SPCAS TROJAN NEWS
November 2020
Principal's Pen
Please see the reminders below.
Friday, October 30-Students wear capes or all black for Red Ribbon Week.
Tuesday, November 3-No School (Election Day)
Monday, November 9-At-Home/Remote Learning Day for all students
Monday, November 9-SIC/PTO Meeting @ 6 pm (Zoom Link to follow)
Tuesday, November 10-Kindergarten through 2nd grade students return to school 5 days
Tuesday November 10-Veterans Day Tribute
Wednesday, November 11-Veterans Day Tribute
Thursday, November 12-Boosterthon Kick-Off
Friday, November 13-Boosterthon Kick-Off
Monday, November 16-Make-up Pictures
Tuesday, November 17-Make-up Pictures
Wednesday, November 18-Thanksgiving Lunch
Thursday, November 19-Thanksgiving Lunch
Wednesday, November 18-Report Cards go home
Thursday, November 19-Report Cards go home
Monday, November 23-Boosterthon Dance-Off
Tuesday, November 24-Boosterthon Dance-Off
Wednesday, November 25- Friday, November 27-No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Children First,
Dr. Barnes
Next Week
Tuesday-November 3 No School
Wednesday, November 4 (B Day)
Thursday, November 5 (A Day)
Friday, November 6 (B Day)
Attendance Reminder
Please remember your child must turn in work to their teacher each week from their remote learning days(days they do not attend school). If work is not received, your child is counted absent. Absences will accrue very quickly and result in an attendance plan being written if the work is not turned in. Attendance plans are written when a student has 5 unexcused absences or 3 consecutive unexcused absences. Remember Every Day Counts!
~Mrs. Dieguez
Reading Is FUNdamental!
One of the best ways to support your child is to encourage a love of reading! When reading at home, use the questions below to encourage reading comprehension. Just by asking your child questions, you are fostering a love of reading.
Before Reading
• What will this book be about? How do you know?
• What is the title of this story? What clues does the title give about the story?
• Who is the author? What does the author do? Who is the illustrator? What does the illustrator do?
• What do you think will happen in this story? What gave you that idea?
During Reading
• What do you think will happen next? How do you think (character) will react?
• How would you feel if that happened to you?
• What would you have done if you were the character?
• What pictures have you been seeing in your mind?
• Can you predict what will happen next?
• What does the main character want to happen?
• How do the illustrations explain what is happening in the story?
After Reading
• What is the most important thing that happened in the story (or the chapter)?
• Why did the author write this story? What did they want you to learn?
• Can you retell the story in your own words?
• What do you think will happen to the main character after this story is over?
• Were your predictions correct? Why or why not?
• How is this story/character like a different story/character?
~Mrs. Brown
Remote Learning Tips
1. Limit distraction
A “digital quarantine” might be necessary to keep your child’s attention focused on their schoolwork. Students do their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning.
2. Maintain breaks such as snack time and recess
Routines and schedules are extremely important for children at school, and this is no different in their at-home school.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a schedule
A schedule for your child’s work, is extremely important.
4. Don’t let your children treat this as a vacation
This time at home might feel like a vacation for your child, but it’s important to remind them that their education still comes first.
5. Remember to schedule time for fun
While this is most certainly not a vacation, it’s important to have some fun with your children while they are at home.
(Adapted from https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/tips-for-parents-online-learning-with-children)
~Mrs. Blackwell
Art
Our 5th graders participated in a collaborative art project with the other elementary schools in our district.
It is displayed at the Center for the Arts downtown. It is based on the artwork of graffiti artist ThankYouX.
~Mrs. Gifford
Guidance
During the month of October, we took part in a nationwide campaign that serves as a reminder to all the importance of living a drug free lifestyle. This campaign, entitled Red Ribbon Week, is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the month of October in the United States. We celebrated Red Ribbon Week, October 26-30, at Sunset Park CAS. Our theme this year was, Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. The students really enjoyed participating in the dress up days. Please continue to speak with your children at home about the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle and making good choices. Likewise, we will recognize members of our Armed Forces in our 2nd Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 11. If you or someone that you know would like to participate but have not uploaded required videos/pictures, please do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!
Please note if any families are in need of Holiday assistance, you may contact me for further support. Additionally, we have a few jackets, coats, gloves and hats available; if your child could benefit from these services, let me know. I can be reached on my office phone at (803) 981- 1272. Similarly, if you feel your child has a need for individual counseling services; please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You can locate my 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 amazing November!
~Ms. Woods
Music Notes
Happy Fall SPCAS families! Music is on the cart this year, but we are rolling right along without a hitch. Students are learning about rhythm and patterns, music notation, form, and composition. In every grade level, we have begun to play instruments, which the students always love. As I continue to gather recordings of the students in action, I will share those with you via social media platforms.
Musically,
~Mr. Simon
Library
The month of November provides an excellent opportunity for families to engage in some special reading time to celebrate several month long observances: Picture Book Month, National Family Literacy Month, and American Indian, Alaska native and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month. Family reading is a valuable and fun way for parents and children to spend some quality time, sharing some of their favorite picture books with each other. A closer look at the rich history and legacy of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians should prove to be an enlightening read.
Other topics of interest this month may include: seasonal books about fall activities, voting, elections, and family traditions such as Thanksgiving. Students can reserve a book or place a hold on one or more of these topics using the Follett Destiny online catalog. They can also listen to a read aloud or read along via Tumble Book Library. Students can easily access both the Follett Destiny Catalog and Tumble Books Library, which is provided by DISCUS, from their Launchpad. The York County Library also provides the Tumble Book Library along with other virtual and digital services, such as Hoopla and OverDrive. Visit their website at https://www.yclibrary.org/ for more details.
~Mrs. Gray
Physical Education
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 outdoor learning.
Our students are getting outside to be active, weather permitting. Our K-2 students are participating in activities to enhance their locomotor skills. The locomotor activities also target improving your child’s fitness level. Students in grades 3-5 are also participating in activities to enhance their cardio-vascular fitness level. Our 3-5 students are preparing for Fitnessgram testing which focuses on cardio-vascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. I encourage you to model being physically active.
The American Heart Association recommends that healthy children, stay active throughout the day. Kids age and older should get at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day. This will help them maintain a healthy weight and keep their hearts, brains and bodies healthy.
Here are some ideas suggested by the American Heart Association:
· Enjoy the great outdoors! Schedule a time each day for an outdoor activity with your children. Hike a local nature trail or ride a bicycle path.
· Schedule family playtime. Take a walk or play a family game of tag after dinner each night. Choose activities that require movement, such as bowling, catch or miniature golf.
· Choose toys wisely. Give children toys that encourage physical activity, such as balls, kites, skateboards and jump ropes.
· Limit screen time. Experts warn that one to two hours of screen time a day should be the limit for children, but some are logging more than double that amount. Set boundaries, keep the television and electronic media out of your child's bedroom and limit computer usage to school projects.
Nurse's Corner
Medications: As we prepare to return to 5-Day Learning, if your child is in the group of students that may return to 5-Day Learning and he/she takes medication during school hours, please take the steps needed in order for your child to have medications while at school.
All prescription medications must have a signed doctor’s order on file. Medications must be in its original container with prescription label. Medications cannot be given without an order. Please click here for Medication Authorization Form. Medication must be brought to school by parent/guardian or another adult. Students cannot transport any medications.
Masks: This is a reminder that masks are required while at school. Please ensure that your child comes to school with his/her mask daily. If your child needs a reusable mask, please call the school nurse at 803-980-2132. For information on CDC Guidance for mask/face covering selection, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Continue to say “ BOO” to the Flu! The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Talk to your doctor.
Please keep all sick children home from school especially if they are exhibiting fever, respiratory (cough, difficulty breathing) and stomach symptoms! If you are unsure – stay home and call your health care provider or school nurse for advice.
Missed Days of School: Please contact the school nurse at 803-980-2132 if you are keeping your child home due to illness.
Feel free to contact me with questions/concerns regarding your child’s health and safety.
Freda Roseborough, RN
School Nurse
Phone: 803-980-2132
Email: aroseborough@rhmail.org
PTO News
We’re only 2 weeks away from kicking off our Sunset Park Dance Fit on November 12th for our Virtual Academy and B Day students and November 13th for our A Day students, with the Big Event being on November 23rd for our Virtual academy and B students and November 24th for our A students. Who’s ready to have some fun? Our goal is to have fun, build community, and support our school. We’re excited to see our school come together to give us an extra boost of energy and much needed funds, too! Check out more about how the program is going to work.
Also, donating is open on funrun.com. Feel free to register, share, and give if you are able to. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for new technology equipment and supplies to support face to face and virtual instruction to strengthen our school. Thanks for having fun with us along the way!
~Mrs. Riley Johnson, PTO President
School Improvement Council
~Mr. Eric Johnson, SIC Chair