Katie Saunders Named Teacher of the Year!

Bethel Elementary primary multiage teacher Katie Saunders knows that if she can ignite the smallest interest in students to get them excited about learning, she can start the fire of knowledge that will burn inside them. She believes a key component to making that happen is for teachers to continue learning from each other. “The more we learn from others and the more we stay up to date with current trends and technology, the better we will be able to meet our students’ needs and ignite that spark within,” she said.

In fact, it was when she was in college studying to be a doctor that the teaching spark ignited in her. “I was assigned to a general requirement class that involved volunteering in a third grade classroom,” she explained. “It was there that I fell in love with the students, the environment, and the idea that they have so much ahead of them.” She realized then that she was meant to teach.

Saunders has developed innovative ways to make learning fun, especially through the use of music. One year, she wrote a rap song to help students prepare for state standardized testing. She involved the entire staff, producing an encouraging video that aired on the morning news show the week of the test. She uses singing and music almost every day as she reaches and teaches her students.

Mrs. Saunders’ greatest accomplishments are the influences that are sometimes unseen at the time they happen. “It’s those moments down the road that make you realize the impact you have on a child’s life,” she said. “It’s that note from a child that says you were her favorite teacher simply because you did baton tricks on Friday when they had a good week. It’s that moment when you see a child’s confidence grow right before your eyes because their fluency and comprehension is improving and they know they are becoming a better reader.”​

Watch the Teacher of the Year event from August 11.

The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes two second or third year teachers for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for their school. Emerging Teachers are honored at the Teacher of the Year breakfast in August.

United Way Campaign Underway

Thank you for making 2015 the largest United Way campaign on record for Greenville County Schools! Here’s a quick snapshot of our contributions:

• Our campaign increased by more than $32,000 to $623,610.
• We have 155 Palmetto Society members.
• Riverside High School had the highest average gift.
• Woodmont High School had the highest number of Palmetto Society Members in a school as well as the largest overall campaign at $20,351.
• The largest middle school campaign was Greer Middle School, raising $15,604.
• The largest elementary school campaign was Lake Forest Elementary at $12,310.
• And Greenville County Schools is the eighth largest school district in the nation in terms of United Way contributions.
• Some schools have already kicked off their 2016 campaigns. Other schools can be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an email announcing the start of your school or building campaign. Thank you for your continued support of United Way of Greenville County.

Tell Us Your Story!

We’re looking for story ideas that feature teachers and other district personnel who go “above and beyond” in their classrooms, around the school, or in their communities. Do you know a bus driver who mentors a student? How about a teacher who’s using a new, creative approach to teaching reading or math? An administrator who’s changing the culture at his or her school? Someone who’s making a difference in their community?

Send your story idea, including your name and phone number, the employee’s name, his/her school or department, and a brief summary of the characteristics that make this person shine! We will consider all entries for use in Enlighten eNews, on the GCS Facebook page, or on our website. Please send suggestions to Susan Clarke in Communications at sclarke@greenville.k12.sc.us.

Your Chance to Win!

Two names will be drawn for $50 or two tickets to Biltmore House from Greenville Federal Credit Union. Please submit your entry only one time.

Deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 31.

May 2016 Winners

Rebecca Fitzgerald, Food Services secretary, and Mike Dahms, a school bus driver, were the winners in May. Thank you for reading Enlighten and submitting your entry!