The Mallard Compass
Forts Pond Elementary School
March 2022
Be InTENTional In All You Do!
Traducción
,
From Your Principal
We are very excited to kick off our One Book, One School family involvement reading project. As a school we are reading Fenway and Hattie.
Fenway is an excitable and endlessly energetic Jack Russell terrier. He lives in the city with Food Lady, Fetch Man, and—of course—his beloved short human and best-friend-in-the-world, Hattie. But when his family moves to the suburbs, Fenway faces a world of changes. Rather than playing with Fenway, Hattie seems more interested in her new short human friend, Angel, and learning to play baseball. His friends in the Dog Park next door say Hattie is outgrowing him, but that can’t be right. And he’s going to prove it!
Each child received a copy of the book and a calendar showing which chapters we are reading each night. I hope you will enjoy reading this book with your child.
Here is the link to our school website. https://schools.lexington1.net/FPES
Here is the link to our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/FPESMallards/
Here is the link to our Twitter Page. https://twitter.com/fortspond?lang=en
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mrs. Michelle Smith, Principal
FPES Vision and Mission
Vision
Forts Pond Elementary students will become self-directed, collaborative, creative, and caring learners who flourish in the global, competitive 21st century.
Mission
Forts Pond Elementary will Fulfill the Potential of Every Student by:
Collaborating with families and the community
Providing a safe, nurturing environment
Promoting learning through academics and the arts
Inspiring students to find their own greatness
Engaging students in goal setting
Celebrating accomplishments
Developing LEADERS
Congratulations!
Communication Between Home and School
Kindergarten and first grade send home communication folders every day. Other grade levels send home a green communication folder every Tuesday.
If you have not been receiving emails from the school, you will need to contact the front office to make sure we get that updated for you.
If you are trying to reach your child's teacher during the school day on days your child is learning at home, please remember the teacher is teaching another group of students at this time. They will return your emails and calls as soon as possible.
If you need assistance with your child's technology, please call the district's helpline at (803)821-1201.
Important School Phone Numbers
School Nurse (803) 821-2523
Library (803)821-2514
Pelion Transportation (803)821-1352
School Cafeteria (803)821-2525
Attendance and Records (803)821-2504
Fees (803)821-2502
Winter Reading Challenge Winners
Grades 5k-1st winner is Malachi Singley.
Grades 2 - 3rd winner is Eliana Jimenez Reynozo
Grades 4-5th winner is Alissa Morris
Visitors During Lunch
Important Dates
March
2 Read Across America Day
13 Daylight Saving Time Begins (set your clock forward 1 hour)
17 No School for Students
18 Weather Make Up Day (if needed)
24 End of 2nd Nine Weeks
The Musical Aladdin presented by 4th and 5th grade students - Pelion High @ 6:30
April
11-15 Spring Break
Spring Pictures - Individual and Class
On March 9, students will have individual and class pictures taken. If you would like to order a class picture, go to https://www.strawbridge.net/. Look for the red box that says ORDER PICTURES AND YEARBOOKS. Enter code FM371842. Class pictures are $12 each.
In 3-4 weeks, individual spring pictures will be sent home in a package. It will include a price list. Any pictures, you do not wish to purchase will be sent back to school. If you would like to purchase any of the pictures, you will keep those at home and send payment to school.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kristina Sox at (803)821-2502.
Yearbooks on Sale Now
FPES School Yearbooks are now on sale. The deadline to place an order is March 31, 2022.
The cost is $22.00 for a softcover. Hardcover books are $27.00. If you would like to add the student's name on the cover, it will cost an additional $5.00. You can pay by check or cash. Please make checks are made payable to Forts Pond Elementary School.
If you would like to pay with a debit/credit card, you can order the school yearbook online. Order online at www.strawbridge.net and use Online Code YB108936.
Chargers for Students' Devices
Please check with your child to make sure they have their charging cord for their device.
Charging Cord Replacement Cost:
Chromebook $39.00
iPad $19 (replaces block and cord)
Math Curriculum
Ready Classroom Mathematics is a robust mathematics program that will help your student become a strong, independent mathematical thinker. The program uses a different approach to math instruction than many of us had as kids. It focuses on learning through problem solving and student-to-student conversations about mathematical thinking (called discourse). Your student’s teacher uses a set of learning routines each day that help students engage in discourse as they develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics. The routines also ensure that your student develops the problem-solving skills needed to become an independent and confident mathematical thinker.
How to Help Your Child in Math
Cooking makes math and reading tasty fun
Cooking with you helps your child practice valuable skills such as reading, following directions and planning ahead. Have your child read each step in a recipe aloud. Then ask questions like, "Which do I put in first, milk or flour?" You can also challenge your student to do the math of doubling a recipe, or look up cooking terms in the dictionary ("What does mince mean?"). Working with you can also make your child feel useful and needed.
Challenge your child to some grocery games
The next time you go food shopping with your child, play some grocery games. Ask a young child to name things that are round, or red or square. Challenge an older child to grocery math: If one can costs 29 cents, how much will two cans cost? How much change will be left from a dollar? Offer a reward by letting your "contestant" choose a favorite fruit to add to your shopping cart.
English Language Arts Curriculum
Lexington One uses Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Teaching Reading Writing curriculum.
The link below will provide you access to South Carolina State Standards for ELA and Math.
How to Help Your Child in Reading and Writing
Reading time isn't over when you reach 'The End'
Some of the best reading times come after you've closed the book. After reading aloud together, ask your child to retell the story. Which were the good parts? Why does your child think so? Next, help make connections between the book and your child's own life. Has your child ever felt like any of the characters in the story? Thinking and talking about books enriches your child's reading experience.
Use positive ways to promote better writing
When your child shows you a piece of writing, your response can be discouraging or motivating. Instead of pointing out mistakes, begin by praising something specific. "This phrase is very lively!" Next, comment on the point your child is making. Is it clear? Ask questions to help your student clarify or add details, such as "Can you give some reasons why you think that?" Then leave the revisions up to your child.
News From Our School Counselors
In February, we finished teaching the Erin's Law Safety Lessons for all grade levels.
March Lessons:
5K- Erin's Law lesson on Safety, Second Steps- Managing Emotions
1st Grade- Individual Strengths- I am Unique
2nd Grade- Individual Differences- Diversity
3rd Grade- Friendship skills- Working cooperatively in groups
4th Grade- Friendship skills- Working cooperatively in groups
5th Grade- Friendship skills- Working cooperatively in groups and Transition to Middle School
At the end of March, Pelion Middle School Counselors will visit our 5th graders to discuss electives and foreign language choices for 6th grade.
Leader in Me Habit 5
Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
LISTEN BEFORE YOU TALK
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
HOW CAN I SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND IN MY LIFE?
- Listen with your eyes, ears, and heart. -Try to make eye contact when someone is talking to show them that you're paying attention. Use your ears to hear what they have to say and how they feel. Lastly, use your heart to empathize with them and care about what they are sharing with you.
- Repeat back what you hear. -To make sure you really understand, repeat what the other person said.
WHAT BOOKS CAN HELP ME LEARN ABOUT SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND?
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Veronica Knows Best by Nancy Robinson
Updates from the Health Room
All parent visits to the school nurse will be by appointment only, unless the nurse calls you to pick up your child.
Medications
School nurses are not allowed to keep more than a 30-day supply of medication at school at any time.
We ask that whenever possible, you (parent/guardian) give your child his/her medications at home — before or after school. However, when medications must be given at school during the school day, we ask that you:
● Make an appointment to bring those medications to school with our school nurse, Sharon Fairey. You can reach her at (803) 821-2523. If you do not make an appointment, Mrs. Fairey may not be able to meet with you at the time you come in.
● Bring your student’s medication in its original container. It cannot be expired and must be accompanied by a completed medication permission form. Here is the direct link to the form.
What do I do if my child gets sick over a weekend or overnight?
If your child is sick, please do not send them to school.
If your student receives a positive test result for COVID-19 infection or is identified as a close or household contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19, complete the Google form HERE to notify the school.
Someone will then be in contact with you regarding a return to school date.
Please contact Sharon Fairey, FPES school nurse, at 803-821-2523 or by email at sfairey@lexington1.net if you have any questions.
Thank you for helping keep our school safe and healthy.
COVID 19 Testing for Students and Staff
We partnered with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to offer voluntary and free COVID-19 testing to Lexington District One students who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or want to be tested so they may return to school from quarantine early.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, three drive-through testing sites in our school district will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations.
Rosenwald Community Learning Center
420 Hendrix Street
Lexington, SC 29072
Former Gilbert Elementary School (Old Gilbert High School)
314 Main Street
Gilbert, SC 29054
Former Pelion Middle School
758 Magnolia Street
Pelion, SC 29123
We chose these sites to best serve all communities throughout our district, while not causing a disruption to learning.
The clinics give our families the voluntary opportunity to test for free if their student is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or if they want their student to school from quarantine early.
To visit a clinic and get tested, parents/guardians must use the link below to create an account and sign up.
https://rrtesting.app/SCSchools
After you create an account, no appointment is needed. Just drive through and get tested.
Exciting News From Food Services
If your child has to quarantine, you now have the option to receive two 5 day meal kits. If you would like to take advantage of this option, please call our front desk and they will take your information.
Special Occassion Treats
FPES Family Hub Resource
Here is the link.
Family Engagement Tips
Raising children is complicated and sharing ideas is a great way to make it easier. Each month the newsletter will include ideas for helping parents with home life.
When you love learning, your child will, too
Nagging kids to study doesn't usually inspire a love of learning. But one of the best ways to motivate your child is to be a learner yourself. Show your child that you enjoy reading. Check out new books for yourself as well as your child at the library. Watch educational TV programs. Attend school functions. Tackle new projects. Demonstrate curiosity, then talk about your new ideas or discoveries with your child.
Listen to negative feelings, but don't encourage them
Some children seem to have been born with a negative outlook. You may not be able to change your child's personality, but you can make coping easier. First, accept the person your child is, outlook and all. But don't pay so much more attention to negativity than other feelings that your child learns to use it to get attention. Instead, listen to complaints so your child feels heard, then change the subject to something your student feels positive about.
Improve Social/Emotional Health
- Spending quality time with loved ones can improve social skills and increase feelings of happiness.
- Here are some low cost ideas.
- Show-and-Tell – each person selects a special item and shares why it is important to them
- Look at Old Photos Together – share stories about your experiences
- Quick Connection Cards Have a Family Slumber Party – build forts, watch a movie, make healthy snacks
- Create a Family Music Playlist – listen and dance, talk about your favorite songs
- Cook a Favorite Meal – choose age-appropriate tasks such as setting the table, cutting vegetables and washing dishes
This information was taken from Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Go to Kohl's Healthy at Home Family Resource Hub for more ideas. https://www.healthiergeneration.org/campaigns/kohls-healthy-at-home.
Support Our School By Shopping at Publix
Here is how you can sign up and participate in just a few steps.
- Enroll in Publix Partners by visiting publix.com/partners and selecting our school.
- Enter your phone number every time you check out at Publix.
- Publix will donate a portion of qualifying purchases to our school!
Publix Partners has contributed $37.7 million to more than 4,600 schools across the Southeast.
Terms and Condition Apply.
All you need is your phone! Download the Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then use the app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase. The app will identify Box Tops products on your receipt and automatically credit your school’s earnings online.
Here is a video to show you how to give credit to Forts Pond Elementary.
You can even have other family members and friends give their credit to FPES!
Coca-Cola Codes
Please save and let your child turn-in your Coke product bottle caps and carton codes (worth 5-38 cents each) in the container provided in the commons area. You may also enter your codes online at https://us.coca-cola.com/give/. Click on "DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL" and enter "Pelion Middle School". Then sign-in or create an account. It's that easy! Thank you so much for your support. Our teachers and students appreciate it!
Transportation Changes
ID Needed to Pick Up Child
To dismiss a student, that individual will need to be on the child's approved contact list provided by the parent/guardian. We will not release a student to someone who is not on their approved list unless we have written permission from the parent/guardian.
Our front office becomes very busy after 2:00 with dismissal of students. It helps our ladies out front if you sign out your child before 2:00. If you wait until after 2:00 there may be a delay in getting your child to the office.
When is my child considered tardy to school?
Thank you for taking important steps each morning to have your child to school in time such as leaving a few minutes early or having clothes laid out the evening before can help.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Any adult dropping off a student at 7:40 or after, will need to walk the student into the office and sign them in.
Links to Previous Newsletters
Building Plan for FPES Through the Bond Referendum
The community can find the latest information about projects happening around the district as well as here at FPES. All of these are funded by the recently passed bond referendum for Lexington School District One.
FPES will be receiving the following:
- Secure Entrance Upgrades
- Additional Classrooms
- Replacement for Folding Partition in Between Cafeteria and PE Room
- Additional Exterior Lighting in the Front Parking Lot
- Storage and Equipment Building
- Future Ready Classroom Furniture and Equipment
Lexington County School District One’s Nondiscrimination Statement
Lexington County School District One is committed to a policy of
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all students, parents/legal guardians,
staff, visitors, personnel and community members who participate or seek to
participate in its programs or activities. Therefore, the district does not discriminate
against any individual on the basis of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy,
childbirth or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age, genetic
information, national origin or any other applicable status protected by local, state
or federal law.
The district will use the grievance procedures set forth in policy to process
complaints based on alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments
Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967;
the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of
2008; and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The district designates specific individuals to handle inquiries or complaints. To
find out whom to contact and how to contact them, please go to our website at