
The Buzz | November

November | 2024
Principal's Message
PRMS Parents,
As many of you have seen, school report cards came out last week. Pine Ridge continues to show an upward trend in academic test scores in both ELA and Math. Over the past two years, our focus on instruction, specifically on increasing rigor in the classroom, attention and reflection on teaching strategies, and increasing our Tier II (STING) has shown consistent growth. We also showed significant improvement in our School Climate where all surveys, parent, teacher, and students, positively grew in each of the three areas: socio-physical environment, home-school relations, and satisfaction with the learning environment. I am very proud of our staff and students for the gains made last year.
At Pine Ridge, teachers routinely use data to analyze the effectiveness of strategies and student growth. The administration uses data to monitor and adjust systems in place to the best benefit of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support. Please reach out to our staff if you have any questions or if your child needs any support. We have an excellent staff that is prepared to meet your child's needs.
-- Karen Holloman, Principal
Upcoming Dates
November 05- Election Day | No School
November 13- Q2 Interims
November 19- Math & Science Family Night @ 5:30
November 21- Lexington Two Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM
November 22- Half-Time Celebration | Qualifications to Attend
November 25-29- Thanksgiving Break | No School
December 04- Early Release | Student Dismissal @ 12:30
Math & Science Family Night
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024, 05:30 PM
Pine Ridge Middle School, Pine Ridge Drive, West Columbia, SC, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
8th Grade Career Fair Showcase
PRMS National Junior Honor Society
Congratulations to our 2024 National Junior Honor Society inductees! On Tuesday, October 22, Pine Ridge inducted 35 students into the Pine Ridge Middle School NJHS Chapter.
Varsity Tutors
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Varsity Tutors that will allow Lexington Two's K-12 students free access to 24/7 on-demand tutoring, test prep, essay assistance, and more- any time of day, any day of the week. It is available on students' school-issued devices. Click this link for a video overview of this free tutoring and learning support service, and look to hear more this month.
Some of the features include:
- 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring
- On-demand essay review
- Live enrichment and remediation classes
SAT and ACT test prep classes
Recorded enrichment classes
Adaptive assessments and personalized learning plans
College and career readiness resources
Self-study resources
Scholastic Book Fair
Dear Families,
Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect
with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. And fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits—including academic success and improved mental health.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Book Fair:
Dates: November 4th and the 6th through the 11th
Location: Library
Students will visit with their Language Arts classes. The fair is also open after school until 4:30 daily.
There’s even more info on our school’s Book Fair homepage.
Click here to see all the books at the fair. While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds.
Many of us still remember the rush of finding the perfect book at a Scholastic Book Fair. I hope you’ll join your child at our school’s Fair and share a reading experience they’ll remember forever.
Happy reading,
Karen Holloman
Principal, Pine Ridge Middle School
PS: Need one more reason to visit the Book Fair? Every purchase at the Fair benefits our school!
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
The Lexington Two Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 5:30- 8:00. We look forward to seeing you there!
Counselor's Corner
This past week our school celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a time when students are encouraged to commit to a drug free life. Students participated in lessons about peer pressure, the dangers of fentanyl, the consequences of using drugs and more. Students also pledged to live a drug free life. We want to thank the Taylor Watford Foundation for visiting and providing an important message for our students about fetanly - that one pill can kill. As well as, a special shout out goes to to our career specialist, Ms. Bouknight, and her Rise Above It Club for assisting in creating a meaningful and fun week for students. Please support our efforts by using the sites below to assist you in talking with your child about the dangers of drugs and how to resist the pressure to use them. And, if you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiction the local agency LRADAC (Lexington and Richland County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council) can assist you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Parent and Caregiver Resources
Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of South Carolina and AmeriCorps are launching a new initiative to recognize Pine Ridge students who are SWARMing for Success!
What does it take to SWARM? It takes being:
Safe
Willing
Accountable
Responsible
Motivated
We want to celebrate our students doing their part in creating a positive school environment. Keep an eye on the mail throughout the month to see how your child is making Pine Ridge a great place to be!
Yellow Jacket Athletics
Team Schedules:
Purchase your tickets ahead of time here!
Planning to Attend Airport Athletic Games? See the memo below:
All middle school students will be required to attend Airport games with a parent or coach. Students must also have their school issued ID. Students who try and enter without a parent or coach will not be able to enter the game.
-Matt Schilit, Principal, Airport High School
PRMS CHEER TRYOUTS: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6