PACT results show improvement in area

September 8, 2005

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

When scores from the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test were released Wednesday, not all the results were good news. However, there were some dramatic improvements in Greenwood and the Lakelands and across the state.
Some of the most evident improvements belonged to Ware Shoals and McCormick. In both districts, significant improvements were seen in math scores in nearly all grades. Most notable was a 22.9 percent increase in the number of seventh-graders who met standards in math in Ware Shoals’ District 51.
In the McCormick County School District, the number of sixth-graders meeting standards in math increased by 19.4 percent and the number of seventh-graders meeting standards increased by 19.8 percent.
“When you compare the scores grade to grade, you have about 24 grades and categories. We made improvement in 19 of those 24 areas and stayed the same in one,” McCormick Superintendent Sandra Calliham said.
“We’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made, and we’re especially pleased in light of the fact that we moved our middle and elementary school to a new location in the middle of the year. That doesn’t happen over night, and we were afraid it would be a disruption.”
Calliham commended the district’s teachers and principals for keeping their focus on instruction and standards.
On a statewide level, the best long-term improvement trends continue to be in math, the State Department of Education reported.
That was the case in all Lakelands schools, with all Greenwood school districts, McCormick, Abbeville and Saluda showing improvement in math on nearly all grade levels.
“We’ve held steady in math, but we have some work to do with science, social studies and language arts scores,” said Pat Ross, District 50’s assistant superintendent of instruction. “Our staff worked very hard last year putting new strategies in place. We believe those actions will have a positive impact in time and, although we hoped to see that impact this year, we knew there was a possibility we wouldn’t.
“We will continue to work to make sure children do the best they can.”
Science seemed to be the biggest challenge for District 50 this year, with only third- and seventh-graders showing improvement. English/language arts (ELA) was also a problem area, with only third- and eighth-graders showing improvement.
This year, 83 percent of South Carolina third-graders scored basic or above, compared to 56 percent in 1999, when PACT was first administered. Comparably, 79 percent of sixth-graders scored basic or above this year as opposed to 53 percent in 1999.
“It’s good to see improvement, and there has been a lot of improvement since we began PACT testing six years ago,” said State Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum. “But every educator in South Carolina knows that a lot of work remains to be done. We can and will do better. We need to accelerate our improvements in order to meet the ambitious goals of South Carolina’s Education Accountability Act and the Federal No Child Left Behind Act.”
There are high stakes in the exam’s scores. Schools and districts are rated on students’ performance as part of the state’s strict academic standards.
The results also are used to measure how well students meet federal requirements. Tenenbaum said South Carolina has set higher standards for its annual accountability test compared to other states, which will make South Carolina youngsters perform better in a global economy.
“Our students and schools undoubtedly have taller mountains to climb,” Tenenbaum said. “But the goal of our Education Accountability Act has always been to set the bar high. That’s what it’s going to take for South Carolina to compete.”
Students who pass the test are scored as basic, proficient or advanced.
PACT scores for school districts can be viewed at http://www.myscschools.com/tracks/testscores/pact/2005/ Following is a summary of this year’s PACT results in area districts:
District 50
Grades 4-7 showed improvement in math scores this year, with grades 3 and 8 falling just shy of last year’s scores. In all grades, the majority of students scored basic in math, with between 75 and 80 percent meeting the standard.
In social studies, improvement was seen in grades 3, 4 and 7. The percentage of students meeting standards in those grades ranged from 52.4 to 71.4 percent.
Scores suffered in science and ELA. In each subject, scores dropped for four of six grades. In science, third and seventh grades showed improvement with between 50 percent and 64.3 percent of students meeting the standard in each grade. Only third- and eighth-graders showed improvement in ELA, but between 60.9 and 82.6 percent of students met the standard. Also, 41.6 percent of third-graders ranked proficient in ELA.
District 51
In Ware Shoals, marked improvement was shown in all subjects. Eighth-grade ELA scores jumped more than 16 percent and 96.3 percent of third-graders met the standard. In addition, the majority of third-graders scored proficient in ELA.
In math, seventh-grade scores improved by nearly 23 percent and only sixth-grade scores dropped (by 1 percent). Between 65.9 and 89.5 percent of students met the standard.
Three of six grades improved scores in science and social studies, with the number of seventh-graders meeting the standard in social studies rising from 35.9 to 55.5 percent and the number of seventh-graders meeting science standards rising from 45.7 to 67.3 percent.
District 52
Improvement was shown in ELA and social studies, both with four grades showing improvement. The number of eighth-graders meeting the ELA standard increased by nearly 10 percent and the number of eighth-graders meeting the social studies standard increased by more than 13 percent.
More than half of the 122 third-graders scored proficient in ELA.
In science, the percentage of third-graders who met the standard increased.
Abbeville County
Four grades made improvement in math and science, while three grades improved in ELA and social studies. The most marked improvement was made by fourth-graders. The percentage meeting the standard in science rose by nearly 20 percent.
In ELA, more than half of the 247 third-graders scored proficient and 90.3 percent met the standard.
McCormick County
Dramatic improvement was shown in math scores, with the number of students meeting the standard rising in four grades by more than 10 percent. The percentage of students meeting the standard ranged from 61.3 to 85.9 percent. In science, all grades except fifth increased the number of students who met the standard. The highest percentage meeting the standard was 53.8.
Three grades showed improvement in social studies and ELA. In ELA, the number of third-graders meeting the standard dropped by nearly 9 percent, but the majority of students scored proficient.
Saluda County
In each subject, four of six grades made improvement. The most marked improvement was in social studies. The percent of fourth-graders meeting the standard in social studies rose by 21 percent and the percent of third-graders meeting the standard rose by 11.6 percent.
In all grades in math, the percentage of students meeting the standard ranged from 67.3 to 80.8.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Dorman to test Eagles’ speedy defense

September 8, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

Emerald High School football coach Mac Bryan says it’s the overall speed and quickness. Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles says it’s the physical nature.
And those two should know because the Greenwood defense shut down Bryan’s Vikings and Nickles’ Panthers in successive weeks.
“They’re definitely built on speed, but I’m impressed with how they used it,” said Nickles, whose Panthers lost 40-0 after defeating Ninety Six 49-18. “But they are a physical bunch and they have some size on the inside with their defensive tackles.”
Bryan agreed.
“You’re talking about all that speed from guys who have been in the weight room and are strong,” said Bryan, whose Vikings defeated Chapman 35-28 after its 27-0 loss to the Eagles in Week 1. “They are definitely built around speed and that’s by design. To match up with the Byrneses and the Spartanburgs, you’re going to need that speed.”
That Greenwood defense gets its first taste of putting that speed to its intended purpose at 7:30 Friday against Class AAAA No. 2 Dorman (2-0), which totaled 45 points in wins over Union and defending Big 16 champion Gaffney.
“Coach (Jimmy) Towe (the Greenwood defensive coordinator) and our defensive staff have done a great job from the get-go,” Eagles head coach Shell Dula said.
“But what they’ve been able to accomplish the last two in shutting out two totally different offenses is quite an accomplishment to them and to our players. I think the coaches have done a great job and the kids have responded.
“We know we have to play a little harder and we have to play a little faster and we have to play a little more physical against Dorman.”
Hearing the talk from opposing coaches is music to the Greenwood defenders’ ears. Their aggressiveness is something they want to leave all opponents with at the end of games.
“That’s what we really want to be known for is being physical,” senior linebacker Anthoine Lagroone said. “I think we’ve come a long way, but I don’t think we’re all the way there yet.”
The No. 4 Eagles, who defeated Dorman 27-10 in Roebuck last year, enter Friday looking for their first back-to-back victories over the Spartanburg County school since wins in 1981 and ’84.
The Eagles have won twice since that time (2000 and last year) out of eight tries.
The Greenwood defense is also shooting for three straight shutouts for the first time since 1987, when the Eagles blanked Midland Valley, Lexington and Orangeburg-Wilkinson.
The 2005 Eagles defense allowed a total of 257 yards of offense in the first two games, but more importantly gave up zero points to pass-oriented Emerald and run-first Abbeville, which have combined for 84 points in their other two games this season.
“It’s great when we shut someone out,” senior cornerback Demond Hayes said. “I don’t like seeing any points on the scoreboard from the opposing team.”
Lagroone, an All-Lakelands linebacker last year, agreed.
“Our game plan is to keep a goose egg on the scoreboard,” he said.
But the defense isn’t ready to dwell on what they’ve done so far in the season. they’re ready to leave their mark on the teams to come, which include some of the top AAAA programs in the state (Byrnes, Spartanburg, Aiken, Westside and T.L. Hanna).
“But we can’t get satisfied with those shutouts. We have to worry about down the road,” senior defensive tackle Jamar Crawford said.
“It’s good that we have those shutouts, but we can’t get too caught up in it.”
And the Eagles have put zeros up each of the first two weeks despite losing two key cogs from last year’s squad.
Greenwood is without All-Lakelands Player of the Year Alonzo Higgins and University of Georgia freshman Antavious Coates, who sat out most of ‘04 with a knee injury.
But it was Higgins, Coates and the rest of the 2004 seniors on defense that helped put the right focus on this year’s squad.
“They told us to play like we normally play and we follow their leadership from last year,” Lagroone said. “They told us to keep up that backyard ball and be physical, and everything will come.”
This year’s Dorman squad has had to deal with the loss of a key figure as well. Gone from last season is two-year starting quarterback Mychael Belcher, who tossed for 327 yards against the Eagles a year ago.
Former Gaffney QB Nick Melton was supposed to step in and fill that void, but Melton’s transfer wasn’t granted by the South Carolina High School League.
Instead, the Cavaliers turned to R.J. Reeder and all the backup has done is lead the team in rushing with 84 yards and thrown for 399 yards on 19-of-36, which turns out to be 21 yards per completion.
“The biggest thing we have to do is limit the big plays from Dorman,” Dula said. “They made three big plays against Union. So, we have to try to eliminate the big play.”
Most of the big-play passing has gone to returning receiver Chad Peake, who has 10 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Eagles last year, the Cavaliers’ top playmaker caught eight passes for 242 yards and accounted for the team’s only score.
“We know there’s going to be a lot more passing this week,” Norman said. “So, us corners have to be ready for it.” Dula said he didn’t plan to match up a specific defensive back against Peake to start the game, but if a change was needed, he wouldn’t hesitate to make it.
“Peake is an excellent receiver,” Dula said. “Right now, we want to play him against whatever corner he lines up on, but if you’ve got one that’s doing a pretty good job and one that isn’t doing a pretty good job, then we’ll go with the one that is doing a good job.”

Opinion

No self-serving rhetoric can belittle good works

September 8, 2005

If there’s anyone, in this country or the rest of the world, who ever thought of Americans as selfish, think again. Americans by the millions are showing that generosity is a characteristic that defines the American spirit. They’re showering their time and resources on victims of Hurricane Katrina with one thing in mind: People – their people – need help.
They’re going the extra mile to do what they can to make life a little better for all of those victims. And, contrary to those who seek gain on the backs of vulnerable and suffering thousands, they are part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.

FOR WHATEVER REASON – politics, race or something else – some irresponsible “leaders” are spewing outrageous rhetoric that is nothing more than petty rabble-rousing. It seems designed to garner personal and political points among those who are vulnerable to such tactics in times of despair.
It’s unfortunate indeed that some are exploiting the tragedy for all it’s worth, and all for self-serving purposes. Criticisms by those naysayers are a slap in the face to all those Good Samaritans – many in the Greenwood area – who have gone the extra mile to do as much as they can to relieve the burdens so many are facing.
Some blatantly engage in political and racial pandering. It appears they’re doing it on purpose, knowing it adds to the problems already there ….. as if there weren’t enough worries to begin with.

IT’S SHAMEFUL. THE SAD part of it all, though, is that some in dire circumstances are easily swayed by beguiling exaggerations, half-truths, and, in some cases, outright fabrications.
There is a brighter side, however. For every instance of boondoggling, there are hundreds and thousands of positive experiences in the midst of so much strife.
All in all, the American response has been, to borrow a phrase, a magnificent obsession. Too bad malcontents and self-aggrandizers have to get in the way of those who only see an opportunity to help.

* * * * *

It’s encouraging to see large amounts of money and other help coming in from many nations, much from the Arab world. Good neighbors don’t have to live right next door.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Harold Bodie

GREENWOOD — James Harold “Bug Man” Bodie, 71, of 202 Blyth Road, husband of Sue Franklin Bodie, died Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Saluda, he was a son of the late Horace Daniel and Dolly D. Bodie. He was formerly employed by Greenwood Mills, where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club and was retired from Terminix Services. He was the owner of Bodie’s Wood Working and had served in the US Army. He was of the Baptist faith and was the former president of the SC Association of Rescue Squads. He was the assistant treasurer of the Quincy Wells Foundation.
Surviving is his wife of the home; are three daughters, Beverly Benson of Dover, DE, Belinda Bodie and Karen Bodie, both of Ninety Six; three sons, Jimmie Bodie and Randall Bodie, both of Saluda and Ricky Bodie of Ninety Six; two stepdaughters, Sheila Alexander and Susan Erskine, both of Greenwood; two stepsons, Terry Gregory of Greenwood and Wendell Gregory of Gray Court; two sisters, Ruby Herrin of Johnston and Judy DuBose of Warrenville; 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William Gillion and the Rev. Bobby Davis officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be William Herrin, Robbie Gregory, Ansley Morrison, Dwight Gregory, Kirk Gregory, Andrew Cook, Drew Morrison and Pat Moore.
Honorary escort will be the board members of S.C.A.R.S.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House, HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Janie Dixon

GREENWOOD — Janie Reames Dixon, 81, resident of 443 Grace Street, widow of John Douglas Dixon, died Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born February 5, 1924, in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Irvin C. and Lillie Mayson Reames. She was a graduate of Edgefield High School and was a retired sales clerk with Roses - Greenwood Store.
Mrs. Dixon was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church and the Lawton Sunday School Class of the church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Harry (Faye D.) Behm and Mrs. Jimmy (Ruby D.) Johnson, both of Greenwood; one son, Tommy Dixon of Greenwood; one brother, Curtis Reames of W. Columbia; eight grand-children, Chuck Lowe, Candi Long, Jason Lindley, Scott Johnson, Darrin Johnson, Denise Williams, Jeremy Dixon and Jennifer Dixon; 13 great-grand-children.
She was predeceased by a brother, Marvin Reames.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Smith and Rev. James D. Dennis, Jr. officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be grandsons along with Rickey Reames and Craig Williams.
The family is at the home of her daughter Faye Behm, 216 Kingston Rd. in Wellington Green, and will receive friends from 7 to 9 Thursday evening at Blyth Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church Building Fund, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE IS ASSISTING THE DIXON FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Frank R. Foltz

GREENWOOD — Mr. Frank R. Foltz, 96, of Wesley Commons, widower of Jean Frances Foltz, died September 2, 2005 at Self Regional Hospital. He was born in Dunbar, PA and the son of the late James Robert and Ada Pearl Foltz and was a retired realtor associated with Freeman, Foltz and Valacenti in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Foltz was a life member of the Pittsburgh Musician’s Union and a professional drummer. He was a Mason and a Shriner for over 70 years. Mr. Foltz was a founder of the Little League Baseball program in Western Pennsylvania in 1952; one of the first organized outside of Williamsport, PA, the home of LL Baseball.
Surviving are: two sons, Lee and wife Sandy of Greenwood and Lynn and wife Linda of Pittsburgh, PA, four grand-children and five great grandchildren.
Arrangements are through the Cremation Society of SC and a memorial service will be held at the Ted Morton Nursing Center Chapel at Wesley Commons on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. Chaplain Carol Peppers-Wray presiding.
Contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2330 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649, Attn: Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
PAID OBITUARY

Dana Burton Gray

ABBEVILLE — Dana Burton Gray, 36, of Highway 81 South, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 at her home.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of Cornelia Tiller Burton Crawford and the late John W. Burton Sr. She was self-employed as a beautician and a member of First Baptist Church of Iva.
Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Wayne Crawford of Plum Branch; two sons, Blake Ricketts of Abbeville and Cory Gray of Iva; a stepson, Chase Gray of Anderson; two sisters, Melinda B. Fellows and Brook B. Waters, both of Abbeville; and a brother, John W. Burton Jr. of Abbeville.
Services are 3 p.m. Friday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home. Burial is in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation is 1:30-2:30 Friday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of a sister Mrs. Del (Melinda) Fellows, 216 Fairs Road.
Memorials may be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2916 Highway 72 E., Abbeville, SC 29620.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Ella Watts Lake

Ella Watts Lake, 62, of 525 Taggart Ave., wife of James Lake Sr., died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of Mary Frances Williams and the late Stan Marshall Watts and stepdaughter of the late J.B. Williams. She was a member of Durham Temple C.M.E. Church and attended Mount Moriah Baptist Church. A 1961 Brewer High School graduate, she was a member of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. She retired from Solutia Inc. after 33 years of service and worked for Standard and Mundy Contractors leased by Solutia.
Survivors include her husband of the home; her mother of Greenwood; a son, James Lake Jr. of the home; a grandson reared in the home, Desimond Curry; two sisters, Lois Puckett and Dorothy Hawthorne, both of Greenwood; three brothers, Clarence Williams of Bradley, Willie Williams and Thomas C. Thomas, both of Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Parks Funeral Home.