SJE Dolphin Post
March 5th, 2021
Important Dates
March 1st - 14th - Virtual Book Fair
March 5th - Virtual Literacy Night
March 8th - School Improvement Council Meeting 3:15
March 12th - Virtual Auditions for Talent Show Due
March 15th - No School / Teacher Work Day
March 19th - Drive-Thru Style Food Distribution Seaside Elementary 10:00 See attached flyer
March 23rd - Spring Pictures
March 26th - Art to Remember due back
March 29th - CD, Kindergarten & New 1st Grade Student Registration
April 2nd - 9th - Spring Break
April 16th - Report Cards Issued
April 19th - School Improvement Council Meeting 3:15
April 23rd - Virtual Talent Show
April 26th - Boosterthon Kickoff
May 5th - Boosterthon Event Day
May 17th - Inerims Issued
May 31st - No School
June 15th - 2 1/2 Early Dismissal
June 16th - 2 1/2 Early Dismissal / Last Day of School
INSTRUCTIONAL METER

After School Child Care Update!
Dear SJE Dolphin Daze Parents and Families,
Together, we are facing a truly unprecedented situation. The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our families, our schools, our communities, and our way of life. During this time, we wanted to reach out and update you on how we’re approaching the situation regarding our after-school child care here at St. James Elementary for the 2020-2021 school year. After school child care will not be offered during the return to school for 5 days face-to-face. Once again, we intend to reopen our child care program as soon as it is considered safe to do so. Students currently enrolled will be contacted once we have a plan in place to reopen. We understand the tremendous challenge closing our child care program may mean for you and your family. Your family’s health and safety, the health of our program staff, and our community's wellbeing are important. We look forward to the day we can reopen and welcome you and your child(ren) back to our program.
Boy Scout Troop 856
SJE Virtual Book FairMarch 1st - March 14th 2021 | No School/Teacher Work DayMarch 15th 2021 |
Spring PicturesMarch 23rd 2021 Pre Order forms will be sent home. | Spring Break/ No SchoolApril 2nd - 9th 2021 | 2021-2022 Registration 2021-2022 Online Registration will open for NEW Child Development, Kindergarten & 1st Grade Students March 29th 2021. For ALL NEW & RETURNING Students Online Registration will begin on May 3rd 2021. |
SJE School Improvement Council
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1422fVNdeTrhl9-MORdJXmFyGvtwvj7kyFvJHUIKkQaQ/edit?usp=sharing
SJE School Improvement Council Welcomes you
docs.google.com
Virtual Nights


News from your School Counselors......
Amy Lester alester@horrycountyschools.net | (843)650-8220 | Maria Todd mtodd002@horrycountyschools.net |
From your Guidance Office
Counseling Services
- Short term individual counseling
- Small group counseling
- Classroom guidance lessons
- Crisis intervention
- Consultation with parents and teachers
- Coordination with outside agencies and therapists
- Referrals for community services
Report Bullying:
Bullying is an unwanted, intentional, aggressive behavior that may be physical, verbal, or nonverbal. There is an imbalance of power between the parties and the behavior is repeated over time. We have included a link for parents and students to use if they need to make a bullying report. The report will go to Mrs. Lester. There is also a bullying report form on HCS website. Please don't hesitate to contact the school counselors or an administrator with your concerns. https://forms.gle/3ffGJCrSvngX2TAv6
Backpack Buddies Program
We are happy to inform you that St. James Elementary will participate in the Backpack Buddies program this year for families that are in need and can benefit from the support of the program. Backpack Buddies supplies nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve, nonperishable food designed to be put in a backpack and eaten by the child over the weekend. The food is offered to your child at no cost. The identities of the students who participate will be kept confidential. The food will be delivered to the school each week and the food will be placed in your child’s backpack. Please email Mrs. Lester at alester@horrycountyschools.net with your child’s name and teacher if you are interested in participating in the program.
Virtual Counseling
We are excited to share our virtual school counseling program with you.
What will you find in our virtual program?
1. School Counseling Office: contact the school counselors, virtual fidget toys, parent resources, and other interactive goodies.
2. School Counseling Classroom: links to monthly classroom guidance lessons and virtual read alouds.
3. Calming Room: links to relaxing music, yoga for kids and mindfulness exercises.
We encourage you to click around and explore, learn, play, or just take a moment to enjoy some relaxing music.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselors if you have any questions, concerns, or needs. We are here to support you.
News from your School Nurse......
COVID-19 Reminders from the School Nurse:
· Please continue to self-screen your child prior to school for fever and other symptoms. If your child has symptoms, please keep them home. If your child is sent home from school by the nurse for symptoms related to COVID, then they will need to remain at home for 10 days unless we receive a negative COVID test result or a doctor's note with alternative diagnosis to return to school.
· Please notify the School Nurse if your child is tested for COVID due to symptoms. They will need to remain at home until they receive their results.
· Please notify the School Nurse if your child or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 and or if your child had close contact with a person that has COVID-19.
See Flyers attached.
Thank you for helping control the spread of COVID-19 in our community and school!
Melanie O'Tuel, RN, BSN
Office Phone: (843) 215-6011
School Fax: (843) 650-7909
News from your Attendance Clerk ......
Absences from School
Excused (LAWFUL) absences are absences resulting from such circumstances as:
- Illness
- Bereavement (death in the immediate family)
- Major religious holiday
- Principal approved absences
When a student returns from an absence, the appropriate documentation must be submitted within three (3) school days to the Attendance Office. This documentation may include:
- Doctor excuse for illness (with the date and time the student was seen)
- Obituary/Program of Service for bereavement
- Written request prior to the absence for religious holidays
- Principal Approval Form for principal approved absences
Parent notes do not excuse a student absence, but the reason for the absence will be noted in the student's record.
Principal Approved Absences
Absences that are prearranged for other reasons and/or extreme hardships are at the discretion of the Principal. Requests are to be submitted to the Attendance Office on a completed Principal Approval Form (which can be obtained from the Attendance Office), The form must be completed and submitted prior to the absence (if prescheduled trip/event), or within 3 school days following the absence.
A student is considered truant:
After (3) consecutive all-day absences, five (5) cumulative all-day absences, or five (5) cumulative class absences within the same class period, which are not excused by a medical doctors written statement, proof of bereavement, or principals approval.
Reporting Student Absences
Parents can email Nkearney@horrycountyschools.net. All excused notes (listed above) should be handed in with the student upon returning to school. If a student is expected to miss more than two days of school, please let Mrs. Kearney and the school’s administration know so that student work may be gathered from their teachers. Work will be sent to the main office to be picked up. If a student expects to miss five or more total days of school due to a medical reason, contact the school and ask about Medical Homebound Services.
**HCS Virtual Students**
Attendance will be collected weekly from the online student information system. To be counted present for the day, the student must login for a minimum of 150 minutes for the week to be counted present every day of that week. Students and parents can review the number of minutes that will count toward each week’s attendance by checking the Student Activity link on their Genius Dashboard or communicating directly with the teacher of the course. For attendance purposes, the time students spend logged into their courses each week begins Saturday at midnight and ends on the following Friday at 11:59 pm.
The number of hours required for counting students present are a minimum number for attendance purposes only. Additional time is required to complete the online coursework. Additionally, they should attend live Google Meets with the teacher; however, those are not required for attendance purposes.
Parents should provide medical and other attendance excuses and documentation to attendancehcsvirtual@horrycountyschools.net
PTA News......
Just a note of thanks from PTA for supporting the Attraction Book fundraiser, please return any unsold Attraction Books.
Art To Remember at Home Art Project was sent home this week. Artwork can be uploaded from home at: https//arttoremember.com/school/n2n97g or return completed artwork to school by March 26th so that you can receive a full color order sheet. No purchase necessary to have your artwork uploaded and saved in a digital family gallery. Any questions please contact Lyndsey Edbrooke lyndseyedbrooke@yahoo.com
Yearbooks are still available to pre-order online at www.balfour.com/south-carolina/myrtle-beach/st-james-elementary-school. Any questions please contact June Johnson junejohnsonny2sc@gmail.com
RENT THE SPIRIT ROCK
If you would like to have a special message painted on the Spirit Rock please go to www.SignUpGenius.com and search for sjespiritrock@gmail.com to reserve the rock for your special day!
Dolphin Partners
Much thanks to our Dolphin Partners for Supporting SJE's Journey to Excellence! Special thanks to the following local businesses and individuals for their financial contributions to help improve our school for the 2020-2021 school year!
Diamond
Coastal Tides Reality Matt Harper TeamShopping for real estate or even just curious about the value of your home? Check out www.coastaltidesrealtyMB.com. Matt Harper and his team at Coastal Tides Realty will guide you home! | Beach Team Gymnastics has been in business for over 30 years. They offer programs for children of all ages and abilities in a safe, positive, enjoyable atmosphere. Gymnastics prepares kids for all sports, so check out www.beachteamgym.com | Conway Medical Center has been a trusted leader in healthcare for nearly a century. Improving health, saving lives. Compassionate care you can trust. www.conwaymedicalcenter.com |
Coastal Tides Reality Matt Harper Team
Shopping for real estate or even just curious about the value of your home? Check out www.coastaltidesrealtyMB.com.
Matt Harper and his team at Coastal Tides Realty will guide you home!
Beach Team Gymnastics
Conway Medical Center
The Mad SignTistSince 2008, The Mad Signtist has been providing clients with the highest quality designs on the best materials available. Businesses all over depend on The Mad Signtist for their total sign solutions. We are a family-owned business, and our foundation was built on our core values of; Honesty, Integrity, Fairness and Trust. We take great pride in our exceptional customer service and quick turnaround times. From concept to install, The Mad Signtist has everything you will need to get your business noticed! From business cards to store front signs to vehicle graphics, we are your one stop shop for all your sign needs. |
The Mad SignTist
Since 2008, The Mad Signtist has been providing clients with the highest quality designs on the best materials available. Businesses all over depend on The Mad Signtist for their total sign solutions. We are a family-owned business, and our foundation was built on our core values of; Honesty, Integrity, Fairness and Trust. We take great pride in our exceptional customer service and quick turnaround times. From concept to install, The Mad Signtist has everything you will need to get your business noticed! From business cards to store front signs to vehicle graphics, we are your one stop shop for all your sign needs.
Platinum
Marla's School of Dance Join us for an unparalleled dance experience you won’t find anywhere else. We are your Surfside Beach neighborhood dance studio, located at 1015 16th avenue NW, Surfside Beach, SC. We offer dance classes for ages 3-18 years old. Class styles include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and acrobatics. We are also the place to buy any dance wear or shoes you may need. Contact us at marlasdance@outlook.com or 843-238-4962. |
Marla's School of Dance
Silver
Tidelands Ford Lincoln, Century 21 Brenda Payne Team
Bronze
Bob Zeller RE/MAX
Car Rider Procedures
Car Riders in the afternoon & Car TagsCar Riders in the afternoon: If your child is an afternoon car rider, please make sure you follow our Car Rider Procedures. | Change in Transportation Home To ensure the safety of our students, all transportation changes must be made in writing. No transportation changes will be accepted after 1:30. Phone calls or messages from friends or relatives cannot be honored. Anyone signing a student out must be listed on the child’s emergency card or have prior written notice. |
Car Riders in the afternoon & Car Tags
Car Riders in the afternoon:
If your child is an afternoon car rider, please make sure you follow our Car Rider Procedures.
Change in Transportation Home
Car Riders in the morning:
Student drop off begins at 6:45 am. School starts at 7:35. If your child is tardy you will need to come into the front office and sign in your child.
Thank you for your continued patience as we ease into our morning routines at SJE. We work diligently to ensure all students are inside the building safely by the tardy bell at 7:35. Our car rider loop is on the side of the school by the gym. You have to go around St. James Middle school and follow the signs to get to our drop off. Teachers are on duty and strategically placed throughout the building and sidewalks to monitor students and provide direction if needed. We ask that you please pull all the way forward and let your child out the passenger side of your car.
SJE Family,
Please take a moment and review our car rider procedures. It is so important that our children are ready (book bags in hand and masks on) to exit the car quickly and safely when and where it stops. When this does not happen, the flow of traffic is disrupted and the cars behind you are not prepared to stop. This can cause an accident. If you must get out of your car for any reason or your child is not prepared to exit the car at the stop, you must pull forward to the sidewalk area in front of the playground. Also remember that it is most safe for the children to exit the car on the right side. Children walking in front of or behind cars is a huge safety concern. We are working as hard as possible to get all of the children out of the cars and into the building before the 7:40am tardy bell rings. Our teachers on duty need to be in the building so they can prepare to provide instruction to our children. We will begin marking your child tardy after the bell rings. Please be considerate and safe to the cars behind you and follow all car rider procedures. We begin welcoming car riders at 6:45am and the tardy bell rings at 7:40am.
(See car rider procedures below…)
We will continue to monitor the morning drop off situation for the safety of our children. We know that all of you echo our passion for ensuring our children’s safe and timely arrival to school. Please remember that our new morning car rider procedures require that all children will be dropped off in the car line. Please enter the car line beside the middle school and follow the SJE lane to our drop off location. When you pull all the way to the first available spot and stop, your child should be ready to exit the car (make sure book bags are ready, jackets are on, masks are on, and you have said your good-byes before you stop your car). Being ready and exiting the car in a quick manner can be helpful to those behind you in line. Teachers and staff on duty will not be opening the car doors. If you need to help your child exit the car and this requires you to exit your car as well, please pull all the way forward past the first drop off stop and pull to the side area to assist your child. Pulling all the way forward and to the side allows the parents behind you to continue the line moving. We want to be considerate to all students and parents with regards to arriving to school in a timely manner.
Again, the line will begin receiving students at 6:45am. Although the tardy bell rings at 7:40am, we encourage you to drop off your child as soon as possible. All children are provided breakfast in the morning. We want the children to have the opportunity to get settled in the classroom and begin instruction by 7:40am. Another reminder is that all students are required to wear a mask to enter the building. Students who are not in the building at 7:40am will be marked tardy. All students should be dropped off using the car line procedures described below:
AM Car Rider Procedures
- Staff report to duty at 6:45 a.m. You can begin dropping children off at this time (6:45 am). Teachers will line the sidewalks while others are strategically located throughout the building to keep our children safe.
- Please pull all the way forward to the first adult on duty. We encourage you to pull as far forward as possible in order to get as much traffic off the road as possible.
- The teacher on duty will monitor the children as they exit the car and walk down the sidewalk into the school. **Not everyone will get the drop off spot closest to the door, but all children will be safely monitored into the building. By each child exiting the car during each round, the flow of traffic is uninterrupted and can move at a faster pace.
- Once your child has exited the car, continue with the flow of traffic. Please do not get out of your car. **Please pull off to the side only if your child cannot exit the car without your assistance. Because of COVID, we will not be opening car doors.
- Please have your child exit the car from the right side. Children walking in front of, behind, and in between cars is a serious safety concern.
- All car riders must utilize the drop off loop. Parents are not permitted to exit the car or to walk students to the door.
**Remember, all visitors MUST report to the front of the office to enter the building. No one will be permitted into the building from any side entrances. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe. We look forward to a continued happy, safe, and successful school year!!
**Please practice buckling and unbuckling the seatbelt. During afternoon dismissal if you need to buckle your child, please pull over to the wide paved section in front of the playground to buckle.

SJE Mission Statement
The mission of St. James Elementary School, a richly diverse community of learners committed to a tradition of academic and personal excellence, is to ensure that our children are fully prepared to be productive participants in a constantly changing world through personalized, progressive learning which develops self-motivation, high expectations, life
skills, and the lifelong pursuit of learning.
Felisa McDavid,
Principal
___________________________________________________________
Horry County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, immigrant status. English-speaking status or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal or S.C. law inits programs or activities,
You may call 843-488-6700 or contact Horry County Schools, 335 Four Mile Road, Conway, SC 29528.
Dolphin in the Spotlight!



My School Bucks Pay for school meals and fees securely online! With MySchoolBucks, parents can also view cafeteria purchases, access meal balances | My Payments Plus MyPaymentsPlus is trusted by over 2 million parents to help streamline payments for school meals, fees, and activities. In addition to peace of mind, parents gain the added convenience of having all school-related payments in one place. Best of all, creating an account is simple and absolutely free. | Student & Parent Portal Access Logging on to PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal: The PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal is web-based and can be accessed from any computer with internet ... |
My School Bucks
My Payments Plus
In addition to peace of mind, parents gain the added convenience of having all school-related payments in one place. Best of all, creating an account is simple and absolutely free.
Student & Parent Portal Access
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. It is awarded to persons who make contributions of statewide significance. An auxiliary honor is "The Order of the Silver Crescent." Today it is awarded to persons who make community or professional contributions of local significance.[1] | The purpose of the 2019–20 Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) is to assist schools and districts in developing and implementing arts initiatives that support quality arts education programs that significantly improve student achievement in the arts. DAP grants provide funds for one-year projects. Successful DAP applications must indicate in the strategic arts plan that the applicant will include all arts forms—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts—over a three-year period of the strategic arts plan. | Palmetto Silver: 1) Average Academic Achievement and Excellent Student Progress, or 2) Good Academic Achievement and Good Student Progress, or 3) Excellent Academic Achievement and Average Student Progress. |