The Bobcat Blaze
September 25, 2020
Principal's Message
I hope you have enjoyed your week of growing and learning with peers and teachers. As we continue to navigate virtual learning please keep the following in mind:
- Please find your student a quiet and safe location from which they can work each day. It would even be helpful to provide them with earbuds or headphones to cancel background noise in hopes of avoiding distraction.
- Our goal at A.C. Moore is to produce independent thinkers and learners. Therefore, we encourage parents and older siblings to not sit directly near students as they work daily. Please allow students in grades 2 - 5 the opportunity to learn the technology and participate in class on their own. Having adults or older siblings present during class is distracting and disruptive to not only your Bobcat but the other students in the TEAM as well.
- Continue to remind students they are not to use TEAMS chat features or rooms for conversations or activities unrelated to school. Incidents such as this will be reported to parents and administration. We expect all students to follow the school Code of Conduct even virtually.
We hope you have a safe, restful, and fun weekend!
Principal's Weekly Message: https://cloud.swivl.com/v/1d74f81b609439037116f3b97b5d41c5
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
September
- Tuesday, September 15-Thursday, October 15.......Hispanic Heritage Month
- Monday, September 28..........................................Dreambox 101 Webinar for Parents and Caregivers 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 30.....................................Chat and Chew with Principal Aldridge 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 30.....................................Interim Reports
Dreambox 101 - Webinar for Parents and Caregivers
Dreambox Learning will be providing a Dreambox 101 Webinar for Parents and Caregivers on Monday, September 28, 2020. Each session will be 30 minutes and will provide a general overview of the Dreambox program. Additionally, tips on how parents and caregivers can help their students at home will also be presented. To attend the sessions please join the Microsoft Teams Meeting below.
Dreambox 101 Webinar Links
Be sure to download the Dreambox at Home guide (below) for additional support.
Chat and Chew with Principal Aldridge
A.C. Moore families are cordially invited to attend a "Chat & Chew with Principal Aldridge"! Please plan to join Ms. Aldridge on Wednesday, September 30th at 8:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. Each session will be held virtually via Microsoft TEAMS. Below are the links for each session. We hope to see you there!
Chat and Chew with Principal Aldridge
Las familias A.C. Moore están cordialmente invitadas a tener una charla informal (Chat and Chew) con la directora Aldridge. Por favor únanse a para hablar con la Sra. Aldridge, el miércoles 30 de septiembre a las 8:30 a.m. o a las 7:00 p.m. Cada sesión se realizara virtualmente vía Microsoft Teams. Abajo encontrara los enlaces para que se unan a la charla.
Esperamos verlos allí!
Una Charla Informal (Chat and Chew) con la directora Aldridge.
SIC Elections Coming Soon
We are excited to be organizing our School Improvement Council (SIC) for the 2020-21 school year. The SIC, a membership comprised of parents, teachers, and community stakeholders, is the advisory council to the principal and school. SIC members meet once a month about issues relating to school improvement. Join us at one of the kickoff Chat & Chew events with Principal Aldridge on September 30th to learn more about the SIC! Be on the lookout for more details about SIC nominations and elections in the next Bobcat Blaze.
Las elecciones del concejo para el mejoramiento de la escuela, por sus siglas en inglés (SIC) serán pronto
Estamos emocionados de estar organizando nuestro concejo para el mejoramiento de la escuela (SIC) para el año 2020-2021.El SIC es un concejo que asesora a la directora y a la escuela. Está formado por padres de familia, maestros, y miembros de la comunidad, quienes se reúnen una vez al mes para discutir temas relacionados con el mejoramiento de la escuela. Únase con nosotros a uno de las charlas (Chat & Chew) con la directora Aldridge el 30 de Septiembre para aprender más sobre el SIC, también puede ver más detalles acerca de las nominaciones y las elecciones en el próximo Bobcat Blaze (nuestra publicación de noticias).
School News
Hispanic Heritage Month...Did you Know?
As of July 1, 2019, the Hispanic population of the United States included 60.6 million people. People of Hispanic origin account for the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority, accounting for 18.5% of the nation’s total population.
The United States wouldn’t be the same without Hispanic people: Colombia’s Shakira, Mexico’s Eugenio Derbez, and Spain’s Rosalía have left an everlasting mark in the music and entertainment world. American-born Hispanics, like Jennifer Lopez, Danny Trejo, and Eva Longoria, are also calling attention to their Spanish-speaking roots. What’s more, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor are giving Hispanics a powerful voice in politics.
Whether you enjoy Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin’s best hits or you’re watching a film by Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, there’s no denying the significant ways Hispanics have contributed to U.S. culture. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve highlighted a few famous Hispanic and Latinx people who prove that there’s beauty in embracing your heritage.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
In 2018, at 29 years old, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress after she was elected to New York’s 14th Congressional District. The Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent says her experiences and struggles embody the very definition of the American dream, and it has helped her connect with the people she represents
Eugenio Derbez
Originally from Mexico City, Eugenio is an international superstar, thanks to his 2013 hit comedy drama Instructions Not Included. Before his crossover success, the 59-year-old actor starred in beloved Spanish shows and movies like Al derecho y al derbez, La familia P. Luche, and Under the Same Moon, among many others. Eugenio has studied his craft, earning multiple degrees in acting, singing, dancing, and film directing.
Constance Marie
Constance got her start as a dancer before portraying Selena Quintanilla's mother in the 1997 biopic Selena. The actress of Mexican descent went on to have lead roles in George Lopez and Switched at Birth. For the past four years, she's voiced Doña Paloma in Disney's Elena of Avalor.
Jaime Camil
Jamie shot to stardom in his native country Mexico with the rom-com telenovela La fea más bella. The 47-year-old actor and singer is of Mexican, Brazilian, and Egyptian descent. He went on to give memorable performances in Las tontas no van al cielo and Por ella soy Eva. Jamie continued earning praise with his portrayal of Rogelio de la Vega in Jane The Virgin. When he's not in front of the camera, he's on stage performing musicals and plays.
Sonia Sotomayor
The Supreme Court member made history when President Barack Obama appointed her in 2009, becoming the first Hispanic to serve. The Princeton and Yale alum was raised by her Puerto Rican mom in the Bronx. She decided to pursue law when she was only 10 after watching an episode of the legal drama Perry Mason. The 66-year-old is also the author of four books, including a New York Times bestselling children's book called Just Ask!.
Guillermo del Toro
Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, and The Shape of Water are only a handful of critically acclaimed films by the Mexican director, screenwriter, and producer. In August 2019, the 55-year-old was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he took this opportunity to speak to fellow immigrants. "You should believe in the possibilities and not the obstacles," he said. "Do not believe the lies they tell about us. Believe in the stories you have inside and believe that we all can make a difference.”
How Well do you Know...
The Flags of Spanish Speaking Countries?
How well did you and your Bobcat student know last week's flags? The answers are below. Don't forget to submit your student's responses by clicking below on "Flags For Week Two". Remember, each student that submits the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a special prize at the end of Hispanic Heritage month!
Week One Answers
Nurse's Notes
Please return your child’s completed Confidential Health Questionnaire to Nurse Hurt as soon as possible. It can be faxed to 803-929-2724, emailed to jennifer.hurt@richlandone.org, or mailed to the school. Please be sure to complete both sides and sign the form. Contact Nurse Hurt if you have any questions or concerns.
Prisma Health Offering Flu Shots in October
Prisma Health is offering free flu shots throughout Richland County and surrounding areas. The flu shot is available for anyone six months and older and will be administered by drive-through at designate locations in the midlands or you can visit the first floor lobby of Prisma Health, Nine Medical Park, every Wednesday and Thursday in October, 3–6 p.m. to receive a flu vaccine.
Face masks or shields will be required at both drive-up and in-building locations, along with temperature checks. Anyone with a fever will not be allowed a flu shot vaccine. Consent forms are required and available at each site. Children under the age of 16 require a parent/guardian signature. Flu shots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For additional information and locations in our area, click the link below.
A Message from PTO
We would LOVE to build our PTO foundation and include as many families as possible in our communications and events this school year. To stay up-to-date on PTO happenings, please click the link below to register for the Bobcat e-Blast! If you are currently receiving the Bobcat e-Blasts, you will still need to complete the form and provide your information. We will hold virtual PTO meetings on Wednesday evenings this year. Please review the weekly Bobcat Blaze for more information about our first meeting.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVTMQYJ
Thanks, and hope to see you all soon!
Carrie Smith & Kim Pordes (PTO chairs)
acmbobcatspto@gmail.com
ThriveRichland
ThriveRichland is a birth to four initiative established by Richland County School District One with the overall goal of increasing the percentage of children entering kindergarten ready to learn. The three major focus areas of ThriveRichland are:
High quality professional development and support for early childhood professionals
Comprehensive family wellness and engagement
Development of a plan for an early learning lab school within Richland One
Student Lunch Services
Please be advised that breakfast and lunch are being provided to students during the school week. The Student Nutrition Services Meal Delivery Program will delivery your student's meals for the entire week every Monday along the attached route. Please click the link below for your pick-up location and time.
Student Nutrition Services Meal Delivery Program Delivery Routes
Wellness Watch
3 Ways Families Can Promote Fun & Wellness At Home
Source for this week's Wellness Watch
Below are 3 tips for engaging the whole family in wellness-focused activities, inspired by The Center for Family Engagement’s Family Guide to Fostering Whole Child Development.
1. Try a New Hobby or Activity
- Try dancing, jumping rope, or yoga
2. Balance Screen Time
Try these tips to balance your screen time and support your family's physical and social-emotional well-being:
- Swap family movie night for family story night. Take turns reading your favorite book or acting out the story!
- Share your feelings during mealtimes with intentional conversation starters.
- Create a device-free night-time winddown plan to build a routine for healthy sleep.
3. Connect in the Kitchen
Invite children to help select healthy recipes and prepare food your whole family can enjoy together.
Ways younger children can help:
- Sort and put away groceries
- Select which vegetables or fruit to include in a meal
- Set the table before a meal begins
- Help plant a family herb or vegetable garden
Ways older children and teens can help:
- Lead the family in the steps to plan a meal.
- Chop vegetables for snacking or cooking
- Help plant a family herb or vegetable garden
Learn more about the role of family engagement in whole child education or discover more family engagement resources in the Kohl’s Healthy at Home resource hub.
Tech Tips
For Teachers, Parents, and Students...
Something not quite right with you computer? Try restarting it! Rebooting your computer helps to keep the device running efficiently and can often speed up performance. Additionally, rebooting a computer unloads all device drivers, closes all programs and restarts the operating system. This action helps to keep “computer cobwebs” from forming and as a result your PC can perform at peak speed.
Still Having Laptop Issues??
You can get remote assistance by calling the IT Help Desk Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM at 803-231-7436.
Mark Your Calendars for...
Funny, Random, & Weird Holidays
Did you participate in a wacky holiday last week? Don't forget to send a picture of your family's celebration to Mrs. Whetstone at andrea.whetstone@richlandone.org. Here are a few weird holidays for your family to think about this week.
September
September 25th..........Comic Book Day
September 26th..........Astronomy Day
September 26th..........Love Note Day
September 27th..........Crush a Can Day
September 28th..........Ask a Stupid Question Day
September 28th..........Good Neighbor Day
September 30th..........Hot Mulled Cider Day
October
October 1st..........International Coffee Day
October 1st..........Balloons Around the World Day
We Want to See Your Bobcat Student MAKING TRACKS!
We would love to share in your student's success by seeing them in action! Submit a photo of your e-learner engaged in e-learning activities and assignments and your student's picture can be featured in an upcoming issue of the Bobcat Blaze! Submit your photos to Mrs. Whetstone at andrea.whetstone@richlandone.org.
PARENT RESOURCES AND DISTRICT UPDATES
Grade Level Content Area Standards
Connect with Us
Website: www.richlandone.org/Domain/26
Location: 333 Etiwan Avenue, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 343-2910
Facebook: www.facebook.com/acmooreelementary
Twitter: @ACMooreBobcats