Clover School District
Each Child, Each Day... Excellence
Tune in to our YouTube channel tomorrow night at 7p.m. for the livestream of the Clover High School Graduation ceremony from Winthrop Coliseum!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aK1-Wgtk-g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aK1-Wgtk-g
And finally Bethel Elementary celebrated its Clover High School graduates today at their Eagle Walk.
Graduates shot some hoops, visited the playground and received a lot of high fives from Bethel's students.
Graduates shot some hoops, visited the playground and received a lot of high fives from Bethel's students.
The Clover School District salutes this year’s top two graduates at Clover High School, as both have built a legacy of excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Valedictorian Ella Grace Nighbor and Salutatorian Isabella Grace Ward have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, leadership, service, athletics, and involvement throughout their years in Clover Schools. From their days at Crowders Creek Elementary and Oakridge Middle School to graduating at the top of the Clover High School Class of 2026, both students have made a lasting impact on their school community.
Ella, a five-time South Carolina State Champion in Track and Cross Country, has balanced elite athletic success with academics and service as a student ambassador and active member of numerous organizations. This fall, she will attend the University of South Carolina Honors College to study social work while continuing her athletic career as a Gamecock. This graduation is particularly special for Ella’s parents, Jill and Christopher Nighbor, as Ella’s twin brother, Mason, joins his sister as one of the top-ranked graduates in the group of more than 550 who will walk the stage on Thursday evening at Winthrop Coliseum. During Thursday's graduation rehearsal, Ella commented, "It is such an honor to represent CHS as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout every aspect of my life growing up, including sports, academics, and extracurriculars. The constant encouragement has meant everything to me. I have so much gratitude for the memories and friendships I have made along the way. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me at the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!"
Bella Grace Ward has also exemplified dedication, leadership, and academic excellence throughout her educational journey. A swimmer and swim coach for younger students, she has served as both a student ambassador and member of CHS Student Council while remaining actively involved in her church and numerous other school and community activities. The daughter of Natalie and Scott Ward, she, too, will attend the University of South Carolina Honors College this fall, where she plans to major in social work. Bella Grace shared, “I am super honored to be Salutatorian for the Class of 2026! I am so grateful for my CSD family, parents, and friends who have supported me through everything.”
Congratulations to these outstanding students on their incredible accomplishments. The future is bright for both of these remarkable Clover graduates!
Nearly 100 Blue Eagle Seniors took part in their Eagle Walk at Crowders Creek Elementary School this afternoon!
Even more applause and smiles to brighten our Clover community!
Even more applause and smiles to brighten our Clover community!
National Spelling Bee Update!
Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School has made it through two more rounds of competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She's now among the top 54 spellers!
In round 5, Salonee correctly defined "visceral."
In round 6, she correctly spelled "dipterocarp." (It's a towering hardwood tropical tree, in case you were wondering.)
Keep it up, Salonee! You are making all of Clover so proud!!!
Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School has made it through two more rounds of competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She's now among the top 54 spellers!
In round 5, Salonee correctly defined "visceral."
In round 6, she correctly spelled "dipterocarp." (It's a towering hardwood tropical tree, in case you were wondering.)
Keep it up, Salonee! You are making all of Clover so proud!!!
The Eagle Walk fun continued at Larne Elementary this morning.
Graduating Seniors walked the halls of their elementary school one last time to celebrate their education journey!
Graduating Seniors walked the halls of their elementary school one last time to celebrate their education journey!
Blue Eagle Seniors who attended Kinard Elementary stepped out on the stage there one last time today during their Eagle Walk.
Students also snapped photos with their elementary school teachers in an early class reunion.
Students also snapped photos with their elementary school teachers in an early class reunion.
It was fun, games and hugs at Griggs Road Elementary today for the Eagle Walk.
Seniors reflected on their class picture from their time at Griggs Road. They also enjoyed the playground and a game of Four Square.
Seniors reflected on their class picture from their time at Griggs Road. They also enjoyed the playground and a game of Four Square.
Smiles, hugs and tears highlighted the Eagle Walk at Bethany Elementary today.
Congratulations, Blue Eagles!
Congratulations, Blue Eagles!
Blue Eagle Seniors from across the district returned to their elementary schools this morning for an Eagle Walk.
Seniors took part in a Senior Breakfast and Graduation Rehearsal before celebrating their Eagle Walk.
At Oakridge Elementary School (OES), Seniors paraded down each hallway and through the cafeteria to strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" played over the PA system. Kindergarten and Pre-K students held posters with Seniors' names and good luck wishes on the next chapter in their journey.
Elementary students cheered, clapped and offered high fives as the Seniors marched past them.
The Seniors then posed for group pictures in front of the OES backdrop and in front of the school.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Seniors took part in a Senior Breakfast and Graduation Rehearsal before celebrating their Eagle Walk.
At Oakridge Elementary School (OES), Seniors paraded down each hallway and through the cafeteria to strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" played over the PA system. Kindergarten and Pre-K students held posters with Seniors' names and good luck wishes on the next chapter in their journey.
Elementary students cheered, clapped and offered high fives as the Seniors marched past them.
The Seniors then posed for group pictures in front of the OES backdrop and in front of the school.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
National Spelling Bee Update!
Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School made it through the Quarterfinals this morning by correctly spelling "gibbet." She's one of 78 spellers remaining in the contest.
You can cheer on Speller #193 in the Semifinals on Ion Television tonight from 8-10 p.m.
Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School made it through the Quarterfinals this morning by correctly spelling "gibbet." She's one of 78 spellers remaining in the contest.
You can cheer on Speller #193 in the Semifinals on Ion Television tonight from 8-10 p.m.
National Spelling Bee Update!
Round three was a written test, and one of our two spellers has advanced!
Oakridge Middle School Seventh Grader Salonee Birabar successfully completed this round of competition and has moved on to round four, which is currently underway.
Best of luck, Salonee!
Round three was a written test, and one of our two spellers has advanced!
Oakridge Middle School Seventh Grader Salonee Birabar successfully completed this round of competition and has moved on to round four, which is currently underway.
Best of luck, Salonee!
CSD's "Meet Your New School" events are in the books!
Griggs Road, Kinard and Larne elementary schools all held their events last night.
We hope these events helped families make the transition to their new school following student reassignment and that the connections you made will support you into the new year.
Griggs Road, Kinard and Larne elementary schools all held their events last night.
We hope these events helped families make the transition to their new school following student reassignment and that the connections you made will support you into the new year.
National Spelling Bee Update!
Both CSD spellers competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, this week have made it through the first two rounds of competition!
Speller # 193, Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School, correctly spelled "amphistylar" in round 1. Round two was a vocabulary round, and she successfully defined "sweltering."
Speller # 196, Manha Shaik of Oakridge Middle School, correctly spelled "fetticus" in round 1. In round 2, she defined "mediocrity."
Keep up the great work! Clover is cheering for you!!!
Both CSD spellers competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, this week have made it through the first two rounds of competition!
Speller # 193, Salonee Birabar of Oakridge Middle School, correctly spelled "amphistylar" in round 1. Round two was a vocabulary round, and she successfully defined "sweltering."
Speller # 196, Manha Shaik of Oakridge Middle School, correctly spelled "fetticus" in round 1. In round 2, she defined "mediocrity."
Keep up the great work! Clover is cheering for you!!!
🇺🇸 In Observance of Memorial Day 🇺🇸
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
On this day of reflection, we pause to recognize their sacrifice and express our deepest gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.
We encourage our community to take a moment to remember, honor, and reflect.
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #Gratitude
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
On this day of reflection, we pause to recognize their sacrifice and express our deepest gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.
We encourage our community to take a moment to remember, honor, and reflect.
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #Gratitude
Congratulations to the Clover High School Boys Soccer Team--your 2026 5A Division 1 State Champions!!!
And what a ride it was! The game started 90 minutes late when the girls game before theirs went into overtime and was finally decided in a penalty kick shootout.
The Blue Eagles finished regulation play tied 0-0 with Wando High School , only to have the game delayed due to lightning before overtime play could begin. The inclement weather delay lasted nearly three hours before play resumed.
Clover finally defeated Wando 1-0 in overtime.
We are so proud of you, Blue Eagles!
And what a ride it was! The game started 90 minutes late when the girls game before theirs went into overtime and was finally decided in a penalty kick shootout.
The Blue Eagles finished regulation play tied 0-0 with Wando High School , only to have the game delayed due to lightning before overtime play could begin. The inclement weather delay lasted nearly three hours before play resumed.
Clover finally defeated Wando 1-0 in overtime.
We are so proud of you, Blue Eagles!
One more ride for the Blue Eagles. 🦅⚽
Tomorrow, the Clover High School Boys Soccer Team heads to Columbia to compete for the 5A Division I State Championship! The entire Clover community is behind you as you chase history on the biggest stage.
Let’s pack the stands with Blue Eagle pride! Be sure to use the QR code in the graphic to purchase your tickets and come cheer on our boys as they battle for the title.
Good luck, Blue Eagles — bring it home! 🩶💙 #BleedBlue #BlueEaglePride #StateChampionship
Tomorrow, the Clover High School Boys Soccer Team heads to Columbia to compete for the 5A Division I State Championship! The entire Clover community is behind you as you chase history on the biggest stage.
Let’s pack the stands with Blue Eagle pride! Be sure to use the QR code in the graphic to purchase your tickets and come cheer on our boys as they battle for the title.
Good luck, Blue Eagles — bring it home! 🩶💙 #BleedBlue #BlueEaglePride #StateChampionship
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.
