Dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of General Lloyd 'Fig' Newton in this captivating episode of SC Charter Chatter. From a determined  South Carolina native with dreams that defied expectations, General Newton soared to become the first African-American pilot with the US Air Force Demonstration Team, 'The Thunderbirds,' shattering barriers along the way. 

Hosted by the Public Charter School Alliance of SC, this episode explores General Newton's journey from childhood dreams to a four-star General. It delves into the pivotal moments, challenges, and profound impact of strong parents and education. Discover how General Newton's commitment to education led him to establish a charter school in his hometown and hear firsthand the leadership lessons forged in the skies that he applies to community development. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that transcends the ordinary and embodies the essence of courage, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. This is SC Charter Chatter, where stories of triumph take flight.

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Welcome to the latest episode of SC Charter Chatter! In this insightful installment, we sit down with Jimmy Lamb, the founding board member of Goucher Charter Academy, a new charter school dedicated to serving students in grades 6-8. Join us as Jimmy shares the passion and vision behind the establishment of Goucher Academy, shedding light on the driving force behind creating an innovative educational option for families in the community.

In this candid conversation, Jimmy delves into the challenges and triumphs of launching a new school, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and hard work involved in bringing Goucher Academy to life. From the initial spark of the idea to navigating the intricacies of the educational landscape, Jimmy shares valuable insights into the journey of opening a school and the commitment required to make it a reality.

Whether you're an education enthusiast, a parent exploring educational choices, or simply curious about the dynamic world of charter schools, this episode provides a compelling exploration of the motivations, struggles, and successes that come with founding a charter school like Goucher Academy. Tune in to SC Charter Chatter and join us in discovering the inspiring story of Goucher Charter Academy's inaugural year.

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Welcome to a special episode of SC Charter Chatter, where we delve into education and youth empowerment. In this episode, we are privileged to sit with the renowned Tara Brown, the keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual South Carolina Charter Schools Conference. Tara, widely known as the "Connection Coach," is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to unlocking youth's potential through positive connections.

Join us as Tara shares her insights on why she believes that kids are committed to people, not programs. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Tara emphasizes the transformative role that positive connections play in reaching today's youth. As a leading expert in the field, she brings a unique perspective on building relationships and fostering meaningful connections within diverse populations.

Discover the keys to maximizing the impact of youth organizations as Tara discusses practical strategies and approaches for connecting with and empowering young minds. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about youth development, Tara's wisdom will surely resonate.

Join us as we explore Tara's journey, accomplishments, and mission to help adults better understand how to build powerful connections with today's students. 

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In this heartwarming and insightful episode of SC Charter Chatter, we sit down with a dedicated parent from Odyssey Online Learning Charter School to hear her inspiring story and gain a unique perspective on the world of virtual education. Join us as we delve into the experiences of this extraordinary parent who has seen her child thrive in the Odyssey learning environment.

Our guest will share her journey and the positive impact online learning has had on her child's education. From the flexible schedules that accommodate her family's unique needs to the dedicated and passionate educators at Odyssey, she'll reveal how this charter school has transformed their approach to learning.

We'll explore the challenges they've overcome, the sense of community they've built, and the opportunities for growth that online learning has provided. Whether you're a parent considering online education options or an educator looking for fresh insights, this episode promises to be an enlightening and uplifting experience.

Join us as we dive into the world of Odyssey Online Learning Charter School and learn how it's become a quality school choice option through the eyes of a passionate and dedicated parent. Don't miss this captivating episode that showcases the power of choice, adaptability, and the endless possibilities in modern education.

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In this episode of SC Charter Chatter, we have the honor of sitting down with an educational leader, the Principal of Richland One Middle College, Dr. Carla Brabham. Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation about the remarkable work being done at Richland One Middle College to shape the future of its students.

Richland One Middle College is not your typical school. It's a place where innovation, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success converge. Dr. Brabham brings her experience and passion, sharing how the team creates a unique learning environment where students are educated and empowered.

Discover the innovative teaching methods, personalized learning approaches, and resources that make ROMC a beacon of educational excellence. She sheds light on the school's dedication to fostering academic growth, instilling leadership skills, and preparing students for a future full of promise and opportunity.

This episode explores the comprehensive approach to education that sets Richland One Middle College apart from dual enrollment programs that give high school students a head start in college and a supportive community that nurtures personal growth and development.

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In an interview with SC Charter Chatter, Fox Creek principal Mr. Josh Trahan discusses his perspective on the upcoming school year and the preparations made by the teachers and staff at FCHS. Reflecting on the 20-year history of Fox Creek, he shares insights on the school's origin and how it has achieved success in educating students while fostering a strong bond with the local community. During our conversation, Mr. Trahan also emphasizes the significance of the charter school movement for the public school system.

Josh Tahan is a longtime advocate for public school choice and Fox Creek High School administrator. Fox Creek High School is located in North Augusta. FCHS aims to graduate students who will positively impact their community. The goal is to create an interconnected learning environment that combines a demanding college-preparatory education with the many resources of the CSRA.

Connect with Mr. Trahan & Fox Creek:
Website
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A powerful conversation in episode 15 of SC Charter Chatter as we continue our celebration of Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work being done by African-American school leaders in South Carolina's charter schools. We discuss their educational contributions and hear about the impactful work for families and students. 

We talk to Pee Dee Math, Science, and Technology Academy Charter School Executive Director Mr. Keith Bailey in this episode. A founding member of PDMSTA, Mr. Bailey shares his passion for his students and community. Mr. Bailey also shares his unique journey into education and why he chose to lead a charter school. Mr. Bailey tells us his perspective on Black History Month and the importance of being an African-American school leader.


Connect with Mr. Bailey & PDMSTA :
https://twitter.com/ekbailey
https://pdmsta.org/
https://twitter.com/pdmsta
https://www.facebook.com/PDMSTA

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In episode 14, we continue celebrating Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work done in South Carolina and, more specifically, in our state's charter schools. We discuss their contributions to education and hear about the impactful work they are doing for families and students. 

In this episode, we talk to the Virtus Academy Charter School Principal Shemekia Nero. She's a veteran educator but is new to Virtus Academy. Ms. Nero shares her unique experiences throughout her educational path and why she chose to lead an expanding charter school.  During this conversation, we also hear perspectives on Black History Month and the importance of being an African American school leader. 

Connect with Ms. Nero & Virtus Academy :
https://www.facebook.com/VirtusAcademyofSouthCarolina
https://twitter.com/VirtusAcademySC
http://www.virtusacademysc.org/

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In episode 13, we kick off our series celebrating Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work done in South Carolina and, more specifically, in our state's charter schools throughout the month. We discuss their contributions to education and hear about the impactful work they are doing for families and students. 

In this episode, we talk to the Executive Director at Spartanburg Preparatory School, Dr. Tomikia Whitmire. She's been with Spartanburg Prep since the doors opened in 2009. She taught 4th and 5th grades for several years at Spartanburg Prep before becoming the Dean of Students in  2015, followed by the assistant principal in 2016. In 2017, she was named the Interim Head of School of Spartanburg Preparatory School, followed by the Head of School in 2018, and currently serves as the Executive Director.

Connect with Dr. Whitmore & Spartanburg Prep:
https://www.spartanburgprep.org/
https://www.facebook.com/SpartanburgPrep

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In episode 12, we talk with the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. We discuss the latest happenings inside the charter community on the national and state levels. We talk about the importance of school choice, and the opportunities charter schools provide for families and students. Nina shares her passion for education and how she became an advocate for charter schools all over the country. Plus, she updates us on current legislation that could affect charter schools in South Carolina and how all supporters can champion schools in their communities.

Nina Rees is the president and chief executive officer of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Since joining the National Alliance in 2013, Nina has enhanced the organization’s stature in Washington, D.C., deepening relationships with members of both parties in Congress, multiple presidential administrations, and across the nonprofit and advocacy spaces. Over the course of her tenure, annual funding for the federal Charter Schools Program has grown from $254 million to $440 million.
 

Connect with Nina & the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools:
Nina Charters on Twitter
National Alliance on Twitter
https://www.publiccharters.org/
2022 National Charter Schools Conference

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In episode 11, we talk to Certified Public Accountant, Jenara Noel. The discussion revolves around ins and outs of charter school audits to make sure your school is prepared and you stay out of the hot seat. Our conversation covers the importance of audits, what they are and what they aren't. We discuss the significance of having the right people in place and we go over the more common issues that may come up in the process. We also talk about important timelines and what you should be thinking about ahead of time.

Jenara s a Certified Public Accountant with Veris CPA and brings over 15 years of accounting experience with 6 of those years in charter school fiscal management. Her responsibilities include providing real-time outsourced accounting and General Ledger to charter schools as well as for-profit and non-profit entities. Jenara has an extensive background in client accounting, financial reporting, data mining, and accounting software migrations, as well as providing assistance with management decisions and maintaining client relationships.

Connect with Jenara:
Veris CPA

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In this episode, Kevin talks with inspirational speaker and SC native Chris Singleton. The former minor league baseball player and now nationally renowned speaker shares his heartbreaking story of losing his mom in the 2015 Mother Emanual Church shooting in Charleston and how he turned that tragedy into a message of resilience, forgiveness, and unity. In addition, we talk about staying focused, understanding others, and positively living the mission of education! Chris is also the best-selling author with two published children's books, Different and Your Life Matters. 

When speaking, Chris's overall mission is to inspire his audiences with his story of resilience and unite millions of people with his belief that "Love is Stronger Than Hate."

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCCharterSchools
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In this episode, Kevin continues the celebration of Charter Schools Week. We have a great conversation with the principal of Calhoun Falls Charter School Mr. Kalan Rogers. He shares his unique story that is inspiring and quite interesting. Kalan was also recently recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools as a 30 Under 30 Changemaker. These are 30 people from across the country who are making a meaningful impact in their community. We talk about what that means to him, how he stays motivated, and what it’s like to be the principal of his alma mater.

Connect with Kalan Rogers:
Twitter
Calhoun Falls Charter School

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Learn more about the latest round of federal money headed to schools through the 2021 American Rescue Plan. Kevin is joined by this episode's guest co-host, Christy Wolfe, the Vice President of Policy and Planning at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.  We discuss the nearly $122 billion dollars allocated for K-12 education, how much money your school could see, the timeline to spend that money, and what you should be using this money for. Listen for free here. 

Things we mentioned:
ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)
ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY)

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It's a topic many of you have reached about-how to market your school. In this episode, Kevin and guest Brooke Bruner discuss strategies and best practices for telling your story.  We talk about where to start, who should be involved, and how you can reach more families in your community.  We also share some specific areas you should be marketing your school, and we include some tools you can use to help you.

Things we mentioned:
Animoto Video Maker
Movavi Video Editor

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Kevin and Patti talk with S.C. State Treasurer Curtis Loftis about how his office can help charter schools get help with facility funding and even finding some free money through the Unclaimed Property Program. Treasurer Loftis also talks to us about why it's vital for students to complete a financial literacy class and we discuss the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program and how it provides incentives for K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their school, district, or at state educator conferences. Plus, the Treasurer has a fundraiser idea for schools.   

Connect With the Office of the State Treasurer:
https://treasurer.sc.gov/
Unclaimed Property Program
SC Future Scholars Program
SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program

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Patti and Kevin sit down with Dr. Julie Jones, co-author of the professional development book, The Playful Classroom. She shares behind the scenes stories of how she and co-author, Jed Dearybury, came up with the idea, the mindset for the book, and the twists and turns of how their writings became an Amazon bestseller. Designed for K-12 educators, The Playful Classroom describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving students meaningful, relevant and fun learning experiences. This unique real-world guide provides you with everything you need to incorporate engaging, hands-on lessons and creative activities, regardless of the level and subject you teach.

Connect with Dr. Julie Jones:
www.juliepjones.com
Twitter: @juliepjones
Instagram: @thejuliepjones

Connect with Jed Dearybury:
https://www.mrdearybury.com/
Twitter: @mrdearybury
Instagram: @mrdearybury

Connect With SC Charter Chatter:
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Email the show at podcast@sccharterchatter.org.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCCharterSchools.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCCharterSchool.

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A lot has changed since shutting down schools in fear of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Educations leaders are now working to figure out how students can get back to in-person instruction safely. About half of the schools in South Carolina are still teaching virtually. Infectious disease pediatrician Dr. Allison Eckard, M.D., has worked closely with school districts to identify mitigation strategies to help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Eckard is jointly appointed as Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Eckard serves as the division chief for pediatric infectious diseases and director of MUSC’s Ryan White pediatric HIV clinic and HIV transition clinic.  Read more about her work with the Coronavirus and SC school districts here.

Connect:
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In this episode, we speak with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. We discuss the ongoing pandemic and its impact on our schools, students, teachers, and families. We touch on what we've learned nearly a year after shutting down schools and the ways schools can safely get back to in-person instruction, plus what can be done for teacher morale. We ask Superintendent Spearman about the success of charter schools in SC and what has surprised her about their growing popularity. Plus, we get her thoughts on the push to expand the 4K program across the state.

We appreciate the Superintendent's time and her leadership for schools, districts, and students around our state. Find more about the South Carolina Department of Education here: https://ed.sc.gov/.

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In this episode, we discuss best practices and some common pitfalls when it comes to school finance. We talk about strategies and steps you can take now to help your school be financially sound.  These actions can help effectively manage your school's finances while maximizing your ability to make the most of every educational dollar. 

Our guest is Dave Faunce. Dave is the managing partner with Prestige School Solutions.
 Dave has been involved in the charter school movement since the mid-1990s in South Carolina and North Carolina. He works with charter schools, not only to improve their overall financial well-being but to help them reach higher levels of student performance and overall success. You can learn more about Prestige School Solutions here: http://prestigeschoolsolutions.com/.

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Welcome to this introductory episode of SC Charter Chatter. Meet our co-hosts and learn how we help charter schools reach higher student performance levels and overall success.

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