Bear Bulletin
Week of March 20
From the Principal
MAP testing starts this coming week! This is an assessment that we use three times per year to measure growth, determine next steps instructionally, and it can even impact student class placement for the following year. This is also a challenging time as the weather is warming up, families start to make travel plans for spring break, and spring fever starts to creep in. So parents, we need your help! As your child is gearing up to take the MAP test this week, it is important that they understand the importance of the assessment. We don't want them stressed or anxious, but rather confident and ready to focus and do their best. Please make sure your child is well rested, eats a good breakfast , and send them off to school ready to "show what you know" and "do your best" attitude!
We are also very excited about our 2nd annual Arts Week. Our Related Areas teachers have been working hard on planning special, engaging experiences and activities that will reinforce the arts. Students will explore black light pendulum painting, dance choreography, stop-motion animation, traditional Greek dances, creative writing, and enjoy two musical performances - our 5th graders performing with local professional musicians and a Latin guitarist during lunches. It's going to be a great week at BES!
***On Monday, students must wear tennis shoes
to participate in one of the activities for Arts Week.***
Parents - we need your help!
Spring Picture Day is coming!
For your calendar
- Mon, Mar 20 - Fri, Mar 24 - BES Arts Week
- Tues, Mar 21 - end of 3rd quarter, 2nd - 5th gr MAP testing (ELA)
- Wed, Mar 22 - Early Release Day, dismiss at 11:40
- Fri, Mar 24 - 1st gr MAP testing (ELA)
- Tues, March 28 - 4th & 5th gr MAP testing (math), BES Family Night (Pizza, Bingo, & Art Show! See info below to pre-order meals.)
- Wed, March 29 - SIC meeting (7:00am), 2nd & 3rd gr MAP testing (math), report cards sent home
- Thurs, March 30 - 1st gr MAP testing (math)
- Fri, March 31 - PTO Meeting, 7:45am library, spring pictures
- Fri, April 7 - Fri, April 14 - Spring Break - all D5 schools and offices closed.
- Mon, April 17 - students return
3rd - 5th gr Parents - Are you all set up for PARENT PORTAL?
Parent Portal is a wonderful tool for parents to access their child's information. In addition, you can use it to keep tabs on attendance and for students in grade 3 - 5, you can see grade updates.
Ecollect is a new forms collection tool that is housed inside PowerSchool, the database from which Parent Portal pulls information. Within the next few days, the SC Dept of Education will start using Ecollect to collect data from our district including surveys from parents of students in grades 3 - 5. In addition, this is how students attending either Chapin Intermediate or CrossRoads Intermediate schools will be registering for electives and core classes for their 5th grade year. (There will not be an email with a google form, like the past couple of years.)
The only way a parent can utilize Ecollect is through PowerSchool's Parent Portal, so it's important that we get everyone signed up and ready to go! Most families already have access to Parent Portal, but some still don't. Access to Parent Portal is password protected and is student specific, so, if you have not already accessed Parent Portal or don't remember your password, please reach out to Mrs. Spell, our registrar, at dspell@lexrich5.org or call 476-4500.
Do you want to be more involved at BES, but aren't quite sure where to start?
I know it is hard to believe, but it is that time of year when we start planning for the next school year. An important part of that process is setting up our advisory and support groups such as the School Improvement Council (SIC) and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) board.
Our School Improvement Council (SIC) is an advisory group of elected parent, community, and teacher representatives that work together to support the school’s initiatives. We meet monthly at 7:00am, so it is the perfect way to be involved, and still make it to work on time! The SIC is a great opportunity to hear about and be a part of the school decision-making process firsthand. We have two open positions for the upcoming school year.
Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a more active group that can be seen throughout the building. We have a very involved parent group, so much of the work is just helping to plan events and coordinate support for activities. There will be several PTO Board positions open, as well as committee chair opportunities.
Both groups provide easy opportunities for all parents to be involved in the school. We value parent input - your ideas, suggestions, and feedback help us make decisions that keep our school moving forward! Jump in and get involved. See the form below!
How to Reach Us
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 as we work through new routines and procedures. 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
Community Sponsors
Student breakfast: $1.50
Student lunch: $2.85
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.