News Summary
Greenwood School District 50 is making significant improvements in safety and academic engagement as it prepares for the upcoming school year. Noteworthy changes include a new visitor management system, increased presence of student resource officers, and innovative initiatives to foster a love for reading among students. The district has also secured funding for safety measures such as protective film for windows, panic buttons, and digital hall passes. These enhancements aim to ensure a secure and nurturing environment for all students while encouraging collaboration among teachers.
Greenwood, S.C. – Greenwood School District 50 is set to kick off the 2025-26 school year with significant enhancements in safety and several exciting changes. The first day of classes is scheduled for Thursday, marking one of the earliest school openings in the state following the summer break.
As the new school year approaches, teachers and staff are diligently preparing classrooms. At Hodges Elementary School, efforts are underway to create an inviting environment for students. The principal has expressed enthusiasm about welcoming new learners and fostering a positive atmosphere.
To help streamline the experience for both students and teachers, staff at Hodges Elementary has been sorting and preparing textbooks for distribution. In an innovative move to encourage reading, the school is set to introduce a new vending machine that allows students to earn tokens in exchange for books. This initiative aims to foster a love for reading among students while making it a fun experience.
Parents are reminded to bring their child’s school supplies during the orientation event. This practice not only lightens their backpacks but also aids in familiarizing them with their teachers before the academic year officially begins.
Significant safety changes will be implemented across the district on the first day of classes. With a focus on ensuring children feel secure within school premises, the district has taken several proactive measures. Each school will have a student resource officer present throughout the day, enhancing the visible security within educational spaces.
The district has also adopted a new visitor management system designed to monitor who enters and exits each school building. This technology aims to bolster the overall safety of students and staff, ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain access to school grounds.
Pinecrest Elementary School, which received an award for excellence on its state report card last year, is committed to maintaining high academic standards while prioritizing student safety. The principal has underscored the critical nature of feeling safe at school, creating a conducive learning environment for all students.
To further enhance safety measures, the district has received grants totaling over $960,000. These funds will be used to implement protective film for windows and doors, install panic buttons, set up vape sensors, and purchase two-way radios for staff communication. Additionally, middle and high school students will benefit from the introduction of digital hall passes, which will notify teachers when students are outside of classrooms.
Superintendent Shane Goodwin has highlighted the importance of student safety as a primary focus for the district. In preparation for the new academic year, communication with parents has been improved, and faculty and staff have actively participated in safety drills to ensure everyone is well-prepared for any emergency situation.
As the new school year begins, there is also a renewed effort to foster a collaborative and supportive environment among faculty members. Teachers are utilizing the final days of summer to prepare lesson plans and collaborate on strategies to enhance the educational experience for their students.
Greenwood School District 50 is making strides in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for its students while also embracing innovative changes aimed at enhancing academic engagement. Parents and community members can look forward to a productive and secure school year as the district opens its doors once again.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Safety Top Priority for Return to Schools in Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood School District 50 Announces New Superintendent
- Google Search: Greenwood School District 50
- NWA Online: Greenwood School Board Approves SRO Agreement
- Google Scholar: School Safety Plans
- WYFF4: Greenwood School District 50 Superintendent Announces Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Safety
- WSPA: Greenwood District 50 Prepares to Welcome Students This Week
- Google News: Greenwood School Updates
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
