Jefferson Davis Academy has returned to school with increased enrollment and new safety measures.

Most students returned to the private school in Blackville on Monday, August 10 for in-person classes. However, six students are doing distance learning for the first nine weeks.

“I am very excited to be back on campus and pray for God's guidance as we continue our mission of educating our students in a Christian environment, conducive to learning, with very little discipline issues. I am looking forward to returning to a new normal and seeing our awesome students,” said Sherry Moore, the head of school.

JDA, which is accredited by the S.C. Independent School Association, has seen its attendance grow tremendously over the past two years. Enrollment in 2018 was around 144 students, but the current year's enrollment is 222.

Moore is excited to welcome several new employees, including the following teachers: K5 teacher Lisa Zissette, 1st grade teacher Julie Mitchell, 6th grade teacher Jenny Carroll, and Upper School teachers Jessica Ulmer, Blakely Johnson, Adam Hensley and Jennifer Hensley. They have increased the lunchroom staff with the addition of Savannah Martin.

“I am fortunate to have hired some amazing educators who think outside the box and are committed to excellence inside and outside the classroom,” said Moore.

JDA has implemented several safety measures in light of COVID-19, including temperature checks for everyone every morning before Lower School students are grouped by homerooms in the gym and Upper School students go directly to their classrooms. Other safety measures include having Upper School teachers change classes instead of the students, serving lunch in the classrooms, not using lockers or water fountains, postponing in-person chapel services until the second nine weeks (though there will be devotions over the intercom), and prohibiting visitors/parents in the building. Additional teachers in K5, first, sixth and ninth graders were hired to keep class sizes small so students can be physically distanced with desks in rows, said Moore.

All buildings were extensively cleaned by custodial staff before the first day, Martin’s Janitorial Service professionally cleaned and disinfected all carpets/rugs, and walkways and playground equipment were professionally power washed by Andy Deering. The school has placed a backpack disinfectant fogger in every classroom thanks to money donated by the Hilda SCV, but is also using a fogger in the office and bathrooms after school is dismissed. Hand sanitizer stations are set up in the hallways and hospital grade cleaning supplies are being used. Every classroom has a gallon of hand sanitizer and one gallon of disinfectant thanks to an effort spearheaded by Holley and Randall Padgett, said Moore.

Moore thanks everyone who helped “create a clean, safe and welcoming environment” for the students.

Moore, who was hired as head of school in March 2019, is a combined product of JDA and Barnwell School District 45.

“In 1970, I entered first grade at JDA where I was taught by many amazing teachers in a strict, but loving atmosphere. Later, I transferred to Guinyard-Butler Middle School and graduated from BHS in 1982. I truly feel the education I received in my primary/elementary years at JDA, in addition to my courses at GBMS and BHS, along with some awesome teachers, helped me to succeed at Clemson University with confidence and a commitment to be a dedicated educator,” she said.

After retiring as a public school educator, she was offered a teaching position at JDA and later the head of school position.

"I have come full circle back to where I started my education,” Moore said.

She said she loves everything about JDA, especially the students, the parents, her staff, her board of directors, the athletes, the lack of discipline problems, the dedication of families, the pleasant atmosphere, and the commitment to a quality education for all without interference from others.

“It's a great day to be a Raider,” said Moore, who welcomes new students.

For more information about JDA or to learn about enrolling your child, call the school office at (803) 284-2476.