Bear Bulletin

Here's what to look for in this week's Bear Bulletin -

• This week's lunch menu, as well as links for setting up your child's account, adding money to your child's account, or to apply for financial support for meals.

• Volunteer opportunities at BES - these are updated frequently, so check back often!

• Information about the D5 Bond Referendum and how it will impact BES families

• Dates for your calendar for special school and family-fun activities!

• How to reserve your spirit rock ONLINE!

• Monday, Oct 14 - Fall break - all D5 schools and offices are closed

• Tuesday, Oct 15 - Zaxby's Spirit Night from 5-9pm. Wear BES shirt, tell them you are with Ballentine, or put BES in the last name section for online orders and a percentage of the sales will go to BES!

• Monday, Oct 21 - Picture Day!

• Friday, Oct 25 - PTO meeting at 7:50 in the library (rescheduled from 10/4), BES Pumpkin Walk, 5:30-6:45 on the bus loop

• Monday, Oct 28 - Boosterthon resumes!

• Wednesday, Oct 30 - BES School Improvement Council Mtg, 7:00am

• Thursday, Oct 31 - Early Release Day

• Friday, Nov 1 - Boosterthon Fun Run! See teacher newsletters for details.

Wednesday, October 16

We LOVE our teachers and we want to thank them with a Duty Free Lunch. Teachers will enjoy a quiet lunch with colleagues while parents help other BES staff supervise kids in the cafeteria.

We'll have community groups, the RCSD, the Irmo Fire Department, a fall phot op, as well as festive trunk-or-treat style decorations and tables by each grade level at BES! Popcorn & water will be sold for $2 for both items for those needing a snack. Mini-water bottles will be sold 2 for $1 (cash only.))

Costumes welcome (but please refrain from accessories that resemble weapons of any kind.)

We'll need volunteers and candy donations.

Check with your child's homeroom teacher to see how you can help!

Lexington-Richland School District Five will host a series of virtual Lunch & Learn events with Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. regarding the proposed Bond Referendum on the November election ballot.

Sessions will be held virtually from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. and will be tailored to the attendance zones for the district. The events will provide information about how the Bond Referendum would impact schools and the community. To submit a question to be addressed during the Lunch and Learn or included in a FAQ document click the following link: https://tinyurl.com/LR5BondQuestion.

• The Dutch Fork community event will be Friday, October 4, 2024.

Register: https://tinyurl.com/LR5BondDutchFork

• The Irmo community event will be Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Register: https://tinyurl.com/LR5BondIrmo

• The Chapin community event will be Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Register: https://tinyurl.com/LR5BondChapin

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and feedback virtually.

If you are unable to attend the Lunch & Learn, the events will be recorded and shared on the District website.

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.