Nearly 60 students were recognized and praised for their high test scores on the SC Ready Assessment.

This was announced at the Lexington-Richland District Five Sept. 23 board meeting at 7 p.m.

The 57 students from grades third through eighth reached the maximum attainable score on the 2023 SC ready assessment and were celebrated by board members, family and friends for all their hard work.

According to the South Carolina Department of Education website, the South Carolina College and Career Ready assessment is “a statewide assessment in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies administered to students in grades 3 to 8 as required by the Education Accountability Act.”

In other news

Dr Akil E. Ross, District Five’s superintendent, gave his report. Ross said he wants to focus on what staff and parents can do for students outside of school hours. According to Ross, the environmental impact of 80% of out-of-school time determines the academic outcomes of 20% of in-school time. District Five officials and board members said they want every child to graduate and be college or military-ready.

Additionally, this summer, the state adopted its strategic plan which outlines that by 2030, the goal is to have at least 75% of students be at or above grade levels. State assessment results show that District Five schools are over the 75% mark or approaching and are experiencing growth with a focus on ELA.

The 2024 D5 Bond Referendum Educational Materials was also mentioned, which will be on the ballot on Nov. 5.

Virtual lunch and learns are being offered to the public to discuss what is in the bond referendum. The lunch and learn will be held on Oct. 1 for the Chapin community, Oct. 4 for the Dutch Fork community and Oct. 9 for the Irmo community.

The teacher forum is hosting a school board candidate forum for community members for the upcoming school board elections. The forum for Richland County is on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. The forum for Lexington County is on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Irmo Middle School.

The next school board meeting will be on Oct. 7 at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies located at 916 Mt. Vernon Church Rd. in Chapin.