By Sarah Ostergaard The deadline for teachers across South Carolina to sign or reject annual contracts to teach in the same district next year was May 10. Did you know? Teachers make this decision without entirely knowing very important details: (1) salary changes (salary increases vs. insurance cost increases), (2)Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard As April progresses and tax deadlines approach, South Carolinians are either done with the forms or frantically sorting through documents and tracking down paperwork. Both might be asking a familiar question: Why didn’t we learn this in school?. For years, personal finance – taxes, credit, budgeting –Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard What is your idea of a strong education? Please answer that question for yourself before continuing to read this article. I welcome your thoughts; feel free to reach out. Almost 3 years ago, I wrote that the “American purpose of an education is to prepare young peopleContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard The socials were abuzz with news of Irmo High School alumnus Nick Emmanwori, ‘22, who showcased his talent on football’s biggest stage and helped the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks win the most recent Super Bowl. He was a standout at the University of South Carolina, earning First-Team All-AmericanContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard LexRich5 Schools offers different programs at different schools. That said, most students attend their zoned school (and school zones are always a hot topic since Chapin is overcrowded, but the possibility of shifting school attendance lines toward Irmo causes much hooting and hollering) and families have theContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard The October 6, 2025 school board meeting attempted to clear up miscommunications and misperceptions. At that board meeting, there was a presentation about the possibility of a high school 4×4 scheduling option. Whether a full school schedule change or a change for some students within a school,Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard November is a season we are reminded to count our blessings and express gratitude. There are so many people who enrich our community through their efforts in education. Behind every student’s success stands a network of educators: teachers, aides, school secretaries, counselors, custodians, librarians, coaches, nurses, cafeteriaContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard In today’s world, a single click can cost a teacher their career. Even off the clock, in their own homes, on their personal devices, teachers live under a microscope where one “like” or comment on social media can be judged as unprofessional, disruptive, or fireable. What couldContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard Picture this: a parent curled up on the couch with a child, book in hand, reading about talking animals or far-off lands. Now picture a high school English teacher reading the opening chapter of a classic novel to a roomful of teenagers (or an American Government teacherContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard More school districts across South Carolina are changing to year-round modified school calendars. This summer, start dates range across the state from July 21 to August 18, with ending dates May 21 through June 4. The name “year-round modified school schedule” is sort of a misnomer –Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard School’s out and you’re it, families. Summertime can be glorious, full of creativity, exploration, and education. There are so many fun and free things to do that don’t cost a cent. Take the kids and plan some local learning adventures, whether on weekdays or weekends. The ColumbiaContinue Reading