Literacy scores in the Midlands dropped during the pandemic.  And now, school districts are working to get those scores back up.  One school in Columbia, South Carolina even added a unique reward for completing a challenge.  It ended with a South Carolina principal riding a camel!

According to WACH, the principal of Annie Burnside Elementary School, Janet Campbell, made a promise to the students.  She told them if they could read 50,000 books by May 5th, she would ride a camel.

The students were successful in meeting Campbell’s request. In fact, they read almost 64,000 books! And on Tuesday, Campbell fulfilled her promise and conquered her fear. She took a ride on Abraham, the Mountain Dew drinking camel.

This unique challenge was a huge success for the school.  The school’s focus on reading, English, and literacy has done so much for the students and helped improve test scores.

Principal Campbell feels the challenges have been great for the students at Annie Burnside Elementary School, and believes it will continue to aid in boosting literacy. This wasn’t the first time she challenged them.  Last year, she challenged them to read 15,000 books, and they blew past that goal and read over 20,000!

Check out the video of this South Carolina principal riding a camel HERE!


Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 Freebies & Discounts in the CSRA

Calling all teachers and educators!! This week is all for you because it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. This national holiday happens each year during the first full week of May. This year that week falls on May 8- May 12, 2023. To show some appreciation, businesses will be offering teacher appreciation week freebies in the CSRA.

They’ve got a lot of special treats up for grabs.

Here is a list of teacher appreciation week freebies and deals in the CSRA.

  • Taqueria El Rey

    This restaurant is offering you a choice between a free margarita or a free cheese dip.

  • Applebees

    Get you a free appetizer until may 13.

  • Chick-fil-A Peach Orchard Road

    One of the CSRA’S own Chick Fil A is going all out with a new deal each day of the week for educators. The schedule is listed above.

  • Barnes & Noble

    They will be offering teachers a free tall, hot or iced coffee.

  • Firehouse Subs

    Teachers can enjoy a medium sub with the purchase of an additional medium or large sub, chips, and drink throughout the entire week.

  • Great Wolf Lodge

    Teachers and the education community can save up to 40% off reservations booked between May 8-14, 2023, using the code TEACHER. This offer is valid for stays through Sept. 21, 2023.

  • Michaels

    Teachers can enjoy an additional 15% Off there entire purchase.

  • Sonic

    Beginning May 9, every teacher, faculty, or staff at a K-12 or degree-granting university in America can get a free cheeseburger with purchase through May 16.

    The deal is eligible by enrolling in the SONIC Teachers’ Circle, a free rewards program exclusively available for educators through the SONIC app.

  • Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

    Teachers can enjoy a FREE single-topping Mini Sundae. Teachers must present a valid school ID at checkout.

  • DSD Boards, Meals, and Treats

    This local healthy meal delivery service is located in the OPP Kitchen and will be serving personalized trays for teachers at $6.00

  • McAlister's Deli

    Teachers can get a free 32-ounce tea through May 10 by showing valid educator or medical ID. 

  • RaceTrac

    This convenient store is inviting all educators, administrators and school staff to stop by any RaceTrac location for a free small Coffee during the whole week. All you have to do is present a valid faculty or staff ID at checkout.