News Summary
School District 56 has approved a modified academic calendar for a year-round schedule starting in August. New retention policies focus on reading proficiency, ensuring third graders receive necessary support. Additionally, 13 new courses, such as Real-Life 101 and Earth in Motion, have been added to enhance educational offerings. The District acknowledges key upcoming events, while also celebrating student achievements and maintaining a commitment to no local property tax increases for school operations.
Clinton — In a significant meeting held on May 19, 2025, the Trustees of School District 56 approved a modified calendar for the 2026-27 academic year and enacted new course offerings alongside changes to retention policies intended to enhance student learning and success. The modified academic year will commence on August 4, 2026, marking the beginning of a year-round schedule aimed at better accommodating educational needs.
The newly approved Promotion, Retention, and Acceleration policy focuses heavily on reading proficiency standards set forth by the state reading initiative called Read To Succeed. Under this policy, third grade will be emphasized as a pivotal year for students’ academic progress. Records of students’ reading progression will be monitored and assessed by the State Department of Education. In an effort to ensure that all students are meeting grade-level reading requirements, those falling short will be provided with intensive instruction and support. Failure to improve may result in retention, although affected students will receive access to supplemental tutoring to aid their development.
In an effort to further advance educational offerings, Trustees have approved 13 new local courses for students, including Real-Life 101 and 102 at Clinton High School, four new leadership classes for elementary and middle school students, and a unique class called Earth in Motion at Clinton Middle School that will focus on outdoor activities.
Trustees also highlighted several key upcoming events for students and community members, which include:
- Senior Breakfast on May 28, 2025
- District Academic Awards ceremony on May 28, 2025, in the evening
- Memorial Day Closure on May 26, 2025
- Senior Night celebration on May 29, 2025, featuring a fireworks show sponsored by the City of Clinton
- Commencement ceremony on May 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the main gym of Clinton High School
Additionally, the combined Science Olympiad Team composed of students from Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School is set to represent South Carolina at the upcoming National Science Olympiad in Nebraska. The district’s sports programs celebrated recent achievements, including the Red Devil 2024 AA State Football Championship during their athletic awards program held in the gym, as well as the participation of student-athletes at the inaugural ESPYs-style Laurens County Sports Awards Night at Presbyterian College, where Hall King and Andy B. Young were inducted into the Laurens County Sports Hall of Fame.
Importantly, the district continues its decade-long tradition of imposing no local property tax increases for school operations. This commitment aims to maintain a stable financial environment for both the district and families in the community.
Overall, the actions taken by the School District 56 Trustees reflect a commitment to enhancing educational quality and student achievement through innovative programs and comprehensive support for learners. As the district prepares for the new academic year beginning in 2026, strategies such as the new retention policies and diverse coursework aim to create an enriching and supportive school experience for every student.
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Additional Resources
- Laurens News
- Wikipedia: School Calendar
- Clinton Herald Sports
- Google Search: High School Sports
- WKTV Education News
- Google Scholar: Education Initiatives
- Sandusky Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Programs
- My Clinton News
- Google News: School Events
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