Georgetown, South Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The Georgetown County School District kicked off its academic year with a unique Friday start, aimed at easing students into their studies. Superintendent Bethany Giles expressed that this decision allows for a smooth transition and offers extra rest days throughout the year. The district welcomes approximately 7,500 students across its 19 schools, ensuring a fully staffed environment with enhanced safety measures, new academic programs, and improved lunch options. As the year begins, the district focuses on providing a safe, enriching learning environment for students.
Georgetown, South Carolina – The Georgetown County School District has officially begun its academic year with a strategic start on a Friday, a decision that brings several advantages to students and educators alike. This unusual choice was made in hopes of better aligning the academic calendar, providing students with a smoother transition into the school year.
Superintendent Bethany Giles, Ph.D., indicated that kicking off the school year on a Friday allows for a seamless break after winter exams and affords students extra rest days throughout the year. The district’s aim is for students to be better prepared and more focused when it comes time to take their exams, particularly following the winter holidays.
Approximately 7,500 students are anticipated to enroll in one of the district’s 19 schools this year. The district is almost fully staffed aside from a handful of open positions, ensuring that students receive quality instruction from qualified educators. On the first day back, teachers and administrators were actively involved in welcoming students, creating an atmosphere of excitement mixed with the typical first-day jitters.
At Maryville Elementary School, students were able to take part in engaging activities, including spinning a wheel to select their house, adding a fun element to their introduction to school. Later in the academic year, students will also participate in The Amazing Shake competition, aimed at developing their skills in public speaking and professional etiquette.
Safety remains a top priority for the district, which continues to enforce policies from previous years, including a no-phone rule and a “green tag” bus system. This system is designed to enhance safety for younger children by ensuring that students are only released to authorized individuals holding matching ID tags. Alongside these measures, the district has introduced new initiatives designed to improve student safety and overall well-being.
This academic year marks the implementation of the “2–12” academic approach designed to enhance student progress from second grade through high school graduation. Teachers and staff see this as a “soft launch” to help students settle in, meet their teachers, and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming school week.
New safety initiatives have also been introduced, including the rollout of sixteen electric buses and the formation of a safety sub-committee. This committee is focused on addressing previous school threats, improving training for staff regarding metal detectors, and implementing frequent open gate metal detection procedures. School resource officers will be present at all schools, ensuring that classrooms remain locked at all times to increase security.
In light of previous tragedies, the district is emphasizing ongoing counseling and additional training resources for students. A new bullying report system has also been implemented, aimed at fostering better communication between students, staff, and parents regarding any concerns that arise.
Furthermore, teacher salaries have been significantly increased to attract and retain quality staff, bolstering the educational experience for students. Lunch options for students have also been improved this year, with the addition of salad bars to promote healthier eating habits.
As the school year unfolds, the Georgetown County School District is committed to providing a safe and enriching learning environment for all students while adapting to their needs through innovative programs and practices.
FAQ
Why did Georgetown County School District start the academic year on a Friday?
The Friday start was implemented for strategic reasons, including the alignment of the academic calendar and providing students with a clean break after winter exams.
What new safety initiatives are being introduced?
The district has introduced a ‘green tag’ bus system, increased training for staff on metal detectors, and implemented a bullying report system to improve safety and communication.
How many students are expected to enroll this year?
Approximately 7,500 students are expected to attend one of the district’s 19 schools this academic year.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Year Start | Friday start to align academic calendar and support student needs |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 7,500 students across 19 schools |
| Safety Initiatives | Green tag bus system, entry checks, presence of school resource officers |
| New Programs | 2–12 academic focus and enhanced lunch options with salad bars |
| Staffing | Almost fully staffed, with increased teacher salaries |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Georgetown County Schools Reopen Friday
- Count On 2: Georgetown County School District Safety Measures
- WMBF News: Sheriff Focused on Student Safety
- ABC News 4: New School Year Information
- Coastal Observer: Ownbey Wins School Board Seat
- Wikipedia: Georgetown County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Georgetown County School District News
- Google Scholar: Georgetown County School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown County, South Carolina
- Google News: Georgetown County School District
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