Bear Bulletin
We have finished up our first full week of the 2024-25 school year and we are off to a great start! Students are settling in to the routines and are making new friends as we are working to build strong classroom communities. Be on the lookout for ways you can plug in and get involved at school, too! We look forward to partnering with all of our BES families throughout the school year.
In this edition of the Bear Bulletin, you will find information about
- This week's lunch menu, as well as links for setting up your child's account or to apply for financial support for meals.
- Upcoming BES Preview Nights. This is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to learn more about what to expect for the year and how you can support your child. This event is for parents/guardians only and childcare will be available for current BES students. See dates below.
- MAP Testing dates for your calendar. This is for students in grades 1 - 5 only.
- Volunteer opportunities for First Friday! See info below and links to sign up.
Setting Up Your Child's Meal Account
You may set up and/or add money to your student’s account using LINQ Connect (linqconnect.com) or by sending in cash/check to your child’s classroom when school resumes..
In addition, to apply for Free and/or Reduced Lunch, visit: linqconnect.com
All student cafeteria accounts which had a positive balance at the end of the 23-24 school year within the previous system will be automatically transferred into LINQ. Families should be able to see any available balance before school begins.
For questions or concerns regarding these services, families can email the Student Nutrition department at nutritionservices@lexrich5.org
Make a payment on any outstanding school debt (technology, library and past cafeteria debt) using the District’s RYCOR system at studentquickpay.com/lexrich5
Did you know?
Our PTO provides a monthly treat for faculty and staff as a little thank you or pick-me-up on the first Friday of each month. This is an easy way for families to get involved and show some love and support.
For the month of September, the PTO is providing a DIY Trail Mix Bar. There will be an assortment of items and goodies that teachers and staff can mix up to make their perfect snack! To make it easy to contribute, some items are pre-packaged and can be dropped off at the school. Don't have time to bring anything by the school, you can contribute here and someone will do the shopping and delivering for you!
Be a BES Mentor
BES Families and Community Members - Are you interested in supporting some of the BESt kids we know? It is not a huge time commitment at all, but the impact could last a lifetime. We'd love to have you!
How to Reach Us
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.