In February, Lexington County School District One named Dr. Brice Cockfield the principal of Meadow Glen Elementary School, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Cockfield currently serves as principal of Carolina Springs Middle School, and he replaces Jennifer McNair who will begin serving as principal of Lexington High on July 1.
Dr. Cockfield began his 24-year career in education teaching in Saluda County after earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Newberry College. While employed by the Saluda County School District, he was selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year and served as a principal designee, interim principal at Saluda Primary and adult education director.
He came to Lexington One in 2006 to serve as an assistant principal at Pelion Elementary, a position he held for eight years. Before becoming principal in 2015 at Carolina Springs Middle, Dr. Cockfield served as assistant principal at Deerfield Elementary the year the school opened. As principal at Carolina Springs Middle, he led the school to earn the National Schools to Watch designation, the first school in Lexington One to earn this recognition.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Cockfield holds two master’s of education degrees from the University of South Carolina as well as an educational specialist degree. In 2014 he earned his doctorate in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction, also from USC. His professional memberships include Phi Delta Kappa, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the South Carolina Association of Middle Level Educators.
Richland One’s BLAST Magnet Program to hold Aerospace Festival March 23
Families across Columbia can spend their Saturday learning about aerospace and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) through fun activities during Richland One’s Aerospace Festival, hosted by the district’s BLAST (Building Lasting Aerospace and STEM Trajectories) magnet program. The free event will be held at W.A. Perry Middle School (2600 Barhamville Road, Columbia, SC 29204) Saturday, March 23 from 11 \mathrm { a. m. ^ { – 2 } p. m } .
The festival will feature hands-on activities for children including a wind tunnel, a “space docking” team activity and the opportunity to build and launch your own straw rocket. The event will also include rocket and drone demonstrations, a cobra helicopter and food trucks.
The goal of the event is to get students interested in aerospace and STEM.
To learn more about Richland One’s BLAST magnet programs for elementary, middle and high school students, visit www.richlandone.org/choice Applications for magnet choice programs with spots still available for the 2024-2025 school year are due April 30.
Eau Claire Marching Band invited to perform in 2025 National Independence Day Parade
Eau Claire High School’s No Half Steppin’ Marching Band has been invited to perform in the 2025 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The event, which is the official Independence Day parade of the United States, will be held July 4, 2025.
The No Half Steppin’ Band was one of two high school bands in South Carolina nominated by Congressman James Clyburn’s office to perform.
“The students seem really excited. We have several students who’ve never been out of the state before.
As I was telling them that we’re going to be on a national stage, I could tell that the students were excited and a little nervous,” said
Taylor Fowler, Eau Claire’s director of bands.
“The students’ participation in fine arts can offer them opportunities that they would
otherwise never receive.” Approximately 50 students are in the No Half Steppin’ Band this school year.
