Community Connection

Greetings Stono Park Families,

Even though the weather keeps changing on us, the academic process here at the Stono Park is staying constant! The teachers and scholars have established their routines and procedures for class lessons.

Our Book Character parade was such a success as scholars happily showed off their favorite storybook characters! Lots of scholars brought a book to accompany their costume, and eagerly shared about their favorite character. Many thanks to everyone who participated!

Parent/Teacher Data Conference Day is officially scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th. Teachers have also provided additional times via ClassDojo. It is very important that you take part in this conversation with your child’s teacher because the work we do together is a partnership. Kids must see both, teachers and parents as important parts of their learning. Here are a few suggested questions that you can ask during the conversation with your child’s teacher:

 How is my child doing socially?

 What are my child’s strengths… challenges?

 What can I do at home to support what you’re doing in the class?

 How will you respond if or when my child struggles in class?

 What can I do to support literacy in my home?

 What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my children on a daily basis about your class?

 What am I not asking but should be?

As a reminder, regular attendance and arriving to school on time is crucial to a child’s success, and even a minimal number of absences or tardiness during the school year can have a serious impact on a scholar’s ability to achieve. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact our Parent Advocate, Mrs. Alter at 843-763-1507 or traci_alter@charleston.k12.sc.us.

November is an important time for us all to reflect on the many blessings that grace us each day. I am certainly thankful for the many blessings in my life, including working with the amazing scholars, parents/guardians, teachers, and support staff at Stono Park Elementary.

Warm Regards,

Principal Richards and The Stono Park Team

11/1 - Acceleration Community Meeting- Burke High School- 5:30pm

11/2 - Poet Laureate visits 4th grade

11/7- Family Data Conferences- No School for Students

11/10- 4th grade poetry jam

11/11- Veteran's Day

11/13- 3rd Grade Field Trip to Gaillard

11/15- Math Night in Candyland 5pm-6pm

11/17-Early Release- Dismissal 1:30pm

11/20-11/24- Fall Break

11/27- Students return back to school

11/27- K, 1st & 2nd grade field trip to Gaillard

12/1- Early Release- Dismissal at 1:30pm

12/4-Make-up Picture Day

12/5-12/13- PTA Holiday Shop

12/13-Traditions Around the World Showcase

12/18-1/2/24- Winter Break

1/3-Students return back to school

Did you know? Physical activity is a great way to get in vitamin D and fresh air.

Challenge: Try doing an activity outside this weekend, some ideas are frisbee, hopscotch, kickball, four-square, basketball, jogging, walking, capture the flag.

CD- They will be finishing up their study of trees and then move on to buildings and then winter.

Kindergarten- Weather Wonders Students will write an imaginary narrative about a character's experience with weather using The Snowy Day as a mentor text. Kindergarten students will have a "What to Wear According to the Weather" Fashion Show in January.

1st Grade- The Sun, Moon, and Stars Students will write "What the Sun Sees" poems. They will celebrate their writing by hosting a poetry cafe in January.

2nd Grade- Fossils Tell of Earth's Changes 2nd graders will have a "Dig Day" and see what it feels like to be a paleontologist and discover fossils. They will write a narrative about the moment they discovered a fossil.

3rd Grade- Adaptions and the Wide World of Frogs Students will create a Freaky Frog book and trading card.

4th Grade- Animal Defense Mechanisms Students will write a "Choose Your Own Adventure" story after researching an animal. Camouflage Day will be back but the date is TBD.

5th Grade- Biodiversity in the Rainforest Students will create a Rainforest Adventures eBook.

November is here and FLU season has arrived with a bang and early high numbers. Please assess your children each day. Many times allergy, cold, flu, strep and covid symptoms can be similar, except fever is rare in allergies and colds.. When you see fever or severe sore throat and congested cough or vomiting , it is time to see a doctor. Fever means that you are contagious. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment will help them to heal better. Matching the proper medicine for the illness is important. Extra rest and fluids to drink always help during illness. When we are notified at school of flu or covid , we can have the classrooms fogged with an anti viral treatment to help slow the spread of germs. Please help us to keep our students and staff and their families safe.

Please turn in your updated shot records. We must have them for every student per SC state law. Your pediatric doctor or local health department can help you get these records and any updates that your child may need. Let us know if you need help.

Restock your first aid kit and medicines to be prepared for injury or illness. Do not run out of needed medicines. Please pack extra clothes for your child to have at school for spills, tears and accidents.

Cooler weather can make asthma and eczema flare up. Make sure that if your child has asthma, they are seen by their doctor regularly . Asthma needs and medicines change as your child grows. Daily treatment with maintenance medicine will prevent asthma attacks. Prescription strength oral medicine and creams and oils will help control eczema. See your doctor for the best choice for your child.

The time falls back in November which makes for less sunlight and can disrupt sleep. Keep your child on a regular bedtime. A well rested child has a stronger immune system and less morning headaches and stomachaches.

Be thankful for a beautiful Fall season and stay healthy.

Nurse Wendy

We begin dismissal at 3:25pm. If your student is a car rider please ensure that you are in our car rider line by 3:40pm.

We also offer Kaleidoscope After School Program for our Stono Park Scholars from 3:30pm-6pm daily. Kaleidoscope is open on teacher work days, early release days and 1/2 days of school. You also have the option to register your child for Kaleidoscope and not use them every day if you don't need the service but would still be available to your student on days you might need a late pick up or on those early release/teacher work days!

If your child is absent please make sure an excuse is sent in within 3 days of the student returning back to school. A student is considered Truant if they have missed 3 consecutive days of school without a doctor's excuse or 5 unexcused absences total. Once a student has 3 unexcused absences then a Truancy Warning Letter is sent home. Once a student has 5 unexcused absences a Truancy Conference has to occur with the caregiver.

The Charleston County Public Library also has Free Virtual Tutoring with student's library Card. Visit Tutor.com Student Center | Charleston County Public Library (ccpl.org) to take advantage of this free resource.

To support families with internet service during COVID-19, the FCC has a new

program called Emergency Broadband Benefit. Households with students who receive free or reduced-price school meals, including ALL students in CEP schools, qualify for the program. There are three ways to apply:

1. Apply online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
2. Contact the local broadband provider to learn about their application process (find participating broadband providers here)
3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Mortgage and Housing Assistance: Help for homeowners and renters during the coronavirus national emergency

Email: Traci_Alter@charleston.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.ccsdschools.com/stonopark
Location: Stono Park Elementary School, Huntley Drive, Charleston, SC, USA
Phone: 843-763-1507