Clover School District
Each Child, Each Day... Excellence
Author Kathleen Burkinshaw visited with sixth-grade students at Clover Middle School (CMS) today as the culminating activity of their novel study of "The Last Cherry Blossom."
Burkinshaw's "The Last Cherry Blossom" recounts her mother's story of survival following the August 6, 1945, bombing of Hiroshima. Her mother, Yuriko, was 12 years-old at the time--around the same age as these sixth-grade readers. Yuriko's family and home were both destroyed in the attack.
Burkinshaw's mother did not speak about this incident throughout her life, even after moving to Tokyo and later becoming an American citizen. Yuriko suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of that fateful day and tried to avoid thinking about it.
That changed when Burkinshaw's daughter was in middle school and started studying World War II. The family was taken aback when students in her class began characterizing the mushroom cloud as "cool." This motivated Yuriko to visit the school to deliver her talk about her experience. This opened the door for more conversations, leading to the publication of "The Last Cherry Blossom." Burkinshaw calls her mother "the bravest person I will ever know."
Students wore pink to the author talk in memory of Yuriko and the others lost in Hiroshima. Following the Burkinshaw's presentation, students asked thoughtful questions . The PTO provided flowers to be presented to Burkinshaw, and students shared their wishes for the world on a wish tree. Another class shared a reflection card in which they wrote about how the book impacted them. A small group of students performed "Sakura ," a cherry blossom song referenced in the book.
Ms. Burkinshaw's appearance was a rare treat. She suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a neurological chronic pain disease that was caused by her mother's exposure to radiation during the attack on Hiroshima. This disorder limits the author's mobility, so she makes just one in-person school visit per year and engages with other classes of students across the country virtually.
CMS thanks Ms. Burkinshaw for sharing her moving story with them.
Burkinshaw's "The Last Cherry Blossom" recounts her mother's story of survival following the August 6, 1945, bombing of Hiroshima. Her mother, Yuriko, was 12 years-old at the time--around the same age as these sixth-grade readers. Yuriko's family and home were both destroyed in the attack.
Burkinshaw's mother did not speak about this incident throughout her life, even after moving to Tokyo and later becoming an American citizen. Yuriko suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of that fateful day and tried to avoid thinking about it.
That changed when Burkinshaw's daughter was in middle school and started studying World War II. The family was taken aback when students in her class began characterizing the mushroom cloud as "cool." This motivated Yuriko to visit the school to deliver her talk about her experience. This opened the door for more conversations, leading to the publication of "The Last Cherry Blossom." Burkinshaw calls her mother "the bravest person I will ever know."
Students wore pink to the author talk in memory of Yuriko and the others lost in Hiroshima. Following the Burkinshaw's presentation, students asked thoughtful questions . The PTO provided flowers to be presented to Burkinshaw, and students shared their wishes for the world on a wish tree. Another class shared a reflection card in which they wrote about how the book impacted them. A small group of students performed "Sakura ," a cherry blossom song referenced in the book.
Ms. Burkinshaw's appearance was a rare treat. She suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a neurological chronic pain disease that was caused by her mother's exposure to radiation during the attack on Hiroshima. This disorder limits the author's mobility, so she makes just one in-person school visit per year and engages with other classes of students across the country virtually.
CMS thanks Ms. Burkinshaw for sharing her moving story with them.
Today, fifth graders at Larne Elementary School proudly showcased their growth, leadership, and accomplishments during the school’s 5th Grade Showcase. Using the habits and goal-setting skills developed through Leader in Me, students reflected on their personal goals, academic achievements, leadership growth, and the moments that have shaped their elementary school journey. The event celebrated not only all they have learned, but also the responsible, confident, and thoughtful leaders they are becoming as they prepare for the transition to middle school.
“Meet the School” events continued across the district last night as Roosevelt Middle School and Oakridge Middle School welcomed new students and their families. With opportunities to meet teachers and administrators, learn more about academics and extracurricular activities, and even try out band instruments, students gained a better understanding of what awaits them at their new schools. Next week, Griggs Road Elementary School, Kinard Elementary School and Larne Elementary School will host their "Meet the School" events on May 26 from 5-6 p.m.
Congratulations to Julie Howell of Tri-District Adult Education!
Congratulations to Vincent Petrone of the Transportation Department!
Congratulations to Joseph Papariello of the Transportation Department!
Congratulations to Ellen Art of the Transportation Department!
Congratulations to Rhonda Yommer of the Center for Career Innovation!
Congratulations to Christy Wilson of the Center for Career Innovation!
Congratulations to Marti Brown of the Center for Career Innovation!
Congratulations to Dr. Tammy Parham of Clover High School!
Congratulations to Lisa Morrow of Oakridge Middle School!
Congratulations to Kimberly Cauble of Oakridge Middle School!
Congratulations to Nancy Harris of Oakridge Elementary!
Congratulations to Susan Buckley of Oakridge Elementary!
Congratulations to Michelle Prater of Crowders Creek Elementary!
Congratulations to Jennifer Certain of Bethany Elementary!
Today, we celebrate a remarkable group of individuals whose dedication, compassion, and hard work have helped shape generations of students and families in the Clover School District. 💙🍀
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to front offices, maintenance teams to district departments, our retiring staff members have left a lasting impact on our schools and community. Their years of service, commitment, and love for students will always be part of our story.
Thank you for the countless lives you’ve touched and the difference you’ve made each and every day. We wish you joy, relaxation, and new adventures in retirement!
Once a part of the Clover family, always a part of the Clover family. 💚
🍀📚 We’re sending all the love and luck (with a four-leaf clover!) to two of our incredible Oakridge Middle School students as they take the national stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 26–28!
Congratulations, Manha Shaik and Salonee Birabar! Your Clover School District family is cheering you on every step of the way. Your hard work, determination, and passion for learning have already made us so proud—and we can’t wait to see you shine!
Good luck, spellers! 🍀💚 #CloverPride
Congratulations, Manha Shaik and Salonee Birabar! Your Clover School District family is cheering you on every step of the way. Your hard work, determination, and passion for learning have already made us so proud—and we can’t wait to see you shine!
Good luck, spellers! 🍀💚 #CloverPride
Clover High School (CHS) held one final Signing Day for athletes signing letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
Today's ceremony honored Sloan Hardwick, who will cheer at Clemson University in the fall.
Congratulations, Sloan!
Today's ceremony honored Sloan Hardwick, who will cheer at Clemson University in the fall.
Congratulations, Sloan!
