Students Watch Clemson vs. Duke

This past Wednesday night, Mrs. Brewer took her students to Littlejohn Coliseum to watch the Lady Tigers play Duke. Students enjoyed watching the game, cheering with the cheerleaders, taking pictures with the Tiger, and spending time with their classmates. While we did not get to see the Lady Tigers win (Duke 83 Clemson 54), we certainly enjoyed the game. Having the opportunity to spend time with our students is one of my favorite activities as Principal at Seneca High. I truly enjoyed my evening at the game with the TTI class.

Seneca High School's First Book Club

I was very excited to participate in our Media Center's first book club. Mrs. Chrissy Robinson and Mrs. Cheryl Cook have done an outstanding job creating an environment that both students and teachers can enjoy. Please read below to find out more about the first book club.

On Friday, February 8th, and Monday, February 11th, the Seneca High School Media Center came alive with 78 students and staff members discussing the characters and plots of books they had voluntarily read for the school’s first book club meetings. Using recommendations for young adult literature from the American Library Association and VOYA magazine, Seneca High School’s media center staff (media specialists Chrissy Robinson and Cheryl Cook, and media center clerk Betty Gamble) selected the following books for student reading: the light-hearted young adult mystery Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe , Copper Sun from the genre of historical fiction by award winning young adult fiction author Sharon Draper, and the science fiction/fantasy selection of Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by best selling young adult and adult fiction author, James Patterson.

In January with the announcement of the SHS book club, the media center staff was met with an enthusiastic response by students and staff members with all 60 book copies being circulated within the first week. To the surprise of the media center staff, many students quickly read their first selection, returned their books, and then began reading a second selection for the book club meeting to be held in February. Seneca High School media specialist Chrissy Robinson stated, “We were thrilled to find that so many students and staff members responded with such enthusiasm to the book clubs. Due to the limited number of copies of books that we had, students started sharing books with one another in order to give others the chance to participate in the book club.” Media specialist Cheryl Cook added, “As librarians, it was very encouraging to see young adults so excited about recreational reading; but it was equally exciting to see the students’ demonstration of the Seneca High community spirit.”

The Seneca High School media center provided a total of 60 copies of the books for students and staff members wishing to participate in the book clubs. Over a three week period, participating students and staff members read the books at their own pace, then in February met in the media center to enjoy a lunch and to participate in discussion groups. Student feedback and participation indicate that the book clubs were a success and that students hope for more meetings and books in the future. SHS media specialists are currently exploring funding options for more book clubs in the future, including state and federal grants.

Working Opportunity

Mrs. Brewer's Transition to Independence class spent today working at Goodwill of Seneca. Students sized, tagged, received, and stocked donations. One student sorted donated items and placed the items in designated containers. Another student stocked the shelves and racks with priced merchandise, and another tagged and sized the merchandise. All students were able to stay alert for the entire work shift, meet production standards, perform repetitive tasks, stay focused on the task, and practice and maintain good health standards. I am proud of our students!

Students Sign Athletic Scholarships

I am proud that we had two students sign athletic scholarships today. Chantelle Davidson signed a track scholarship with Winthrop University, and Conner Hawkins signed a football scholarship with Furman University. These two student athletes have done an excellent job in the classroom and in their sport. I congratulate them both and wish them much success!

Jesse A. Pearce- National Merit Finalist

Seneca High School congratulates senior Jesse A. Pearce!! Jesse has advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program of 2008. He has high potential for future academic accomplishment.


Only 15,000 students nationwide have advanced to the Finalist stage of the competition. Of the 15,000 approximately 8200 will be named Merit Scholarship winners in March. Congratulations Jesse!

SHS Teachers Write EIA Teacher Grants

Teachers at Seneca High School had the opportunity to participate in an EIA teacher grant workshop with District Grant Writer Jennifer Dodd today. EIA teacher grants support the improvement of classroom instructional practices and procedures. Grants may be written for projects that support instructional activities and for the implementation of the South Carolina curriculum standards. Grants may be writtent to support teachers in the following areas:

• implementation of performance assessments



• instructional activities for parental reinforcement at home



• computer-assisted instruction



• techniques for motivating and rewarding achievement



• techniques for improving students' study skills



• innovative teaching strategies, activities

Teachers may write individual grants up to $2,000, or teachers may submit group grants up to $6,000. Seneca High School is proud of the following teachers for participating in this workshop:

Stephanie Brewer, Al Langston, Michelle Williams, Demetric Tensley, Hans Schmidt, Jaquette Gilbert, Cheryl Cook

All County Orchestra

Seneca High School would like to congratulate the following students for being selected to participate in All County Orchestra:

Sheida Abdi
Saxon Cook
Brianna Hyslop
JoAnna McAnally
Olivia Piccirillo
James Quarles
Kim Romero
Brianna Smith
Brian Stephens
Zach Suffern
Jason Vo
Javier Zamarripa


The concert will be Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 7:00 at West Oak.

Mrs. Brewer's Class visit China Inn

Mrs. Brewer's students have been studying China. During the unit, students learned about the geography, history, and people of China. Guest speakers, Sam Holleman and Dr. Norton, shared pictures and artifacts from their visit to China. The students enjoyed learning about the Great Wall, Terracotta Soldiers, pandas, the Chinese New Year, and Chinese Food. As a culuminating activity, students had the opportunity to eat lunch at China Inn on Friday. In addition to eating Chinese cuisine, many students ate with chopsticks! Mrs. Brewer has done an outstanding job with her students. They have had the opportunity to participate in many educational activities this year.

Coach Duncan and Family Visit Seneca High

Today was exciting at Seneca High as we welcomed Coach Duncan. Coach Duncan spent several hours touring our school and athletic facility, and meeting teachers and students. Coach Duncan also met with all boys interested in playing football. More than 100 young men met with Coach Duncan to hear about the football program. He began explaining his expectations for our students and our football program. Seneca High School and the Athletic Booster Club hosted a reception for Coach Duncan, his wife Misty, and their two children. We had a great turn out of students, parents, faculty, and community members. Coach Duncan plans to be at Seneca High School a few days each week during second semester. Our school and community are proud to have Coach Duncan join our faculty.

A huge thank you to Frank and Beth Thompson and the Athletic Booster Club for coordinating the reception.

Seneca High Welcomes New Football Coach

Seneca High School welcomes Head Football Coach and Social Studies Teacher Ron Duncan. Coach Duncan was approved by the School Board on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 during its regularly scheduled meeting. Coach Duncan comes to Seneca High School from Bamberg-Earhardt High School where he has established a successful football program. He has an overall record of 50-12. He has been named Region V Coach of the Year for the last four years. His football team has had numerous accomplishments including being the Region V Champions and Upper State Champions in 2007, Region V Champions in 2006, and Lower State Champions in 2005. He is described as being an excellent teacher, running a first class football program, a great communicator and a person with high expectations. Ron is married to Misty and has two children- Jackson and Laney Claire. We are excited to have Coach Duncan at Seneca High School. A reception will be held for Coach Duncan and his family on Thursday, January 10th from 4:30-6:30 in the Seneca High School cafeteria- students, parents, faculty, and staff are invited.

Welcome Back!

I would like to welcome our students, faculty, and staff back to Seneca High School. I hope that everyone had a safe and restful break and is looking forward to a great 2008. Students and teachers will prepare for exams that begin on January 11, 2008. I have included the exam schedule on the right column of my blog. The schedule can also be found on the school's website. It is important for students to study and do their very best on these exams. Second semester will begin January 17, 2008. As we enter a new semester, please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns. The faculty and staff of Seneca High School enjoy working with your student and want to provide a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

Also included on the right column of my blog is our registration schedule for next school year. Please be sure to mark important dates on your calendar.

Have A Happy New Year!

"Sounds of the Season" performed by Seneca High School Choral Department

Tonight we began celebrating the holiday season by attending our choral department's "Sound of the Season." This year's concert was performed at Seneca Baptist Church, so we enjoyed their facility beautifully decorated for the Christmas Season. More than one hundred twenty-five students participated in the choral concert representing five differen choral groups: Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Honors Women's Chorus, Honors Chorale, and Madrigals. The groups performed a wide selection of music. Some of the titles include: "A Joyful Spanish Carol," "Marshmallow World," The Coventry Carol," "Carol of the Bells," "Jingle Bells," "Aspenglow," "Still, Still, Still," and many more. I am very proud of our students-- we have such great talent. A huge thank you to Ms. Diane McFarlane and Ms. Melissa McClain for their expertise and hard work to prepare our students.

Winter String Performance

On Tuesday, December 4, Seneca High School's Chamber and Orchestra performed for family and friends. A variety of music was played including Sarson de Cordes (Season of Strings), Handel's Concerto for Strings Orchestra, and some favorite holiday songs. Mr. Warlick played violin and Sheida Abdi accompanied on the piano to the night's final selection, The Christmas Song. The faculty and staff are proud of our strings students.

Generation Next Votes 2008

Thursday, December 6, 2007, nearly 1,000 students in the School District of Oconee County had the opportunity to participate in Generation Next Votes 2008. Of the 1,000 students, more than 160 were Seneca High School students. These students, who will be 18 before November 8, 2008, had the opportunity to register to vote and to learn more about the Presidential candidates. Candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties were invited to join the students. Senator John Edwards, a former Seneca resident, made an appearance at the assembly and spoke to students about the importance of exercising their right to vote. This was a great opportunity for our students. We would like to thank Mrs. Evie Hughes, principal of Walhalla High School and the Walhalla High's SAGE team (Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship) for inviting Seneca High School to attend.

Students Inducted into National Beta Club

Seventy-seven Seneca High School students were inducted into the school's chapter of the National Beta Club. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher are eligible to join the National Beta Club. Congratulations to the following students:

10th Grade
Shedia Abdi ; Kira Grimes ; Leirin Smith
Jessica Adams; Joseph Haggwood; Haley Tanner
Samantha Adams; Christopher Hall; Jessica Tollison
Cameron Blassingame; Brianna Hyslop; Jason Vo
Samantha Brown; Hunter Jarrett; Christy Watters
Sam Burchfield; Tiffany Lament; Gregory Watters
Reneisha Butler ; Jenna Lay; Breanna Whitner
Brittany Collins; Carson LeCroy; Devan Williams
Maria Condatore; Corey McCubbin; LaMarcus Wright
Taylor Edens; Morgan Roper ; May Zhu
Erin Garland; Jordan Ross
Kiley Gaston; Tori Schiazza

11th Grade
Zachary Al-Nasser; Mackenzie Garland; Michael Price
Katheline Armentrout; Danielle Gay; Courtney Pund
Paige Blackmon; Brittany Hartman; Ajalek Robinson
Devon Bowser; Jordon Helms; Tripp Ross
Lauren Brock; April Holland; Brytannia Sears
Rebecca Conner; Lauren Klukkert; Jason Smith
Josiah Conrad; Anna Maria Land; Zachary Thompson
Necia Cook; Hillary Lee; Sydney Tran
Rachel Cunningham; Bobby McGill; Paul Watters
Kristopher Dennis; Andrea Oglesby; Anna Williams
John Doud; Alanda Parker; Heather Wright
Kevin Egan; Tamara Parker
Katie Fronck; Adrienne Pitre

12th Grade
Mary Douglas; Leann Nix; Sheena Swaney
Shanice Mayes ; Chase Pate; Levall Wall