The Bobcat Blaze
November 20, 2020
Principal's Message
Happy Friday All!
This will be our last Bobcat Business for November as we will not do one next week due to the shortened week. I am so excited that it is almost Thanksgiving! I love cooking and most importantly, EATING!
As I continue to reflect on the year, I cannot help but smile at just how blessed I feel to be here at A.C. Moore with such wonderful students, parents, and staff. I am grateful for each of you and the lessons we learn together as we navigate this unique era of change.
I certainly hope you all take full advantage of the upcoming break. I wish you nothing but fun, fat bellies, and lots of laughs. Be safe!
Principal's Video Message: https://cloud.swivl.com/v/1d970539b76b1b5b9c79f7345affee15
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
November
- November 20th-26th.......................COVID-19 Testing (details below)
- November 22nd...............................Molina Healthcare Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Giveaway (details below)
- November 25th-27th.......................Thanksgiving Break (Schools & District offices are Closed)
December
December 3rd............................Richland One Virtual Magnet Fair
- December 4th............................Professional Development Day (Early release for students)
- December 21st-January 1st.....Winter Break
Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
DHEC - Pardon and Parole (Old Building)
Dates and Times
Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday: 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
Address: 2204 Lee St, Columbia, SC 29205
Contact Details: https://scdhec.gov/GetTested
DHEC-Well Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times
Open weekdays: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Further Information
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
Address 2600 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
Contact Details https://www.gogettested.com/
DISTRICT NEWS
A Message from the Superintendent - 11.17.20
Dear Richland One Parents and Staff,
As a follow-up to our November 2 correspondence, I want to take this opportunity to provide you an update on our Restart Strong Reopening of Schools Plan. Having made our transition to Phase 2 (hybrid), COVID-19 continues to impact how we proceed. We continue to monitor the numbers in Richland County as well as our Richland One COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard, which is updated daily. To view the dashboard, click on the link at www.richlandone.org/restartstrong.
In addition to monitoring the related health numbers in the county and the district, we continue to meet regularly with local health officials. From these discussions, as well as from information from public health agencies, we know that the mitigating strategies (e.g., masks/face coverings, hand washing, social distancing, cleaning/disinfecting protocols and contact tracing) serve to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 for staff and students. The data and information reflected on our dashboard serves as evidence that what we are doing is working. That said, we will remain in the current Phase 2 model at least through December 18, 2020.
We also continue to emphasize the need for all of us to practice the safety measures that health officials have spoken about, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter holiday breaks.
Finally, we appreciate our teachers, administrators and staff for their valiant ongoing efforts to provide quality instruction for our students. We also thank our parents for their understanding and patience as we navigate these challenging times together.
Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D.
Superintendent
A Message from the Superintendent - 11.19.20
Dear Richland One Colleagues,
Governor Henry McMaster has announced that school districts across the state will receive COVID-19 rapid testing kits to be used for symptomatic students and staff in an effort to address the ongoing pandemic and its impact on schools. Parents will have to sign a consent form if they want their children to be tested.
When we receive more details from the South Carolina Department of Education and health officials, we will share that information with you accordingly. We will continue to keep you updated.
Thank you and have a good evening.
Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Tips for Safe Holiday Celebrations
Richland One Colleagues,
This time next week, we will have eaten some delicious turkey with all the trimmings or we will be preparing to sit down to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal with family and/or friends. While we look forward to the food and fellowship, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in offering some important tips we can follow to help protect ourselves, our families and others (such as our students and colleagues) from COVID-19 (and the flu) during the holiday season.
Please take a look at the attached tip sheet (in English and Spanish) and feel free to share this information with others. #R1Strong #Safety1st
Thank you,
Karen E. York
Executive Director of Communications
Richland County School District One
Richland One to Hold Virtual Magnet Fair December 3rd
Richland One’s outstanding magnet programs offer unique learning experiences for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. On December 3 from 5:30-7 p.m., the district will showcase those programs during its first-ever Virtual Magnet Fair.
During the online event, attendees will receive information about the various magnet programs, chat live with program staff in real time and sign up for an upcoming parent information session.
Richland One’s diverse magnet programs include Montessori Programs, Career Magnets, Language Immersion Program, Medical Magnet Academy, Health Sciences Magnet, Richland One Middle College and the Virtual School Program. Information about the district’s pre-kindergarten programs also will be available during the Virtual Magnet Fair.
“Whether it’s learning a second language, getting a head start on high-demand job skills, taking classes online or on a college campus, Richland One’s magnet programs offer students a wide array of learning experiences in traditional and non-traditional settings,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “This virtual fair is a great opportunity for parents to learn more about programs that they’ve always been curious about or they think might be a good fit for their child.”
Parents can start registering now for the fair at www.richlandone.org/choice. With a few exceptions, Richland One’s magnet programs are open to students throughout the district regardless of their school attendance zone.
Key dates for the magnet program enrollment period include the following:
- Parent Information Sessions: December 7-11
- Round 1 Applications Open: December 14, 2020
- Round 1 Applications Close: February 1, 2021
- Lottery Decisions: February 2021
Richland One Student Attendance Information 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.
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.
Read to Succeed!
SCHOOL NEWS
Parent and Family Engagement
AC Moore Continues its Salute to Veterans
Sergeant Trey Townsend, United States Army
Retired Sergeant Steven Dantzler
News From The Library with Mrs. Warren
Dress-Up Week!
Thank you to everyone for participating in Dress-Up Week! We are delighted to be back together with you and enjoyed see your themed outfits. If you didn't get a chance to check out your Bobcat friend during the week, you can see them below!
Monday...Crazy Sock Day!
Tuesday...Sports Gear Day!
Wednesday...Crazy Hat Day!
Thursday...Superhero Day!
Friday...Favorite Storybook Character Day
BOBCAT SPOTLIGHT...A SPECIAL THANK YOU
OCTOBER ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Katie Hilliger
Ms. Katie is a 2009 Dance Education graduate from the University of South Carolina who has been able to share her love for movement with thousands of students in multiple different arenas through the years! Such experiences include six years as the Dance Specialist at Meadow Glen Middle School in Lexington, work with multiple theatres around Columbia, guest artistry opportunities through countless public schools, teaching and choreography opportunities in multiple dance studios around the southeast, and various work with organizations in the private sector. She was thrilled to share her love and passion with the students of AC Moore during the month of October and wishes all of the Bobcats a joyful holiday season!
Teacher of the Year 2021-2022
Sunshine Committee Presents...
Over the next few weeks the Sunshine Committee will present to you a "Did You Know This About?" section, featuring Sunshine Committee participants! This segment provides you with a few fun facts and interests of each member.
The Sunshine Committee organizers are comprised of a group of staff who come up with small gifts/treats and fun activities for staff as a way to maintain positive morale and to demonstrate an appreciation for the efforts and dedication displayed by our Bobcat family. The goal of the Sunshine Committee is to spread light to all of the hard-working teachers and staff.
Did You Know This About...?
Nancy Frick
- Birthday: May 25th
- Favorite Color(s): Garnet & Black, Pink and Blue
- Favorite Sweet Treat: Snickers minis, anything chocolate
- Hobbies: Hiking, camping, reading, biking, watching old movies and Westerns
- Shops @: Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon
Dana Copeland
- Birthday: June 3rd
- Favorite Color(s): Black, emerald green, burgundy, gold
- Sweet Treat: Snickers, Raisinettes, all things sour/gummy
- Hobbies: Painting, traveling, cooking, decorating, organizing
- Shops @: Target, Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx, Michael's
Suzanne Gowan
- Birthday: June 7th
- Favorite Color(s): Pink
- Sweet Treat: Peanut M&M's
- Hobbies: Tennis, traveling with friends
- Shops @: Old Navy
Sandra Sulton
- Birthday: October 3rd
- Favorite Color(s): Any shade of blue
- Sweet Treat: Apple fritters
- Shops @: Old Navy, Belk, DSW, HomeGoods, Rawtopian Bliss
Notes from the Nurse
Important reminders:
Hello Bobcat families!
Please, please, please be sure everyone in your household (6 months old and up) gets an annual flu shot. This is the single best way to prevent the flu. It takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to develop and provide protection, so it is definitely not too early!
Please contact Nurse Hurt with any questions or concerns.
Phone: 803-929-3886
ACCESS Freely!
A message from the public library...
If students/families do not already have library cards, they can apply online now and access all the library resources! See the attached flyers for additional information.
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.
November 20th..........................................................................National Absurdity Day
November 21th..........................................................................World Hello Day
November 22nd.........................................................................Go For a Ride Day
November 23rd..........................................................................Fibonacci Day
November 24th..........................................................................Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
November 25th..........................................................................Shopping Reminder Day
November 26th..........................................................................Cake Day
November 27th..........................................................................Buy Nothing 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 Resources and Information
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 Nutrition Services During Phase 2
Beginning Monday, October 26, students in PK-2nd grade 2 will return to school for face-to-face instruction on an AA/BB model as outlined in the district’s Reopening of Schools Guide. Beginning Wednesday, November 4, students in grades 3-12 will begin the hybrid phase. The brochure attached below will provide you with guidance for meal services as we transition to the hybrid model. Please follow the assigned cohort schedule for your child(ren).
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