Bear Bulletin

As we head into the season of Thanksgiving, we want to extend a special THANK YOU to our BES families that support our school, our students, and the faculty and staff.

Top "Need to Knows"

• 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!

For Your Calendar:

• Wed, Nov 27 - Fri, Nov 29: Thanksgiving Break. All D5 schools and offices are closed.
• Thurs, Dec 5 - WinterFest - save the date & see details below!

D5 School Board policy ADF “School Wellness” stipulates that during the instructional day, any food that is brought to a school from home with the purpose of sharing among students be store bought, packaged and have ingredients clearly listed on the packaging. Most cookies, full-sized cupcakes, and candy do not meet the criteria below.

For this reason, any special snacks must be coordinated well in advance with the homeroom teacher to ensure that items meet the Board policy guidelines.

Foods must be in compliance with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended nutrition standards for foods in schools.

< 200 calories

< 35% of total calories from fat

< 10% of calories from saturated fats

Zero trans fat (< 0.5 g per serving)

< 35% of calories from total sugars

< 200 mg sodium

***Please help us avoid disappointment on a special day by ensuring that all snacks to be shared with the class are approved by the HR Teacher well in advance.***

The PTO is providing a "stuff your stocking" themed First Friday for the month of December! Each staff member will have the opportunity to grab a stocking and fill it with all kinds of fun things. We're hoping to have some pre-packaged snacks, as well as some highly desired school supplies.

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.