FCSD3 Holds Ribbon Cutting at Magnet Schools

FCSD3 Holds Ribbon Cutting at Magnet Schools
Posted on 10/23/2018

Students and school staffs, along with district, city and state officials gathered Tuesday as Florence County School District Three hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies at Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School and J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School to officially mark the opening of the two magnet schools.

“Today's ribbon cutting ceremony was a very momentous occasion to officially celebrate the opening of our Magnet Schools of Creative Arts and Science - J Paul Truluck and Olanta magnet schools,” FCSD3 Superintendent Laura Hickson said. “It has been a journey that required a lot of time, effort and hard work from so many dedicated individuals; however, it has been worth it as we are now able to offer choice for parents and differentiated academic pathways for our students based on their needs and interest.”

The magnet schools opened in August after FCSD3 received a five-year, $9.1 million Magnet Schools Assistance Programs grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement for its Project C3 Explores: Colleges, Cultures, & Careers initiative.

The goal of Project C3 is to expand student and parental choice and reduce the isolation of African-American students while enabling all students to pursue rigorous, engaging programs of study that meet challenging academic standards and provide preparation for college and careers.

“In striving to provide districtwide choice, we have Project C3 Explores-Colleges, Cultures, and Careers which transformed two of our schools into magnet schools giving choice as well as a continuum of learning opportunity from preschool through high school,” said Dr. Cutina Barrineau, FCSD3 Magnet Schools Director. “Magnet schools are the single largest form of public school choice and open to all students regardless of an attendance zone.  As part of over 4,000 public magnet schools educating over 3 million students, Florence Three magnet schools strive to create learning environments so distinctive and appealing, so magnetic that they attract a diverse population of students and families from throughout the surrounding communities eager to enroll at our schools,” she explained. “Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony is an important symbol of a new beginning, a new venture for our students, their families, our district and all of our stakeholders.”

Olanta Magnet School focuses on grades K-5, while J. Paul Truluck Magnet School includes grades 6-9 with plans to add an additional high school grade each year until 2020 when the school will serve grades 6-12.

Olanta Magnet School will serve 352 students through creative arts and science themed project based hands-on learning environments designed to foster a range of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through art and science infused learning while exposing students to a wide array of college and career choices. Course offerings for students include coding, engineering, environmental science, 4H, steel drums, dance and drama.

“We are so excited about all of what’s happening at Olanta,” said Tonyelle Thomas, Olanta Magnet School principal. “Lots of work went into preparing for today and we are so proud of the results. We are just getting started.”

J. Paul Truluck Magnet School will serve 396 students through creative arts and science themed project based hands-on learning environments to develop competencies in both the arts and science while challenging students both intellectually and creatively in efforts to expose students to the wide array of career choices in the arts and science. Course offerings for students include engineering, robotics, coding, piano, guitar drama and steel drum.

“The J. Paul Truluck Magnet School students and staff were proud to take part in our ribbon cutting ceremony today,” said Principal Jeanette Altman. “It was a great occasion to celebrate and showcase the arts and science opportunities that our school offers. We appreciate the support from our community, business leaders, district staff and school board members who attended.”

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony at each school, those attending were treated to refreshments, a short presentation of the magnet school’s focus and a tour of classrooms.

Image of students at Olanta Magnet School

Image of ribbon cutting at Olanta Magnet School

Image of school tour at Olanta Magnet School



Image of J. Paul Truluck Magnet School chorus performing

Image of ribbon cutting at J. Paul Truluck Magnet School

Image of piano classroom tour at J. Paul Truluck Magnet School

Image of science lab tour at J. Paul Truluck Magnet School