Duke Energy provides $25,000 grant to help with Camp iRock

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With help from the Duke Energy Foundation, a new summer reading camp being offered in School District One will offer struggling 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders an opportunity to improve their reading skills while having fun at summer camp. Anderson School District One, the Powdersville YMCA and the United Way of Anderson County are partnering on the innovative summer camp called Camp iRock. During their meeting Tuesday, the Anderson School District One Board was presented a $25,000 check from the Duke Energy Foundation for the new summer reading camp in School District One.
Pictured – Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Emily DeRoberts presented the check for $25,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation to help fund Camp iRock summer reading program in School District One. Carol Burdette, President & Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Anderson headed a drive to provide funding for the program. Pictured (l-r) are Carol Burdette, Anderson County United Way;  Nancy Upton, Board of Trustees Chairperson; Emily DeRoberts, Duke Energy; Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent; Robbie Binnicker, Superintendent.
District One Superintendent of Instruction Jane Harrison said CampIRock offers a summer reading camp with reading coaches from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The schools provide breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon it offers a camp experience with recreation activities and fieled trips for participants. The camp will begin June 10. Students chosen for the program are struggling to read, she said.
After seeing the program working in Pickens County, Harrison said she wanted a similar program for District One. “My goal was to have something similar in our district,” she said.
She got in touch with Carol Burdette, who heads the United Way program in Anderson, to help provide funding for the program. Approximately $75,000 is needed to fund the program, which is based on an already established program in Pickens County. Burdette said the program in Pickens County partners with the Pickens County YMCA and has been a success. The Powdersville Y is a part of the Pickens County Y.
“The United Way is a perfect way to help partner with your school District and the Powdersville Y,” Burdette said. A fundraiser which started in March and the Duke Energy Foundation grant of $25,000 leaves the program just $2650 from its goal.
Burdette said, “This is going to make such a difference with students in School District One. The kids will walk out a different preson.”
Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Emily DeRoberts presented the check to the Board. DeRoberts said the Duke Foundation was glad to provide seed money for Camp iRock. The Duke Energy  Foundation also provided funding for Camp iRock in Pickens County.  “It is widely successful in Pickens County and the kids are so excited,” DeRoberts said.
Burdette thanked Superintendent Binnicker and the District One employees who helped with funding for the reading camp. “It has been a team effort. We are excited to be a part of it.”
Anyone interested in helping support the summer Camp iRock program can do so by contacting the United Way of Anderson County at 864-226-2428 or Carol Burdette at 226-3438, or go to their website at www.unitedwayofanderson.org.
Harrison also provided a re-cap on graduation which was held Friday in Clemson. Palmetto High had a total of 231 diplomas and 9 self contained certificates. Powdersville High had 239 diplomas presented and 2 occupational certificates. Wren High had 308 diplomas with one person representing a deceased student and 7 self contained certificates. “It has been a fantastic year in our District,” Harrison said. She said they are expecting good news on test scores which will be released soon.
After approving the budget, (see separate story) the Board went into executive session to discuss a contract.
Upon returning to open session, the following personnel recommendations were approved:
Michael Baker, Palmetto High, Band; Jodi Cowart, Wren Elementary, Media Specialist; Kelly Ebert, Music, Hunt Meadows Elementary; Anna Izard, ELA, Palmetto Middle; Elizabeth Mascaro, Guidance Counselor, Powdersville High; Becky Schwenke, Spanish Teacher, Palmetto High; Leah Willis, Spanish Teacher, Palmetto High.
Resignations:
Brittany Goza, Spanish Teacher, Palmetto High; Langlee Morrell, Wren Middle; Read 180 Teacher.