Dear MCHS Parent/Guardian,
It is our pleasure to welcome you and your student to Mid-Carolina High School for the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited for a fresh start and look forward to a year full of learning, growth, and success. Our goal is to create meaningful educational experiences that help students thrive and develop skills for lifelong success.
All MCHS students—including those attending the Newberry County Career Center, students with PTC morning classes, and seniors with late arrival—will report to their Homeroom (HR) class on the morning of Wednesday, August 5, 2026. This allows us to take accurate enrollment counts, distribute final student schedules, hand out student laptops, and provide important beginning-of-the-year information. Please note that student schedules are subject to change prior to the first day of school as we work to balance class loads. Homeroom rosters will be posted in multiple locations throughout the school, and MCHS staff will be available to help direct students to the correct location. Doors open at 7:30 AM, and the school day officially begins at 7:55 AM and ends at 3:15 PM.
Please be aware that traffic will be heavier than usual during the first few days as families adjust to drop-off and pick-up procedures. To ease the transition, students will not be marked tardy during the first week. Traffic flow improves significantly after the first week. We encourage families to allow a little extra time in the mornings to help reduce stress.
All students must be fully registered before the first day of school. Students who have not completed online registration will not be allowed to attend classes until registration is finalized. MCHS will host extended “Schedule Pick-Up Days” for those who missed the regularly scheduled event. During this time, students and parents can pay fees, pre-purchase yearbooks, and pick up class schedules.
Online registration must be fully completed before schedules will be released. - https://www.newberry.k12.sc.us/page/sdnc-school-attendance-and-registration
Important Updates for 2026–2027
Attendance Recovery Guidelines - We appreciate your support in helping us maintain strong student attendance, as it plays a critical role in academic success. If you have questions about attendance requirements or the documentation and recovery process, please contact Mr. Wilbanks during regular school hours via email or by phone at 803-364-2134.
Personal Device & Technology Use - As part of South Carolina's “Free to Focus” initiative, personal electronics (including phones, laptops, iPads, etc.) may not be used on school campuses during the academic day. Students must use their school-issued device while on any NCSD campus. Students enrolled at PTC may use personal devices while at the PTC campus if permitted by PTC’s electronic use policy.
Important Update to Grading Practices for the 2026–2027 School Year - We want to make you aware of an important change to grading practices that will take effect this school year as part of South Carolina Act 204 of 2026. In previous years, students received a minimum grade of 50 for their first final nine-week quarter grade of each semester, even when their actual average was lower. Under the new state law, schools may no longer assign a minimum grade that is higher than a student's actual performance. We encourage all students to begin the year strong, attend school regularly, complete assignments on time, and seek help from teachers when needed. Working together, we can help every student achieve success. Thank you for your continued support of our students and school.
We are excited to partner with you for another great year and look forward to working together to support the academic success, safety, and well-being of all our students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at (803) 364-2134.