The Bobcat Blaze
January 29, 2021
Principal's Message
Happy Friday Bobcat Families,
It has been quite the week here in Bobcat Country! We are very excited to welcome back students for hybrid instruction on Monday, February 1st and Wednesday, February 3rd. Do remember that Friday, February 5th is a Professional Development Day and will be used as the Flex Day for next week.
Please be sure to read everything in this week's edition as it includes important information about Phase Two, the transition into 4 days of in-person learning, and how to notify the school of your preference by Friday, February 5th.
You may not know this, but I am a huge superhero fan! I was just rewatching one of my favorite films (Avengers: End Game) this week and it reminded me of A.C. Moore. Crazy, right?! Well, in the epic final battle scene, Captain America is joined by hundreds of Avengers ready to rid the world of the main villain. After YEARS of waiting to hear him say it, he finally utters the words "Avengers, Assemble" and the battle continues. Well in my eyes you, students, staff and families are the Avengers and we are gearing up to battle against this pandemic and return to school safely. I am so proud of how far we've come together this year and cannot wait as we finish the year even stronger than we started. We are always A.C. Moore STRONG!
Have a wonderful weekend my heroes and see you soon! #AvengersAssemble #gobobcats #proudprincipal
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
February
February 1st................Covid-19 Testing (see details below)
February 1st ..............TEA with ME, Zoom Meeting with Parent and Family Engagement Specialist Sylvia Rogers
February 1st.................2nd Grade Mastery Connect Testing Begins (schedule below)
- February 1st-19th.........State Practice Tests (details below)
February 1st and 2nd....Monday and Tuesday (Cohort A)
February 3rd and 4th....Wednesday and Thursday (Cohort B)
February 3rd...............Lunch and Learn, Zoom Meeting with Parent and Family Engagement Specialist Sylvia Rogers
----Balance Literacy Focus: Interactive Read Alouds
---see flyer below
February 5th.....................Flex Day/Professional Development for Teachers
February 15th...................No School for Students, Professional Development Day for Teachers
A Message from the District Office
Dr. Witherspoon Announces District Will Return to Phase 2/Hybrid February 1st
January 27, 2021
Dear Richland One Families and Staff,
We continue to monitor our Restart Strong Plan based upon the science and circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plan, which has been posted on our website (www.richlandone.org/restartstrong) since July 2020, outlines the Phase-In Model (eLearning, hybrid and traditional face-to-face) and the full-year Virtual School Program option.
There have been modifications to our plan throughout this process. For example, parents were able to change options more frequently than originally planned. Another example is the district moved back to Phase 1 (eLearning) after the Winter Break based upon an anticipated surge in community outbreak of COVID-19. The significant increases in incidence rates per 100,000 people resulted in our extension of Phase 1 beyond the two weeks we originally planned. Staff availability, based upon COVID-19 cases and associated quarantines, also was a factor in our extension of Phase 1 beyond two weeks. This background information is important to consider.
As we finish this week of eLearning, the district will return to Phase 2 (hybrid) effective Monday, February 1, 2021. For the week of February 1, the instructional days will be Monday and Tuesday (Cohort A), and Wednesday and Thursday (Cohort B); the flex day will be Friday. Friday, February 5 is a professional development day/early release day for students, as designated on the district’s 2020-2021 calendar.
Also, please note the following information by grade level which is effective Tuesday, February 16:
Elementary School Students
- We will be transitioning to four days of in-person instruction at the elementary level. Wednesdays will be flex days. Schools will provide additional information to parents next week.
- Parents of Phase 2/hybrid students who do not feel comfortable with their children returning to school for face-to-face instruction and want them to continue with eLearning will have that option.
- Students in the Virtual School Program will remain in that program.
- There are no more slots available in the Virtual School Program.
Middle School and High School Students
- Middle school students and high school students will continue to be served in the Phase 2/hybrid model or the Virtual School Program, as they were before the Winter Break.
As we continue to work through the impact of COVID-19 on this district and our community, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D.
Superintendent
2nd Grade Mastery Connect Testing
Testing Schedule
Monday and Wednesday
9:10-----ELA Part 1
12:10---Math Part 1
1:00-----ELA part 2
Tuesday and Thursday
8:00-----ELA part 3
9:10-----Math part 2
12:10---Math part 3
1:00-----ELA part 4
State Practice Tests Parent Information
Our students will be taking “State Practice Tests” between the dates of February 1st and February 19th. The subjects tested will be ELA and Math for grades 2 through 5. Fourth grade students will take ELA, Math and Science. Your child’s teacher will share the specific time and day of each test.
Students will not receive performance grades on these tests. However, they are administered for two very important reasons.
1. The data gathered allows teachers to share and celebrate what they have learned up to this point in the school year.
2. The data also allows teachers to plan accurately to help each individual student moving forward.
All tests must be completed independently. Therefore, when tests are completed virtually, we ask that you not help your child with any questions.
Thank you for being awesome parents during these difficult times!
Wendee Antley Evering, M.Ed.
Assistant Administrator
Please return all library books next week so they can be exchanged.
Parent and Family Engagement Opportunities
Registration Information for Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Free COVID-19 Testing Sites for February
DHEC-RRT - Pardon and Parole (Old Building)
Dates and Times for February
Open Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Further Information:
- Report to the intersection of Greene St. and Heidt St.
- Appointment Needed: No
- Referral Needed: No
- Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
- Saliva testing- Do not eat, drink, or smoke for 30 minutes prior to testing.
Address: 2204 Lee St, Columbia, SC 29205
Contact Details and Pre-Registration: https://rrtesting.app/devine
DHEC-Tour Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times for February
Open weekdays: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Further Information
- Appointment Needed: No
- Referral Needed: No
- Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
Address 2600 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
Contact Details https://www.tourhealth.com/
SCHOOL NEWS
Bobcat Spotlight...A Special Thank You!
Radius Church Southside
On Thursday, January 28th our Bobcat family received a contribution from Pastor Scott of Radius Church Southside! The donation will benefit A.C. Moore families that are in need. We love and appreciate our community partnerships and would like to send a special Bobcat thank you to Pastor Scott and Radius Church Southside for their support of our school community!
Black History Month Resources
Attention Bobcat Families:
If any of your contact information has changed (phone number, address, email address, emergency contacts) since the start of the school year please contact database specialist Madolyn Thorpe at madolyn.thorpe@richlandone.org. We need the most accurate information in Powerschool to ensure you receive school communication.
Notes from the Nurse
Hi Bobcat Families! I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy.
Please see the attached flyer and sign up if you are interested in receiving a FREE Kinsa digital thermometer. You can also visit the Kinsa Health website to sign up. Several teachers enrolled in the program and received their thermometers last week. The next shipment will go out soon. Please email me at jennifer.hurt@richlandone.org if you have any questions. Thank you for your participation!
Also, please don't forget to let me know if your child has been ill or exposed (close contact) to Covid-19. It is so important that we track this information in efforts to keep all of us safe and healthy.
Finally, please visit the News from the Nurse page on the school website for health-related information and forms.
Take care, everyone!
Nurse Hurt
Wellness Watch
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Presents: Self-Care Sunday Series-Personal Space
Self-care is more important now than ever. For many of us, we're at home working, or taking care of kids, or sometimes both. And before you know it, our personal space has disappeared. That's not OK. Personal space is important for your own mental well-being and ensures you're better prepared to take care of those around you. Follow these tips to setup your own "zen den" or "quiet corner."
Report to the Parents
This report is issued by the AC Moore Elementary School Improvement Council (SIC) in accordance with South Carolina law to share information on the school's progress in meeting various goals and objectives, the work of the SIC, and other accomplishments during the school year.
Information from your PTO
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. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVTMQYJ
Thanks,
Carrie Smith & Kim Pordes (PTO chairs)
************************************************************************************
Asi usted haya recibido el Bobcat e-Blast en el pasado, por favor complete esta informacion- estamos haciendo una nueva base de datos. Estamos planeando las reuniones del PTO los miercoles en la tarde, al comienzo virtualmente, por eso esten pendiente de los anuncios que haga la Directora Aldridge en el Bobcat Blaze (periodico de la escuela) para mas informacion de la primera reunion.
Gracias, y espero verlos pronto!
Carrie Smith & Kim Pordes ( representantes del PTO)
Tech Tips
For Parents and Teachers...
Richland One IT Help Desk
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.
January 29..........................................………Puzzle Day
January 30..........................................………Croissant Day
January 31..........................................………Backwards Day
February 2..........................................………Day of the Crêpe
February 2..........................................………Play Your Ukulele Day
February 3..........................................………Carrot Cake Day
February 4..........................................………Thank Your Mailman Day
February 4..........................................………Create a Vacuum Day
February 4..........................................………Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5..........................................………Work Naked Day
February 5..........................................………National Weatherperson's Day
February 5..........................................………Chocolate Fondue 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 Bobcat completing their asynchronous assignments and/or activities 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.
DISTRICT NEWS
Parents, students and staff can now get up-to-date information about COVID-19 cases in the district through Richland One’s new online tracking dashboard.
A link to the dashboard, which will be updated daily, is posted on the Restart Strong page on the district’s website www.richlandone.org/restartstrong. In addition to listing the number of positive and quarantined COVID-19 cases among Richland One students and staff, the dashboard includes the number of cases at each district school and administrative building. It also shows daily, weekly and year-to-date summaries of the number of positive COVID-19 cases.
“Richland One’s goal in creating the COVID-19 dashboard is to provide the most accurate and current information possible to our community,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “Having the same data allows us all to work together to better protect our students and staff.”
COVID-19 data is compiled daily by the district’s Nursing Services office and Accountability, Assessment, Research and Evaluation department. The information shown on Richland One’s dashboard may differ from the reports from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which are updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Richland One Office of Communications.
Richland One Student Attendance Info for 2020-2021
As a parent or guardian you are responsible for ensuring that your child attends school either in person or virtually every day that school is in session. Please review the documents below for Richland One's attendance expectations.
District Resources
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
ThriveRichland is offering families with children from birth to four and opportunity to join an online play group. Click the link below for details on how to sign up your family.
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