THE MUSTANG MESSENGER
December 2024 / January 2025
Message from the Principal
As we enter Thanksgiving Break and approach the holiday season, I am thankful for the students, faculty, and families of Palmetto Elementary. Our teachers work tirelessly to help our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I am also appreciative of the support you show the faculty of PES as we work with your students. Thank you for entrusting us with your student.
I hope that you enjoy time with your families during the holiday season. As always, if there is anything we can do to help or support you or your child, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas!
Brandon Koon
Principal
Literacy Updates
Literacy Loop
Literacy updates from Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Sutherland, including what your students are working on this year and how you can help them at home, can be found here.
School Happenings
Student Experiences
Our students have been working hard both in and out of the classroom over the last few months. Here are just a few of their successes and celebrations!
Palmetto Girls Run Club 5K
Palmetto Singers Perform
Thanksgiving Cards
Students created cards for residents of Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home and Hospice of the Upstate. A special thanks to some of Mrs. Williams' 5th graders for helping students in Mrs. Allen's class paint the turkey boxes!
The Mustang Way
Stay Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
PES administrators met with students recently to review the Mustang Way and school wide expectations for student behavior in the following areas: in classrooms, in hallways, in the cafeteria, in restrooms, on the playground, and on buses. Behavior expectations show students how to Stay Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible in these areas of our school. Posters have been placed throughout the school to remind students of these behavior expectations.
Please ask your students to describe these behavior expectations with you.
Important Reminders
*Due to inclement weather, we were unable to hold our ALICE drill on Wednesday, November 20th. This drill will be rescheduled for Thursday, December 5th.
*Art to Remember items - While it is too late to order items for delivery before Christmas break, orders may still be placed until December 31st.
*Our lost and found is overflowing with lost sweatshirts, jackets, and other items. Having labels or names with student names inside these items will help us return them to their rightful owner.
*Encourage your students to search the lost and found area for items they have misplaced. Parents are welcome to look through the lost and found as well. Please bring an ID to check in at the office.
*As cold and flu season approaches, please remember that students should not come to school if they have a fever (100 degrees or higher). Students may return to school when they have been fever-free within the past 24 hours.
PTO Updates
* The Cotton Duck Spirit event raised $200 for our PTO.
*Our Fall Carnival was a tremendous success and raised more than $1,300!
Because of your support of our PTO, Gaga Ball pits and new soccer goals have been added to our playground. The PTO has also been able to financially support our Hurricane Helene Community Night, offset the costs of field trips, and help celebrate our teachers.
December Events
Cookies with Santa - Monday, December 9th, 4:30-7:00
Join us for an evening of cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa. We hope to see you then!
Santa Shop - Monday, December 16 - Wednesday, December 18
Students can visit our Santa Shop during related arts classes on these days to purchase gifts for family members and loved ones. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.
Spirit Week - December 16-20
This fundraiser asks students to donate $5 to participate. Students receive a special treat and dress to match a holiday theme. This community outreach project raises funds to support Palmetto Elementary families needing holiday assistance.
- Monday, December 16 - Grinch Day
- Tuesday, December 17 - Camo Day / Reindeer Day
- Wednesday, December 18 - Christmas Spirit Day
- Thursday, December 19 - Snowman Day
- Friday, December 20 - Pajama Day
Community Resources
In an effort to share community resources and future events with our families, our district has created the attached QR code that you can scan to access these resources easily. You can also visit the site directly using this link: https://padlet.com/ASD1StudentSupportServices/community-resources-and-events-bbj71ihyxhktcwa2
Thank You!
We would like to send a special thank you to David and Linda Vickery with the SC Christian Foundation for a generous donation that will be used to support our instructional program, students, and teachers. Thank you!
Dates to Remember
Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec 9 - 4th grade field trip to Discovery Place
Dec 9 - Cookies with Santa
Dec 11 - STAR testing (ELA for grades K-5)
Dec 12 - STAR testing (Math for grades 1-5)
Dec 13 - Fifth Grade Wax Museum
Dec 16 - 18 - Santa Shop
Dec 20 - Early Dismissal 11:00 am
Dec 20 - End of 2nd Nine Weeks
Dec 23 - Jan 6 - Christmas Break
Jan 6 - Professional Development for Teachers
Jan 7 - Students Return
Jan 16 - Second Grade performance
Jan 20 - MLK Jr Holiday (No School)