S.C. GEAR UP Program At DHS Is First In Dillon County

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald

SC GEAR UP at Dillon High School offered the, first of its kind in Dillon County, Freshmen FUNdamentals Transition Program for all rising 9th graders.  

The program was held Monday through Thursday, July 29, -August 1, 2013 and August 5-8, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. each day.  
We were very pleased that 148 students participate at some point during the two-week program.  This was 60% of the end of year cohort total of 246.
This eight day program was designed to assist rising 9th graders with the transition from middle school to high school.  Transportation to and from school, as well as, breakfast and lunch was provided each day.
Participants met each morning in the Cafeteria for breakfast followed by different guest speakers each day.  Speakers were carefully selected to introduce students to former Dillon High School graduates who are currently in college or living and working in Dillon County.  In addition, attention was placed on individuals who represented different career cluster areas and community resources such as the Executive Director for the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce; the Dillon County Theater’s MacArthur Players Performing Arts group president; a fitness trainer with the City of Dillon Wellness Center; two-time World Champion Kickboxer, Johnny “Superfoot” Davis who now offers classes for all ages; the Pee Dee Regional Education Center Coordinator; and a Dillon County Assistant Solicitor.  Students also had opportunities to meet and talk with district and school level staff including a Dillon School District Four Board Member, Mrs. Ethel Taylor, the Guidance Counselor at the Dillon County Technology Center, Dillon High Administrators, Guidance Counselors, Resource Officer, DHS Band Director and Media Center Assistant.  Based on interest as reported from the EXPLORE assessment taken in 8th grade, a special guest from Toastmasters shared insights and tips on public speaking.
After each speaker’s presentation, attendees were divided into smaller groups/classes for lessons and activities with DHS English and math teachers.  Students participated in a Learning Styles Inventory, students prepared biographies, participated in daily reading activities and math review and preparation for high school level courses.  
Students were also given opportunities throughout the two-weeks to learn their way around their new, big school and to meet and talk with administrators, counselors and other school staff.  The two-week program is proving to be a helpful experience as the SC GEAR UP cohort has settled in to their new home at Dillon High School.