Welcome to DHS: In Pursuit of Academic Excellence!

 

Welcome to Darlington High School, home of the Falcons, where Academic Excellence is our goal.  The vision of Darlington High School is to promote a safe, caring, positive learning environment that supports the belief that teachers have the right to teach and students have the right to learn.  The academic program of studies at Darlington High School is designed to meet the needs of each student who enters our doors.  Our academic offerings include College Prep courses, Early College Credit, Honors courses, and Credit Recovery.  Darlington High School's “College Magnet Program” allows a student to earn up to 27 hours of college credits while in high school an equivalent of scholarships approximating $14,175.  In addition to providing a great value financially, the Honors College earns distinction through a purposefully designed program for excellence.  Students in the Honors College begin preparing for the more rigorous college classes by completing a more demanding academic schedule in the 9th and 10th grades. Beginning in the 11th grade, students are allowed to take up to three college courses:  English 101, History 201, and History 202.  During the student's senior year, they have the ability to take six additional college courses: English 102, Psychology 101, Government 101, Political Science 101, Economics 101, and Teacher Cadet.  At the program’s culmination, students have had the opportunity to graduate high school with 27 hours of college credit, 3 credits short of a full year of college free of charge.  But, Darlington High is not done yet.  The program is looking to add Math and Science classes in the near future, which could result in even more college credits completed before high school graduation.   We are extremely excited about our newly-renovated science labs.  These labs will enable our students to receive state-of-the-art science instruction. 

In light of all these opportunities for academic excellence, Darlington High School is the school for the college-bound students to excel!  As a High School that Works, our school strives to meld academic and technical studies while ensuring that every course is challenging and engaging.  Students benefit from integrated long and short term projects.  Darlington High School is on the cutting edge of outstanding educational practices. Students are given numerous opportunities to pursue their interests and nurture special talents while completing their academic course of study.  As a Renaissance School, multiple school-wide incentives for students and faculty that are achieving and demonstrating Falcon PRIDE are provided.  Our athletic teams are among the best in the region and compete for state titles yearly.  The Falcon band and Fine Arts programs are growing and involving more students each year.  Darlington High School is breaking barriers to allow all students to excel.  Come join us at DHS as we pursue educational excellence!
Dr. Greg Harrison

Dr. Greg Harrison, Principal
  
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    • DCSD HAS BEST GRADUATION RATE IN THE STATE; RANKED #6 IN THE STATE IN TERMS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

    (November 8, 2013) -- The Darlington County School District has the highest graduation rate in the state, according to the South Carolina Department of Education. The district ranks sixth in the state in terms of academic achievement, a slight drop from the #3 ranking of 2012. The school district and nine schools earned EXCELLENT absolute report card ratings, the highest rating given in the annual school and district report cards released today by the South Carolina Department of Education. All but one district school scored Average or above on the report cards.

     “We are very proud of what our schools, teachers and students have accomplished – but we cannot rest on our laurels,” said Dr. Eddie Ingram, district superintendent. “We must continue to push ourselves and our students, exceeding expectations and providing the best education possible. Our teachers are more than up for the challenge and we will continue to give them the tools and support they need to reach their goals.”

    Graduation rates at the four high schools and the district continue to be among the highest in the state. The district’s on-time graduation rate, as determined by the South Carolina Department of Education, is 93.4 percent, slightly higher than last year’s district average and almost 16 percentage points higher than the state’s overall on-time graduation rate of 77.50 percent. 


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    Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology, with 100% graduation, has the highest graduation rate among the state’s 226 high schools. Darlington High’s graduation rate increased one-tenth of a percent to 92.34% and Hartsville High School’s graduation rate increased from 90.49 to 91.82%. Lamar High School’s graduation rate slipped from 100% to 93.85%. In addition, district’s gap between African-American students and white students continues to close. The district’s graduation rate for white students is 95.5 percent, while the district’s graduation rate for African-American students is 91.5 percent.

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    “The graduation rates in Darlington County are not simple calculations,” said Ingram. “These aren’t just numbers. These are actual students. Our high schools work hard to ensure all students graduate on time. It isn’t always easy, but I applaud the combined efforts of our teachers, administrators, counselors, families and communities to see that every child graduates on time in Darlington County.”

    The Darlington County School District is one of only 30 districts in the state to receive a rating of Excellent on the annual report card. The district is now ranked sixth in the state in terms of academic achievement, outranking all other Pee Dee school districts.
    The annual school and district report cards rate our schools based on student achievement levels set by the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee. Schools receive Absolute ratings – Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, or At-Risk – based on how their students perform on the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS), graduation rate, the high school exit exam and more.

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    SCHOOL - 2013 ABSOLUTE RATING
    In addition to state and federal ratings required by EAA and the federal No Child Left Behind Act, report card data also include student-teacher ratios, dollars spent per student, absentee rates for students and teachers, amount of instructional time, average teacher salaries and the socio-economic status of students’ families.

    The report cards show that poverty levels in South Carolina, measured by a calculation based on the percentage of students receiving Medicaid and/or reduced meal plans, continue to increase. Darlington County School District has a poverty index of 82.66%.

    According to Neil C. Robinson, Jr., Chairman of the EOC, conversations with superintendents and instructional leaders in improving school districts have pointed to an emphasis on improving teaching as the main reason for the significant increase in student performance between 2012 and 2013. The majority of South Carolina school districts have begun to implement the Common Core State Standards, a rigorous set of standards in English Language Arts and mathematics. The integration of the new standards has provided many professional development opportunities for teachers focused on transforming the practice of delivering quality instruction to students.

    Although the results are encouraging, Robinson points out that South Carolina cannot claim victory for students just yet. By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs will require post-secondary education, training, and/or certification. Many high school graduates do not have the skills to be “highly qualified” in an increasingly competitive job market. Additionally, high school graduates often require remediation at the state’s two-year institutions.

    The Darlington County School District is considering several initiatives that will enhance education opportunities for students. These include introducing robotics programs at several schools, an increased emphasis on STEM (science & technology education) at all levels, one-to-one technology deployment, more dual credit courses (high school & college), learning partnerships with area businesses, and expanded foreign language classes.

    “We are evaluating several programs that will expand educational opportunities for our children at every level,” said Ingram. “In doing so, we believe our students and our community will benefit.”

    QUICK FACTS:

    •  The Darlington County School District has the highest graduation rate in the state, as ranked by the South Carolina Department of Education for the 2013 annual school and district report cards. (District Performance Data, 2013 Annual Report Card, SCDE).

    • The Darlington County School District has the 4th lowest dropout rate in South Carolina (0.4%), according to the South Carolina Department of Education. When talking about dropout rates, the lower the rates, the fewer the dropouts. (District Fact File, 2013 Annual Report Card, SCDE).

    •  The Darlington County School District ranks sixth in South Carolina in terms of the annual report card ratings issued by the South Carolina Department of Education (Ratings & Indices, 2013 Annual Report Card, SCDE).

    •  In every high school in our district, more than nine out of every ten high school freshmen will graduate in four years, according to the South Carolina Department of Education. Mayo High School for Math, Science & has a 100% graduation rate (High School Performance Data, 2013 Annual Report Card, SCDE).

    •  More children are reading at or above grade level by grade three, thanks to the efforts of our primary schools (grades K-2). Reading at or above grade level by third grade ensures children have a better chance of success later in school.

    •  Of the 22 schools in the district, nine schools have received the highest rating of  “Excellent” on the 2013 annual report cards issued by the South Carolina Department of Education.  The Darlington County School District is also rated  “Excellent”. (2013 Annual Report Card, SCDE)

    •  All but one DCSD school are rated “Average” or higher on the 2013 annual report cards from the South Carolina Department of Education. Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School is ranked Average for the elementary portion of the school and Below Average for the middle school portion of the school.

    • Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology is ranked #1 in terms of graduation rate. Lamar High, Darlington High and Hartsville High are in the top 15 schools in the state in terms of graduation rate.
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    HIGH SCHOOLS BY GRAD RATE

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    Last Spring Dr. Greg Harrison, the principal at DHS, went into classrooms and made a bet with the students. If the students met Dr. Harrison's challenge on the HSAP test, he agreed to let the students give him a Mohawk that he would sport for a week; if they exceeded this challenge, he agreed to let them dye his Mohawk purple. The HSAP test is the South Carolina Exit Exam, which all students must pass in order to receive their high school diploma.  Not only did the students at Darlington High School meet the challenge presented to them, they CRUSHED it and, in doing so, helped propel DHS into the highest traditional academic performing High School in the Pee Dee. “I am extremely proud of our students, and will proudly sport this new hair cut all of next week in recognition of your excellent academic achievement!” said Dr. Harrison. Dr. Bill Boyd, Assistant Superintendent, the three top performing students, and the top performing teachers all helped in cutting the Mohawk. The top performing students also received an iPod, a Principal’s VIP pass to DHS football games, and their choice of parking spots at school as part of the bet Dr. Harrison made with the students. The entire Junior class will also have a cookout later this year when the official scores are released.


    Go Falcons! 

     


    July 2013

    DROPOUT RATE DROPS ONCE AGAIN; SCHOOL DISTRICT FOURTH LOWEST IN STATE

    (DARLINGTON COUNTY) -- For the fifth year in a row, the dropout rate for the Darlington County School District has dropped, making it the fourth lowest dropout rate in the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Education, Darlington County School District’s dropout rate for 2011-12 is 0.4%, down from 0.6% last year and significantly lower than the state average dropout rate of 2.5%.  Statewide, in federal fiscal year 2011-2012, 668 fewer students dropped out of school than in the previous year, according to a new report from the South Carolina Department of Education.  “I laud those who have worked diligently to make this happen and commend their dedication. It is difficult to achieve such a low dropout rate and is only accomplished through the combined efforts of parents, teachers, and administrators,” said Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram. “Ultimately we want a zero dropout rate. We will continue the efforts already underway and will also seek new ways to ensure all our children graduate.”

    State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said reducing dropout rates is a critical step toward improved on-time high school graduation rates, which he views as a key measurement of success for the entire K-12 system.  “The prospects for long-term economic growth and job creation improve as more students graduate from high school with the skills necessary to compete for jobs in the workforce, enlist in the military, or enroll in an institution of higher education. The path to prosperity for South Carolina’s economy begins, but does not end, with greater numbers of high school graduates.” Zais said.  Darlington County School District now has a lower dropout rate than any other district in the Pee Dee. Florence School District 3 also earned a spot in the top 10 lowest districts with a dropout rate of 0.5%.

    In terms of statewide demographics, the largest decrease in dropouts was among Black (non-Hispanic) students. In 2011-2012, 366 fewer students in this demographic group dropped out than in the previous year, and 1,431 fewer than in 2007-2008.  To see charts detailing the dropout data, go to http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ac/Student-Intervention-Services/documents/StateDropoutReport2011-12.pdf. Dropout information for the last five years can be found at http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ac/Student-Intervention-Services/DropoutData.cfmBetween 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, all demographic groups saw reductions in the dropout rate with the exception of American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian/Pacific Islander students. 

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    Congratulations Darlington High School on being recognized by the State Department of Education for earning the Palmetto Gold Award for Academic Performance!!!!

    Palmetto Gold Award
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    Teacher Recognition at DHS!

    September 2013 -DARLINGTON, SC - (News Release) 

    Drew Snyder Chosen as Darlington's Outstanding First Year Teacher

    Dr. Eddie Ingram, Ms. Drew Snyder, Mr. Warren Jeffords, and Dr. Greg Harrison

    Drew Snyder, an English teacher at Darlington High School, was named Darlington County School District's "2013 Outstanding First Year Teacher" at a recent board meeting.

    The Outstanding First Year Teacher Award recognizes teachers who show exceptional promise in their first year of teaching. Eleven teachers were nominated for the award. A panel of judges narrowed the field down to three finalists, which they then met in panel interviews. In addition to Snyder, the other two finalists were Lacy Purvis of Pate Elementary and Kim Edgerton of Cain Elementary.

    Snyder is a graduate of Indiana University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, Language Arts.

    "Drew is a teacher of outstanding character and ability. Her performance in the classroom is consistently superior," said Dr. Greg Harrison, principal of Darlington High School. "Drew has been a great role model for fellow teachers and students, as well as a tremendous asset to our school. She, without a doubt, is one of the strongest first year teachers that I've observed over the past few years! Darlington High School is a better school because she is on our team…"

    In her application, Snyder explained her philosophy of education: "An excellent education, to me, is a right and a necessity. …Education is the key to change. Providing every child with an excellent education rooted in critical thinking, problem solving, and autonomy is the only way to make sure our country remains strong economically, socially, and educationally.  I believe that school and subjects taught in school need to have a strong footing in real world experiences and situations. Our job market is changing rapidly. Students need to practice skills in class that will help them in their future careers. As an English teacher, I believe the study of literature and other texts is acutely important to success in any field. The basis of Language Arts is critical thinking. If a student can analyze a text, they can analyze a news article a friend emails to them. They can analyze the job application and the essay questions on their college application, and interpret feedback from superiors. …I am not teaching my students to be 16-year-olds. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient adults."

    Snyder also talked about her biggest challenge and learning experience: "…I have learned that respect and humility is number one in any human interaction. I have learned to approach all situations and people as a chance to learn and a chance to serve. I have learned that leadership is not something to be asserted from above, but to be cultivated and built from the ground up. …When I think of accomplishments or experiences in my life that I am most proud of, none of them were easy. There is no reward without at least a little bit of discomfort and uncertainty. I hope I can show my students that taking a leap of faith is scary, but could be the decision that shapes the rest of their lives." As the District Outstanding First Year Teacher, Snyder will be a member of the Darlington County Leadership Council and the Darlington County Teacher Forum. She will have multiple networking and teacher leadership opportunities throughout the upcoming year.


    Congratulations, Ms. Snyder!


    DHS's 2013-14 Teacher of the Year
    Ms. Shannel Williams

    Shannel Williams

    Ms. Williams currently teaches 9th grade Algebra 1 CP and Geometry Honors at the Freshman Academy.  Ms. Williams who was honored at the Teacher of the Year Banquet as one of the top 5 "Honor Roll Teachers of the Year" on September 12, 2013. 

    Congratulations, Ms. Williams!

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