Head Football Coach Andy Palmer

29 Pages·2016·17.65 MB·English

Graham McDonald has been nominated as an
OPS Class of 2016 Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Early
Award. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is the state of
South Carolina’s highest academic scholarship. A stu-
dent who ranks in the top 6% of his/her class at the end
of the sophomore, junior, or senior year; has a mini-
mum SAT of 1200 or a minimum ACT of 27, and earns
a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 will qualify for the
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. A student may be exempt from ranking in the
top 6% and still qualify if he/she reaches a minimum SAT of 1400 or an ACT
of 32 and has a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 upon graduation.

Students who have accomplished the above will receive between $6,700—
$10,000 per year for college, depending on the student’s major, and assuming
the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA each academic year while in col-
lege. Students must attend a four-year institution in South
Carolina.

"The designation of scholarship recipients on this program or in any media
is preliminary, based on information provided by the high schools and
students at the time of this printing, and is subject to final confirmation and
approval by the eligible higher education institution and/or the South Caro-
lina Commission on Higher Education."

Graham McDonald

Head Football Coach Andy Palmer

Orangeburg Preparatory Schools and Superintendent Dr. Brian
Newsome are proud to announce the addition of Coach Andy Palmer as
the new Head Football Coach. Coach Palmer has 25 years coaching ex-
perience in South Carolina. He has served as an assistant Coach at Al-
lendale-Fairfax, Williston-Elko, and Edisto. Andy took over from Doc
Davis at Edisto as Head Football/AD in 2001. He served thirteen years
as Head Coach at Edisto. As the Head Coach at Edisto, he took them to
the playoffs eleven out of thirteen years. The past two years he served as
Offensive Line Coach at Bamberg-Ehrhardt. Andy is married to Heather
Stokes Palmer and share 3 children: Stokes 12, Tillman 9, and Cambelle
6. They are also expecting a new baby in October.
From the Superintendent’s Office
Spring 2016 Page 2

News
Superintendent ome

Re-accreditation by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission provides national recognition of
our high quality teachers, staff, schools, and school system, and our continuing commitment to
meet the needs of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Newsome. “The quality
assessment by the external review team provides us with information based on national quality
standards so we can continue to advance educational offerings and support services for the benefit
of our students and community. To receive district-wide accreditation means that all facets of our school are work-
ing in concert to support student learning and to meet the needs of students. Our efforts to attain accreditation also
demonstrate to our community our ongoing commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feed-
back, and our desire to continuously improve to support the achievements of our students.”

Dr. Newsome continued, “The re-accreditation process provides clear evidence of our focus on students, which is
reflected in our academic goals, budget process, school construction and maintenance plans, and other improvement
efforts. We believe the AdvancED re-accreditation process will assist us in continuing to grow our services and
support for student success. We share this excitement as we are one of the first schools in SCISA to gain this Na-
tional Accreditation Stand-
ard”.

The re-accreditation process
included review of five
standards: Standard 1 – Pur-
pose and Direction; Standard
2 – Governance and Leader-
ship; Standard 3 – Teaching
and Assessing for Learning;
Standard 4 – Resources and
Support Systems; and Stand-
ard 5 – Using Results for
Continuous Improvement.
Standards were evaluated
based on meeting high quali-
ty standards, implementing a
continuous process of im-
provement, and engaging in
quality assurance through internal and external review.
Pictured above (left to right): Dr. Stephenie Hewitt, Mrs. Debbie Nix, Mrs. Joan Pennstrom, Dr. Wendell Rodgers,
Mrs. McGee, Dr. Newsome, Ms. Hughes, and Dr. Spencer Jordan.

On Friday, February 12, OPS teachers came together for a day of professional development. Mrs. Riley led a
touching presentation on suicide prevention among today's youth. Mr. Ellis and Ms. Connelly lead a session
about Cultural Diversity. They used their personal experiences travelling abroad and role play to help illustrate
the need to be sensitive to those of other cultures and who speak other languages. Focus groups then met to help
target some strategies for teachers to use to help create motivational classroom environments. It was a productive
day for all!
Wendi Manion joined the Orangeburg Prep family
on Monday, October 27, 2014 in the new School Health
Nurse position. Her home base will be in the Lower
Campus main office, but she will be available to all as
the needs arise. Many of you know her as "Coach
(Jason) Cote's wife," especially after their memorable
engagement at the Powder Puff football game a few years
ago. Originally from West Virginia--just ask her about
Mountaineer Football!!-- she is an Honors graduate of
West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing, and considers pediatric nursing her pas-
sion. Formally a pediatric intensive care nurse and a
school health nurse in West Virginia and Georgia, she
has held various "adult" nursing positions since moving
to Orangeburg ten years ago, and is ready to return to her
love, caring for children.
"Miss Wendi" lives in Orangeburg with Coach Cote and
their three 4-legged fur babies, Eddy, Rudy, and
Lily. She loves watching movies, bargain shopping, and
being a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant.
Our Teachers & Board of Directors
Spring 2016 Page 3

“We lost a great man on January 24, 2016, with the passing of Jimmy
Evans, Orangeburg Prep School Board member. He loved this school
and our students so much that he gave much of his time and resources
for it to be the best. Many of the projects that have been completed
and are currently in progress the past two years have the stamp of Jim-
my Evans on them. He was a tireless worker, here many times after JIMMY EVANS
hours to make sure this school shined. We ask for your prayers for the July 3, 1963
Evans family, specifically Traci, Averi, and Ella. The road ahead will to
January 24, 2016
be tough; however. we have to remember Psalm 46:1: God is our ref-
uge and strength, a very present help during tough times.”
Dr. Newsome proudly announces the 2016 Orangeburg Prep Teachers of the Year. These nominees
have met all the criteria and have demonstrated a willingness to devote time and energy to activities
which result in improved instruction for children. Each nominee has at least five years teaching
experience and has shown innovative practices in their classrooms.

Dena Gleaton Julie Gladd Libby Ray

Lower School Middle School High School

OPS Upper School teacher Libby Ray was one of four teachers in Orangeburg
County to be honored by the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and the
Rotary Club of Orangeburg-Morning as an “Outstanding Educator.” The breakfast
was held on February 3rd at Cornerstone Community Church. Congratulations to
Mrs. Ray in representing Orangeburg Prep so well!

Pictured right are (left to right): Dr. Brian Newsome, Mrs. Libby Ray, and Leigh
Givens, President of Orangeburg Morning Rotary.

Wendi Manion joined the Orangeburg Prep family
on Monday, October 27, 2014 in the new School Health
Nurse position. Her home base will be in the Lower
Campus main office, but she will be available to all as
the needs arise. Many of you know her as "Coach
(Jason) Cote's wife," especially after their memorable
engagement at the Powder Puff football game a few years
ago. Originally from West Virginia--just ask her about
Mountaineer Football!!-- she is an Honors graduate of
West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing, and considers pediatric nursing her pas-
sion. Formally a pediatric intensive care nurse and a
school health nurse in West Virginia and Georgia, she
has held various "adult" nursing positions since moving
to Orangeburg ten years ago, and is ready to return to her
love, caring for children.
"Miss Wendi" lives in Orangeburg with Coach Cote and
their three 4-legged fur babies, Eddy, Rudy, and
Lily. She loves watching movies, bargain shopping, and
being a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant.
Tribe Feature
Spring 2016 Page 3

Orangeburg County Sheriff
Leroy Ravenell and his
wife, Angela Ravenell,
(pictured right) danced a
routine to Elvis Presley’s
1957 hit, "Jailhouse Rock."
The couple took home the
trophy for “Most Entertain-
ing.”

Josh Ridley and his 11-year-old daughter Delaney
captured the Judge's Choice award, which was based
on technical skills. The two danced to "Twistin' the
Night Away." Pictured above are Delaney, Mrs.
Kelly Ridley (OPS kindergarten teacher) and Mr.
Josh Ridley.
For our very first time, OPS had an exam kick-off!
Readers who met 1st semester reading goals gathered in the gym
The faculty and students teamed against each other in
recently to watch Lower Campus Administrator Babs Hughes kiss
volleyball in an afternoon assembly the day before
Skippy the pig! Students had to read at least 50 books by Decem-
exams began. Pictured above ready to serve is Mrs. ber.
McGee, Upper Campus Adminsitrator. This event was
a huge success and may become a tradition!
Spring 2016 Page 5

Check out our Senior Bulletins page at orangeburgprep.com!

May 11th, 12th, 13th: Senior Exams
May 15th: Baccalaureate Practice / 10:00 AM / St. Andrews
May 22nd: Baccalaureate / 7:00 PM / St Andrews
May 25th: Graduation Practice / 9:00 AM / Upper Campus Gym
May 27th: Commencement / 7:00 PM / Upper Campus Gym)

Colleges where our seniors have been accepted: USC Aiken, Greenville Tech, Newberry, Clemson, O-C Tech, University of South Carolina, College of
Charleston, Lander University, USC Beaufort, Lee University, University of North Dakota, Western Carolina, Savannah School of Art & Design,
Wingate University, Furman University, Wofford College, Winthrop University, Francis Marion University, USC Upstate, and The Citadel.
SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES for June,
July, and August at our Child Development

Center have already been planned. So many

fun activities our center already has on the

agenda! If you register by April 15th, you will

be entered in a drawing for $150 credit toward

your activity fees. Contact June Kemp or Kim Dysard at 803.536.0490

for forms and more information.

 The Child Development Center will be
closed for Easter on March 25th.
 OPS Spring Sports Athletic passes are now
on sale at the Upper Campus Business Office
or you may purchase one at the admission
gate of a spring sport. Cost is $10. Regular
admission is $5 for adults and $3 for stu-
dents. OPS students are admitted free!
 Final report cards will be issued on June 3rd.
You may pick up report cards from 8:00—
10:00 AM. Unfortunately, report cards can-
not be mailed.
Class of 2017 Ring Ceremony

March 22, 2016
Thank you to those who have already supported our 2015-2016 Annual
Fund Campaign. These funds will be used for much needed improve-
ments to our libraries on the Upper and Lower Campuses. If you would
McAlister Gymnasium like to be added to our list, checks may be mailed to: OPS 2651 North
8:10 A.M. Rd, Orangeburg, SC 29118 or click on the "donate now" but-
Parents, grandparents, ton www.orangeburgprep.com.

aunts, and uncles are invited!
ANNUAL FUND DONORS 2015-2016
Reception following ceremony in the
Copy and paste the link below for our current list of donors:
Upper Campus canteen
http://www.orangeburgprep.com/PDFs/Annual%20Fund%20Donors%202015-2016.pdf
Calendar Information

Spring 2016 Page 6

This is a celebration to recognize the elected senior May Queen and her Court.
All grade levels from both campuses participate in this event. The first through fourth
graders will perform a dance by each grade level. The fifth graders have the honor of
doing the May Pole Dance. A Junior May Day Queen and May Day Queen will be
crowned. There will also be other “special entertainment.” Mark your calendar. You
don’t want to miss this exciting celebration!

Grades 6th—12th
Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 • Upper Campus Gym
A complete schedule with full details will be emailed to
Upper Campus families the end of April.
The Lower Campus Drama Club will present

Pajama Party
May 17, 2016
6:00 PM S t u d e n t s s e t u p p r o j e c t s a n d
judging takes place

2016-2017
Opening School Parents can view projects from
8:00 A.M.—2:00 P.M.
Date
August 16th

A Salute to the Class of 2016
Valedictorian & Salutatorian Spotlight
Christmas Holidays……...….December 17—January 2
Academic Awards
Winter Break………………..February 17, 20
May Queen & Court
April 10-17………………….Spring Break Summer Information
Last day for Lower Campus...May 30 Tommy Wannamaker Spotlight
Last day for Upper Campus...June 2
Spring 2016 Page 7

At the Lower Campus, steps have been taken to
improve drainage, and new landscaping has been
installed. Thanks to Dibble's
Nursery and Shady Grove for
providing both shrubs and la-
bor. Also, thank you to Super-
sod and the OPS maintenance
staff for the sod for our new
front landscape!
Students of all ages enjoyed reading by flashlight
during Love, Peace, and Lights Out Week in the
Lower Campus library. Flickering battery operated
candles lined the book shelves as students chose
books for reading enjoyment.
Upper Campus Library Presented with Portrait

The Seventh Masonic District Square and Compass Club donated a replica of the iconic Lansdowne
portrait of George Washington to Orangeburg Preparatory School during the halftime portion of a Fri-
day’s varsity girls basketball game. Pictured from left are: Dennis Romanstine, Lawrence Fogle (Class
of 2007), Denny Smoak, OPS librarian Lynn Garrick, James Wingard, John Arant, and OPS Superin-

tendent of Schools Dr. Brian Newsome.
Celebrations
Spring 2016 Page 8

Middle School: We all love our grandparents
and special others! They came to spend a very
early morning with the middle schoolers at 7:30
a.m. to enjoy some muffins and hot spiced apple
cider. They followed us to the gym for our annual
Middle School Christmas program. We all had
such a good time! Faces were beaming with
pride and joy! Come join us next year for more
fun.

Lower School: Grandfriends enjoyed break-
fast items and the chance to see their grandchil-
dren's classrooms. Many kids prepared special
crafts or writing projects in preparation for their
visitors. Both the students and Grandfriends en-
joyed this memorable time together.
4K teachers and students
dressed identically for their
Christmas program. Pictured left
to right: Mrs. Miller, Mrs.
DeVries, Mrs. Gleaton, Mrs. Still,
and Mrs. Jeffords.
BRUSH & BREATHE
BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Denise Christmas offered a paint class "Brush and
Breathe before Christmas" in December as a fund
raiser for the Class of 2016. It was a relaxing even-
ing as Denise guided the participants step by step to
create their artwork. Terri Morrell and Rosemary

McGee show off their "Christmas Creations"!
Preparing Your Child

Spring 2016 Page 9

The Guidance Office
Taylor Riley & Sandy Reed

COLLEGE AWARENESS DAY 2016

Our 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will attend OPS' fifth College Awareness Day on Thursday, April 14th. Several college/
university admissions representatives will inform the students of their particular school's entrance requirements, majors and activities of-
fered, and anything else unique about their campus. This year, we are expecting reps from Charleston Southern, Clemson University, Col-
lege of Charleston, Francis Marion, Lander, Newberry, O-C Technical College, Presbyterian College, University of South Carolina, USC-
Aiken, Winthrop, Furman, South Carolina State University, Columbia International University, USC-Salkehatchie, Wofford, Columbia
College, Citadel, Anderson University, Erskine College, Converse, North Greenville University, Trident, and Claflin University. The
reps will speak ten to fifteen minutes each and questions will be fielded from our student audience. This will also allow the students to
visit them following the formal presentations at individual tables set up in the gymnasium to further showcase their schools.
By hosting these colleges at our school, we hope that our students will begin seriously thinking about where to attend college and
searching the many majors that are available to them today. There are many fields of study that we as adults have never heard of, much
less our students! Parents, please encourage your child to begin looking at the various college websites. Each college lists all majors of-
fered with descriptions of what each is, what possible careers are associated with each, and even the specific courses a student would be
required to take upon declaring a certain major. It is urgent that your 11th grader begin inquiring about these items NOW; your 9th and 10th
graders may also begin doing the same now. This is a fine stage for them to start their research, as it can be done at a fairly leisurely pace
at this point in the high school career. If your 8th grader currently expresses an interest, the process can never start too early! As you
know, there is a massive amount of information available currently. The sooner a student gets started with this investigatory process, the
better! Please advise the student to keep a log/journal with notes on each school such as average accepted GPA, SAT/ACT, and majors
that interest them.
Parents are invited to attend our College Awareness Day.

ASPIRE & ACT TESTING GRADES 3rd—10th

OPS' annual Stanford testing has been replaced with
ACT/ASPIRE. Testing dates are April 25, 26, 27, and 28.
Third through tenth graders will be taking the test. Parents
should make sure their children get a good night's rest before
each test day and have a healthy breakfast. Every student
should arrive at school on time and with several #2 pencils
with erasers in hand. A late student will not be admitted to
the testing room until there is a normal breaking point in the
testing for that class. The tests will last through a good por-
tion of each morning. Please try NOT to schedule any ap-
pointments for your child during the school testing days. We
have received the best results from testing when students are
relaxed and are not stressed over the tests. Happy testing!
Christmas 2015 at OPS

Spring 2016 Page 10

The Middle School Christmas Pro-

gram, "Christmas Around the World" was held

on Friday, December 4th. The students did a
wonderful job, and were ably led by Mrs.
Rosemary McGee and student director, Turner
Jones (in the absence of a sick Mrs. Sulli-
van).

Pictured left is Sidney Adicks.

Pictured above left to right:
Presley Collins, Lara Pugh, Margo Riser, Cate Fogle, Yogi Parmar,
Paige Bordenkecher, Jackson Childers, and Hampton Davis.