As we wrap up the final day of our first semester on December 20, it’s a perfect time to reflect on, appreciate, and celebrate the school year so far:
- It’s the first season for our Lexington Two Performing Arts Center! In the months since opening, the PAC is fulfilling a vision as a place that brings people together. We have hosted a number of events – first and foremost, student concerts, plays, and art shows, education sessions for our students and employees, as well as district-wide activities, including a convocation to launch the new school year and a ceremony for the first inductees of our Lexington Two Fine Arts Hall of Fame. We also have hosted All-State Chorus auditions, performances of The Nutcracker by community arts groups, meetings of government, education, and community groups, and even a sendoff of a National Guard unit. We look forward to new opportunities in the coming year!
- We have strengthened community ties, hosting several events open to community residents, from musical performances and sing-alongs to annual Veterans Day celebrations and family-oriented events, among them the annual Winter Wonderland and Trunk-or-Treat (Brookland-Cayce High School) and WinterFest and Trick or Treat Lane (Airport High School). Our Halloween events alone drew nearly 3,000 attendees! The district also takes pride in supporting the community in its events, including a number of holiday parades and activities that featured several of our schools: Congaree Elementary, Busbee Creative Arts Academy, Saluda River Academy for the Arts, Pine Ridge Middle, Airport High, Brookland-Cayce High, Springdale Elementary, and Northside Middle, just to name a few.
- Leadership and service – in the classroom and beyond – are cornerstones of the Lexington Two student experience. In a challenging year for so many, Lexington Two students and clubs stepped in and held donation drives to help those affected by Helene; collected canned goods, toys, hygiene products, and other items for those in need; and raised money and completed projects for school and community causes. A sampling of schools sponsoring these efforts: Cayce Elementary, Fulmer Middle, Busbee Creative Arts Academy, Pine Ridge Middle, Riverbank Elementary, Airport High, Brookland-Cayce High, Springdale Elementary, Saluda River Academy for the Arts, and others. We could not be more proud as well of the everyday deeds that don’t always get the spotlight but speak volumes about character – like our high school athletes, stars on the field but also off, who bring smiles to our youngest students by working the morning car lines, having buddy lunches with them, and more.
I am grateful to be the superintendent here in Lexington Two, and for everyone who makes it such a great place to learn, work, grow, and serve: educators, staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to create a positive and engaging learning environment for students; our families, whose partnership is critical in giving your child the best educational opportunities; and our community, business, and education partners whose donations, volunteerism, and student work experiences offer invaluable support to our schools.
I am excited for the coming of 2025 – working with our students to build on academic skills to
finish out the year strong, helping our graduating seniors finalize college and career plans, and developing new growth opportunities for our employees through our recently launched in-house leadership programs.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and district leadership team, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all of our students back on Tuesday, January 7.
Warmly,
Brenda Hafner, Ed.D.
Superintendent
