Blue Jacket Buzz
Aynor Elementary School Newsletter
Welcome Back!
Dear Blue Jackets,
This has been an outstanding first week back! Our students are definitely getting in the groove of school. Our kindergarten and child development students have been on a staggered schedule, but ALL students will join us on Monday, August 26th. We look forward to another great week!! Have a great weekend blue jackets!!!
Best Regards,
Shamara Kinlaw, Principal
Lindsay Cook, Assistant Principal
HCS SAFETY UPDATES:
OPENGATE Security at Horry County Schools
With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Horry County Schools will use OPENGATE weapon detection scanners to screen all students and guests including all elementary schools.
Please watch the video to learn more:
Morning Arrival Procedures
Only bus riders will enter the bus entrance doors. Car riders will enter through the side entrance.
All students will go through metal detectors daily before entering the classroom each morning. Parents are not allowed to walk their student to class.
- Breakfast is served 7:00-7:25.
- Parents are not allowed to walk down the sidewalk where students are being dropped off.
- Only buses are allowed in the bus drop off zone. Parents do not walk or drive in the bus drop off zone during student arrival times.
- Do not drop children off in the parking lot for safety reasons.
- Please remain in your car during drop-off. Staff will be available to assist your student.
- Obey the directions of teachers on duty. We are working diligently to make drop-off efficient and safe for everyone.
- In order to help the line move safely and smoothly, have your student gather their supplies and be ready to exit the vehicle promptly.
- Students may only exit on the right side of the vehicle.
- If your child is having difficulties exiting the vehicle, you will be asked to pull to visitor parking.
- Wait until the car in front of you departs to exit. Do not go around vehicles.
- In order to unload the maximum number of students in the drop off zone, please pull up as far as possible when unloading your child.
Afternoon Car Rider Procedures
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Afternoon dismissal begins at 2:30. Our campus will begin receiving parents and guardians of car riders at 2:00. Avoid parking or impeding traffic on Jordanville Rd. This area will be monitored by Aynor Police Department.
- Please remain in your car during pick-up.
- Display your student’s name (AES car tag) on the dash of your car so it is easily visible to teachers on duty.
- If you need additional car tags, please notify the front office staff.
- Students may only enter on the right side of the vehicle.
- Wait until the car in front of you departs to exit. Do not go around vehicles.
- In order to load the maximum number of students in the pick up zone, please pull up as far as possible when picking up your child.
- Obey the directions of teachers on duty. We are working diligently to make pick up efficient and safe for everyone.
- Only buses are allowed in the bus zone. Parents do not walk or drive in the bus zone during student dismissal times.
* To ensure the safety of all students, if you do not have a car tag, you will be asked to go to the front office to be verified.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER:
3rd-5th Grade Parents:
If you would like to refer your student for placement in the gifted and talented program please fill out this Parent Referral Form. Alternative translations can be found here. If you need a form sent home with your student, please email me at emonday@horrycountyschools.net. This form must be turned in before Monday, September 16th.
Backpack Buddies:
Backpack Buddies believes that students who can go to school prepared will be more successful. Children should have the opportunity to grow, learn and be a child for as long as they can while receiving basic needs. If your family would benefit from the Backpack Buddies program, please email Mrs. Hemingway at ehemingway002@horrycountyschools.net for a form to fill out and return.
Elizabeth Hemingway, Aynor Elementary School Counselor, 3rd-5th
Erin Monday, Aynor Elementary School Counselor, CD-2nd
LIBRARY NEWS:
Summer Reading
All summer reading logs are due by Tuesday, September 3rd to your child’s teacher.
Students who submit a reading log with 8 books read over the summer will receive extra recess and a pass for an additional book checkout during the 2024-25 school year on each library visit.
Students who submit a reading log with 12 books read will receive extra recess, a sweet treat, and a pass for an additional book checkout during the 2024-25 school year on each library visit.
Rebecca Crute
Library Media Specialist
Aynor Elementary School
Aynor, SC
@AynorESreaders, @ReCRUTEnReaders
PTO NEWS:
PTO Volunteers:
Are you interested in volunteering with the PTO? If so, please complete the google doc below.
Please complete the form below if you are interested in volunteering with PTO events.
All volunteers must complete a background check and be approved through HCS.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at: AESPTObluejackets@gmail.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: Aynor Elementary School PTO
Boosterthon Fun Run:
Let's get ready to run!
AES PTO is thrilled to kick off the 2024-2025 school year by teaming up with Boosterthon to host an exciting Fun Run! This is a fantastic way to begin the school year, while boosting our fundraising efforts.
Registration is open for students. Our official kickoff will take place on September 3rd. After that, students are encouraged to seek pledges and donations from family, friends, and the community. The official Fun Run will be held on September 13th, with a designated track for the kids to run on. Money raised will go towards student incentives and special events.
The week leading up to the run will consist of prizes, student contests, class competitions, music, costumes, snacks, and so much more!
More information to come!
AES Spirit Rock:
The AES 5th grade class of 2024 donated a spirit rock to commentate their departure from AES. We thank you for this kind gesture and wish you the best of luck in middle school
If you would like to rent the spirit rock for a celebration, please see the information below:
Aynor Elementary Spirit Rock
Rental Rules and Guidelines:
Cost per day is $20. Renter is responsible for painting and paint costs. Reservations will be accepted through AES PTO Email (aesptobluejackets@gmail.com) , completed google form (see below) or a DM on our Facebook page (Aynor Elementary School PTO). Please do not call the school to make a reservation for the spirit rock.
Payment must be received within 7 days prior to reservation date. PTO will accept payment through Venmo (@AESPTO1 Aynor Elem PTO) or in person. If payments are made after 7 days, the date reserved is not guaranteed.
Reservations are non-refundable. There will be no refund in cases due to weather conditions, change of mind, school cancellations, etc. Due to severe weather, we may be able to change the date depending on availability.
Please refrain from using glitter or oil based paint. Stickers or gluing products onto the rock is prohibited. Painting is only allowed on the rock, not on the surrounding grass or anywhere else on school property. When the paint job is completed, supplies and any other debris must be cleaned up.
You may paint the rock after 4:00pm for the next day.
Painting must meet standards of AES/HCS handbook guidelines. In the case where it does not, the rock will be painted over in a prompt manner without notice.
Please complete request form:
Thank you so much to our community for
continually supporting AES!
BIRTHDAY GRAMS:
The PTO is sponsoring Birthday Grams! If you would like your child to receive a Birthday Gram, please complete the form below. They are $10/each and include a birthday balloon, birthday pencil, special lollipop, and birthday card from the AES PTO. $10 can be paid cash, check (made payable to AES PTO), or Venmo: @AESPTO1 (Aynor Elem PTO) You must sign up at least one week in advance.
AES PTO Spirit Wear:
If you were not able to grab your AES Blue Jacket Spirit wear at Open House, no worries! You can visit OLD SOUTH DESIGNS to purchase your gear! You have the option for home delivery or school delivery. We will send it home with your student once it arrives.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
CAFETERIA CORNER:
HCS becomes CEP district, offering free meals for all students in the 2024-2025 school year
All students in Horry County Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2024-2025 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for qualifying schools and school districts. CEPallows breakfast and lunch to be offered to all enrolled students at no cost. Schools and school districts that qualify are reimbursed for meals using a formula based on the percentage of students that are categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other State assistance programs.
This year, CEP in South Carolina has expanded to include students who receive Medicaid benefits, enabling all HCS schools to qualify for the 2024-2025 school year. Participation in this program also eliminates the requirement for parents/guardians to fill out Free and Reduced Meal applications.
Students will still have the option to purchase additional meals, food & snack items, and beverages at à la carte prices. À la carte items can be paid for in cash or by prepayment on the student’s cafeteria account. Charging for à la carte sales is not allowed. Prepayments can be made by cash or check at your child’s school cafeteria or with a debit card by setting up an account at myschoolbucks.com. Any charges remaining on a student’s cafeteria account from a prior school year are still the parent’s responsibility. If needed, payment arrangements for larger balances can be made by contacting the school cafeteria manager.