MAP testing continues this week! As your child is gearing up to take the math MAP test this week, it is important that they understand the importance of the assessment. We don't want them stressed or anxious, but rather confident and ready to focus and do their best. Please make sure your child is well rested, eats a good breakfast , and send them off to school ready to "show what you know" and "do your best" attitude!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our Family Fun Night on Tuesday, March 28th. The Art Show runs from 4:00 - 6:30, Bingo is from 6:00 - 7:00, and for those families who pre-ordered meals, they are available for pick up between 5:00 - 6:00. (The deadline to pre-order meals has passed, but we hope you will still join us for Bingo & the Art Show!) ***As a reminder, payment for student artwork is online / credit card only. You can pre-pay online using the link below or via credit card in person at the Art Show.

Throughout the year you have provided great feedback to us so that we could work together to make this year the BESt it could possibly be for our students. We rely on this input to make decisions regarding what is going well and what needs to be refined and improved. We are asking for similar feedback for the SC State Department of Education Parent Opinion Survey. The responses to this survey help school and district leaders understand how parents feel about the school. A link to this survey was sent to the parents or guardians of every student in South Carolina. This link will be re-sent this coming week. If you have multiple children, you might get several links. We are only asking you to complete one survey for each school your children attend. You are permitted to complete one survey for each of your children if you want, but only one survey for each school is needed. Be on the lookout in your email for your survey request/link this coming week.

• Tues, March 28 - 4th & 5th gr MAP testing (math), BES Family Night (The deadline to pre-order meals has passed, but we hope you will join us for Bingo & the Art Show!)

• Wed, March 29 - SIC meeting (7:00am), 2nd & 3rd gr MAP testing (math), report cards sent home

• Thurs, March 30 - 1st gr MAP testing (math)

• Fri, March 31 - PTO Meeting, 7:45am library, spring pictures - individual & class pictures (There are no make up days for spring pictures.)
  

• Fri, April 7 - Fri, April 14 - Spring Break - all D5 schools and offices closed.

• Mon, April 17 - Students return

I know it is hard to believe, but it is that time of year when we start planning for the next school year. An important part of that process is setting up our advisory and support groups such as the School Improvement Council (SIC) and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) board.

Our School Improvement Council (SIC) is an advisory group of elected parent, community, and teacher representatives that work together to support the school’s initiatives. We meet monthly at 7:00am, so it is the perfect way to be involved, and still make it to work on time! The SIC is a great opportunity to hear about and be a part of the school decision-making process firsthand. We have two open positions for the upcoming school year.

Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a more active group that can be seen throughout the building. We have a very involved parent group, so much of the work is just helping to plan events and coordinate support for activities. There will be several PTO Board positions open, as well as committee chair opportunities.

Both groups provide easy opportunities for all parents to be involved in the school. We value parent input - your ideas, suggestions, and feedback help us make decisions that keep our school moving forward! Jump in and get involved. See the form below!

Front Office - 803-476-4500

School Nurse - 803-476-4509

Cafeteria - 803-476-4508

School Counselor - 803-476-4534

Library - 803-476-4518

Parent input and feedback are always appreciated as we work through new routines and procedures. Whether through a phone call or an email, we welcome your thoughts and ideas. The Administrative Team at BES is always available to help in any way we can! You can contact us by calling the main office at 476-4500 or emailing us directly.

Principal Robin Bright rbright@lexrich5.org

Assistant Principal Zach Keister zkeister@lexrich5.org

Assistant Administrator Allison Babb ababb@lexrich5.org

Follow us on social media as well!

Facebook @BallentineElementarySchool

Twitter @BallentineElem

Our Mission…

The mission of Ballentine Elementary School is to join together community, staff, students, and families to ensure that all students are provided a world-class, rigorous education.

Our Vision…

In partnership with the community, staff, students, and families, Ballentine Elementary School will exemplify excellence in education in a positive, safe and nurturing environment in order to prepare our students to be fully participating citizens and leaders. We will foster the development of creative thinking, encourage curiosity and problem solving, promote respect for individual differences and uphold high ethical standards.