The Bobcat Blaze
September 18, 2020
Principal's Message
I hope you all are safe and sound after this week's inclement weather. Additionally, I hope you were able to enjoy the cooler temperatures in some way. The spirit of Fall is in the air and I am always excited for this change!
Parents, please remember interim reports will be mailed out on September 24th. You can view them electronically via parent portal on the same day.
Our first early release day is September 25th. Students will log off of their e-learning devices for the day at 10:30am. A shortened day e-learning schedule will be sent early next week.
Stay safe, rest up, throw in some fun, and have a wonderful weekend!
Principal's Video Message Week 3: https://cloud.swivl.com/v/9a342124b7797928faa516932e3791dc
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
September
- Tuesday, September 15-Thursday, October 15.......Hispanic Heritage Month
- Friday, September 25 .............................................Professional Development Day (Early release for students, 10:30am dismissal)
- 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.
Teacher Spotlight...A Bobcat Welcome!
Christina Gallo
In this edition of the Bobcat Blaze, our Teacher Spotlight is on one of the newest members of the AC Moore family...Christina Gallo!
Ms. Gallo graduated from the University of South Carolina in May 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is originally from New Jersey but after residing in the Columbia area during college, she decided to make South Carolina her home! In her spare time Ms. Gallo enjoys hiking and reading mystery books and is the oldest of five children. As a result of her upbringing in a large family, Ms. Gallo has always aspired to work with children. Ms. Gallo stated, "I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten so I am so excited to finally be starting my journey at A. C. Moore."
We are excited to welcome Ms. Gallo to the early childhood department as our newest 1st grade teacher!
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.
School News
A. C. Moore Continues Its Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month began under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The timeframe between the beginning and the end of Hispanic Heritage Month is significant because it incompasses the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua (September 15th), Mexico (September 16th), and Chile (September 18th). Additionally, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza (October 12th) falls within this 30 day period.
The ESOL and Spanish Departments have a long tradition of providing cultural and educational opportunities for A.C. Moore during Hispanic Heritage Month. Our students and staff are appreciative of the contribution and traditions Hispanic families bring to our school community. Through dance, story telling, art, theatre and more, AC Moore Bobcats have had a chance to be immersed in experiences that have brought more insight and knowledge of Hispanic culture.
Below you will see pictures of our past featured artists-in-residence and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations.
Ernesto Hernandez
Native South Carolinian and self-taught Latino mix media artist who worked with students to create one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Original Art
Nice Work, Bayron!
Sol Solecito
ESOL students pictured here sang a lullaby, Sol Solecito (Little Sunny Sunshine) in Spanish.
Spain
Flamenco
How Well do you Know...
The Flags of Spanish Speaking Countries?
Help your Bobcat student test their knowledge by identifying each country by its flag. Submit your student's answers using the link below. Each student that submits the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a for a special prize at the end of the month! Complete the knowledge quiz correctly each week during Hispanic Heritage Month so your student can have 4 entries in the drawing!
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
Drive-up Services
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 these locations, there will be limited capacity to provide vaccines outside of the vehicle for children, if needed.
In-Building Services
Flu shots at Prisma Health, Nine Medical Park, will be administered in the first floor lobby area every Wednesday and Thursday in October, 3–6 p.m. Please wear a short-sleeve shirt or loose-fitting clothing that can easily roll up to assist with vaccines.
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.
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
Parents: Test Your Knowledge about Kids' Health!
Test your knowledge about kid’s health by answering the questions below. Correct answers can be found at the bottom of the newsletter. For more information about each topic and to find out more about kid's health, visit Safe and Healthy Kids and Teens.
1. Parents should start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
2. Children younger than 6 years should use enough toothpaste with fluoride to cover the toothbrush.
3. Birth defects are the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents.
4. Vaccines protect children against nine potentially serious diseases.
5. Kids should wash their hands vigorously together for 20 seconds to remove germs.
6. For babies under 6 months of age, sunscreen is the best defense against sunburn.
7. Children should get at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity on all or most days of the week.
Tech Tips
For Parents and Students...
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. If the technician determines that you need to trade out a laptop, please call the school to arrange a time to come by so a new device will be available and ready for you!
You Got This!
Staying connected remotely takes practice, patience, and participation. Encourage your e-learner to use the tips below during instructional sessions to make their time with their teacher more productive and meaningful.
For Teachers...
Use Flipgrid...It's simple! It allows your e-learner to view, record, and respond to you (or each other) through short video messages. Did you know you can use Flipgrid to share your discussion topics and communicate with your e-learners using TEAMS? Click the link below to get started!
Mark Your Calendars for...
Funny, Random, & Weird Holidays
Connect with your Bobcat Student and share in celebrating these silly holidays! Send a picture of your family's celebration and we will share it in the newsletter! Send your photos to Mrs. Whetstone at andrea.whetstone@richlandone.org.
September 18th...Rice Krispie Treat Day
September 19th...National CleanUp Day
September 19th...National Gymnastics Day
September 19th...International Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 20th...Punch Day
September 21st...Miniature Golf Day
September 22nd...Hobbit Day
September 23rd...Checkers Day
September 24th...Punctuation Day
We Want to See Your Bobcat Student MAKING TRACKS!
We know that your Bobcat Student has been working diligently and making strides to become a masterful e-learner. 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.
Updates
Grade Level Content Area Standards
Parents' Knowledge Quiz Answers
- True
- False--A pea-sized amount is safest for children younger than 6.
- False--Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for people 1-44 years.
- False--Vaccines protect against 12 potentially serious diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease), hepatitis B, chickenpox, hepatitis A, and pneumococcal disease.
- True
- False--A baby’s best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.
- False--Children need 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day of the week.
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