Patriot Pages
February Edition
A Message from Ms. Odom, Proud Principal of Independence Elementary School
Winthrop Athletics hosts the annual Back the Pack with a Winthrop Basketball game benefiting our elementary schools and Back the Pack. The 2018 game will take place on Saturday, February 3rd at 2 pm. Chase Rollings, a fifth grader, will represent Independence at the game. The school with most attendees will receive $1000! Let's Go Patriots!
I also hope that you will seriously consider attending the Sip and See. We want to hear from you. This event will begin at 8:30 am in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there. Our goal is to have at least one parent from each classroom attend.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you and your child!
Yours in Service,
Kimberly C. Odom, Ed.S.
Happenings Around the School
Kindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of School
Team Spirit Day
Recycling Program in First Grade with the City of Rock Hill
Beta Club Induction
Our FIRST Beta Club!
Kindness Week
February 12-16, 2018
Kindness Week is one week dedicated to practicing random acts of kindness and creating a kind culture within our school.
Independence is proudly participating in this proactive, positive kindness initiative. All students will receive a Great Kindness Challenge checklist. Please encourage your child to have fun and complete the checklist. Teachers, staff and students will all be participating in acts of kindness and modeling how simple gestures make our community more welcoming and KIND.
Monday, Feburary 12th - “Kindness Is My Superhero” - wear super hero shirts
Tuesday, Feburary 13th- “Let Kindness Shine”- wear sparkles, shiny things, neon
Wednesday, Feburary 14th – “Have a Heart- Be Kind to Others”- wear red
Thursday, February 15th- “Ride the Kindness Wave” – wear beachy attire
Friday, Feburary 16th- “Hats Off to Kindness” – wear hats
We are also happy to invite YOU to participate using the Family Edition checklist. Your family can complete the checklist anytime and anywhere. https://thegreatkindnesschallenge.com/familychecklist/
Together, let’s show the world that...
KINDNESS
MATTERS!
Class Celebration expectations for February 14th
Because we have children with potentially life threatening food allergies or sensitivities, we ask that you talk with your child’s classroom teacher BEFORE bringing any items into the classroom to share or send home for the Valentine’s Day celebration. We take these issues very serious and strive to keep children safe and free from allergens while they are at school. There are a few important reminders regarding items being brought into classrooms:
**Please NO home baked items.
** Store label must be attached to item(s) being brought and NOT contain class allergens (if applicable). PLEASE check with your child’s teacher before purchasing any items for classroom celebrations. For the safety of the children, we cannot allow items into classrooms that have not been approved by classroom teacher or nurse prior to the celebration.
Thank you for working together with us to provide a safe, fun celebration that can be enjoyed by all.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself.
Sally Jackson, RN BSN
School Nurse
A few additional reminders:
- Room Parents will support the teacher with facilitating and organizing the celebration. Unfortunately we can not accommodate all parents for this event due to space and safety.
- The celebration will begin at 1:30 pm.
- When sending in treats, make sure that you have enough for the entire class.
Read, Write and Inspire
Read Across America Week
NEA's Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.
NEA's Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.- From the NEA's website
At Independence, we celebrate Read Across America the last week in February. Spirit Days and Special Guests will be announced later on in the month. We have some great surprises in store for your children to celebrate being lifelong readers!
Homework Changes for Third through Fifth grade students
Title I
Independence Elementary School Educators and Leadership continually monitors the implementation of the Title I plan and welcomes input from parents, families, school staff, and community members regarding its current and future Title I plans. If you would like to participate on the school’s Title I planning team or make comments on the plan, please contact the principal at 803-981-1135. Thank you!
A Visit from Mayor Gettys
TITLE I PARENT ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS
Mind in the Making
Important Dates to Remember
3-
Back the Pack Game at Winthrop Coliseum at 2 pm
6-
SIC at 5 pm
PTA at 5:30 pm
8-
Texas Roadhouse Spirit Night
9-
Candy Gram Order Forms Due
Sip and See with Ms. Odom and Friends at 8:30 am
14-
Kindness Parties to begin at 1:30 pm
16-
Make Up Day for weather
19-
Make Up Day for weather
23-
Terrific Kids Celebration at 8:15 am
26-
Read Across America Week kick off
27-
Independence Night at the Winthrop Coliseum
Spirit Days
2- National Wear Red Day
9- Patriot Day/ Red, White and Blue
16- Hat Day
23- College Day
Independence Elementary School
Location: 132 W Springdale Rd, Rock Hill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-981-1135