Community Connection
At Stono Park
Principal's Corner
“Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers.”
— Byron Caldwell Smith
We have made it to spring and it is because of YOU! Thank you, everyone (parents, teachers, staff, and community) for the consistent and intentional work that you do each day here at Stono Park to ensure our students’ successes. We see the successes each day, and validation of these successes is evident through student performances academically and behaviorally. Thank you is an understatement, for all that you do!
As the year continues, please continue encouraging scholars to do their best, academically and behaviorally! Assessments have started and will continue throughout May. This is the time where your scholars will get to show what they know and we know they’ve learned a lot! In transparency, the days may begin to get challenging because the end is close but when giving up crosses you or your scholar’s path remember the words that was written by an unidentified author:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must—but don’t you quit!
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup.
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And when you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
As a dolphin, and in the words of the very famous Dori (Finding Nemo), “just keep swimming”!
Upcoming Events at Stono Park Elementary
4/3- 1st Grade Field Trip to Legare Farms
4/4- 1st Grade Fastbridge Testing
4/4- 4th & 5th iReady Testing - 1st & 2nd MAP testing
4/5- 4th & 5th iReady Testing - 1st & 2nd MAP testing
4/5- 1st Grade Fastbridge
4/6- 1st grade Fastbridge Testing
4/6- Award Ceremony 9am
4/7- Blue Ribbon Ceremony 9am
4/7- Early Release Dismissal at 1:30pm
4/7- Club Days
4/10-4/14- Spring Break- No School
4/17- PTA Spring T-Shirt Fundraiser
4/19- PTA Meeting
4/21- 4th grade field trip to Fort Sumter
4/21- Diamond Del visits 1st & 3rd grade
4/25- 1st grade field trip to the Gaillard
4/27- Kindergarten Field Trip to Fire Station
4/29- One West Ashley Family Festival at CE Williams South Campus 12pm-4pm
5/3- Kindergarten Field Trip to Folly Beach
5/9-5/11- SC Ready Testing
5/12- Early Release- Dismissal at 1:30pm
5/17- Stono Park Art Show
5/23- CD-2nd Field Day
5/24- 3rd-5th Field Day
5/29- No School - Memorial Day
6/1- PBIS 4th Quarter Celebration
6/6- Half Day of School - Last Day of School
Check Out What Stono Park Scholars are working on in 4th Quarter in ELA
CD- Balls (finishing up) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (4 weeks), Water (4 weeks), End of the Year Review Students will be going on field trips to the bowling alley, recycling center, and county park.
Kindergarten- Enjoying and Appreciating Trees Students will write an opinion piece on why trees are nice. They will also create a piece of artwork showcasing a specific part of a tree. They will also go on a field trip to the fire station and Folly Beach.
1st Grade- Caring for Birds Students will learn how to care for birds and create a Feathered Friends Helper that prevents birds from flying into glass windows. They will direct owl pellets and build birdhouses. Diamond Del will visit our 1st and 3rd graders so they can experience mining for gems. They will be going on a field trip to the Gaillard.
2nd Grade- Providing for Pollinators Students create a wildflower seed packet and write an opinion piece on why people should help butterflies. Students will also visit Cypress Gardens and Bee City.
3rd Grade- Exploring Literary Classics Students will revise a scene in the classic tale of Peter Pan. Diamond Del will visit our 1st and 3rd graders so they can experience mining for gems.
4th Grade- The American Revolution Students will have a debate where they have to choose a side- Patriot or Loyalist??? They will be going on a field trip to Ft. Sumter.
5th Grade- Athlete Leaders of Social Change Students will learn about various athletes that broke barriers. They will reflect on the personal qualities that help leaders to effect change and then create a poster to inspire others to become leaders of change. They will be going on a field trip to Myrtle Beach.
April's Character Trait is PERSEVERANCE.
- The Book of the Month for March is The Oldest Student- How Mary Walker Learned to Read. Our April character skill will be PERSEVERANCE.
Do you or your family need resources?
Email Traci Alter to make an appointment
Summer Camp for 2023!
June 18th-Aug. 4th
Cost: $90.00 per week
Registration starts now!
Academic Leadership / Kaleidoscope | Expanded Learning (ccsdschools.com)
Check Out this Podcast By Dr. Becky Kennedy
These workshops are a great way to connect with other parents/caregivers in your community and share resources with each other!
HELP SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S GROWTH THROUGH ATTENDANCE!
FUN FACT- Daily attendance often declines before and after spring break!
It's TESTING TIME!!
Help Support your Child's Growth by:
- Attend school every day.
- Be on time by 8:30am
- Minimize early dismissals.
- Talk to your child about the importance of school.
- Praise your child(ren) for going to school all day, every day.
Reminder if your student misses school then please remember to hand in their excuse within 3 days of them returning to school so they are not truant!
Nurse's Note
Happy Spring!
As discussed in the last newsletter, pollen levels are high causing itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing and sinus congestion. Wash hands and faces well after being outside and rinse eyes with eye rinse drops when needed.
PLEASE monitor temperatures at home as these symptoms along with fever can often be a sinus, ear or throat infection which needs a doctor’s care. Fever cannot come to school.
Dress for the ever changing weather. Light colored clothing to reflect the heat and light layers to add if it is chilly early in the morning. Please check that shoes are laced or Velcro straps are attached for safety at recess and PE. Sandals, flip flops, dress shoes and crocs do not provide safe support for feet and ankles. Bring a water bottle to stay cool and hydrated. You need 8-10 cups daily.
The testing season is here. Are you getting the proper amount of sleep? CD and 5K students need 10-13 hours and elementary students aged 6-12, need 9-12 hours. Getting proper rest will boost your immune system and prevent frequent illness, as well as make learning more fun.
As always, please pack an extra set of clothing for any spills or accidents that may happen. Your child can change quickly into something that fits well, as our donated supplies for the year have almost run out.
Have a healthy, happy Spring break.
Nurse Wendy
Accepting Applications for Pre-K/Child Development Program
CCSD has also started accepting Pre-K/Child Development (Pre-Kindergarten) applications, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children who enroll in these programs attend at no cost to the family.
Pre-K: www.ccsdschools.com/prek
Head Start: https://www.ccsdschools.com/headstart
Accepting Application for Pre-K/Child Development Program
CCSD has also started accepting Pre-K/Child Development (Pre-Kindergarten) applications, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children who enroll in these programs attend at no cost to the family.
Pre-K: www.ccsdschools.com/prek
Head Start: https://www.ccsdschools.com/headstart
After School Program
We also offer Kaleidoscope After School Program for our Stono Park Scholars from 3:30pm-6pm daily. Kaleidoscope is open on teacher work days, early release days and 1/2 days of school. You also have the option to register your child for Kaleidoscope and not use them every day if you don't need the service but would still be available to your student on days you might need a late pick up or on those early release/teacher work days!
Contact Venessa Hew at 843-518-1133 or email her at Vanessa_hew@charleston.k12.sc.us for any questions
Head Start Programs
CCSD has also started accepting Pre-K/Child Development (Pre-Kindergarten) applications, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children who enroll in these programs attend at no cost to the family.
Pre-K: www.ccsdschools.com/prek
Head Start: https://www.ccsdschools.com/headstart
Head Start Locations
Head Start Programs
CCSD has also started accepting Pre-K/Child Development (Pre-Kindergarten) applications, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children who enroll in these programs attend at no cost to the family.
Pre-K: www.ccsdschools.com/prek
Head Start: https://www.ccsdschools.com/headstart
Call 800-726-8774 for SC Thrive to schedule an appointment.
Free healthy food options afterschool for kids under 18.
CCPL now offering Career Connection Kits for checkout
Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is now offering new Career Connection Kits to assist Charleston County job seekers who have limited or not internet connectivity. These kits, which include a Chromebook as well as a Kajeet Wi-Fi hotspot, are available through the following branches:
- Main Library
- Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
- Bees Ferry West Ashley Library
- Mobile Library
- St. Paul's Hollywood Library
- Wando Mount Pleasant Library
Did you Know?
The Charleston County Public Library also has Free Virtual Tutoring with student's library Card. Visit Tutor.com Student Center | Charleston County Public Library (ccpl.org) to take advantage of this free resource.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Resources for Home
Sesame Street in the Community
Mind Yeti
Mind Yeti®: Fifteen of our mindfulness program sessions are now available for anyone to use, no experience necessary! Designed for educators and families to do alongside children, or for older children to do on their own, Mind Yeti provides a great way for everyone to practice mindfulness during this difficult time.
Mind Yeti on Vimeo: English | Spanish
Mind Yeti on YouTube: English | Spanish
Mind Yeti Podcast: RSS Feed | Spotify | Stitcher
The Imagine Neighborhood
This new podcast for families is designed to help children and grown-ups practice their
social-emotional skills. Each episode tells a story that’s amazing, fantastical, and maybe a little bananas, while it tackles the big feelings that come with growing up.
Free Tutoring Support for your Child
Palmetto Community Action Partnership Offer Childcare Support
Community Guide to Counseling Services
https://sites.google.com/charleston.k12.sc.us/guaparalacomunidad/orientaci%C3%B3n-psicol%C3%B3gica
Program to Support Families with Internet!
To support families with internet service during COVID-19, the FCC has a new
program called Emergency Broadband Benefit. Households with students who receive free or reduced-price school meals, including ALL students in CEP schools, qualify for the program. There are three ways to apply:
- Apply online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
- Contact the local broadband provider to learn about their application process (find participating broadband providers here)
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.
Mortgage and Housing Assistance: Help for homeowners and renters during the coronavirus national emergency
SC Assistance to Help Homeowners
Rent & Utility Assistance
SC Stay
If you need rental or utility assistance, fill out application for SC Stay Plus by calling 803-336-4320 or Home Page - NMA Portal (onlinepha.com)
Palmetto CAP
Rent, prescription medication, food, car repair assistance. 1069 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Please call the toll free hotline 1-844-769-6448 to book an appt. OR go to Palmetto CAP.
HALOS
HALOS, the local non-profit that assists kinship caregivers, has lots of funding to give to grandparents (or other relatives) who are caring for CCSD students. Families are eligible for $1,000 at a time for rent/utilities/other emergency needs. Contact (854)444-3716 or autumn@charlestonhalos.org
Neighbors Together
HOURS
Business Hours:
Weekdays: 9am – 3pm
Hot Lunches:
Monday – Thursday
10:30am – 12:30pm
Health & Wellness Program
Wednesday
10:30am - 12:30pm
Case Management
Monday - Thursday (By Appointment)
10:00am – 1:00pm
Call 843-747-1788 or email neighbor@neighborstogethersc.or
2105 Cosgrove Ave Charleston, SC 29406
Charleston County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Program provides: *emergency Rent & Utility Assistance for eligible Charleston County residents *up to 12 months in back rent and up to 3 months prospective rent *see website for in-person application options APPLY through ONLINE APPLICATION - United Way 2-1-1 (sc211.org)
East Cooper Outreach
Food Assistance
Lowcountry Food Bank
Emergency Food Pantry
Each client receives enough food for one month. Clients are asked to call ahead and make an appointment for food. Walk-in clients for emergency food will be served as soon as possible by CASC staff. Clients must complete a brief application before receiving a box of food. All clients are entered into Charity Tracker, a Tri-County database for basic needs services. 259 Meeting Street in Charleston. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1-3:30.
Lowcountry Blessing Box
Blessing boxes are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, and baby supplies. Leave what you can, take what you need.To find a location, contact them at (843) 737-2517 or chsblessingbox@gmail.com.
The Salvation Army
SCIWAY
Community Resource Center
How can I support you?
Traci Alter - Parent Advocate
Email: Traci_Alter@charleston.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.ccsdschools.com/stonopark
Location: Stono Park Elementary School, Huntley Drive, Charleston, SC, USA
Phone: 843-763-1507