The Edgefield County School District (ECSD) began the school year on a positive note, with smooth operations and a notable increase in enrollment on the first day of classes on July 23.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Gorman said the first day went well, with several schools seeing higher enrollment numbers.
“It was a very smooth first day,” he said, adding that he visited schools and interacted with administrators, teachers, staff and students.
The district also welcomed two new principals: Kristin Risher at Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) and Patrick Newsome at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton (J-E-T) Middle School, according to a press release from ECSD.
Both principals expressed satisfaction with their schools’ openings, with Newsome describing it as “probably the best first day of school of my career.”
On July 17, the district held its annual back-to-school festival at Strom Thurmond High School, an event that brought together district officials, community partners and local families, according to a press release from ECSD.
The festival featured food, free giveaways and information from local organizations and vendors.
Dr. O’Gorman emphasized the event’s importance for building community connections, stating, “we are not an entity that’s separate from the community, we’re a part of the community.”
In addition to the district’s Child Nutrition Department providing food, the Strom Thurmond High School Class of 1980 distributed more than 400 bookbags and school supplies to students.
Families, including Rose and Aliviah Stephens, shared their appreciation for the event, with Rose noting how it helped ease her child’s transition into middle school.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to come out and see everyone and talk to old friends and meeting new ones,” Rose said.
Earlier in the month, on July 14, ECSD teachers were welcomed back to work with an event organized by the ECSD Teacher Forum and community supporters, according to a press release from ECSD.
During the event, Dr. O’Gorman introduced a district-wide “free jeans” policy, allowing teachers to wear jeans throughout the year.
Teachers were also given new Chromebooks, and Dr. O’Gorman confirmed that the district’s monthly free lunch program for teachers would continue.
Avis Tuttle Jordan, the current leader of the Teacher Forum, spoke positively about the event’s energy, highlighting the importance of unity within the school community.
“It was exciting to see our teachers come back with so much passion and enthusiasm, ready to make a difference and grow greatness in ECSD,” Jordan said.
The event was supported by various local businesses and organizations, with special thanks given to Edgefield First Baptist Church, the Child Nutrition Department, and several other contributors.
ECSD Teacher of the Year, Janelle Clark-Stevens, emphasized the positive atmosphere, noting that the event set a strong tone for the year ahead.
“The event was a wonderful kickoff to the school year,” she wrote after the event, according to a press release from ECSD.
As the school year continues, the district reported looking forward to a productive year with the ongoing support of the community, teachers and staff.
“We hope everyone across the school district has a safe and productive school year,” Dr. O’Gorman said.
