Dacusville Good News Club

Good News Club is a weekly interdenominational Christian Program for 5-12 year old children featuring a Bible lesson, songs, memory verses, and games. 

Volunteers are in need to help fill positions. 

The Good News Club meets Thursdays at the Dacusville Elementary School Cafeteria from 2:30-4:00 

Starting September 17, 2015

For more information contact

Michelle Palmer, Ministry Coordinator  

at (864) 608-8508

GoodNewsClub.DES@aol.com.

GoodNewsClub is hosted by 

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Oh, The Places We Will Go

School is a place where you learn to go places without leaving your seat. This year at Dacusville Elementary School we have a new person to take us places.

Robin Walsh is the new Principal at Dacusville Elementary School.  She was currently the Assistant Principal for 6 years at Dacusville.  Robin got her start at Dacusville as a student teacher. Later Robin taught 1st Grade for 5 years and 3rd Grade for 2 years, also at Dacusville.

Principal Robin Walsh

Robin came to us from the big town of Pickens.  She attended A.R. Lewis and Pickens Middle and High Schools. Robin graduated from Pickens High School in 1995 and continued her education with a Bachelors Degree from Furman in Education. Robin stated that she didn't like teaching 3rd grade because it was a hard grade to teach.  While attending a church service at RockSprings Baptist church she felt the call to complete her Masters in Administration also at Furman.  She took a year off from teaching for her children and then overloaded at Furman for her Masters; what usually takes 3 years to complete, she completed in 18 months.

Robin said even though she grew up in Pickens she now has been transformed as a Dacusville girl. Robin loves the outdoors; she loves to camp and hike.  She also loves to sew, quilt, and cross stitch. She enjoys reading and is very involved in her two daughters; who dance competitive. 

Assistant Principal Dr. Del Freitag

Robin is excited and feels very blessed and thankful to be the new principal at Dacusville Elementary School. Dacusville students blend in with Pickens students to form Pickens High School. One of Robins goals as the new principal is for the students to form an identity.  Her desire is that when the students reach Pickens High School the teachers recognize the Dacusville students because they stand out as excellent students.  Assisting Robin as Assistant Principal will be Dr. Del Freitag; he taught 3rd grade last year at Dacusville. 

Mrs. Walsh wants to "Welcome" you all to the new school year!  She believes in our community and has a source of pride in it.  She appreciates how the "whole" community supports the school. 

"I am so happy for Mrs. Walsh and for Dacusville Elementary as she takes over the reigns for the greatest school in the district. My prayers are with her and with all of my Dacusville family as they begin the new school year. "

-Dr. Michael Fleming

"Harry's First Day Of School"

     "Harry are you ready for the first day of school tomorrow?", asked Mom.  "No", said Harry, "I'm scared." Mom said, "Harry you will have a great time in Kindergarten."  As Harry looked at his "Angry Bird" book bag filled with all sorts of fun things such as red, blue, green, and yellow crayons, markers, and colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors, he said "I guess."  

     The next day Harry woke up and put on his brand new "Angry Bird" short sleeve shirt with his blue shorts and a new pair of tennis shoes. His mom had his favorite breakfast fixed for him, "Angry Bird" cereal. After breakfast, his mom helped him brush his teeth and comb his hair. He grabbed his book bag and headed out the door.

     In the car mom said, "Harry, I can't wait to hear all about the fun things that you did today at school!" Harry said, "I guess."  Mom reassured Harry that he was going to have a great day and not to be scared because he was going to make new friends. Mom pulled up to the front door of the school and kissed Harry on the cheek.  She said, "Harry I love you, I will see you after school."  Harry looked out of the car window and thought to himself, "Who is that?"  He looked at his mom and said, "I love you too" and hopped out of the car.  

     Through out the day Harry kept seeing the same lady that was at the front door. He saw her in his classroom while he was using his favorite blue crayon, and he saw her in the hall when he was walking in line to the lunch room.  At the end of the day Harry grabbed his book bag and followed his class outside to go home. Harry begin waving when he saw his mom, he knew she was there to pick him up and take him home. Harry got into the car and looked out the window, there she was again, this time waving at Harry.  Harry said, "Mom there she is again!"  Mom said,"Who Harry?" Harry looked at his mom, pointed and smiled, "The pretty nice lady with the big red smile."  Mom looked and said, "Oh, that's the principal Harry, she is here to help you." 

Mrs. Walsh we are blessed as a community to have you work with our children.  I want to say Thank You for the dedication and commitment that we all know you will give because you love our children like they are your own. 

A Special Thank You...

Jim and Vivian Nichols

     Dacusville has it's very own white house, it is centered in our small town on Hwy 186. This home was built in 1866, that makes it 147 years old. It belonged to the late Jack and Dorthy Jameson. Mrs. Jameson taught school for 35 years at Dacusville Elementary.  Mrs. Jameson loved to sit on her porch and watch the parade, however, she didn't get to watch this year's parade because she passed away last January.  Her presence was still felt for many of us. The home has been passed down to their daughter and son-in-law Vivian and Jim Nichols.  

     We as a community would like to say Thank You to the Jameson family.  For many years you have graciously allowed our community to use your property and home to host our tree lighting and our Christmas Parade. Vivian said that the tree was planted back in 1984 on their property. Our community has watched it grow over the years. Vivian and Jim said that it is a pleasure to give back to the community and they want to continue the tradition. They said that they are thrilled to host this on their property and they know that this is a good way for the community to get together and celebrate Christmas.

School Is In Session.....Almost

Cartoon Clip courtesy of "The Social Poets" www.thesocialpoets.blogspot.com funny-back-to-school-quotes

   

     School supplies are lining the shelves of stores, teachers are preparing their rooms, vacation is almost over, and the new school year is about to begin.
   
 

Wanda Tharpe

      The new school year brings a new principal to Dacusville Middle School, Wanda Tharpe.  Wanda comes to us from Liberty Middle School where she was an Assistant Principal since 2006, and before that she taught Social Studies at Wren Middle School for ten years.  Dr. Kelly Pew, district superintendent said, "Wanda is committed to public education and works well with students, parents, faculty, and staff." Wanda holds an Associate of Arts degree from Greenville Technical College, a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in Social Studies from Clemson University, and a Master of Arts in School Leadership and Supervision from Furman University.... -Easley Patch, "Wanda Tharpe Named New Principal of Dacusville Middle School", www.easley.patch.com.

       I was interested in finding out more about Mrs. Tharpe, who she is as a person and not just hearsay from others in our community.  I met with Mrs. Tharpe and instantly I knew I liked her.  She has a very friendly demeanor about her, and as I talked with her I was very intrigued by the answers she gave to my questions.

       I stated that Dacusville is a very faith based community and I asked her what are her beliefs?  Mrs. Tharpe is a christian, she got saved during Vacation Bible School in elementary school. She strongly believes in Vacation Bible School because she knows that children come to know Christ through this venue.  Mrs. Tharpe attends Brushy Creek Baptist Church and has been a member there for 18 years. She teaches Sunday School for first and fifth graders, and is a nursery worker.

       I asked Mrs. Tharpe how did she feel about working with the people from Dacusville?  She said she is very excited, she has heard nothing but positive things. She knows Dacusville to be a close knit, caring community, and that the people of Dacusville take pride in their community.  Just recently we have experienced some difficult things and she saw the outpouring of love and concern our community had for one another.  Mrs. Tharpe has had some connections to our community through family and church members.  She said she feels fortunate to become a member of our community. She also said that it's nice to drive to work everyday because Dacusville is such a beautiful area, that it revives her spirit; I agree.

       I asked Mrs. Tharpe what type of leadership style does she use, and she said she likes to lead by example, she believes in role models.  She wants to present a positive way to the students and teachers at DMS. She values input from the students, teachers, and parents, she knows that 2 minds are better than one. She knows that all decisions are not going to always be popular, however all decisions will be made based on the safety and what is best for the students.  When stresses come Mrs. Tharpe said a "good sense of humor" helps because laughing is better than crying.

       Mrs. Tharpe has 10 years before retirement and she hopes to finish out at Dacusville. I asked her what do you want people to say about you after your time at Dacusville is over?  She wants them to say that she was a caring leader, she always put students first, she took time to listen, and that she gave back to the community.

     Dacusville Welcomes You Mrs. Tharpe!
 
   
       Eleven years ago, Dacusville Elementary School was in need of someone to fill the position of principal.  Dr. Michael W. Fleming was hired for the position.

Dr. Michael  W. Fleming

     "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." -John C. Maxwell

What people have said about Dr. Fleming....
   
     "There is no way that I can tell you what you mean to me and my family.  You are one of a kind!  The kids of the school are your heart, it shows..." -Cindy Moody

     "I just want to say thank you!  We started DES at the same time 9 years ago.  And over those nine years, I have learned one thing and the most important is that you care about your kids.  It's not about the numbers with you, and me being a parent of two can't tell you enough how much that means.  I have seen how you are with kids and how much they love you.  I will never forget walking into your office one day and you had a kid in there whom if it was up to me would have got a spanking.  But no, you sat there talking to them with the patience of Job.  Last night while I was talking to others at the Back to School Bash we all agreed your main concern is for our kids, which you call yours.  So Thank You for all you do each and everyday!!!"- Deitra Page

     "Every time I ride by "your" new school I miss you all so much!  DES is absolutely the most wonderful place and it provides the best learning environment a child could experience, and yes, the buck does stop with you!  You make it all happen by always positively uplifting your staff, your children, and their families!  I was blessed to work with you for the best and last years of my 35.  Good luck with this year's start.  I am sure it will be the best one ever!" -Mary Martha Claiborne

     "Dr. Fleming is a wonderful principal and he was great to work for during my years at DES." -Melanie Davis  

     Dr. Fleming is a graduate of Hart County High in Hartwell Georgia.  He has an Associates of Fine Arts from Anderson University in music education, a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Wesleyan University in music education, a Masters of Education from Clemson University in Elementary Education, and a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership.

     Dr. Fleming taught for sixteen years before becoming Assistant Principal at Crosswell for four years.  In addition to serving as principal of DES,  Dr. Fleming currently serves as pianist/organist at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Sandy Springs, SC.  He also teaches a graduate level course for Southern Wesleyan University and online for the University of Phoenix.  Dr. Fleming is a trainer for the district for mentor teachers and for teacher evaluators.

     This past year has been a very difficult one for our community, just recently we lost two children in a house fire and the two Simpson children by the hand of their mother.

     Dr. Fleming posted this on his facebook page....

     "Please pray for our Dacusville community tonight as we have lost another student and his brother.  One was a first grader at DES last year and always had a way of making us laugh.  He will be truly missed.  The little brother was to begin K4 this fall.  Pray also for the boys' mom and two year old sibling who survived and were taken to the burn center in Augusta.  As He did back in May and does every day, God will sustain us and bring us through.  Ours is not to question why but to fully trust in His plan. Though our hearts are broken and our spirits shaken, we are strong in our faith in God and knows that we are in His hands."

     Dacusville Community,  please don't take for granted the leadership that God has placed over our children.  We are a "very blessed" community to have such godly, caring people in leadership. Show them how much you appreciate them,  pray for them and the staff.

A Note From Dr. Fleming.....

We are very excited about the upcoming year at Dacusville Elementary.  Our theme for the year is "Making a Splash at DES!"  We will continue to embrace the Lifelong Guidelines and Life Skills at DES along with the other nine body-brain compatible elements of learning as we encourage students to do their personal best each day to "make a splash"!

There are a lot of new faces at DES and they are excitedly awaiting the opportunity to meet the greatest kids (and parents) in the world!  Parents should be receiving letters in the mail soon about the opening of school (if they haven't already).  Meet the Teacher will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15th.  See the district web page for specific registration information.

The first day of school for K 5-Grade 5 students is August 20th.  The annual Back to School Bash will be held on Friday, August 23rd from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

This year the PTO will be reinvented and will be called the Dolphin Support Organization (DSO).  I encourage all parents and stakeholders to join the DSO and become an active member.  We are looking forward to another great year as we provide quality educational experiences that will help our students achieve success.

Please do not hesitate to call the office at 864-397-2800 with any questions or concerns.

On a more personal note, we are deeply grateful for the prayers and support of our community through the difficult times we have had, we appreciate your continued prayers and support in the coming year.

Enjoy these last few days of summer!
Blessings!
M. Fleming



   

   

Do You Have A Place For Me?

"I'm Ruined"

I'm ruined, toss me out.

I have a past, there is no doubt.

I don't fit in, I don't belong.

I tried to do right, all I've done is wrong.

Toss me out, or help me out?

I just need to find a different route.

(Author-Crystal E. Hall)

       Will you be the one to help?
   

Meet the children of Radiant Church.

     Lisa Freeman is a teacher at Dacusville Elementary School, but she is also the children's director at Radiant Church. Lisa grew up not going to church, neither parent had a relationship with God. When Lisa was in high school her friends introduced her to Jesus and she got involved with the youth group. Lisa's passion was foreign missions, she traveled to Australia, Africa, Romania, all over the world to share the
gospel. Radiant Church started from a Mission trip to San Diego. Her and her husband went to help on the mission trip. While on this mission trip they experienced  how it feels for the native people from San Diego to be unchurched; it was a refreshing feeling to minister to people that are not the stereotypical church people. The mission team started praying and asking, "What would this look like back home?"

     They tossed some ideals around such as, there are already hundreds of churches so how do we make this work, we need to just step out, try and see how it goes, and who will we get to lead our group? At the time, Ricky Motes was a youth pastor at Washington Avenue Baptist Church where he intended to stay.  But in April 2009, God woke him up with a different plan to pastor a new church plant. The group of five families started the planning process.

     In September 2009 Radiant Church was birthed, they started meeting at Berea High School with 40 members.  God gave Ricky a vision to do church a little different. He wanted them to reach the de-churched, the people that don't fit in traditional church, and the people that haven't given church a chance. In the online article "De-Churched:  Why They Left" by Thom Schultz, he defines de-churched as "people that are done with organized church, in some cases they are wounded, in other cases they are just disinterested. They are tired of what Jesus' church has become, they want real relationships, real love. They are not looking for perfection or polish or pious professionalism, they are looking for real people who are willing to admit they don't have it all together, but realize we're all in this together."  Ricky Motes is a police officer so his teaching style is evangelistic because his job allows him to always be around the lost, he sees the worst of the world daily. Monday through Friday he is around hurting people with a bad past. Sundays, he is preaching to hurting people with a bad past.

Pastor Ricky performing a baptism.

     Lisa said that Radiant Church is based on the book of Acts; Peter and John were ordinary unspoiled men but spent time with Jesus. No one in this group had ever ran a church before, but they felt like God had prepared them. They received redirecting from their family and friends when they shared the news of starting Radiant Church. They made a comment such as they don't need to start a new church, just help other churches. Their family and friends were not against the ideal, just questionable about it. The church wasn't questionable about it, they knew God was calling them to start Radiant Church.

     "And he said unto them, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."-Matthew 4:19  Lisa said that when they started the church they wanted people that didn't go to church because they wanted to bring fish in, not trade fish, however everyone is welcomed.

     Have you ever been hurt by the church, or had a bad experience?

     Could we all say we have experienced this one way or the other?  The church is made up of imperfect people, but it has stood the test of time.  It will prevail because the foundation is Jesus Christ, and he is the builder, "on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail."- Matt. 16:18  No matter how people get things wrong and mess things up, Jesus will raise up a church body to love and show the way.

     What is different about Radiant Church?

     First, this body of believers don't meet in a traditional building; they meet in a school, not because they have to but because it is God's plan for them now.  They are not affiliated with any organizations or denominations. Lisa said, "Lost people don't care about organizations, denominations, or doctrines, they are looking for hope and the love of Jesus." Since they are a portable church, they have to move their equipment every Sunday, they have to set up and tear down, and that takes a lot of work. Since this takes a lot of work, they need workers so there are always ways to serve. Their church congregation is not made up of traditional church members. It's made up of people with a past, hurting people, wounded people, people that are not so easily accepted. Would you allow someone to come into your church that is a quite, timid person, that didn't graduate from high school, callused, rough, with tattoos serve in your church? Radiant Church welcomes it with open arms. They don't only welcome these people, they desire these people to be part of their church body.

     Radiant Church has a vision to be:  Relevant. Relational. Radical.

*Relevant worship experience
*Relational by building deep relationships
*Radical, serving others radically

Radiant: "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was "Radiant" because he had spoken with the Lord." -Exodus 34:29

      Radiant Church currently meets now at Dacusville Elementary School at 10:00 on Sunday mornings. They have no evening or Wednesday night services, what they do offer are Life groups which meet at members homes. They have no paid staff and no church office. When they moved their church body to Dacusville, in their thoughts were, we should have done this all along.

     Working at Dacusville Elementary, Lisa gets to see how our community comes together, how all the churches come together in unity to make this the best community for our children.  Cross Roads hands out book bags with food to less fortunate children to have over the weekends.  Nine Forks donates supplies for teachers with encouraging notes attached. Mount Carmel offered our kids the Good News Club after school program.  Other area churches are always giving to meet the needs of our children. Lisa sees the needs that are being met and what needs still need attention. Clothes for the children who have emergencies at school are often bought by the school nurse out of her own pocket, so Lisa knows that her church needs to collect and donate new underwear, shirts, and pants to meet this need.  "This is what Jesus had in mind:  folks coming together, forming close-knit communities and meeting each other needs-no kings, no major welfare systems, no president necessary..." -Shane Claiborne

     When Radiant Church came to Dacusville, they knew that there were already many churches in the area. They also know that you can have many different varieties of churches running after the same Jesus because we are all different, with different needs.  You may, or may not have known about Radiant Church meeting at Dacusville Elementary School, because the church meets at a school they are not allowed to place signs of any kind on the property.  This has been an issue on how to let the community know about the church.  The church did sponsor a free Spring Fling for our community in April. At the Spring Fling they passed out cd's to let the community know about the church. As the cd says, "It's a place where you can be real and not feel intimidated.  Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and be ready to be greeted by people who want to do life together."

Pastor Ricky Always Welcomes You With Open Arms!
(Spring Fling- April, 2013) 

     "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."-Romans 15:7
Everyone wants to feel accepted, Radiant Church has a place for you.


*To contact Radiant Church Click Here

Disclaimer: "U.S. Supreme Court provides for the use of public school buildings by churches, religious and political groups on a viewpoint-neutral basis, if the public school districts are already renting their facilities after hours to other community groups... One appellate court, the 2nd Circuit, ruled in 2011 that a school board’s prohibition of hosting a particular type of activity, religious worship services, was constitutional."-FFRF   Lisa Freeman is not affiliated with Radiant Church during regular school hours.