Two Richland School District Two magnet schools — Conder Elementary and Forest Lake Elementary — were recently recognized with awards.

Conder Elementary, an arts mangnet school, was one of five schools in South Carolina to win the 2012 Promising Practice award winner for its A+ Girls (All Positive Girls) practice. 

The program is an intensive mentoring program that focuses on positive behavioral support, increased academic involvement and higher self-esteem. The students particpate in service projects such as Big Sisters/Little Sisters, performing songs for retired veterans, serving breakfast for grandparents and serving at the Mother/Daughter Tea. 

“Building character builds better citizens," Principal Shirley Watson said. "Better citizens build better communities and our students recognize the importance good behavior.” 

Forest Lake Elementary, a technology magnet school, was named one of the top ten tech-savvy schools in the nation by OnlineSchools.com.

“It’s great to be in a school where our digital native students are getting what they need to be successful at Forest Lake and anywhere in the world,” Principal Kappy Steck said. “Students at Forest Lake blog, use interactive whiteboards, 1 TWO 1 computing and more, to stay on the cutting-edge of all that technology has to offer.”

Forest Lake will also continue to receive new technology, software and professional development from SMART Techonologies, a company that gives help to about 300 outstanding schools worldwide.