. Among the standout performers were three teams from the Fort Mill School District: Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School, and Catawba Ridge High School. All three teams delivered strong performances that earned them qualifying scores, securing their places in the upcoming state championships. Chapin High School took the top spot with an impressive score of 317, closely followed by St. James with 306. Catawba Ridge clinched third place with a score of 276.5, followed by Fort Mill High…
FORT MILL, SC — Nation Ford High School has been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence organization as a 2024 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. The Lighthouse School distinction comes after extensive surveys and a two-day site visit, where classrooms were observed and students, parents and teachers were interviewed. Lighthouse Schools excel in nine categories, including: Student Focus and Support School Organization and Culture Challenging Standards and Curriculum Active Teaching and Learning Technology Integration Professional Community Leadership and Educational Vitality School, Family, and Community Partnerships Indicators of Success Designation as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School lasts for…
Fort Mill High School is celebrating sophomore football player Noah Hardy as the Athlete of the Week. Hardy’s outstanding performance on the field earned him this well-deserved recognition. The young athlete demonstrated his kicking prowess, successfully scoring on all three field goal attempts, with impressive distances of 48, 33, and 22 yards. Hardy also delivered three touchbacks and executed a successful onside kick. Congratulations to Noah Hardy on this achievement, and thank you to the sponsors, the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix for supporting Fort Mill High School athletics. Post Views: 56
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2024 FLINT HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT FORT MILL, SC —The Fort Mill School District is excited to announce the selection of Michelle Gritz as the Flint Hill Elementary School Principal. Ms. Gritz has served as Principal of Sugar Creek Elementary School since 2013. Ms. Gritz’s career is deeply rooted in the Fort Mill School District. She began as a second-grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School before advancing to assistant principal, a role she held both at Springfield and, later, at Sugar Creek Elementary when it opened in 2009. Ms. Gritz holds a Bachelor’s degree…
York County, SC — The results are in for the highly anticipated York County school board elections. Voters have made their choices, electing a diverse group of leaders across the county’s school districts who will shape the future of local education. Rock Hill School District: In a closely watched race, the following candidates secured seats on the school board: Lacy Daniel Jennifer Hutchinson James Burns Melissa Harris Montrio Belton Fort Mill School District: Three incumbent candidates emerged victorious: Anthony Boddie Scott Frattaroli Kristy Spears Clover School District: The Clover community selected the following board members: Jessica Cody Kenda Cook Tracy…
Approval of the Administrative Recommendation for Student Assignment for Elementary and Middle Schools The board voted to approve the administration’s recommendation as submitted. The new attendance lines will go into effect for elementary schools beginning with the 2025–2026 school year and for the middle schools beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Information regarding the new attendance lines and the process for approval can be found on the district’s website. Approval of Bond Resolution for High School Projects The board voted to approve the Bond Resolution for the following high school projects: Construction of an Additional Gym at Fort Mill High…
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. Today, we’ll introduce Kristy Thames Spears. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Hi! My name is Kristy Thames Spears and I am seeking RE-Election on the Fort Mill School Board. I was first elected to the Board…
Fort Mill High School senior tennis star Emily Rimmer was named Athlete of the Week. Rimmer, a standout player for the Yellow Jackets, recently achieved the title of Region Player of the Year and boasts an impressive undefeated season with a 12-0 record. Her dedication and skill on the court have set her apart, earning her this well-deserved recognition. The Fort Mill High School Athletic Booster Club, along with sponsor Super Chix, support this award to honor outstanding student-athletes each week. Congratulations, Emily, on your remarkable achievements and continued success on the court! Post Views: 22
In this Fort Mill School Board meeting, which was specially called with a single agenda item, district administrators presented updates to proposed student assignments for elementary and middle schools. The goal was to address community feedback and adjust attendance lines before the final voting meeting. Key details from the meeting are outlined below: Purpose of the Meeting: The meeting aimed to present updates to student assignment plans, specifically designed to manage utilization across the district’s elementary and middle schools and address parents’ concerns raised since the last meeting. Attendance Zones and Adjustments: Elementary Schools: Changes primarily occurred in the district’s…
Congratulations to Dominic Impens of Fort Mill High School Swim for being named Athlete of the Week! Dominic’s outstanding performance, winning gold in four state events—the 200 Medley Relay, 100 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, and 400 Freestyle—earned him this well-deserved recognition. Special thanks go to the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix for sponsoring the award and supporting student-athletes like Dominic. His achievements highlight his dedication and bring pride to the Fort Mill community. #WeAreFortMill Post Views: 75
The family of Stanley Brucker, a 61-year-old crossing guard who died in March after being struck by a vehicle near Fort Mill schools, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Fort Mill School District. The lawsuit, filed on October 18 in York County civil court, comes just days after another crossing guard was injured in a separate incident on October 15 at a different Fort Mill school. Brucker died on March 21 while stationed on Springfield Parkway near Fort Mill Middle and Elementary Schools. He was employed by Cross Safe, a contractor hired by the district. The lawsuit alleges…
The Fort Mill High School girls swim team has captured their third straight South Carolina State Championship. The Yellow Jackets demonstrated their depth and determination, securing the title with a score of 483 points, well ahead of their closest competitors. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Fort Mill swim program, which had long faced challenges in reaching the top, with nine runner-up finishes before finally breaking through for a championship. Now, with this three-peat, the girls’ team has cemented itself as a powerhouse in South Carolina high school swimming. Despite not securing any individual event wins, the Jackets’…
Congratulations are in order for three local high school bands who delivered stellar performances in recent competitions. The Catawba Ridge High School Band took home the top honors as Grand Champions at the Olde English Festival of Bands in Rock Hill. Competing against 19 other bands on Saturday, Catawba Ridge impressed the judges with exceptional performances, winning in the categories of high music performance, high visual performance, high effect performance, and securing first place in Class 5A. Advancing to the finals as one of the top eight bands, the Copperheads continued their dominance by winning first place in each caption,…
Tega Cay, SC — Exciting news for young athletes in the area! Tega Cay Elementary School has recently launched a youth pickleball club, led by volunteer coach Josh Lee, a Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) Certified Coach. This 8-week clinic, organized in collaboration with the school’s PTO, is part of a broader effort to promote the sport among the youth community in Tega Cay and Fort Mill. Pickleball, a fast-growing sport across the country, is being embraced for its low-impact nature, making it an ideal option for kids who are still developing physically. “Pickleball puts less strain on the joints and…
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Scott Frattaroli. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ The Fort Mill School District is the heartbeat of our community. Home values continue to rise, business in the area is booming, and growth…
Isaac Campbell, a senior on the Fort Mill High School Cross Country team, has been named Athlete of the Week. Sponsored by the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Fort Mill Super Chix, this award recognizes Campbell’s impressive performance and leadership. Campbell earned the distinction after clocking a remarkable 15:53 in the 5K at the Coaches Classic. Ok Post Views: 31
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Michelle Hoffman. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Dear Tega Cay Sun readers, Hello, my name is Michelle Hoffman and I’m running for Fort Mill school board because I am a Parent, Teacher,…
As the holiday season approaches, the Thanksgiving Bag project, now in its sixth year, is once again calling on the Fort Mill and Tega Cay community to help provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. This initiative, led by Lindsay Gore and Christy Tolentino, has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, with last year’s effort delivering 168 Thanksgiving dinners to families across 14 schools in the Fort Mill School District. “We started this project after realizing that there were families just a few miles from us who were really struggling, especially during the holidays,” Gore shared. “We wanted to…
The Fort Mill School District is in the midst of a complex redistricting process, aiming to reconfigure elementary and middle school attendance zones in anticipation of the opening of Flint Hill Elementary next fall and Flint Hill Middle School in 2026. The process, while necessary to accommodate the district’s growth, has generated substantial feedback from concerned parents. During a school board meeting on Tuesday night, parents voiced their concerns as the district presented its revised recommendations for new attendance lines. These updated proposals are slightly different from those initially submitted by an Ohio-based consultant two weeks ago. Changes include the…
The federal government offers a vast array of exciting internship opportunities, but finding and navigating these positions can often be overwhelming. The GoGovernment Federal Internship Finder, created by the Partnership for Public Service, seeks to change that by centralizing the information students and recent graduates need to explore career paths in government. This tool compiles publicly accessible listings of internships and academic opportunities into one easy-to-navigate platform. Previously, applicants had to search across hundreds of different federal websites, often with limited application windows that were easy to miss. With the Federal Internship Finder, users can filter internship opportunities by factors…
This morning, a serious accident occurred during the drop-off period at Catawba Ridge High School, leaving both a crossing guard and a driver injured. According to reports, two vehicles collided near the school’s main entrance, and in the aftermath, one of the vehicles struck the crossing guard stationed there. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly responded to the scene and transported both the injured crossing guard and one of the drivers to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed, but school officials and community members are hopeful for their swift recovery. The school…
Nation Ford High School’s Varsity Swim Coach, Alyssa McAllister, has been named the South Carolina Class 5A Region III Varsity Swim Coach of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication and leadership in guiding the swim team to excellence. McAllister’s coaching has been instrumental in fostering both individual and team success throughout the season. The Nation Ford community is proud of her accomplishments and looks forward to continued achievements under her leadership. Post Views: 13
With the first “early decision” college-application deadline looming on November 1, and tuition plus room and board at a four-year college costing $28,000 – $60,000 per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its reports on 2025’s Best College & University Rankings, to help college-bound seniors make the most informed school choices. WalletHub compared over 800 higher-education institutions in the U.S. based on 30 key measures grouped into seven categories, such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The data set ranges from student-faculty ratios to graduation rates to salaries after graduation. Top 10 Colleges & Universities in…
Fort Mill High School junior, Joseph Duey, has been named Athlete of the Week for his stellar performance in football, tallying 15 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Sponsored by the Fort Mill Athletic Booster Club and Super Chix, Duey’s standout defensive effort earned him this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Joseph Duey! Post Views: 28
If you have a child attending a Fort Mill school, you have definitely heard Joe Burke’s voice on the other end of your phone or received one of the many emails he sends to keep you updated on what’s happening with your child’s school. Serving as the Chief Communications Officer for the Fort Mill School District, it’s Joe’s job to keep parents and children informed while also navigating multiple points of change in a town with ever expanding growth. As he enters his eight year, we wanted to get to know the man behind the voice, while asking him to…
As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited. This week, we’ll introduce Denise Casey. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/ Dear Readers, I am Denise Casey, candidate for Fort Mill School Board. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to encourage…
FORT MILL, S.C. — Due to ongoing repairs from a significant water main break, approximately half of the schools and district facilities in Fort Mill may experience disruptions in water service. As a precaution, all schools and district facilities will be closed on Tuesday, October 8. The unexpected nature of this disruption has led to the decision not to transition to eLearning for the day. District officials cited the proximity to the upcoming scheduled holiday and teacher workday as a factor in determining the course of action. Instead, a make-up day will be scheduled in the early part of next…
ROCK HILL, SC – Fort Mill High School’s Yellow Jackets delivered a dominant performance at the Region 3-5A swim meet on Saturday, sweeping both the boys’ and girls’ championships. The meet, held at the Rock Hill Aquatics Center, saw Fort Mill score an impressive 430 points in each division, securing decisive victories and showcasing their depth and talent. This is the 16th year in a row they have won the regional championships. Key individual performances were central to Fort Mill’s triumph. Turner Wiand led the boys’ team with two victories, winning the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Dominic Impens…
The Fort Mill School District has once again proven itself to be the best in South Carolina, according to the 2025 rankings by Niche.com. The district was named the #1 Best School District in the state, as well as the best in the Charlotte metro area. Additionally, Fort Mill’s teachers were recognized as the second-best in South Carolina, highlighting their commitment to providing top-notch education. The district was also rated as the best place to teach in the Charlotte area and recognized as having the best teachers in the Charlotte area. In the elementary school category, Fort Mill School District…
Adrian Paredes Carrillo Named Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week Congratulations to Adrian Paredes Carrillo, a senior on the Fort Mill High School (FMHS) swim team, for being named the FMHS Athlete of the Week! He showcased his versatility by placing first in the 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. Additionally, he secured second place in the 100 Butterfly. This Athlete of the Week award is sponsored by the Fort Mill Jackets Athletic Booster Club and Super Chix. Their support highlights the importance of community involvement in celebrating the accomplishments of student-athletes like Adrian….
FORT MILL, S.C. — The School Counselors of Fort Mill School District will host Parent University on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Forest Creek Middle School. This event aims to provide parents with valuable resources and information to support their children’s education, mental health, and physical wellness. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with vendor tables offering information about community resources. Attendees can browse and speak with local organizations before the sessions begin. Starting at 9:30 a.m., four concurrent, 30-minute sessions will be held, covering a variety of topics relevant to parenting and student success. Sessions will continue until 12:00…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2024 NATION FORD HIRES NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FORT MILL, S.C. – Nation Ford High School is excited to announce the appointment of Bryan Dillon as the school’s new Athletic Director, effective October 21, 2024. Principal Chris Chandler shared the news following board approval on Tuesday evening. Dillon joins Nation Ford after nine successful years as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Clover School District. His background also includes extensive experience in collegiate athletics, having held positions with the Big South Conference, UNC Asheville, and Winthrop University. “We are thrilled to welcome Mr….
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Ross Thompson, a senior volleyball standout, has been recognized as Fort Mill High School’s Athlete of the Week. Thompson’s impressive performance on the court included 36 kills and 8 blocks, solidifying his contribution to the team’s success. His athleticism, leadership, and hard work have earned him this well-deserved accolade. The award, sponsored by the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets Athletic Booster Club and SuperChix, is given to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in their sport. Post Views: 98
Yellow Jackets sports for the week of 9/23
Nation Ford sports for the week of 9/23
Fort Mill, SC — Catawba Ridge walked away with a 30-0 win over Fort Mill to open up Region 3-5A play for both teams. With Fort Mill winning the toss and deferring to the second half, Catawba Ridge executed an unflappable opening drive for a touchdown. Between penalties and Catawba Ridge’s defense, Fort Mill wasn’t able to move the ball much on this drive or the rest of the night. Their first three drives of the night all ended with punts or a turn over on downs. Down 10-0 in the second quarter, Fort Mill’s defense put up an impressive…
Fort Mill High School is proud to announce Emily Rimmer as the Athlete of the Week. A senior on the tennis team, Emily had an outstanding performance, going 2-0 this week to help her team remain undefeated in the region. Her dedication and success on the court have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Emily for her hard work and leadership! Post Views: 90
Procurement Updates The South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code requires that all State agencies or agencies that have adopted a procurement code that is substantially similar to the State code formulate a Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Plan (“MBE Plan”). The MBE Plan is designed to ensure that minority businesses are offered the opportunity to fully participate in the overall procurement process of the district. The MBE Plan must be approved annually by the school board. First Reading of District Cell Phone Policy Mr. Grey Young presented policy JICJ–Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day for first reading. This…
Catawba Ridge’s 2nd Annual Men’s Lacrosse Golf Tournament is set for October 14 at the Chester Golf Club. There will also be a silent auction with all proceeds going to the school’s men’s lacrosse team. Registration and sponsorship information can be found here. Image rights belong to the Catawba Ridge H.S. lacrosse team. Find me on Twitter and Instagram. Post Views: 99
(Updated at 9:55 a.m. Sept. 17.) “Due to the confidential nature of personnel matters, the district is unable to provide specific details at this time,” Joe Burke, chief communications officer for the Fort Mill School District, said. “However, we can confirm that Coach Michael Allen has resigned from his position, effective immediately. Assistant Coach Jason McManus has been appointed as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. The school will determine the next steps regarding the coaching vacancy in the coming months.” (Updated at 8:00 p.m. Sept. 16.) Coach Michael Allen allegedly turned in his resignation today as…
With World Teachers’ Day around the corner and teachers making an average of 5% less per year than they did 10 years ago after adjusting for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst States for Teachers in 2024, as well as expert commentary, in order to help educators find places to work with good teaching environments and above-average compensation. WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers’ income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to public-school spending per student. South Carolina ranks 29th overall in…
Image credit Nation Ford H.S. athletics. Post Views: 30
Catawba Ridge 38, Spring Valley 14 Clover 37, York 6 Lancaster 32, Fort Mill 27 Richland Northeast 58, Nation Ford 49 Hartsville 49, Rock Hill 30 Northwestern 28, South Pointe 14 Post Views: 43
The Nation Ford Falcon’s varsity football game was moved to Thursday night due to expected bad weather on Friday. Despite the shortened practice week, the Richland Northeast Cavaliers showed up to play football and scored quickly on the opening drive of the night. It was the beginning of an offensive showcase as Nation Ford returned the favor with their own opening drive touchdown. Pretty soon the two teams were trading touchdowns until the start of the second half when Richland Northeast scored 22 unanswered points. Nation Ford lost 49-59 to the Cavaliers and the Falcons drop to 1-3 on the…
It continues to be an offense slanted game as Nation Ford enters the half up 42-30. Special teams continues to have an impact. The Falcon’s last touchdown of the half came off of a scrubbed field goal attempt. A scrambled throw into the end zone by the Nation Ford kicker found friendly hands. Post Views: 73
It’s been an offensive and special teams battle so far. The teams have traded touchdowns with The Falcons scoring their third touchdown with an onside kick. Post Views: 34
The Fort Mill High School ABC’s annual fundraising golf tournament is set for October 17. Sponsorship and team sign up information can be found here. Tournament proceeds benefit all sports teams at Fort Mill High School. https://form.jotform.com/240803512384148 Post Views: 93
Fort Mill High School has proudly named senior volleyball player Garrett Stein as their Athlete of the Week. Stein, who serves as the team captain, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill on the court, earning him this well-deserved recognition. In a standout performance, Stein recorded 23 assists and 19 digs, highlighting his versatility and commitment to the game. Post Views: 85
Nation Ford’s varsity football game against Rock Hill has been moved to 7:30 p.m. tonight. Image credit NAFO Athletics. Post Views: 56
Image credit Fort Mill High School Athletics. Post Views: 35
Earlier this month Blythewood High School junior football player, Troy Moore, passed away suddenly. The team decided to dedicate the season to Moore. To honor the 16-year-old, the team will use the TROY STRONG message in addition to wearing decals with the initials TM and his number, No.51, on their helmets. In response, the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets will wear the same stickers on their football helmets this season. The two teams met up this past Friday evening with Blythewood coming away with the win. Find me on Twitter or Instagram. All photos by Chris Coffee. Post Views: 333
Fort Mill, SC — The Nation Ford Falcons kept Friday night’s game close against the River Bluff Gators, but came up short with a 35-30 loss. The game was an offensive showcase as the Falcon’s quaterback, Jacob Sanford, threw for four touchdowns. A touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter put the Falcons within five points of the Gators. Nation Ford failed on the two point conversion and the following onside kick. The 1-2 Falcons are home next Friday against Richland Northeast (3-0). Their first region game is the following Friday at Northwestern (3-0). Find me…
The most up-to-date list of Fort Mill High School’s weekly athletics can be found here. Post Views: 62
Image credit NAFO Athletics. Post Views: 23
Fort Mill 7 – Blythewood 35 Nation Ford 30 – River Bluff 35 Catawba Ridge 21 – Chester 14 Find me on Twitter or Instagram. Post Views: 63
Congratulations to Lila Hadley who was named the Fort Mill High School Athlete of the Week. Post Views: 185
Fort Mill High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football vs. Blythewood Nation Ford High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football vs River Bluff TDB – Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Rocky Mountain Classic (Sevierville, TN) Catawba Ridge High School 7:30 pm – Varsity Football @ Chester Find me on Twitter or Instagram. Post Views: 145
Fort Mill High School 5:00 pm Girls Tennis @ Clover 5:30 pm JV Boys Volleyball vs Clover 5:30 pm JV Girls Volleyball @ Clover 6:45 pm Varsity Boys Volleyball vs Clover 6:45 pm Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Clover 7:00 pm JV Football @ Blythewood Nation Ford High School 6:00 pm Varsity Boys Volleyball vs Blythewood 7:30 pm JV Football @ River Bluff Catawba Ridge High School 5:00 pm Boys Volleyball @ Northwestern 5:00 pm Tennis vs Northwestern 6:30 pm Girls Volleyball vs Northwestern Post Views: 30
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced the launch of the ‘Free to Focus SC’ initiative, a statewide effort aimed at reducing digital distractions in schools. The announcement follows final approval by the State Board of Education earlier this week of a model cell phone policy designed to limit smartphone use in classrooms across South Carolina. ‘Free to Focus SC’ will serve as a comprehensive resource for educators, parents, and students as they adapt to the new policy, which is set for statewide implementation in January 2025. Local school districts will begin finalizing the roll…
September 4, 2024 Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights Special Recognitions District Energy Management Program Mr. Joe Romenick along with representatives from Schneider Electric presented a project summary for the district’s long term utilities plan to generate savings for the district. The plan is designed to: The plan consists of two phases: Through this program in partnership with Schneider Electric the district could save an estimated $22 million over 20 years that could be reallocated to fund other district initiatives. State Test Scores Dr. Mike Waiksnis presented a report on the recent release of assessment data from the State Department…
Several York County area high schools kicked off their season with thrilling matchups. Northwestern narrowly escaped Hough with a 45-44 victory, while Fort Mill dominated Ballantyne Ridge 56-0. Other notable results included Lewisville’s shutout win over Central and River Bluff’s come-from-behind victory against Rock Hill. There were also some close contests, such as Indian Land’s two-point win over York and Lancaster’s comeback victory against Chester. Overall, this week provided plenty of excitement and set the stage for a competitive season. Lewisville 20, Central 0 Northwestern 45, Hough 44 River Bluff 48, Rock Hill 34 Fort Mill 56, Ballantyne Ridge 0…
Charlotte, NC – Last night the Fort Mill High School varsity football team kicked off their season with an away game at Charlotte’s newest magnet school – Ballantyne Ridge High School. The final score was a 56-0 shut out victory for the visiting Yellow Jackets. The first of two potential Fort Mill touchdowns were called back due to penalties before Josef Anderson was finally able to punch one in that stood. A Ballantyne miscue on the subsequent kickoff gave the ball back to the Yellow Jackets on their opponent’s 10 yard line. Just short of 10 minutes into the game…
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Newly released SCREADY test scores from the 2023-2024 school year show that South Carolina students are falling short of state expectations in reading, writing, and math. The scores reveal that 53% of students tested at or above their grade level in English Language Arts (ELA), while only 42% met grade-level expectations in math. These results are far below the South Carolina Department of Education’s goal of 75% proficiency. While ELA scores have shown improvement since the pandemic, math scores remain troubling, with only slight gains from last year. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver expressed concern over…
Tega Cay, SC – The Collins Academy, a new and unique learning center celebrated its grand opening this week, aiming to transform the educational landscape of the area. Founded by Heather Collins, a 20-year veteran in teaching with a specialization in reading instruction, the academy focuses on personalized, multi-sensory learning methods tailored to each student’s needs. About Collins Academy Heather Collins, certified in the Orton Gillingham approach, established the academy after Covid left many students behind in their reading and writing skills. What began as a small tutoring center has now evolved into a full-fledged learning center with services that…
Tega Cay, SC – As the new school year begins, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of students walking to school. Here are some essential tips for students and parents to keep in mind: Walking to School Tips: Always stay on sidewalks when available. Only cross streets at intersections and crosswalks. Check all directions before crossing. Watch for cars leaving driveways. Walk in a group for increased safety and visibility. Parents, please share these tips with your children to help them stay safe on their way to and from school. Drivers, Your Role is Important Too: Slow down in and…