SCDE responds to PowerSchool Data Breach
Jan 8, 2025
Late Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) was informed by PowerSchool of a cybersecurity breach involving its PowerSource portal. This was an international incident over which the state and local districts had no control.
This breach resulted in unauthorized access to certain customer data from PowerSchool’s Student Information Systems (SIS), including data from multiple states and school districts across the country.
During a meeting with PowerSchool’s senior leadership, they confirmed that personally identifiable information (PII) was compromised. The SCDE is currently working to understand the full scope of the breach.
PowerSchool has stated that this breach has been contained and has informed the SCDE that it has taken steps to secure its systems, engage cybersecurity experts, and is also coordinating with law enforcement to address the breach.
The SCDE is actively communicating with PowerSchool, legal counsel, and local districts to assess the full impact on South Carolina schools, students, and educators and to determine next steps. The SCDE is also in direct communication with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Attorney General’s office and has notified the Governor and legislative leaders.
Commenting on the seriousness of this incident, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said, “The protection of our South Carolina students’ and educators’ personal data is non-negotiable. We fully recognize the anxiety this raises for them and their families.”
She continued, “While PowerSchool has taken accountability for this breach, our Department will take uncompromising action to ensure we uncover the complete extent of this incident. We will insist that PowerSchool not only notify affected individuals but also provide them with credit and identity monitoring services."
The SCDE will continue to engage and support districts and schools throughout this process as more information becomes available.
https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/news-releases/scde-responds-to-powerschool-data-breach/
FREE TO FOCUS
Beginning January 6, 2025
The South Carolina Department of Education has released a policy that prohibits the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
The purpose of this policy is to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions.
During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic devices. Students may not wear or access device accessories during the school day.
This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and gaming devices.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
District-Wide Recruitment Fair!
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Mid-Carolina High School
377 Cy Shumpert Rd.
Prosperity, SC 29127
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
All positions:
Teacher, Nurse, Child Nutrition, Bus Driver, Instructional Assistants, and other positions.
Upcoming Testing Dates for 2nd Grade
We are excited about this "Grand" Event! Be sure to follow RES on FB and be sure to checkout our Website at https://www.reubenes.org/o/reuben for all the great things happening at Reuben Elementary.
The most helpful thing you can do as a parent to help us prepare for the 2024-2025 school year is to complete registration as soon as possible in Final Forms. If you are a returning student, you must create an account from the link that was emailed to you. If you no longer have the link, please call the office to have it sent to your email.
We may pester you during the summer about registering, but there is so much that we can't do to prepare for the year until registration is complete. PLEASE take the time to get registration in Final Forms completed in its entirety, including your proofs of residence!
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will be on Tuesday, July 9 from 1:00-6:00 pm and again on Wednesday, July 10 from 8:00-1:00 pm.
If you have already fully completed registration in Final Forms and received confirmation, then we look forward to seeing you at Open House on Monday, August 5 from 5:00-6:30 pm.
Important Technology Information for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Information about Registration and Open House for the 2024 - 2025 school year
Please remember to register your child for the 2024-2025 school year!
Win a free yearbook or have your child's 2024-2025 school fee paid!
Join us in welcoming our new staff members for the 2024-2025 school year!
Need Extra Help with your child(s) school registration for the upcoming school year?
SC Ready Testing
Join us Monday, October 30th at 6 pm for Family Curriculum Night.
CogAT and Iowa Testing for 2nd grade
Deadline to purchase the optional Technology Insurance (alternately referred to as “Technology Fee”) is Friday, September 1. The yearly $25 cost covers the first iPad or laptop repair free. Certain first time repair or replacement costs without insurance could exceed $600. The $25 may be paid directly to your child's school. For more information, please refer to pages 16-17 of the 1:1 Technology Handbook. https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1079/NMS/3370241/2023-2024_1_1_TechnologyHandbook.pdf
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Summer Reading
RES Returning Student Registration https://www.newberry.k12.sc.us/o/sdnc/page/2023-2024-returning-student-registration