By Sarah Ostergaard On May 18 Governor Henry McMaster signed into law House Bill 5073 to prohibit South Carolina public school districts and public schools from requiring teachers to assign a grading floor higher than a student’s actual performance. Districts and individual schools can no longer require a teacher toContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard The deadline for teachers across South Carolina to sign or reject annual contracts to teach in the same district next year was May 10. Did you know? Teachers make this decision without entirely knowing very important details: (1) salary changes (salary increases vs. insurance cost increases), (2)Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard LexRich5 Schools offers different programs at different schools. That said, most students attend their zoned school (and school zones are always a hot topic since Chapin is overcrowded, but the possibility of shifting school attendance lines toward Irmo causes much hooting and hollering) and families have theContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard The October 6, 2025 school board meeting attempted to clear up miscommunications and misperceptions. At that board meeting, there was a presentation about the possibility of a high school 4×4 scheduling option. Whether a full school schedule change or a change for some students within a school,Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard November is a season we are reminded to count our blessings and express gratitude. There are so many people who enrich our community through their efforts in education. Behind every student’s success stands a network of educators: teachers, aides, school secretaries, counselors, custodians, librarians, coaches, nurses, cafeteriaContinue Reading
By Dr. Maria ShelleyChapin Middle School The Cold War conjures up memories of the “space race” or “arms race,” but did you know it was also the foundation of another “race” that continues today? In our race to beat all things Soviet, America introduced the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam asContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard More school districts across South Carolina are changing to year-round modified school calendars. This summer, start dates range across the state from July 21 to August 18, with ending dates May 21 through June 4. The name “year-round modified school schedule” is sort of a misnomer –Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard School’s out and you’re it, families. Summertime can be glorious, full of creativity, exploration, and education. There are so many fun and free things to do that don’t cost a cent. Take the kids and plan some local learning adventures, whether on weekdays or weekends. The ColumbiaContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard May can be a grueling time for students and teachers alike. For teachers, next year’s binding contracts are due May 10. For everyone, it’s testing time. This time of year at school, everyone seems tired. But teachers continue to rally their students to keep pushing and excel,Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard “I never learned this in school.” “Why don’t they teach this in school?” “I wish they taught this in school.” They do. April is Financial Literacy Month and we recognize the efforts of educators across the state to teach financial literacy / personal finance across the K-12 standards. Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard Voters have many choices on November 5: Election Day. You matter – learn what is on the ballot and be sure to vote. Voters residing within the School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties (LR5) will vote (1) together for or against a school bond referendumContinue Reading