Stratford High

Berkeley County School District (BCSD) has postponed the first day of school to Thursday, August 15, giving teachers and staff more time to prepare and students an extra day of summer break. This decision comes after recent severe weather and flooding prevented access to school buildings for three days, disrupting traditional classroom and school preparation time for teachers and staff. “We value the dedication of our teachers and staff in preparing classrooms and schools, and this additional day will allow them to better prepare to receive more than 38,000 students on Thursday,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon. “Last week, teachers completed virtual professional development and training so now they can focus on classroom and school needs Monday through Wednesday.” School and district offices will be open regular hours, and extracurricular activities and athletic programs will also operate according to their normal schedule. Information and schedules for school specific meet the teacher and grade specific orientation days have been shared with families by school leaders. Dixon added, “We understand that disruptions in schedules are not easy for anyone so we appreciate the understanding of our parents and community as we work to ensure that the first day is the best it can be for students and teachers on Thursday.” Any weather day adjustments necessary as a result of this calendar change will be reviewed and communicated, if needed, at a later date.

Senior Night (to include parents!) and Open House! More information to come!

BCSD transitions to virtual operations today, August 9 Due to unexpected flash flooding resulting in numerous road closures and impassable road conditions, Berkeley County School District (BCSD) schools and offices will transition to virtual operations Friday, August 9. All extracurricular activities, athletics, and school programs are currently suspended Friday, August 9. BCSD leaders urge staff to stay off of the roads. In collaboration with county and municipal leaders, BCSD will reassess conditions Friday and throughout the weekend and provide updates, as appropriate, concerning potential access to schools and offices. BCSD leaders are working closely with Berkeley County Emergency Management and are receiving regular updates about the weather from the National Weather Service. As safety and security is our

So excited to get this year started!!

Due to the weather, 9th grade orientation will be on Tuesday, August 13th from 9-12. It will no longer be this Friday. Can't wait to see everyone!

We can't wait to see our rising 9th graders on August 9!

A huge thank you to all who came to the schedule/technology pick up this week! Lot's of schedules and chromebooks were put in the hands of students and families!! Please see attached Fast Facts that will help you navigate the start of the school year! Looking forward to seeing everyone on August 14!

Just a reminder! In addition, DECA is sponsoring a school supply drive, see attachments!

This week Stratford student leaders and educators traveled to the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida. They are excited to bring back what they have learned about culture and climate to continue building on the great legacy of being a Knight. #jrgc24 @jostensrenaissance #midatlanticrenregion

Is your student coming back to BCSD? Then don't forget to complete Returning Student Registration through the PowerSchool Parent Portal! MORE INFO: https://www.bcsdschools.net/o/bcsd/page/returning-student-registration

This week, our Stratford Betas competed at the National Beta Club Senior Convention in Savannah, GA. Competing among over 22, 000 students from 18 states, we placed in the following categories: French, 11th grade: Grady Redmond—6th place Performing Arts Senior—Solo, Duo, Trio—Instrumentalist: Mia Stone--8th place Reimagine, Recreate, Recycle: 4th place We are so proud of how well our Stratford students represented our school.!!

We hope everyone is having a great summer! Be sure to complete your returning student registration in Parent Portal before coming in! If you need help completing the returning student registration, we can help, just bring your ID and proofs of residency when you come during your specified time.

Stratford was named a Renaissance Platinum School of Distinction! This means that Stratford has worked to incorporate culture and climate building initiatives covering multiple categories such as promoting graduation, celebrating educators and students, and building partnerships with the larger community. Stratford's Renaissance Team of Students and Staffulty will be recognized in July at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference! See all 2024 Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction here: https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/2024-schools-of-distinction/

Please see this updated Student Parking Info!

At last night's board meeting, we were recognized for our Beta Club's South Carolina Senior Beta Convention first place wins. Congratulations again to the following students: Hailey Bryant, Grady Redmond and our group for Musicology.

We are excited to celebrate our Class of 2024 today!!

Chromebook collection for students in 9th - 11th grade will occur this week. Students should return their Chromebook, charger, and library card to the Media Center as soon as they have finished their exams. The following fees with be assessed if items are not returned. Chromebook - $150 Charger - $20 Library Card - $3 Any device not returned by Thursday, May 30th will be disabled. Students taking virtual classes over the summer should come to the Media Center on Thursday, May 30th to fill out the paperwork to keep their device over the summer. If this paperwork is not filled out, the device will be disabled. Questions, please contact our Media Center.

All Berkeley County School District graduation ceremonies are streamed live at https://www.bcsdschools.net/live.

As a way of continuing to promote child nutrition and adding to the many celebrations capping the end of the school year, Berkeley County School District’s Office of Child Nutrition Services will launch a special giveaway next week (May 20–24) that will offer some big prizes. Elementary, middle and high school students eating lunch and/or breakfast next week will be entered into a drawing for prizes that include, but are not limited to: *iPads *Wireless earbuds/headphones *Underwater cameras *Projectors *Action cameras *Bluetooth speakers Students will receive one entry into the drawing for each meal they eat. Winners will be drawn at random, and those who eat multiple meals will obviously have an increased chance of winning.

Senior Grad Walk Information!