Top "Need to Knows"

• Important car line information below!
• This week's lunch menu for the week & links to set up / access your child's lunch account
• Check out our volunteer opportunities (There are some great opportunities coming up in December - check them out!)
• Information about the spirit wear sale (there are several fun options that would make great gifts!)
• How to reserve your spirit rock ONLINE!

• Thurs, Dec 5 - WinterFest - save the date!

Parents, we need your help! Our car line, when running properly, is one of the most efficient of any school in our area. Recently, there has been some confusion on this procedure. To help with this, we have installed signs along the entrance and provided a review of the procedures below. We have also included video below that explains the flow of the car line and next week we will have district office safety officers in the afternoon carline for a couple of days to help everyone get a better understanding of the procedures.

To help get ready for next week, please review the car line procedures for AM drop off and PM pick up. Using the image below, the blue/green dotted line shows the entrance/exit for car riders.

• Please note the signs in the car line. Hopefully this will help with establishing routines.
• In the mornings, starting at 7:20, cars should use both lanes of the car line to double-stack cars entering BES.
• In the afternoons, starting at 2:20, cars should use both lanes of the car line to double-stack cars entering BES.
• Once double stacking begins, there is not a passing lane, so during heavy traffic times, drivers needing to access the parking lot may be required to wait a few minutes until traffic is moving.
  
• As cars approach the student drop off area, the two lines of traffic will take turns merging the two lanes into one line. At this point, anyone needing to park will turn left into the upper parking lot.
• Drivers needing to access handicap parking in the lower lot should have parking placards clearly displayed. Families using the drop off area will follow the traffic flow to the right.
• The exit onto Bickley Road is one lane and is RIGHT TURN ONLY.

This traffic pattern has been developed by the SC Department of Transportation and D5 Safety Officers to assure maximum safety not only for you and your child, but for all drivers on Bickley Road. This also provides plenty of space for cars to line up while waiting for arrival/dismissal of car riders. Please pull as far forward as possible so that we may load/unload multiple cars at once. Also, to ensure the safety of all, please remain in your car at all times. Students should have all items gathered and be ready to exit the vehicle when it stops. If parents need to get out of the car for any reason, please park in a designated parking place to do so.

***SEAT BELTS: If your child needs assistance with the seat belt, please do not step out of the car into the carline. We ask that you use one of the parking lots so you are able to park and safely get out to help.***

Head lice can be a problem from time to time in schools, and it is important to work together as a school community to minimize the frustration caused by the problem. You should examine your child's head at least weekly. Head Lice are little bugs; a full grown louse is about the size of a sesame seed. They crawl quickly when touched. They lay lots of eggs (also known as nits). Nits are usually at the nape of the neck/behind the ears and close to the scalp. Nits are oval in shape, white or gray in color and about the size of a knot of thread. They are firmly attached to the hair shaft. To determine whether or not you are seeing a nit try sliding it down the hair shaft using your fingers. Nits will be difficult to move, whereas dandruff and other items slide easily.

Head lice can be a nuisance, but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home and school has nothing to do with getting head lice. For more information visit the D5 website’s School Health Services page or contact your school nurse.

The public review process plays an important role in selecting instructional materials that reflect the highest standards and meet the needs of South Carolina students. By involving parents, educators, and community members, we ensure that every voice contributes to this decision-making process. Your feedback is essential to ensure that the selected materials meet the highest quality standards and address the needs of our students. Please find the attached press release, which includes additional details about the virtual public review and in-person locations.

This event was created by the PTO for the students of Ballentine so they would have an opportunity to buy gifts for their immediate family. This year we will have many tables from which students can select gifts. We need some volunteers to help students shop, especially our younger students! We've also attached the schedule for all classes so you can avoid the time in which your child may be shopping - we won't want to spoil any surprises!

Front Office - 803-476-4500

School Nurse - 803-476-4509

Cafeteria - 803-476-4508

School Counselor - 803-476-4534

Library - 803-476-4518

Parent input and feedback are always appreciated. Whether through a phone call or an email, we welcome your thoughts and ideas. The Administrative Team at BES is always available to help in any way we can! You can contact us by calling the main office at 476-4500 or emailing us directly.

Principal Robin Bright rbright@lexrich5.org

Assistant Principal Zach Keister zkeister@lexrich5.org

Assistant Administrator Allison Babb ababb@lexrich5.org

Follow us on social media as well!

Facebook @BallentineElementarySchool

Twitter @BallentineElem

Our Mission…

The mission of Ballentine Elementary School is to join together community, staff, students, and families to ensure that all students are provided a world-class, rigorous education.

Our Vision…

In partnership with the community, staff, students, and families, Ballentine Elementary School will exemplify excellence in education in a positive, safe and nurturing environment in order to prepare our students to be fully participating citizens and leaders. We will foster the development of creative thinking, encourage curiosity and problem solving, promote respect for individual differences and uphold high ethical standards.