BY KELLY CLARK, CHS ENGLISH TEACHER
Clover, SC – The Clover School District (CSD) is embarking on a significant journey to define the identities of its three new schools set to open in August 2026. Community members and stakeholders have been invited to take part in this process by suggesting names, mascots, and colors for the schools, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for the district. These new schools, which include High School #2, Elementary School #8, and Middle School #3, are vital additions to the community and are being funded through various means, including a bond approved by voters in November 2022 and the district’s 8% borrowing authority. High School #2 and Elementary School #8 will be co-located on the Daimler Property, offering a unique opportunity for shared resources and educational synergy. This move will also send ninth graders attending classes on both the Clover High and High School #2 campuses rather than attending separate ninth grade academies To ensure community involvement and gather ideas for naming, mascots, and colors, CSD launched an online survey process open from October 10 to October 31, 2023. The separate surveys, one for High School #2 and another for Elementary School #8 and Middle School #3 were provided so the community could share suggestions. The Superintendent of Clover School District, Dr. Sheila Quinn, expressed enthusiasm about involving the community in this crucial process, saying, “Clover School District is excited to get this process underway. Our community needs these new schools to address growth, and giving these schools an identity is one of our first priorities as we begin making important design decisions.” The next steps involve focus groups comprised of students, parents, and staff members who will review the community’s suggestions. They will work to narrow down the options and provide recommendations to the Superintendent. Dr. Quinn will then present these recommendations to the School Board at a Work Session scheduled for February 12, 2024. The School Board is expected to make the final decisions regarding names, mascots, and colors on February 26, 2024. CSD follows specific naming guidelines established by the Administrative Regulations of School Board Policy FF. While they generally suggest denoting the location or considering names derived from the natural setting and habitat of the facility, exceptions can be made under certain circumstances to name a portion of a building or area for a person who is not living. Interestingly, the history of the area where these new schools will be constructed offers many insights for naming inspiration. Daimler Road’s name will change to “Cannonball Run” which pays homage to Col. William “Billy” Hill, a significant figure in the area who played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War. Moreover, the historical significance of the region, including the Battle of Bigger’s Ferry and the community’s transition from segregation to desegregation, can provide rich sources of inspiration for the names and mascots of these schools. CSD also shared that all of their current schools feature an eagle mascot, but there is no requirement for the new schools to follow this pattern. Therefore, the community is encouraged to be creative when suggesting mascots. As for school colors, the district’s existing schools have distinct color schemes, with Clover High School featuring navy blue, gray, and white, and Oakridge Middle School displaying garnet and gold. This opens the door for innovative and unique color ideas for the new schools. The naming process is expected to unfold as follows: October 9, 2023: Naming process presented at School Board Work Session October 10-31, 2023: Surveys for public input open November-December 2023: Focus Groups meet to review public input February 12, 2024: Superintendent makes recommendations to the School Board during Work Session February 26, 2024: School Board votes on names, mascots, and colors during Business Meeting With the opportunity for community members to actively participate in defining the identities of these schools, the Clover School District is set to embark on a new era that will be shaped by the collective vision and pride of its residents. The names, mascots, and colors chosen for these schools will undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of the community for generations to come. For more information about the naming process or to get the most up-to-date information about construction and all things new school-related, visit the CSD Construction Projects webpage at https://www.clover.k12.sc.us/Page/16975.
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