SPCAS Trojan News
October 2020
Principal's Pen
Thursday, October 1-Kona Ice for A Day Students (Be sure to return money bag.)
Friday, October 2-Kona Ice for B Day Students (Be sure to return money bag.)
Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9-Progress Reports Go Home
Monday, October 12-Early Release Day @ 11 am
Monday, October 12-Picture Day for Virtual Students (8 am - 2 pm), Uniforms must be worn
Monday, October 12-SIC/PTO Meeting @ 6 pm (Zoom Link to follow)
Tuesday, October 13-Picture Day for A Day Students, Uniforms must be worn
Wednesday, October 14-Picture Day for B Day Students, Uniforms must be worn
Tuesday, October 20-Chick-fil-a Spirit Night from 5 pm - 8 pm
Children First,
Dr. Barnes
From the Office
A few reminders regarding Car Line and Attendance:
Students exit car on RIGHT side only – This is for safety. If you need for your child to EXIT on the left side, please park in 10 minute parking and walk them across.
Drop off begins at 7:00 am.
Our first bell rings at 7:40 am.
Our tardy bell rings at 7:45 am – our car rider doors lock at this time. Please bring students to the front doors after 7:45. We will sign them in.
Our gate opens in the afternoon by 1:50 pm when students have returned to the building from afternoon recess.
If your child is absent please send a parent note or doctor’s excuse. Five parent notes per year are allowed.
Reminder, please send all items to school with your child . Students are not allowed to come to the office to pick up items that are left at home.
~Mrs. Dieguez, Attendance Coordinator
CREATING AT HOME LEARNING SPACES
For students to successfully complete remote learning, parent support is required. Initially, one of the most important aspects of remote learning is the establishment of a consistent home learning environment. A consistent home learning environment includes a specified location conducive for learning such as a kitchen table, desk, or lap desk. Have students follow a similar morning schedule to a typical school day, even on remote learning days when possible. Begin the remote learning day with getting dressed, brushing teeth, and having breakfast.
TIPS FOR PARENTS and CAREGIVERS
*Create an area free from distractions (free from cell phones and televisions)
*Create a designated learning space
*Centralize supplies for easy access (include: pencils, crayons, notebooks, water bottles)
*Have a designated schedule with breaks
*Develop and implement routines
Be flexible with spaces and find what’s comfortable for your child.
~Mrs. Brown, Assistant Principal
Supporting Your Gifted Child During COVID-19
As COVID-19 forces us to face new norms like social distancing, remote learning, and shelter-in place orders, gifted children may exhibit increased anxiety, sadness, intense feelings, and out-of-the ordinary behavior. The article below offers information that can help families learn how to support their gifted child during this unprecedented time.
~Mrs. Blackwell, GT/Math Coach
News from the Art Room
~Mrs. Gifford, Art Teacher
Physical Education News
Due to our current learning environment in regards to Covid-19 our Physical Education (PE) classes are being held outside when the weather is agreeable and inside the classroom on bad weather days. Please make a note of the day/week that your child has PE and prepare them for an outdoor learning event.
Make a difference in your child’s life by helping them learn how to adopt healthy eating habits.
• Set a good example by eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Provide healthy foods/snacks for lunch visits, school celebrations, and special events.
• Fill half your child's plate with vegetables and fruits
• Serve fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk and water rather than sugary drinks
• When buying pre-packaged foods, choose ones that are low in sodium
• Don't serve oversized portions
~Ms. Bundy, PE Teacher
Notes from Our Nurse
We are off to a great start of our school year. I would like to thank all parents for all you are doing to aid in the effort of RH Schools and SPCAS to keep our students and staff safe. Keep up the good work!!!!!
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in adults and children and can look like other common illnesses, like colds, strep throat, or allergies. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children are fever and cough, but children may have any of these signs or symptoms of COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Worsening Cough*
Headache
Diarrhea
Tiredness
Sore throat
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Stomachache
Nasal congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell*
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing*
*Students with these symptoms will be excluded from school immediately per South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).
*Here are some reminders/tips to help us continue to keep our SPCAS students safe.
*Keep your child home if they are sick, call their healthcare provider, AND notify the school nurse via email @ aroseborough@rhmail.org or by phone at 803-980-2132 with symptoms your child is experiencing.
* Notify the school nurse immediately if your child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
* Wash hands frequently.
* Cover your cough/sneeze.
*Select the proper mask, wear in public, and clean on a regular basis.
* Keep track of who your child comes into close contact with.
Feel free to contact me with questions/concerns regarding your child’s health and safety.
~Ms. Roseborough, RN
Library News
R-E-A-D-O Summer Reading Recognitions
Congratulations to the following students: Hannah Andrycohowski, Nico Byrd, Ytzel Castaneda-Rivera, Lauren Cureton, Jordan Derr, Mackenzie Hiller, Patrick Huber, Braelyn Jackson, Aubrey Johnson, Dawson Muir, and Alex Patterson for submitting their summer challenge R-E-A-D-O reading logs. The incentives included one extra book during check-out time. The students also received reading certificates, medals and goodie bags courtesy of Domtar.
Battle of the Books
The annual competition is open to 4th and 5th graders only. The Battle of the Books is perfect for students who love to read and love competition. The goal is to introduce them to a variety of literature and at the same time allow them to work as a team with fellow students. Students interested in participating should see Mrs. Gray for the reading list and the participation letter.
The Pizza Hut Book It! Reading Incentive Program October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021
This motivational reading program is open to all students in grades K-6. This year’s program partner is Tales from Deckawoo by Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Teachers will set individual or classroom reading goals for the next six months. When the goal is met, students will receive a coupon for a free personal pizza to be redeemed at the Pizza Hut.
Counselor's Corner
Things are really starting to fall into place for our 2020-2021 school year! I have officially started pushing into the classrooms to teach lessons that focuses on students’ academic, personal/social and career development success. I will also provide social-emotional growth activities for our students at this time. I’m truly excited to be back in the swing of things.
Likewise, for the month of October, students will have the opportunity to participate in Red Ribbon Week. This is a national initiative, where schools and communities across America bring awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. October is also National Bullying Prevention Month. Therefore, students will engage in activities/lessons that are geared towards encouraging schools, communities and organizations to work together to stop bullying and put an end to hatred. Please speak with your children at home about the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle, making good choices and putting an end to bullying.
Lastly, in addition to classroom guidance if you feel your child has a need for individual counseling services, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You can locate the guidance referral form on our school’s website, under the families tab.
As always, please know that I am available should you wish to speak with me regarding your child’s needs at Sunset Park. Have an Outstanding October!
~Ms. Woods, School Counselor
Music
Greetings SPCAS Fam!!
We have kicked off the school year on a good note! It is a pleasure working with all of our face-to-face students. Despite the circumstances surrounding how we are doing school this year, the students and I are exploring new and effective ways to continue learning about our world through music. I am considering some virtual performances, showcases, and such to share the wonderful things that are happening with music at Sunset Park! Be on the lookout for some great music-making throughout the school year!
~Mr. Simon, Music Teacher