TheSunNews.com: Education

HGTC culinary arts’ accreditation renewed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:14 EST

CONWAY HGTC’s Culinary Arts Program was recently reaccredited by the Culinary Arts Federation Education Foundation, marking 33 straight years the school has held the distinction.

“Our strength is our staff,” said Phil Render, associate vice president for academic services at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, the position from which he oversees culinary arts. “Accreditations are tools to affirm the program.”

Render said the accreditation renewal lets officials know the Culinary Arts Program is in a strong position as the college embarks on a major expansion of it. Plans are being finalized for a new, $8 million to $10 million culinary arts building on the Grand Strand Campus that will be accompanied by a doubling of the teaching staff and the enrollment to 300 to 400 students.

Completion in sight for new arena, student center at Coastal Carolina University

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:25 EST

The new Student Recreation and Convocation Center at Coastal Carolina University is to be substantially complete by April 10, about four months behind the original completion date, according to the latest estimate.

The Greenwood-based construction company building what also will be the new home for the Chanticleer basketball teams, has been paying the university $1,000 a day in a late completion penalty since Dec. 26.

The basketball teams will have to wait until next season to move from Kimbel Arena to the new facility, but officials are hopeful that the construction will be complete so that summer orientation sessions and basketball camps will be able to use the space in early June.

CCU ready to buy Coastal Science Center

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01 EST

Coastal Carolina University is ready to pay $2.115 million to buy the Coastal Science Center, but the Coastal Educational Foundation – from which the university sublets the center – has approved a one-month extension of its lease on the nearly 70,000-square-foot space in case state approval of the purchase doesn’t come through in time.

Stacie Bowie, the university’s chief financial officer, said the foundation’s finance committee approved the payment Friday but just as a safeguard against the possible lack of a state Budget and Control Board meeting in March. The Budget and Control Board must approve the purchase.

But the state’s decision may not be a hard one.

Horry County charter school to continue vision without founder

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:46 EST

The resignation of the Academy of Hope’s chief executive officer came as a surprise to some, but his exit last week is not expected to affect the school or its mission, according to some who are affiliated with the school.

“Everything is going to stay the same,” said Marvin Keene, president of the school’s board of directors. “We still have the same vision, his vision, and we’re going to focus on the same things. We’re still strong and doing all the things that were set out in the charter.”

The Conway school, located in Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church on Church Street, is the third charter school to open in Horry County, starting classes last July for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. It is Horry County’s second year-round school, and offers students extended hours, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese classes and an international business focus.

Horry County Schools on board with changes to school meal requirements

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:46 EST

Myrtle Beach Primary School students filed through the cafeteria line Wednesday to grab their trays and pick out what they wanted for lunch.

Their menu included a choice of a turkey or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, squash or salad, and an orange or baked apples, along with milk, which also came in chocolate or strawberry flavors.

New federal requirements announced last week for school meals will mean diffrent food choices for the students and, according to the U.S. Deparmtment of Agriculture, will help raise the meal standards for the first time in more than 15 years.

New program to teach Horry County students about money

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:59 EST

Seniors at Horry County Schools’ Early College High School will soon be learning to work through their finances, courtesy of an online program called EverFi.

The program was obtained through a partnership between Business Education Expectations (BE2) and Coastal Carolina National Bank. BE2 is a group that provides support for Early College – such as funding various projects and setting up internships and scholarships – and works in conjunction with local businesses, the school district and Horry Georgetown Technical College.

Marsha Griffin of BE2 said the EverFi program will fill in the missing link for the Early College students of how to manage money, teaching them how to make a budget, save and handle credit and debt. The program, which already is used in at least four other school districts in the state, also covers how a bank works, taxes, higher-education loans, investing and consumer fraud.

Response to Horry County Schools program raises selection questions

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:12 EST

The success of Horry County Schools’ STEM program has bred concern from some parents who want to see their children land a spot in next year’s limited class, but district officials say admissions guidelines will not change from last year.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and it has proved to be a popular option at schools around the country for steering students into those academic areas.

HCS started its STEM program last fall at the Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology, receiving 200 applications for the 100 available seats. The program begins in ninth grade, and interest – and competition – have heated up for this year’s 150 available spots, with more than 450 applications in before the deadline.

Obama nominates North Myrtle Beach resident for federal education post

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:10 EST

Deb Delisle will have to postpone the full-time enjoyment of her North Myrtle Beach home, now that she has been nominated by President Obama as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education at the U.S. Department of Education.

“It’s nice being a block from the beach, but I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Delisle, 58, who was nominated Monday along with 16 others for key positions in the Obama administration. Her nomination now goes to the Senate Education Committee and then to the full Senate for confirmation, but Delisle doesn’t know how long the process will take.

“It may take two months, but I’ll be doing paperwork for the next two weeks,” she said. “It’s overwhelming there’s no stone left unturned.”

Horry school tip line calls low, but each important

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:52 EST

A school crime tip line that Horry County Schools put in place almost 1 ½ years ago hasn’t produced a mountain of calls, but it still is an important part of the district’s efforts to keep students safe, according to police and school officials.

Lt. John Harrelson, community services lieutenant for the Horry County Police Department, said they have received seven legitimate tips, three of them e-mails, but they have had no arrests based off those tips.

Members of the public can call the tip line, 843-915-SROS (7767), or e-mail srotips@horrycounty.org, about criminal activity in the schools, such as school violence, damage, abuse and gang activity. The line is monitored by members of the School Resource Officer Unit every day, with the exception of holidays and weekends.

Teen birth rates down, but more work needed

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:52 EST

Teen birth rates in Horry County and statewide continue to fall, according to S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data released through the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

“Trends are going in the right direction, and we want to capitalize on that,” said Forrest Alton, chief executive officer of the S.C. Campaign. “We should celebrate the progress that’s been made.”

The teen birth rate in South Carolina for 15- to 19-year-olds is at 42.6 per 1,000, a 13 percent decline, from 2009-10, according to the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The state has seen a 26 percent decline in the teen birth rate over the last decade.

Horry County school board OKs facility plan

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:12 EST

The Horry County school board approved its 2011-12 facility plan at its meeting Monday night.

The districtwide plan, which totals $22,297,536, includes items such as maintenance, athletic projects, and capacity and higher utilization planning, which will determine where extra space exists and how it can be used to alleviate overcrowding in some areas.

Making use of extra space could lead to possible changes to school programs or changes in attendance lines. The plan also states that higher utilization still may not solve middle school capacity issues in the St. James and Socastee areas, and elementary school issues in the Aynor and St. James areas.

Billy Alford resigns post as CCU trustee

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:17 EST

Myrtle Beach businessman Billy Alford has resigned his post as a trustee at Coastal Carolina University.

“I felt it was time to give someone else an opportunity to serve,” Alford said Friday to explain the reason he decided to step aside.

A 1977 political science graduate of CCU, Alford had served on the board since 2005 and was chairman for four years. He was vice chairman of the board’s governmental affairs committee when he resigned and also served on the advancement and marketing and alumni affairs committees.

HGTC EMT program healthy after two years of intensive care

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:30 EST

It’s hard to write about the last several years of the emergency medical training program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College without using terms such as “critical condition” and “intensive care.”

But rather than hackneyed descriptions, in this case they would be apt.

Over the span, the program has emerged from having an unacceptable percentage of its graduates passing state certification exams on their first try not only to be among the tops in the state but also a beacon of cutting-edge training for other programs to try to emulate.

Horry County residents turn out to learn about No Child Left Behind waiver proposal

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:40 EST

S.C. Department of Education officials came to Conway High School on Wednesday night to explain principles of the state’s proposed waiver request for the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or No Child Left Behind Act.

The meeting was one of 21 being held in the state through Jan. 23 to allow residents to ask questions and give comments on the draft proposal, but the presentation caused frustration for some of about 60 people – mainly educators – who were gathered in the school’s auditorium.

“It’s not parent friendly,” said Judy Beard, principal at Loris Middle School, after the presentation. “It’s very complicated and convoluted, and it’s not going to take any burden off the children.”

Horry County leaders unite to form comprehensive literacy plan

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:28 EST

A new group in the area kicks off the first of six monthly meetings for community partners in Horry County Wednesday, with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan to raise literacy rates in the area.

The group, Literacy Alive, created by the Waccamaw Community Foundation, is an umbrella organization that can provide a support structure for the efforts already at work in the county, said Tom Raub, director of Literacy Alive. Horry County schools, which is involved with the group “is heavily invested in developing strong literacy skills in all students,” said schools Superintendent Cindy Elsberry.

“There are a lot of players, each working independently,” said Raub, who sees the plan as a way to reduce duplication of efforts and coordinate the work of service providers, businesses and the community at large. “Given the issue of low literacy levels, it is an enormous issue we need to deal with.”

CCU trustees OK search for architect for new dorms

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:40 EST

CONWAY Trustees at Coastal Carolina University gave the school’s administration approval Friday to move forward with the development of new dorms on campus.

The vote means that officials will forward financial information to the S.C. Budget and Control Board for its approval of the project and to advertise for architects to bid on phase one of the work.

The move comes in a time when the university is having to add beds to existing dormitory rooms to house students, and after a check with privately-owned units returned information that officials felt would hit too hard on student wallets.

Education notebook | Horry students get benefit of others’ experience at Career Day

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:11 EST

There are times when adults who’ve been out in the workforce wish they’d had the guidance that Forestbrook Middle School students received Friday.

Eileen Patonay, the school’s career development facilitator, has been putting on the school’s Career Day since 2006, and this year’s event featured 109 speakers – including Mark Hammond, South Carolina’s secretary of state – who came to support the school and give students an inside look into their working world.

Participants – some who are school parents – represented a variety of businesses and professions, from doctor and lawyer, to educator, restaurant manager and sales. They came armed with presentations and show-and-tell items to illustrate what they do every day, as well as information on education and training needed to put kids on the paths they want to pursue.

CCU students reflect on S.C. primary, MB debate, candidates

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20 EST

CONWAY The 10 students in CCU professor Paul Peterson’s mass media and American politics class Wednesday likely represented a cross section of voters in Horry County.

The biggest differences were the students’ ages, and that just two were committed Republicans. The absence of more conservatives, though, was offset by three independents, at least one of whom could be swayed either way, and one Democrat who is disappointed with Barack Obama’s presidency and would vote for a Republican if that person represented his views. Another of the independents called himself a freethinker. One of the three said there really isn’t much difference in what any of the contenders, Republican or Democrat, will do once in office.

“Regardless of the party,” said Kireem Liles of Bennettsville, “they’re not going to stray too far from the (American) agenda.”

DeCenzo talks about CCU football’s new leader

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:15 EST

Sitting in his office Monday morning, Coastal Carolina University President David DeCenzo talked publicly about the school’s new head football coach for the first time since introducing Joe Moglia at a Dec. 20 news conference.

DeCenzo, who didn’t take questions that day, spoke more in-depth about hiring the former TD Ameritrade CEO -- a decision that was ultimately his to make -- while addressing issues that Moglia’s hiring raised among followers of the program due to the coach’s high-profile business background and financial wherewithal.

Throughout the conversation, DeCenzo reiterated his confidence that Coastal has found the right man to lead the program in the post-David Bennett era and noted that the verdict on the move won’t be levied for a few years.

Horry County school board retreat addresses overcrowding

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:06 EST

The Horry County Board of Education revisited the subject of school overcrowding at its winter retreat Monday and is moving forward with district-wide and site committees that will examine ways to solve the problem.

The committees are part of a three-pronged plan that the board discussed in October. The plan included better utilization of facilities that have extra space, possible changes to school programs and attendance line adjustments, a hot-button topic.

Board members had a number of priorities to consider, with retaining community integrity, observing natural boundaries and the utilization of empty classrooms at the top of their list, but Harvey Eisner, District 1, and other members said they didn’t want to restrict committees from looking at all available options.

Horry County robotics teams gear up for competition

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:50 EST

When the FIRST Robotics Competition kicks off today in Charleston, Horry County Schools will be in the mix, six teams strong.

In addition to veteran teams from the Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology and the Academy for Technology and Academics, four new high-school-level teams – Carolina Forest, Conway, St. James and Socastee – will be present at The Citadel for the unveiling of this year’s game.

“I think it’s unbelievable how fast things are happening,” said Horry County school board member Karen McIlrath, District 2. “I couldn’t be happier. This is a tremendous opportunity for our local kids.”

Education notebook | Horry middle school students learn the Power of Words

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:50 EST

Black Water Middle School kicked off a new awareness program in a big way Friday with a rockin’ pep rally and encouraging words from Dave Bennett, former Coastal Carolina University football coach, and senior safety Marcus Lott.

The program is called POW, short for the Power of Words, and it is designed to encourage students and staff to stop and think before they write, text or speak.

Principal Cindy Thibodeau said that every month, the school focuses on a character trait, such as fairness. A request was made last fall for the school to address cyberbullying, and POW was born as another piece of character education.

Schools begin planning on core standards

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:02 EST

Planning has begun in Horry County Schools for the implementation of Common Core State Standards, which South Carolina adopted in 2010 and will be transitioning to over the next few years.

The standards are a voluntary, state-led initiative designed to ensure that public school students learn at the same level, no matter where they live, according to the Common Core State Standards Initiative website. Coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers, standards have been developed for kindergarten through 12th grade math and English language arts.

“This will allow us to compare [Horry County Schools] to other states authentically,” said HCS Superintendent Cindy Elsberry, who will be discussing the process with the school board at its winter retreat on Monday.

2012 to bring big changes to Horry-Georgetown college

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:02 EST

If HGTC’s Conway campus were a woman, you might say she was of a “certain age.”

Founded in 1966, she matured as we all do -- some spots better than others -- and she’s now at the stage where a nip and a tuck wouldn’t hurt.

But officials at the school are going for a full-blown makeover and over the next three years will give her not only an exterior redo to bring her into the 21st century, but also update some of her interior pipes to ensure that the exterior work can glow for decades.

Technology growth a continuing priority for Horry County Schools

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:13 EST

When budget talks for Horry County Schools resume, technology will be on the discussion list and decisions could include a revamp in positions to keep pace with innovations outside the classroom.

The subject of instructional technology support arose at a recent school board meeting where concerns were raised for future budget discussions. Jeff Riddle, HCS chief financial officer, said there is a need for more school staff members who not only know how to use technology, but who know how to integrate it into the curriculum for students.

HCS Superintendent Cindy Elsberry said every school, no matter its size, has one media specialist and a curriculum specialist. They are asked to have expert technology skills, but there is a learning curve for those who are still developing those skills. The district does have technology specialists for repairs and maintenance, but they service a region and travel from school to school as needed.

Women zoom ahead of men in college

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:16 EST

What’s wrong with male college students?

A lot, it seems.

They come to college better prepared than their female counterparts. Then, they underperform.

Education notebook | Looking ahead to school reform

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:12 EST

Before Horry County Schools closed for the holiday, administrators, school board members and community leaders heard public education advocate Jamie Vollmer speak about needed reform for America’s schools.

Vollmer, an attorney, successful businessman and author of “Schools Can’t Do It Alone,” was once a critic of public schools, but is now one of their biggest supporters. He said good things are happening in public schools, but that the antiquated system cannot meet the needs of today’s society.

His ideas have sparked conversations throughout the school district that will continue after the holiday break with principals and school board members, who plan to discuss Vollmer’s book at their retreat Jan. 9.

What they’re saying about Coastal Carolina’s new head coach

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:16 EST

Some applauded, some criticized, others want to believe the school’s administration knew what it was doing when it replaced former football Coach Dave Bennett with Joe Moglia, a man better known as a business mogul than a college football phenom.

Alumni

• “I’m hesitant to use the word ‘fishy’,” said Bob Doyle, CCU class of 2003. But he wondered what would entice a billionaire with little football coaching experience to relocate here. “It could be great. It could be horrible.”

Investigations continue in Horry school bomb threats

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:27 EST

Police are still investigating bomb threats made to two Horry County high schools within the last month.

Five threats were received at St. James High School and three at Myrtle Beach High School. All were notes that were written and found or notes written on walls in the schools.

Sgt. Robert Kegler of the Horry County Police Department and Capt. David Knipes of the Myrtle Beach Police Department said their investigations are continuing.