Students head back to school in Charleston and Berkeley counties

It’s back to the books Tuesday for students in Charleston and Berkeley counties.  Charleston county superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley toured six schools on the first day, schools that are in transition or have new principals.

McGinley’s tour included a stop at North Charleston High School, temporarily housed on the old Brentwood Middle School campus.  Dr. McGinley says she’s looking forward to the new school year.  She says, “It’s a busy day, but a time for new beginnings.  Every school year is exciting, it’s energizing. We look forward to great things this school year.“

Another stop on Dr. McGinley’s school tour, the new Jerry Zucker Middle School of science. More than four-hundred North Charleston students will attend school at the new 25-million-dollar facility, which features five science labs, four computer labs, and a state of the art media center.  Sherry biss is the new school’s principal.  She says the students come from several North Charleston schools. Biss says, “Our 6th graders are coming from Hunley Park, Lambs Elementary, and Goodwin.  Our 7th and 8th graders are coming from the former Brentwood, Morningside, and Alice Birney Middle.“    Jenae Haynes teaches career technology at Zucker.  She says, “It’s a science embedded curriculum, so basically every body will be teaching, but we will have some form of science involved in our curriculum.  I’m really excited!  It’s a brand new building, a lot of technology, and basically I’m ready to get the school year started, so I’m glad today’s finally here.“  Students and faculty alike say they are looking forward to what’s to come.  Student Kara Amafio says, “My first thought, I was happy, I can relate to science and all my subjects and stuff, and maybe I can have a fresh start.“  Principal Biss says, “I’m looking forward to creating a climate that excites students about learning science, and it’s just an area of success for all students.“

The school is named in honor of the late philanthropist Jerry Zucker.  A dedication ceremony will be held Monday, August 24th on Mr. Zucker’s birthday.  The school will also have an open house for parents next Tuesday, August 25th, and Wednesday August 26th.