Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center

Public Announcement 9/30/2024 Colleton County School District is fully prepared to resume regular business hours on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. All buses will run their regular bus routes. All schools and offices will be open, and we look forward to welcoming our students and staff back. We hope to see all of our faculty and students on campus. All extra-curricular activities, athletics, and after-school programs will resume as usual. Students should bring their Chromebooks and chargers to school with them. For families who are still dealing with road hazards or power outages, we understand the challenges you are facing in the aftermath of this unprecedented storm. We want to reassure you that we are here to support you during this difficult time. Our commitment to you remains unwavering as we navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We appreciate your continued support as we work to bring our students back to school. In closing, if you continue to experience issues related to Hurricane Helene's aftermath, please contact the Office of Student Services at 843-782-4524 or email ehwilliams@colleton.k12.sc.us for additional support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Colleton County School District 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Home - Colleton County School District Public Announcement: September 29, 2024 The Colleton County Schools’ Buildings and Grounds team continues to assess the condition of our facilities. As of this morning, Colleton County has 21% of its residents without power. Therefore, the Colleton County School District will implement an e-learning day on Monday, September 30, 2024. This decision was made with the utmost caution and concern for all internal and external stakeholders to include students, staff, and families. Additionally, the Colleton County School District will provide a bagged breakfast and lunch meal for all students. The meal distribution plan is as follows: If your child is a car rider, you will pick up your bagged meals from your child’s school beginning at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents that have car riders at multiple school locations will pick up the bagged meals from Colleton County Middle School starting at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is to prevent parents having to travel to multiple locations. Delivery of bagged meals for bus rider students will begin at 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. by their bus driver at their normal bus stop. The District will continue to post all school-related changes to our district website (www.colleton.k12.sc.us) and our District’s social media platforms by 4:00 pm daily. We encourage staff, students, and families to continue to employ safe practices and protocols. The delay of providing this specific level of updated information was driven by organizing the logistics for feeding our students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Colleton County School District 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Home - Colleton County School District September 28, 2024: Public Announcement The Colleton County Schools’ Buildings and Grounds team started assessing the condition of our facilities late yesterday and this morning. As of this morning, a significant number of schools still do not have power and connectivity. There are concerns about clearing roads due to downed trees, and 43% of the community is still without power according to our local and state emergency response teams. At this time, we are not prepared to make a decision on school operations for Monday, September 30, 2024. We will continue to assess facilities throughout the weekend and monitor power restoration in the community. Families will receive an update regarding operational readiness for Monday, September 30, 2024, no later than 4pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Cooking with a purpose, hosted by our very own Chef Williams was a great success. Much laughter, lots of hands on preparation and techniques, and most of all, delicious food. Week 1 session 1 they covered classic American Cuisines, which featured: Chicken Marsala, with homemade mashed, and sauteed greens beans. Classes meet weekly every Tuesday from the hours of 5pm-7pm, located at our very own career center. To learn more, or to register for a session Chef Williams can be reached at by email: lswilliams@colleton.k12.sc.us, or by phone 843.782.4514 EXT: 42015, below of are list of the classes and dates available October 1, 2024 MesoAmerican/ Old Mexican Cuisine October 8, 2024 Cuisines of Latin America October 15, 2024 Sounds of the Carribeans October 22,2024 The Flavors of Africa October 29, 2024 The Tour of Italy

Kicking off the busy season with their first catering event, Chef Williams and his students had the pleasure of catering this past weekend for the WHS c/o of 1979 45th class reunion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Colleton County School District 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Home - Colleton County School District Colleton County School District Continues Monitoring Hurricane Helene/Operational Schedule Change As a precaution, the Colleton County School District will transition from onsite operations to e-learning for Friday, September 27, 2024, due to Hurricane Helene's increased wind gusts. These gusts may exceed the maximum limit for safe and secure bus transport of students to school, as per the latest updates from the National Weather Service - Charleston. In order to avoid adding a weather make-up day to the school calendar, the District will implement an e-learning day for our students. Each school will provide additional information about e-learning. All buildings and district facilities will be closed for in-person activities. Our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and their families. In closing, please keep your families safe during this tropical weather that we are experiencing, and continue to monitor the District’s official communication methods to include our website posting, parent notification system and social media platforms.

When Colleton County High School C/O 2003 and C/O 2004 collaborate to inspire the Culinary Arts students at TCTC. TCTC Chef Williams welcomed Chef Craig Frasier today in his classroom. Chef Craig Frasier envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive through the art of cooking, creating a healthier, more engaged, and self-sufficient generation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Colleton County School District 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Home - Colleton County School District Colleton County School District Continues Monitoring Hurricane Helene CCSD Operational Schedule As Colleton County School District collaborates with our local county emergency management team and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the Colleton County School District will implement our Early Dismissal Schedule for all schools on Thursday, September 26, 2024, due to potential rainfall, high wind gusts, possible tornado warnings, and hazardous road conditions. All extra-curricular activities and athletic events have been canceled as well. The early dismissal schedule is listed below: Early Dismissal Schedule – Thursday, September 26, 2024. On Friday, September 27, 2024, the district will implement a delayed start for students & staff. Our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and their families. We will continue to post all school-related changes to our district website (www.colleton.k12.sc.us) and our district’s social media platforms by 4:00 pm daily. Please keep your families safe during any tropical weather that we will experience. In closing, the school district is committed to the safety and education of all students. Our goal is to provide a secure and supportive learning environment, even in times of emergency.

We have been informed by Stratford that they have canceled Thursday's Middle School and JV Football contests due to Tropical Storm Helene. We will work with Stratford to reschedule at a later date. Thank you. Wayne Alston Director of District Athletics Colleton County School District ColletonCountyCougars.com

The students in the Environmental and Natural Resources class had Director Kubik visit our class to demonstrate and instruct them on how to tie flies and cast a fly rod. The students had never experienced anything with fly fishing and were able to learn some of the basics from our TCTC Director. The students would like to thank Mr. Kubik for taking time out of his busy day and demonstrating and instructing them on this fishing technique.

Please note the change in the schedule for the upcoming football game between CCHS & Stratford.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Colleton County School District 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Home - Colleton County School District Colleton County School District is monitoring Tropical Storm Helene/Operational Schedule Colleton County School District is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene at this time. We are receiving valuable updates from our local county emergency management team and the National Weather Service. While the storm is predicted to be an extensive system, and its impact may reach well outside its path, its specific effect on our region of the Lowcountry is still undetermined. We will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Helene's trajectory and maintain updated communications regarding its impact on our county and school district. We will continue to post all school-related changes to our district website (www.colleton.k12.sc.us) and our district’s social media platforms by 4:00 pm daily. In closing, the school district is committed to the safety and education of all students. Our goal is to provide a secure and supportive learning environment, even in times of emergency.

The Band of Blue presented a Parent Preview of their 2024 show "Connections" on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 7pm at Cougar Stadium. They used this performance to prepare one final time before they marched in their 1st competition on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Midland Valley HS in Aiken, SC. GO BIG BLUE! Band of Blue Upcoming Contests 2024: 9/21 - Mustang Classic at Midland Valley High School in Aiken, SC at 7:30pm 9/28 - 47th Annual Walterboro Band Classic - Gates open at Noon - Band of Blue performs at 9pm 10/5 - Band of Blue at Coastal Empire Classic at Effingham High School in Rincon, GA at 7:30pm 10/12 - Band of Blue at Silver Spirit Invitational in Aiken, SC at 7:45pm 10/19 - Band of Blue at South Effingham Marching Mustang Invitational Marching Festival at South Effingham HS in Effingham, GA TBA 10/26 - Band of Blue at the SCBDA 4A State Marching Band Championships - Prelims Big Blue performs at 12:30pm; Finals TBD

During the Friday Reading Coaches meeting held at the District Office on 9/20/24, Mrs, Headden read her all time favorite book to the coaches. "The Paper Bag Princess" was not just read to the coaches. They were able to draw parallels from it to their practices at school. Mrs. Headden even wore a crown as she read the story.

Congratulations to the Band of Blue on their 2nd place ranking this weekend at the 2024 Mustang Classic at Midland Valley High School. Overall the Band of Blue ranked: 2nd in Music; 1st in Visual and 2nd in Effect in Class 4A. The Band of Blue was 4th overall out of all 18 bands and won High Visual and Best Drum Major and the Mustang Spirit Award for the best fans! The Walterboro Band Classic is this Saturday, September 28 starting at 1:20pm at Cougar Stadium. The Band of Blue performs at 9pm! Way to go BIG BLUE!!

Revised (9-12-24) 2024-2025 School Calendar The Colleton County School District Board of Trustees approved revisions to the 2024-2025 School Calendar on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The revisions assist the district in making up 2 days of lost instructional time due to the effects/damage caused by Tropical Storm Deby. The changes approved are listed below: Make Up Dates: October 9, 2024 will be the make up day for August 8, 2024 January 7, 2025 will be the make up day for August 9, 2024 Important Changes: ***October 8, 2024 is now a full day ***October 9, 2024 is now a half day.

Friday, September 13, 2024 was a great day to be a Forest Hills Elementary Cougar Cub. The CCHS Varsity Football Team read to students at Forest Hills Elementary! Even Coach Kinloch participated! Thank you, CCHS Varsity Football, for visiting & reading to the FHE Cougar Cubs. #CougarPride

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT September 12, 2024 Greetings Colleton County School District Families, This is Jessica Williams, Superintendent of the Colleton County School District. Ensuring student safety has become more urgent than ever. Schools should be a haven where students can focus on learning and growing without fear. Recent events involving threats circulating nationally, statewide, and in our local community about school violence has alarmed me greatly. It has become increasingly important for me to be clear about the expectations for students engaging in inappropriate social media posts regarding threats of violence. Keeping our students in Colleton County safe, and holding all students accountable for engaging in such behaviors is imperative. Posting and reposting false information about school violence or perceived school violence activities in our schools is simply irresponsible. As Superintendent, I do not take any form of threats to our schools and/or rumors of violence to our learning community lightly. Every rumor the district is aware of will be thoroughly investigated, and the consequences of making those rumors and threats will be pursued to the fullest extent of board policy and the law. Additionally, any student found to be responsible for engaging in these behaviors will face school consequences and possible criminal charges. I am asking all parents to converse with their students about making good choices. We do not take rumors and threats of violence as a joke. Please know that your child’s safety in our schools is our highest priority. We are actively monitoring all social media and school communication to ensure the protection of our school community. We have software and other technologies to help support this effort. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! THE TIME IS NOW! In closing, parents, please talk to your students about these behaviors. Please inform them if they “see something, say something” to their school level administrators. Our responsibility is to ensure that our kids in the Colleton County School System have a safe learning environment, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to maintain safety and security. I appreciate your continued support and partnership as we lead the way in preparing every student to graduate from the Colleton County School District with a 21st-century education to be globally competitive for their chosen college and career path in a safe, secure, and positive learning environment. And remember, “It’s all about the kids! The time is NOW! Thank you for your continued support! Jessica F. Williams Superintendent 500 Forest Circle Walterboro, SC 29488 Telephone: 843-782-4510, colleton.k12.sc.us

Media Release From the Colleton County Sheriff's Office:

Colleton County School District & our faculty & staff at each of our schools have been working diligently throughout the year to improve our SC Department of Education's School Report Card Ratings. Though we are not where we want to be, we are improving and have shown growth since returning to school after COVID. We are not done. Colleton County School District will continue to strive towards improvement. New report ratings will be released October 10, 2024. We are TEAM Colleton! #ItsAllAboutThe Kids!TheTimeIsNow! #CCSDPurposeDriven2024-2025! #CCSDForwardThinking2024-2025!