Abner Creek Academy
Learning with Love and Laughter
A Message From The Administration Team
Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you well and that you and your family enjoyed a joyful and restful holiday season. As we kick off the new year, we are thrilled to welcome your children back to school and resume our journey of learning, growth, and discovery together.
We missed the energy and excitement your children bring to our hallways and classrooms, and we are eager to continue fostering their academic, social, and emotional development. January marks a fresh chapter filled with opportunities for learning and success, and we are committed to supporting each student every step of the way.
Please take a moment to review this month’s newsletter for important reminders and updates, including key dates, upcoming events, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth transition back to school routines. Your partnership is invaluable, and we appreciate your continued support in making our school a wonderful place for all students to thrive.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Let’s make this year one to remember!
New Cell Phone Policy
Beginning January 1, 2025, District’s Five’s new cell phone policy, which prohibits the use of all personal electronic devices during the school day, will go into effect. Policy JICJ was created as a result of the passage of Proviso 1.103 by the South Carolina Legislature, and is mandated for all school districts in the state by the South Carolina Board of Education.
As a reminder, this policy prohibits the use of personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, and gaming devices during the school day. By limiting the use of devices, we hope to create a more focused, and distraction-free learning environment, allowing students to fully engage with their peers and teachers.
Students should not have any of these devices (including smartwatches) on or visible from 7:30-2:15 each day. Please contact the front office with any questions.
Car Line Procedures
As we begin a new semester it is important to remember our car line procedures to keep us running safely and efficiently.
AM:
*Please do not let your child exit your car until an adult is on duty at 7:00am. Children should not be lined up at the doors waiting at 7am. This prevents staff from exiting the doors to come out and help.
*If your child needs extra time or attention, do not exit your vehicle or hold up the line. Please pull up to the spirit rock where we can offer additional assistance while maintaining the flow of the car line. We don't mind helping, we just want to do it safely and in a manner that doesn't delay other vehicles.
*Children should be ready to exit the vehicle once curbside. They should not be watching devices, eating breakfast, or putting on coats once the car has stopped. If they are not ready, you will be asked to pull up to the spirit rock in order to respect the cars in line behind you.
*All students should be dropped off in the car line between 7:00-7:30. Parents should not park and walk students across during these times. You will see some adults with children crossing, but please know they either work at the school, have business in the front office, or pre-approval from administration for extenuating circumstances. You will be asked to return to your car to get in the car line if you try to park and walk your child across. This is for your safety as well as the safety of others.
*Instruction begins at 7:30am so your child is missing instruction if they are not in the buliding by that time. Any car entering the drive way after 7:30 should park, walk their child into the office, and sign them in as tardy. After multiple tardies, you will be contacted for a tardy truancy intervention meeting. Once the staff comes inside, please do not let your child out on the curb unattended. You must sign them in as tardy. It is difficult on students when they come in late as they often feel rushed to try and catch up. Please help them get their day off to a great start by arriving on time.
PM:
*You must have an ACA car tag to pick up a child. If you do not have a car tag, please park and bring your ID in with you.
*Please be patient when merging with other cars.
Of course, this is all possible thanks to our wonderful Gator Guard made up of parent volunteers! If you are able to volunteer your time, even if just one day a week, please email kaci.cotter@spart5.net.
Magnet Update: Communication and Leadership at ACA
Students did a great job learning about CHOICES last month. We heard students talking about choices they were making and really thinking through how to continue to make strong choices each day. We will continue to talk about this trait while adding in our new trait for the month: GROWTH. Growth happens when we intentionally take time to make ourselves better, work on our strengths and weaknesses, and give time to develop new skills. Growth isn't always easy and it often takes some practice. Ask your child what areas of personal growth they want to focus on this month!
Thank you, 4 Points Church!
Cold mornings are always better with biscuits and coffee. Thank you, 4 Points Church, for spreading some love to our staff in December!
Thank you, Church At The Mill
We were treated to biscuits one morning in December by Church At The Mill! Thank you for thinking of us and for spreading Christmas joy to our staff!
Mrs. DiPaolo's Class
Students in Mrs. Di Paolo’s class put their adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers to the test with a fun winter themed snow globe. They were able to put strategies they have been learning in the last several weeks to work in order to solve the problems!
Mrs. Zdenek's Class
Students are working on adding and subtracting with a hundreds chart that includes a mystery reveal.
Mrs. Clayton's Class
Students are working in groups to figure out the answers to the clues to find where the Gingerbread Man went! They are working on communication and group working skills. They are also reviewing compound words, main idea, and consonant blends.
Miss Salway's Class
Students love the interactive nature of the texts they read with our new HMH curriculum! They are so engaged when reading and discussing the books. It has definitely boosted their love for reading.
Miss Harris' Class
In reading we have been working on comparing and contrasting by reading different gingerbread stories. We read the Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Girl, The Gingerbread Man Loose at School, and How to Catch a Gingerbread Man. We then compared the characters, setting, and what their problem and solutions were!
Mrs. Maseha's Class
Mrs. Maseha's class has been learning about how other cultures around the world celebrate during the holiday season. They learned many interesting facts and even had a parent send in some authentic items from Germany.
Miss Moore's Class
Miss Moore's Class has been learning about how people all over the world celebrate winter holidays. "Flying" aboard Christmas Airlines students have been able to learn about other cultures while also reviewing ELA skills that they have learned this quarter. They have had so much reading, conducting experiments and writing about their experiences!