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 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
By Sarah Ostergaard May can be a grueling time for students and teachers alike. For teachers, next year’s binding contracts are due May 10. For everyone, it’s testing time. This time of year at school, everyone seems tired. But teachers continue to rally their students to keep pushing and excel,Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard “I never learned this in school.” “Why don’t they teach this in school?” “I wish they taught this in school.” They do. April is Financial Literacy Month and we recognize the efforts of educators across the state to teach financial literacy / personal finance across the K-12 standards. Continue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard Like democracy, education is a participatory exercise and we all have essential roles to play in support of our local public school system. A well-functioning public education system requires that we communicate with our elected officials to educate them after making sure we are educated on theContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard The school board members who govern our LexRich5 schools are elected in nonpartisan elections to make and oversee policy in the best interests of all the stakeholders of the district. Looking across the state, it is interesting to see the few different ways school board members areContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard For so many reasons, December is a time of reflection and celebration. As 2024 comes to a close, let’s pause and thank school faculty, staff, and administration who love and grow our community’s young people. Our schools are community hubs, collaborating with families in support of studentContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard A school is not a business and should not be run as if it were. When we attempt to run a school like a business, we set it up to fail the students and also our own community. Have you heard about The Blueberry Story by JamieContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard Voters have many choices on November 5: Election Day. You matter – learn what is on the ballot and be sure to vote. Voters residing within the School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties (LR5) will vote (1) together for or against a school bond referendumContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard We know the expression: Education is the key to new worlds. Education is the antidote to ignorance. Education is the ticket to prosperity. My favorite: Education is the one thing no one can take away from you. We need our students at all levels – CP, Honors,Continue Reading