Bear Bulletin

Dear BES Families,

It has been quite the week! I am hopeful that everyone came through the storm with minimal damage and have had power and water restored. We sure are ready to get back to a normal schedule at school! As a reminder, students have 5 days to complete e-learning work in order to be counted present for the e-learning day. This also gives plenty of time for students to complete the work, so no worries there. Teachers have been very accommodating and have also provided some class time for those who may still be struggling with power or other issues.

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

• Monday, Oct 7 - 2nd gr CogAt assessment begins. See your HR teacher newsletter for more details.

• Thursday, Oct 10 - End of 1st quarter, deadline to pre-order author-signed books (see info below.)

• Friday, Oct 11 - Inclement weather make up day. This is an e-learning day. Students will not report to school. See teacher newsletters for more information.

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

• 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

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.

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.

We have crossed the mid-point of the first nine weeks we'd love to get your feedback on the start of school and how things are going for you and your child. Please use the form or the link below to answer just a few questions and provide any other thoughts you'd like to share. If you have more than one child, please complete a survey for each one as the feedback requested is student/teacher specific.

We'll need volunteers and candy donations.

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

BES Families and Community Members - Are you interested in supporting some of the BESt kids we know? It is not a huge time commitment at all, but the impact could last a lifetime. We'd love to have you! You can apply through the link below. If you have questions, contact our School Counselor, Ms. Siders.

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.