BES Families -

THANK YOU to the many volunteers that helped provide a duty-free lunch for the teachers last week. It was so very appreciated! We'll be doing it again soon, so if you weren't able to volunteer this time, you'll have another opportunity.

We are definitely heading into more fall like weather for sure with some days covering just about every season! As kids start to layer up with the cooler temperatures, please make sure their names are in jackets in case they get misplaced in the building.

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

• Pumpkin Walk News: A big thank you to all the families that have sent in candy! It truly takes our whole school community to pitch in and help make this a fun filled evening. We are looking for a few volunteers for this evening - see more info HERE.

• Fall Book Fair Info - and we'll be open during the Pumpkin Walk! Preview the books here!

• 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!

• Red Ribbon/ Healthy Choices Spirit Week - See info below the attachment to start planning for each theme day.

• How to reserve your spirit rock ONLINE!

• Monday, Oct 21 - Picture Day, Book Fair starts (available book titles)

• 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, BES Book Fair is open late!

• Monday, Oct 28 - Boosterthon resumes! Help us reach our goal!, Healthy Choices / Red Ribbon Spirit Week (so you can plan ahead for the themed days!)

• 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.

• Sunday, Nov 3 - Daylight savings time ends - we fall back 1 hour today! Set your clocks!

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! The book fair will also be open late for families to shop.

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.

Click HERE to volunteer for a few minutes during the event.

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.