Paws for News

We are so excited to see our students tomorrow as we return from Spring Break! We hope that you all were able to make wonderful memories with your family and truly enjoyed this time together to rest and recharge. As we embark on the final stretch of the school year, we have so much to look forward to and we are committed to finishing strong. You can help us by ensuring your child arrives to school well-rested and on time, as well as minimizing any absences between now and the end of the school year.

This newsletter contains important dates and events all the way through the end of May. As always, we welcome parents and families in the building as we celebrate our year and the achievements of our students. For all year-end events, please check in with a valid photo ID. We also recommend that you arrive early in case there are longer check-in lines. If you have any questions regarding upcoming dates, please reach out to our front office. We are happy to assist you.

Safety Reminders:

• If you use our playground outside of school hours, please keep in mind that the Boys & Girls Club uses the playground until 6 pm. For safety purposes, we ask that the playground be used exclusively by Boys & Girls Club until that time.
• In the mornings, our Safety Patrol is allowed to be dropped off early at 7:10 am in order to dress in safety gear and report for duty. However, we have a large amount of students who are not on Safety Patrol being dropped off prior to our doors opening which is at 7:15 am. This is creating a safety concern because students cannot go past the lobby and there is no adult supervision as our staff is arriving to school. In addition, students are participating in behavior such as chasing each other around the lobby and horseplay. Unless your child is on Safety Patrol, please honor our school hours by not dropping them off early to wait in the lobby. If your child is a walker, please consider the time they leave home so that they are not arriving prior to the doors opening at 7:15 am. Thank you for your understanding and help in keeping our students safe!

We appreciate the support and encouragement of our families so much! Thank you for being such wonderful partners in your child's education.

Megan Hoyt, Principal

Beginning Wednesday May 7, our 3rd and 4th grade students will be participating in SC READY. We want them to feel confident as they take state testing. One way to make this happen is to be "whole body ready" - get plenty of sleep the night before with no distractions, arrive to school on time, and eat a healthy breakfast. When we feel good, we DO good! We also want our students to challenge their negative thoughts by showing up with a positive mindset and believing in themselves and their abilities. All we ask is that they take their time and try their very best. We appreciate your encouragement at home as it means the world to our students to know that they have a village who is cheering them on!

One way we are encouraging our students to try their best is incentivizing them with a video game truck! This is a "best effort" incentive and is not tied to any sort of score or academic achievement. Prior to MAP testing, students were provided with a Level Up! Challenge punch ticket and we met with each classroom to talk about what best effort looks like - not rushing through the test, no rapid guessing, not being a distraction to others, using scrap paper in math to solve problems, etc. If a student gives best effort during MAP or during any of the SC READY tests, they will receive a "punch" underneath that particular test on their ticket (shown below) from their teacher. Third graders have five opportunities to receive a punch while fourth graders have six opportunities due to the addition of the science test. Third grade students who receive 4 out of 5 punches and fourth grade students who receive 5 out of 6 punches will earn access to the video game truck on Friday May 23. (This gives them an "off" day in case they aren't their best.) If students receive all punches, they get a special mystery bonus prize! Our students are very excited about the possibility of this incentive and most of them have already earned their first punch by giving best effort on the MAP test. If you have any questions about this incentive, please reach out to your child's teacher.

As a reminder, it is a testing violation for a student to be in possession of any electronic device at any time during testing. Please see the Board Policy below:

In conjunction with York School District One Board Policy, South Carolina Code of Law, South Carolina Department of Education Regulations, York School District One has established procedures for student participation in state assessments. It is a Testing Violation for a student to be in possession of any electronic device at any time during testing. If a student is found to have any electronic or other communication device during a state test the device is to be confiscated and will be directed to the school testing coordinator, district testing coordinator, and school administration for investigation and disciplinary action.

Do you have a rising 5K student at CBES? This event is for YOU! Come join us on Thursday May 1 at 5:30 pm in the Media Center for Kindergarten Readiness Night! Our awesome Kindergarten teachers have prepared a wonderful event that will help you learn all about Kindergarten - and what you can do to support your child in being ready for the new school year.

On Friday May 2, we honor our amazing cafeteria staff with School Lunch Hero Day! They work so hard each day to provide us with nutritious meal options and to ensure our students are fed. Classrooms are celebrating our cafeteria staff on an individual basis so please stay tuned to Remind messages or information from your child's teacher. 💙

During the week of May 5-9, we are celebrating all CBES staff members with Staff Appreciation Week! Every role in our building works incredibly hard to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for our students each day - and the relationships that are built each school year are truly special. If you wish to participate in honoring our dedicated staff and need ideas for the "favorites" of any staff member, please reach out to the main office and we can help! We keep lists of "favorites" that staff members filled out at the beginning of the year. Also - our PTO does an amazing job in making this week so wonderful and they always appreciate volunteers to help!

New and returning student registration opened March 1, including registration for our new 4K and 5K students! Please visit www.york.k12.sc.us/registration in order to register your child for school next year. Please reach out to the front office if you need any help. We are happy to assist! As a reminder, proof of residency is required for all students each year.

For new students, the following documents are required:

• Student's birth certificate
• Immunization record
• Proof of residency
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Student SC Medicaid card or proof of income (4K only)
• Custody papers or court papers, if applicable

If your child is enrolled at Cotton Belt Elementary on a transfer, the district-wide transfer request online portal will be open from May 1-30, 2025.

• Western York County Ag Arena: A brick campaign has been launched so that everyone in our community would have an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful project. All bricks sold will be on the walkway that leads to the front entrance of the arena. Use the Buy A Brick Campaign link to learn more about this program and to become a permanent part of the Western York County Agriculture Arena. If you would prefer to print out a paper order form and submit by mail, click this link to download the form.
• We need your help! Please help us preserve our playground area and new fencing by not allowing your children to play unsupervised. Our fence has already sustained damage in several areas due to climbing, pulling up at the bottom, etc. We are also experiencing graffiti damage.

• As a reminder, we changed our car rider dismissal procedures in December due to safety concerns with individuals driving the wrong way on our exit driveway. For any student dismissed as a walker in the car line area, we are now calling them twice – once prior to the start of calling cars around 2:10 pm and once at the end of the car line. We made this change in hopes of discouraging anyone from driving in the exit in order to bypass the line as well as in hopes of preventing any accidents. Thank you for your understanding and support.

• All early dismissals and transportation changes must occur before 1:45 pm.

Please see the dates below. We look forward to celebrating the growth and achievement of our students this school year! As a reminder, all guests must check in with a photo ID and must be on the student's emergency contact list. Please call the front office in advance to make any changes to the emergency contact list in PowerSchool.

Third grade is a critical year for our students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We are committed to supporting your child’s reading development and helping them succeed. Below are key details about the Read to Succeed Act and how it impacts third-grade reading expectations.

---

Why Third Grade Reading Matters

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is essential for your child’s academic success. At this stage, students use reading skills to learn other subjects like math, science, and social studies. Developing fluency and comprehension now lays the foundation for future learning and success.

---

The Read to Succeed Act

The Read to Succeed Act ensures that all students gain the reading skills necessary for college, career, or military readiness. The law requires that third-grade students who do not demonstrate reading proficiency—scoring Does Not Meet Expectations on the SC Ready reading assessment—be retained for additional support.

---

Good Cause Exemptions

Students who qualify for specific Good Cause Exemptions may still be promoted to fourth grade. These exemptions include:

· Limited English proficiency (fewer than two years of English instruction).

· Disabilities requiring alternative assessments or interventions (as outlined in their IEP).

· Receiving reading interventions for two years and previously being retained.

· Demonstrating reading proficiency on an approved alternative assessment.

Please contact your school if you believe your child may qualify for an exemption.

---

Summer Reading Camp (SRC)

Students who do not meet the required reading level by the end of third grade will be invited to attend Summer Reading Camp. This program offers intensive, small-group instruction to help students strengthen their reading skills. Successful completion of the camp could lead to promotion to fourth grade.

---

How We Support Your Child

We are committed to helping every student become a confident, independent reader through:

· Additional instructional time focused on literacy.

· Small-group and individualized reading interventions.

· Specialized teacher training provided by literacy coaches.

We also monitor progress regularly and communicate results to keep you informed.

---

How You Can Help at Home

Your involvement is key to your child’s reading success. Here’s how you can help:

· Read Together Daily: Encourage your child to read aloud and ask questions like, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think that happened?”

· Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher about their progress.

· Use School Resources: We’re here to provide tools and materials to support your child’s reading journey at home.

---

By working together, we can make this year a success for your child. If you have questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Thank you for partnering with us to make third grade a year of growth and learning!

Did you know that starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive? Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school.

• Socially: They are truly missed! Staff and fellow classmates notice when your child is not at school. We take a personal interest in the well-being of our students. We want them here so that they can learn the social skills, along with the academic skills, that lead to productive lives. Practicing those skills begins early.
• Academically: In the typical school day, a student receives between 90 and 120 minutes of language arts instruction, 60-75 minutes of math instruction, and 30-45 minutes of science and social studies instruction. Students miss out on discussion, collaboration with peers, and assistance from their teacher; all of which are so crucial for a deep understanding and application of skills. When they come back the next day, they have a gap in their learning and are not ready to move to the next step with their classmates.

Is there a time you should keep your child at home? Absolutely! When your child is sick, we certainly do not expect him/her to come to school. We also have a full-time nurse on staff. She will be able to help you if you have questions.

Your child will be the most successful when we work together. Please help us by insuring your child attends school regularly, and we will deliver the best possible instruction while he/she is here! Three things to keep in mind:

• Even if the absence is "excused," your child still missed the instruction.
• Even if the absence is "excused," the days count toward "chronic absenteeism".
• Chronic absenteeism is tracked by the state.

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy. What's the Difference?

Chronic absenteeism is legally defined as "any students who misses 50% or more of the instructional day for any reason for 10% of the enrollment period." For elementary students, that equates to being absent for 18 days - whether excused or not - during the school year. Again, all absence types contribute to this number - excused, unexcused, suspensions, tardy arrivals, and early dismissals.

Another consideration with absences is whether they meet the threshold of truancy, which then becomes a legal matter. Truancy is defined as "a student between the ages of 6-17 who has accumulated 3 consecutive or a total of 5 or more unexcused/unlawful absences during the academic year. Continued unexcused absences after the truancy intervention process begins may result in referral to family court and/or the involvement of the Department of Social Services."

We understand that circumstances at times can be challenging. If you are in need of some assistance, please reach out. It is our desire to work with you and help you if you are in need. We have access to resources that may be able to provide support for you and your family.

We want and need your child at school each and every day!

Written Excuses for Absence

When your child must be absent, you have a maximum of 3 days to send an excuse. Excuses may be sent to the teacher, or you may click the button below for our convenient online form. Please note that per YSD 1 policy, excuses will no longer be accepted after the 3-days.

GOLD/KRA Window - March 20-May 30

MAP Reading Fluency Window - April 7-May 10

April 29

4th Grade Math Team Competition at YCHS

April 30

$1 Pajamas

Interim Reports

SC READY Window - May 1-29

May 1

Kindergarten Readiness Night at 5:30 pm in Media Center 🍎

May 2

School Lunch Hero Day 🦸🏻‍♀️

Week of May 5 - ⭐ Staff Appreciation Week ⭐

May 5

Field Trip: ML-III (Horne) to Happy Hooves and Feathers Farm

May 6

3rd & 4th Grade only - LEVEL UP! SC READY Rally in Gym at 1:30 pm

May 7

SC READY - Reading A

School Nurse Day

May 8

SC READY - Reading B

PTO Meeting at 5 pm

May 12

National Mental Health Counselor Day

May 13

SC READY - Writing

School Board Meeting at 6:30 pm

May 14

SC READY - Math

May 15

SC READY - Science (4th only)

Field Trip: 1st Grade to Black's Peaches

Glow Dance at 6 pm 👯

May 16

Field Trip: Kindergarten to Black's Peaches

May 18

National Speech Language Pathologist Day

May 19

Field Trip: Connected as Readers

May 20

Party Picnic during lunch 🌞

May 23

SC READY Video Game Truck for 3rd and 4th (if earned)

4K & ML-III (Horne) End of Year Ceremony at 9 am

Safety Patrol & Cotton's Pals Celebration Lunch at 12 pm

Last Day for Boys & Girls Club

May 26

No School - Memorial Day

May 27

Report cards go home

4th Grade Hall Walk at 9:45 am

4th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 10 am

Kindergarten Graduation at 12:30 pm

May 28

3rd Grade & ML-III (Sigmon) Ceremony at 8:30 am

2nd Grade Ceremony at 10:30 am

1st Grade Ceremony at 12:30 pm

May 29

Last Day for Students - Dismiss at 11:30 am

May 30

Teacher Workday

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!