Good evening Wise Owl Families!

As we start the last week of the school year and eagerly anticipate the summer months, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. It has been a year of growth, learning, and resilience, and we are proud of the accomplishments of our students.

As we transition into the summer break, I would like to share some important information and tips to help you prepare for a safe, enjoyable, and productive summer.

Reflecting on the School Year: This year has been filled with significant achievements and memorable experiences. Our students have excelled academically, participated in enriching extracurricular activities, and engaged in community service projects. Your support has been integral to these successes.

Summer Safety: The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. Please consider the following tips to ensure a safe summer:

• Sun Protection: Encourage the use of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays.
• Water Safety: Remind children about the importance of water safety when swimming or playing near water bodies. Supervision is crucial.
• Hydration: Ensure children stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

Summer Learning: Summer provides an excellent opportunity for continued learning in a fun and engaging way. Here are some suggestions to keep minds active:

• Reading: Encourage your child to read daily. Visit the local library and participate in summer reading programs.
• Educational Outings: Plan visits to museums, historical sites, and science centers to stimulate curiosity and learning.
• Creative Projects: Engage in arts and crafts, cooking, or gardening projects to foster creativity and practical skills.

Digital Learning Resources: There are numerous online resources available to support summer learning:

• Educational Websites: Websites like Khan Academy, PBS Kids, and National Geographic Kids offer interactive and educational content.
• Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Mathletics, and Scratch provide fun and educational activities tailored to various age groups.

Family Time: Summer is also a wonderful time to strengthen family bonds:

• Outdoor Activities: Plan family outings to parks, hiking trails, or camping trips to enjoy nature and stay active.
• Game Nights: Have regular family game nights to encourage teamwork and create lasting memories.

Preparing for the New School Year: Although summer is a time for relaxation, it is also important to stay informed about preparations for the upcoming school year:

• School Supplies: Watch for the school supply list that will be sent out over the summer.
• Health Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental check-ups before the school year begins.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on our school’s website and emails for updates on important dates and back-to-school information.

I want to thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to your child’s education. I wish you all a safe, enjoyable, and enriching summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back for another exciting and productive school year.

B. Gantt

#soaringtogether

Our mission is to cultivate a caring community that utilizes a multitude of teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for their next adventure.

1. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and appreciated.
2. We believe that all children deserve a high quality education.
3. We believe in collaboration and making connections.

Staying Safe

Owning Your Actions

Acting Responsibly

Respecting Everyone & Everything

Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day -- schools & offices closed

Tuesday, May 28

K-2nd Grade Tag of Honor

• Kindergarten @ 9:20 a.m.
  
• 1st grade @ 8:00 a.m.
• 2nd grade @ 10:40 a.m.

Wednesday, May 29

3rd & 4th Grade Tag of Honor

• 3rd grade @ 8:00 a.m.
• 4th grade @ 9:20 a.m.

Thursday, May 30 - Last Day for students -- early release day for students

Please click the graphic (link) to access all grade level supplies.

Our PTO will be selling yearbooks during our Tags of Honor Celebration on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a very limited supply. Yearbooks will be sold for $25 (cash only).

Dear Parents,

It has been a pleasure taking care of your child this school year at Whitesville Elementary.

Berkeley County School District’s medication policy states that it is the parent’s responsibility to pick up medicine at the end of the school year. Please stop by the nurse’s clinic before May 29 to sign out and receive any unused medication.

Medication not picked up by the parent on or before the last day of school, (May 30), will be properly discarded by noon on 5-31-23. The school is unable to store medication for the following school year. I am aware that medication is very expensive. Therefore, I am encouraging all parents to arrange to collect your child’s medication.

Reminders for the 2024-2025 school year:

Parents must bring in all medications. Student are not allowed to bring medication in to the school. Medication must be signed in and counted with nurse and/or trained personnel. Students are not allowed to have medication (even over the counter medication) in their bookbags. If your child has any medical or nutritional needs (even if they do not take medication at school) you must fill out a healthcare packet provided by the school. Nutritional forms must be updated yearly. The more information we have the better we are able to care for your child.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (843) 899-8880.

Sincerely yours,

WES School Nurses

Berkeley County School District is requiring parents/legal guardians of ALL returning students, enrolled in BCSD the last day of the previous calendar school year, to complete an Online Returning Student Update and to provide two proofs of residency.

This mandatory process will be completed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal ONLY. If you, as parent/guardian, have never created a Parent Portal Account or has forgotten your username or password, please contact Mrs. Jones (jonesindia@bcsdschools.net) for support.

Families who do not have reliable access to the internet can make an appointment with Mrs. Jones (jonesindia@bcsdschools.net).

This update process is only for reviewing/updating information for students who will be returning to Berkeley County School District for the 2024-2025 school year.

This required process will allow you to enter accurate parent/emergency contact information, upload the required two proofs of residency, complete required annual forms/policies and provide transportation information for each student enrolled with the District.

As we strive to continuously improve the quality of education at Whitesville Elementary School, your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our approach. With this in mind, I am writing to request your input regarding your child's placement for the 2024-2025 school year.

We do not take teacher recommendations; however, your insights and observations about your child's needs in terms of their teacher will help us to ensure that your child is placed in the best possible environment to learn and to grow.

Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by responding to the Student Placement Family Input Form (below). We value your partnership in your child's education and appreciate your time and input in this matter.

Thank you for your continued support.

“South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law requires that a parent or guardian shall require his child to attend regularly a public or private school or kindergarten of this State which has been approved by the State Board of Education, a member school of the South Carolina Independent Schools and Association, a member school of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, or some similar organization, or a parochial, denominational, or church-related school, or other programs which have been approved by the State Board of Education f rom the school year in which the child is five years of age before September first until the child attains his seventeenth birthday or graduates from high school.”