H*4714 Resolution, By Cotty and Funderburk
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE TEACHERS, STAFF, AND STUDENTS OF DOBY'S MILL
 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KERSHAW COUNTY ON BEING NAMED ONE OF TWELVE FINALISTS FOR
 THE 2006 CAROLINA FIRST PALMETTO'S FINEST SCHOOLS AWARD.

   02/23/06  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-8

COMMENDING THE TEACHERS, STAFF, AND STUDENTS OF DOBY'S MILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KERSHAW COUNTY ON BEING NAMED ONE OF TWELVE FINALISTS FOR THE 2006 CAROLINA FIRST PALMETTO'S FINEST SCHOOLS AWARD.

Whereas, annually the South Carolina Association of School Administrators selects two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to receive the Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Schools Award; and

Whereas, this prestigious award is given to schools with excellent instruction, outstanding leaders, strong family and community involvement, and a supportive business community; and

Whereas, Doby's Mill Elementary School in Kershaw County, has been named one of the twelve finalists for the 2006 Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Schools Award, establishing the school as a shining example of the best a school can be; and

Whereas, under the able leadership of Principal Dr. Glenn Huggins, Kershaw County Principal of the Year for 2005-2006, teachers and staff, together with the students and a dedicated group of parents and community businesses, have created an extraordinary educational environment; and

Whereas, Doby's Mill has achieved great success both in and out of the classroom and has received many honors and accolades; and

Whereas, Doby's Mill was named a Red Carpet School in 2003 and a Flagship School of Promise in 2004. Presently, the school is a semi-finalist for the 2006 Dick and Tunky Riley School Improvement Award; and

Whereas, the school's PACT scores are in the top ten in the State in eight of twelve grade and subject categories, and in 2003 and 2004 was recognized by the Education Oversight Committee for "Closing the Achievement Gap" for underachieving students; and

Whereas, students at Doby's Mill Elementary School have brought great pride to the school in many arenas, including Tech Team first place state awards, the Robotic Team placing first in the State with their "Diving Dolphin Dude" Robot, and being selected as the January 2006 recipient of the All State Health Team award; and

Whereas, Doby's Mill could not get along without the incredible support of its parents and the business community. Parent volunteers log more than 1,000 hours each month, and Nissary Wood received the State Board of Education's Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2005. Thirty-six business partnerships support the school by active participation in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and social events; and

Whereas, kudos for Doby's Mill would not be complete without recognition of the school's many family activities, including parent-child art classes, Family Science Nights, and the SWIM program where parents and students practice writing skills; and

Whereas, it is with great pride that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives recognize the outstanding learning environment created at Doby's Mill Elementary School by all those who have dedicated their careers, their time and their talents to making it the premier school that it is. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend the teachers, staff and students of Doby's Mill Elementary School in Kershaw County on being named one of twelve finalists for the 2006 Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Schools Award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Doby's Mill Elementary School Principal, Dr. Glenn Huggins.