As we near the end of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've been on together and feeling a sense of optimism for the future. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we've faced, I am continually inspired by the resilience, strength, and perseverance demonstrated by our students, families, and staff.

Throughout this year, we have overcome obstacles, adapted to new ways of learning and connecting, and demonstrated a remarkable ability to support one another through difficult times. It is this spirit of unity and determination that fills me with hope for the future.

As we look ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us. While the road ahead may still have its challenges, I am optimistic about the opportunities that await us. I believe in the incredible potential of our students and the power of education to transform lives. With dedication, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve!

I have shared with our staff that it is my goal that Whitesville Elementary School become a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. We will dream big, encourage much, and show appreciation beyond measure. It is through our collective efforts that we will continue to build a brighter future for our children and our community.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, let us embrace the future with hope, optimism, and a sense of possibility.

B. Gantt

#soaringtogether

Our mission is to cultivate a caring community that utilizes a multitude of teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for their next adventure.

1. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and appreciated.
2. We believe that all children deserve a high quality education.
3. We believe in collaboration and making connections.

Staying Safe

Owning Your Actions

Acting Responsibly

Respecting Everyone & Everything

Tuesday, May 14 - Wednesday, May 15: 3rd-5th Grade SC READY (Math & Science)

Thursday, May 16: 3rd-5th Grade SC READY Field Test

Thursday, May 16: Field Day (K-2)

Friday, May 17: Field Day (3-5)

Monday, May 20 - Tuesday, May 21: 3rd-5th Grade iReady Spring Diagnostic

Wednesday, May 22: Head Start Transition Ceremony

Thursday, May 23: 5th Grade Party

Friday, May 24: 5th Grade Promotional Ceremony

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 28: K-2nd Grade Tag of Honor

Wednesday, May 29: 3rd & 4th Grade Tag of Honor

Our "window for testing" will be between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Parents please be sure your child is at school prior to the start of testing, and if possible, do not sign them out before testing has completed.

If your child needs to be out, please communicate with your child's teacher so we can be sure to add your child to our make-up testing roster.

We have about 50 yearbooks available for pre-sale (first come, first serve). Yearbooks are on sale for $20. Please complete this form and submit payment with your child to the front office. For any questions, please contact Mrs. Brandi Ard (ardb@bcsdschools.net).

*Make checks payable to Whitesville Elementary School PTO.

If you are interested in purchasing a 2023-24 Yearbook and you did not complete online Strawbridge order form, please complete the form Yearbook Pre-Sales Form.

May 14

K-2nd iReady (make-up testing)

3rd-5th SCReady (Math)

May 15

K-2nd iReady (make-up testing)

4th SCReady (Science)

3rd & 5th SCReady (make-up testing)

May 16

3rd-5th SCReady (Field Testing)

May 17

3rd-5th SCReady (make-up testing)

May 20

3rd-5th iReady (Reading)

May 21

3rd-5th iReady (Math)

May 22

3rd-5th iReady (make-up testing)

Berkeley County School District is requiring parents/legal guardians of ALL returning students, enrolled in BCSD the last day of the previous calendar school year, to complete an Online Returning Student Update and to provide two proofs of residency.

This mandatory process will be completed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal ONLY. If you, as parent/guardian, have never created a Parent Portal Account or has forgotten your username or password, please contact Mrs. Jones (jonesindia@bcsdschools.net) for support.

Families who do not have reliable access to the internet can make an appointment with Mrs. Jones (jonesindia@bcsdschools.net).

This update process is only for reviewing/updating information for students who will be returning to Berkeley County School District for the 2024-2025 school year.

This required process will allow you to enter accurate parent/emergency contact information, upload the required two proofs of residency, complete required annual forms/policies and provide transportation information for each student enrolled with the District.

The iReady Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit your student's needs. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question. The purpose of iReady is to determine how our students have grown during the year. Our Kindergarteners - 5th Graders will participate in iReady End of the Year Testing on

• Tuesday May 7th (K-2nd Reading)
• Wednesday May 8th (K-2nd Math)
• Monday, May 20th (3rd-5th Reading)
• Tuesday, May 21st (3rd-5th Math)

Please find some iReady Family Resources linked below.

The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessment (SC READY) program is a statewide assessment in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3–8 and science for grades 4 and 6. The SC READY tests measure the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards taught in ELA, Math, and Science classes. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders will participate in SC READY Testing on

• Tuesday, May 7th (ELA)
• Wednesday, May 8th (ELA)
• Tuesday, May 14th (Math)
• Wednesday, May 15th (4th Grade - Science)
• Thursday, May 16th (Field Test)

Please find some SC READY Family resources linked below.

Every month WES students will learn about a character word. This month, the words of the month are Fairness & Cooperation.

Fairness & Cooperation are defined as a relationship with another that results in feelings of caring, support, and helping the other person to be their best.

Share with your child what fairness & cooperation mean to you and ask them to share moments when they have demonstrated honesty and integrity.

As we strive to continuously improve the quality of education at Whitesville Elementary School, your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our approach. With this in mind, I am writing to request your input regarding your child's placement for the 2024-2025 school year.

We do not take teacher recommendations; however, your insights and observations about your child's needs in terms of their teacher will help us to ensure that your child is placed in the best possible environment to learn and to grow.

Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by responding to the Student Placement Family Input Form (below). We value your partnership in your child's education and appreciate your time and input in this matter.

Thank you for your continued support.

“South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law requires that a parent or guardian shall require his child to attend regularly a public or private school or kindergarten of this State which has been approved by the State Board of Education, a member school of the South Carolina Independent Schools and Association, a member school of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, or some similar organization, or a parochial, denominational, or church-related school, or other programs which have been approved by the State Board of Education f rom the school year in which the child is five years of age before September first until the child attains his seventeenth birthday or graduates from high school.”

We love our Volunteers! Please make sure to complete the BCSD Volunteer Clearance Check at https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzplbi1VUw== in order to volunteer!