We are excited to bring you our virtual Cardinal Connection News Show. Our news team members are: Shruthika Nair, Shaniya Adams, Michelle Delacruz, Taryn Mintz, Kellis Sellers, Caleb Smith, Jocelyn Delacruz, and Kimberly Rivera Aguirre. Check out our You Tube Channel.... SMK8 Stream
Congratulations to our 2020 Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Carolyn Snider
Ms. Snider currently teaches 7th grade English Language Arts at St. Matthews K-8 School and has been an educator for 25 years. She is a firm believer that every child can learn and works diligently to bring out the best in her students. She feels that every child has a unique gift to be shared with the world. Her love for her students and passion for teaching are shown through her techniques that she employs daily in her classroom. She utilizes a minds-on, hands-on approach to learning with her students where they use discovery learning techniques to create raps, poems, songs, chants, cheers, brochures, pamphlets, posters, signs, flyers, foldables, and more to cater to their individual needs. Her children know that “Failure is not an option.” She is a team player who goes above and beyond to work cooperatively with her peers to assist them in any way possible to develop effective strategies and methods for learning with technology, writing, reading and other content areas. She focuses on the total child, while catering to their academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. She advocates professionalism and strives to keep abreast of the trends and issues in education, as its realms are constantly evolving. “There is no failure, only feedback” is her perception of the optimal, conducive learning environment for her students. Her educational background consists of a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree plus 30 in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher-- Early Childhood Generalist. She is also endorsed as a Gifted and Talented Teacher, ADEPT Evaluator, Read to Succeed and is a certified teacher mentor. She has previously and currently serves some of the following roles within the district: 7th grade lead teacher, English Department Chair, Student Government Association advisor, District Technology Team, and District Curriculum Team.
Congratulations to our 2020 Support Staff of the Year
Mr. Kenya Colter
Mr. Colter is namely our “All Around” colleague who is seen as a teamplayer, supporter, and helper in every way. He is currently a teacher assistant in our Elementary SPED class. He works diligently to support both his colleagues and the students he serve. Mr. Colter is a graduate of Morris College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He is presently attending Strayer University to acquire a Master’s Degree in Human Resources. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching our B-Team basketball team and greeting Walmart customers with a contagious smile and a helping hand.
Congratulations to our 2020 Rookie of the Year
Ms. LaToya Charley
Miss Charley is currently a 7th grade math teacher. She has been a go getter since the beginning of teaching at SMK8. Each month she creates an inviting atmosphere on the middle school hallway that supports the Cardinal Character of the Month. Students actively engage in creating and designing the monthly environments. She participates in all school wide initiatives and involves her students as well. She brings a cohesiveness to the middle school teachers of solidarity and common goals and themes. Academically, Miss Charley's students scored an average of 40% suggested met and proficient on the Benchmark tests. Those scores were an average of 20% higher than the previous scores of 7th grade students over the past three years. Miss Charley is a graduate of Claflin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education and Middle Level Education. She is currently attending Claflin University to obtain a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Miss Charley is a pleasure to work with and gets along with everyone.
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