The Bobcat Blaze
--May 21, 2021--
Principal's Message
Happy Friday Bobcat Families
Kudos to our upper elementary students and teachers for navigating their way through Week One of state testing online. We are very proud of the efforts our students showed. Please ensure students get a good night's rest and have breakfast on testing days to allow for maximum performance.
Please remember to complete the SC Department of Education Parent Survey that is included within this newsletter. We appreciate your feedback and support!
Fitness Fri-Yay is finally coming next week and we are excited. This event models our typical Field Day but has been carefully constructed to allow for us to adhere to social distancing and safety protocols. Remember, we cannot have visitors or volunteers for this event but we will upload plenty of pictures via social media!
As our weather begins to warm up more and more, we ask that parents be mindful of our school Dress Code which can be found on Page 12 of the AC Moore Elementary Directory 2020-2021 that was distributed at the start of the school year. If you need another copy, please contact your child's homeroom teacher. Students wearing skirts, shorts, and dresses should ensure the length is not shorter than the length of the middle fingertips when their arms are naturally placed at their sides. Undergarments should not be visible at any time when standing or bending. Shirts cannot show midriff. Tube tops are not permissible. Sleeveless tops or dresses should have straps that are at least 2 inches (or 2 fingers) wide.
Have a wonderful weekend! I look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday!
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Important Dates and Upcoming Events
---May---
May 25th...................................................................SC READY Math (online) Grades 3-5
May 27th...................................................................SCPASS Science (online) Grade 4
May 28th...................................................................Fitness Fri-YAY
May 31st...................................................................Memorial Day Holiday, No School
---June---
June 11th..................................................................End of the Nine Weeks (Last day of School, early release; Report Cards Distributed/Mailed)
June 14th and 15th....................................................Teacher Workday (Last day for Teachers)
District Information Regarding Facemasks
A Message From the State Department of Education
Dear Parents,
Section 59-18-900 of the Education Accountability Act requires that annual school report cards include “evaluations of the school by parents, teachers, and students.” Parent perceptions as collected in the Parent Opinion Survey appear on our school report card and provide school staff with insight to issues within our school. Additionally, results from the Parent Opinion Survey are used by the Education Oversight Committee to meet the requirements of Section 59-28-190 of the Parental Involvement in Their Children’s Education Act.
Although the Parent Opinion Survey has been administered for many years, only parents of students in the highest grade in elementary and middle schools and parents of 11th graders in high schools previously were afforded the opportunity to respond to the paper survey. This year the survey has been moved to an online platform and is accessible via computer and mobile device. All parents of students in grades K-12 may now participate. Parents of students in Pre-K are also welcome to complete the survey.
Please complete the Parent Opinion Survey by: __June 1, 2021_________________ To access the Parent Opinion Survey click on this link: https://ed.sc.gov/surveys/parent-survey/ Once at the survey, choose either the English or Spanish version of the survey to complete. Families should complete only one survey for each of their children enrolled in public school. Next, enter the seven-digit ID of our school. The ID for our school is 4001048. Before opening the survey, the name of the school will appear, and you will be asked to confirm that you are completing the survey for the correct school. Each school where your children are enrolled will provide you with their school ID.
You will receive a letter from the State Superintendent of Education with additional information. Please read that letter before completing the survey. The survey is anonymous, but if you feel uncomfortable in responding to any question you may skip that question. The survey will note that a question has been left unanswered, but you can click continue to proceed without answering the question.
Your time and effort in completing this survey is greatly appreciated.
SC READY and SC PASS--Testing Dates May 25th and 27th
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for May
Richland County Health Department (Public health provider – public health clinic)
Accepting eligible appointments.
Vaccine manufacturer: Moderna
2000 Hampton St. , Columbia , SC 29204
1-855-472-3432
Walgreens #11433 (Pharmacy - chain)
Accepting eligible appointments.
Vaccine manufacturer: Moderna
1941 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205
CONTACT THIS PROVIDERPrisma Health Baptist (Hospital)
Accepting eligible appointments.
Vaccine manufacturer: Pfizer
Taylor @ Marion St., Columbia, SC 29203
833-277-4762Free COVID-19 Testing Sites for May
DHEC-Tour Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times for May
Open weekdays: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Further Information
- Please register using the link below
- Appointment Needed: No
- Referral Needed: No
- Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
Address: 2600 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
Contact Details: https://www.tourhealth.com/
Customer Service Number: 866-416-6341
SCHOOL NEWS
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AC Moore Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
As we continue to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we would like you to join us in finding opportunities and utilizing resources to listen and learn about the diversity within AAPI communities. It is by engaging in the lives of of other cultures that we will be aware of how deep the connections are to all facets of American history. Several new films and shows featuring AAPI stories will premiere this month on your local PBS station. SCETV is featuring many titles that viewers can stream, including memorable films that have previously aired on PBS stations.
Make sure you follow PBS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all month long, as they will feature AAPI stories that you can stream every day.
How Well Do You Know Me?
Can you name these famous Asian American athletes, entertainers, and moguls?
I Know You are Ready for Fitness Fri-YAY!
It’s Fitness Fri-Yay time!!! Although it will look quite different this year, there will be movement activities planned for students to do within their homerooms to celebrate fitness! On Friday, May 28th your Bobcat will participate in outdoor and in-class games as a part of a fun-filled day of fitness. Please be reminded that this event is for students only and visitors and/or volunteers will not be utilized.
If you have chosen to re-enroll at A.C. Moore next school year, be certain to upload your two proofs of address. Your child’s re-enrollment will not be completed without the proof of address and they will not be given a schedule until those documents are submitted. If they have already completed the online re-enrollment and did not upload their proof of address, you can email it to madolyn.thorpe@richlandone.org.
Dear A.C. Moore Family,
Did you know that May is Better Hearing and Speech Month? There are many ways a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can help with students in your class, and also help you protect your voice and hearing! SLPs work on areas such as language (comprehension, expressive language, syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics, literacy), articulation (speech sound development), voice, and fluency/stuttering. Children who qualify for services and based on a team decision may start receiving speech-language therapy services in the public schools at the age of 3 years. If you have concerns about a student please email me or stop by to chat!
Sincerely,
Lauren Brennan, MCD, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Wellness Watch
Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Celebrating 15 years of Impact!
Would you like to see the Alliance for a Healthier Generation continue their efforts to make communities, schools, and students across America healthier? Consider participating in their campaign to raise $15,000 to celebrate their 15 years of impact. By successfully raising $15,000 the Alliance can also receive a $15,000 matching gift from Dr. Sears Wellness Institute! Click here to make a contribution.
Fall Re-Cap for AiR
During the Fall semester, our Bobcat students had an opportunity to engage in several educational opportunities through the Artist-in-Residency (AiR) program. We appreciate the efforts and information delivered by our artists and would like to say a special thank you to them and to the Bobcat related arts and classroom teachers for making AiR a great experience for students. Please click the banner below to view the Fall recap video prepared by Mrs. Warren. We look forward to featuring more classes and students in the Spring.
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.
School Improvement Council
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)
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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.
May 21........................................................Pizza Party Day
May 21........................................................Talk Like Yoda Day
May 22........................................................Buy a Musical Instrument Day
May 24........................................................Scavenger Hunt Day
May 25........................................................Sing Out Day
May 25........................................................Towel Day
May 26........................................................World Lindy Hop Day
May 27........................................................Sun Screen Day
May 28........................................................Hamburger 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
Restart Strong
The newsletter provided below will gives an overview/update on the district’s transition to Phase 3 of the Restart Strong Reopening of Schools Plan. Click the link to get the most up-to-date information about the Phase 3 plan.
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.
Registration Information for Pre-Kindergarten Programs
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