The Tiger's Roar

September 2023

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Orange Grove Families,


It has been a great start to the school year as we have eased our way into the routine. Just 3 days week one, 3.5 week two, and 4 week three. If the tropics don’t impact us, we may even get a full week of school here soon!


If you are new to Orange Grove, this email, called The Tiger’s Roar, is a monthly e-blast that will give you an overview of school events and happenings that may not be included in your child’s classroom newsletter, our website, or Instagram. Speaking of Instagram, I would strongly encourage you to follow Orange Grove by clicking here. This is a great way to keep up with and celebrate some of the many things that are going on at The Grove.


In Charleston, we are fortunate to have a lot of options when it comes to schools. I want to thank you for choosing Orange Grove. We are looking forward to another great year at The Grove as we celebrate 60 years as a public school! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my administrative staff if you have any questions throughout the year.


Have a great year!


John H. Clendaniel

CEO

In This Issue


  • Pro Kids Show Family Night this Tuesday 9/12
  • SAIL Testing Nomination & CCSD 24-25 Calendar Survey now open
  • PTO Treasurer Needed for 23-24 School Year
  • Accelerated Reader (AR) Information for Families
  • September Orange Grove Sports Newsletter

SEPTEMBER


September 11: Patriots Day - Students wear red, white, and blue (free style day)

September 12: Pro Kids Show Family Night @ Elementary (5p - doors open / 6p - show begins)

September 18: Constitution Day observed - Students wear red, white, and blue (free style day)

September 21: OGCS Charter Board Meeting 6:00p @ Elementary

September 22: Early Release: Elementary - 11:40a & Middle - 12:15p

September 24: Sunday Chorus Practice 2:00p @ Elementary

September 27: PTO Board Meeting 1:50p @ Elementary


OCTOBER


October 10: PTO General Meeting 6:00p @ Elementary

October 11: 8th Grade PSAT testing

October 13: Early Release: Elementary - 11:40a & Middle - 12:15p

October 19: OGCS Charter Board Meeting 6:00p @ Elementary

October 22: Sunday Chorus Practice 2:00p @ Elementary

October 25: End of 1st Quarter / PTO Board Meeting 1:50p @ Elementary

October 26: Middle School Booster Bash

October 27: Early Release: Elementary - 11:40a & Middle - 12:15p / Booster Fun Run @ Elementary

October 31: Halloween (Students may wear costumes to school)


NOVEMBER


November 1: One-hour delayed start: Elementary - 8:40a & Middle - 9:00a

November 3: Middle Picture Day

November 4: Tiger Tee Off Tournament

November 7: No School / Teacher Workday

November 10: Elementary Picture Day


View the 2023-2024 OGCS Calendar here.

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Now Hiring Afterschool Counselors

The Elementary Extended Day program is hiring afterschool counselors for Child Development (4K) through 5th grade. This is a great opportunity for an older high school or local college student looking for a flexible work schedule while attending school.


OGCS Elementary Extended Day Counselor

  • Competitive pay
  • Hours: 2:00 - 6:00p on school days
  • Flexible work schedule with reliable hours
  • Weekends and most major holidays off
  • Must be 17 years or older
  • Child care experience preferred


For more information and to apply, please email Sarah Larsen, Elementary Extended Day Director. You can also reach her by calling the elementary campus at (843) 763-1520.

Attention 8th grade parents

Earlier this week, Mr. Schonveld emailed important Washington, D.C. trip information to all 8th grade parents. To view his September 5th email, please click here.

SAIL testing nomination form open until 9/13

If your 3rd - 5th grade student has not yet been identified as gifted (SAIL) and you would like him/her to participate in the Gifted and Talented aptitude testing taking place this month, please complete one of the nomination forms below. All forms must be submitted by September 13, 2023.


CCSD Gifted & Talented Nomination Form (English) / Formulario de Nominación para Dotados y Talentosos (Spanish)


For more information, please check out CCSD's FAQs about Nomination Testing: English / Spanish

CCSD's calendar survey closes 9/15

Charleston County School District is collecting community input regarding their four (4) 2024-2025 CCSD Academic Calendar options now through September 15. Orange Grove typically follows CCSD's academic calendar, with only a few minor exceptions.


If you would like to share your feedback, please select the calendar option that you most prefer by completing the CCSD Schools 2024-25 Academic Calendar Selection Form. The survey should only take 5-7 minutes of your time to complete.


If you have any questions, please email communications@charleston.k12.sc.us or call 843-937-6303.

Elementary & Middle School arrival & dismissal

During these busy times, please be sure to:


  • be mindful of our neighbors as you travel to and from both the Elementary and Middle campuses by keeping driveways clear, following posted speed limits, and yielding to walkers and bicyclists.
  • park in designated parking areas, on and off campus. On many neighborhood streets and intersections around both campuses, street parking is not allowed. Please follow posted street signs and do not block driveways.
  • use sidewalks and crosswalks when on campus.


For additional arrival and dismissal information including campus maps, instructional videos, and more, click on the links below. Thank you for your help in keeping everyone safe.

PTO Treasurer needed

The PTO Board is seeking a treasurer for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are proficient with Quickbooks Online, have experience with company bookkeeping, and are looking for a great volunteer experience at The Grove, we need you! For more information about the position, please contact Marcus Debiasi, PTO President.

Calling all volunteers!

Thank you to everyone who has already completed our volunteer interest form. If you want to get involved but haven't had a chance to sign-up yet, please fill out the Orange Grove PTO Volunteer Interest Form. No need to commit now - just let us know which areas you are interested in and we will contact you as opportunities arise during the year.


Middle School families - we need you, too! There are many events at the Middle School that wouldn't be possible without our wonderful PTO and parent volunteers. Thank you for your support!

Booster T-shirt Sponsorship

Thank you to the businesses who have already committed to sponsor this year's Booster T-shirt! We are happy to share that these shirts will now be color-coded for Field Day, which means they will serve as another student event shirt later this school year. Plus, they are a uniform-approved top year round.


If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this year's Booster T-shirts, there is still time! Please complete the OGCS PTO Booster T-Shirt Sponsor Form today. Forms, payment, and logo submissions must be received by Friday, September 15 in order to meet the production deadline.


If you have any questions, please email ogcsptopresident@gmail.com.

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Have library-related questions?

Please email Mrs. Schaffer or Ms. Williams for assistance:


Lisa_Schaffer@orangegrovecharter.com

Reese_Williams@orangegrovecharter.com

Welcome to the September newsletter!

Volleyball Season is in Full Swing!

Our volleyball teams are setting the court on fire this season! We have three fantastic teams representing Orange Grove. These dedicated athletes have been practicing tirelessly and are ready to bump, set, and spike their way to victory. Come cheer for our teams at their upcoming matches and witness their passion and teamwork firsthand.

Cross Country Excellence

Our cross country team is off to an incredible start. They've been training hard and competing against each other throughout each practice. With upcoming meets in the region, they're ready to demonstrate their speed and endurance. Join us in cheering them on as they race towards victory!

Meet the Coaches

Let's meet the remarkable coaches behind the success of our young athletes.

  • Erin F. is the coach for the 6th-grade volleyball team; she brings passion and dedication on and off the court!
  • Jenelle leads the 7th-grade volleyball team. While in her first year, she blends in perfectly and challenges her athletes each practice.
  • Kelsy mentors the 8th-grade volleyball team. Her adaptability and overall love for the game has created a perfect fit for her each season.
  • Tara G. doubles as our new MS Guidance Counselor and OG Cross Country Coach. She continuously challenges her team to not only improve on runs but also in the classroom.

Overall, these coaches dedicate time and expertise and are instrumental in shaping our student-athletes.

Upcoming Events

  • Volleyball: Kicked off their season this week with games spread throughout Charleston County.
  • Cross Country Invitational: Our cross country squad will be participating in their first SCHS Event on Wednesday, Sept. 20th in North Charleston at the Stall High School Invitational at Wannamaker Park. Show your support by joining us at the event or sending your best wishes to our runners.
Student Athlete of the Month

As we are just getting our competitions started, please keep a lookout for our winners next month. They will be announced in our October edition of The Tiger’s Roar.

Stay Connected

Stay updated on all the latest happenings and detailed schedules of our volleyball and cross country teams by following us on our school athletics website:

https://sites.google.com/a/ogecs.com/ogcs-middle-athletics/



Alex Matos

Athletic Director / Middle School PE Teacher

alex_matos@orangegrovecharter.com

ORANGE GROVE CHARTER SCHOOL

Elementary Campus

1225 Orange Branch Road, Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 763 - 1520

Middle Campus

505-B Arlington Drive, Charleston, SC 29414

(843) 852 - 7929