Peek of the Week
Beech Hill Elementary School
Theme: Still Blue for a Reason
- August 13, 2020 Edition
- Mission Statement: Beech Hill will lead the way to lifelong learning through excellence, leadership and empowerment.
- Vision Statement: All students will meet or exceed academic standards as measured by grade level benchmarks.
Points of Beacon Pride
- #1 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Charleston ~ Niche
- 2019 Ranked 24th of 637 South Carolina Elementary Schools ~ Schooldigger.com
- 2018 National Blue Ribbon School ~ U.S. Department of Education
- 2012 Palmetto's Finest ~ South Carolina Association of School Administrators
My Kind of Tick Tock
It simply can’t be done, Miss Harris. I could tell that she was frustrated with me. She has a hard job, trying to keep me straight. “I even called the district, and the rules are the rules. That is the limit” Ms. Williams was trying her best. In a few minutes, I was on the phone, “Preston, this is Mrs. Harris. I know I should say Preston this is Rene or Mr. Giet, it this is Mrs. Harris, but you will always be my fourth-grade student, so I’m not going to apologize.” He was as gracious as he always is, “It’s OK Mrs. Harris, what do you need?” I went on to make my reasonable request. In the end, he said, “OK, I’ll see what I can do.” There was a moment where I swelled with pride as I remembered his journey as a fourth-grade student. Now serving as the Director of Safety and Security for our entire district, I was elated to see his rise to leadership. Time flies.
Before I knew it, the day got away from me. It seemed like one of those days where everything operated in fast-forward motion: a run of emails, a flash of phone calls, and a covey of conversations had caused the time to fly by. At the end of the day, I was both exhausted and grumpy. One practice that I try to observe each day is to end the day by organizing for the next. I create a “to do” list for myself, pause to find something to be grateful for, and organize my space for fluid operations for the next day’s journey. On this particular day, by the time I completed my ritual, it was well past six. The quiet of the evening and the threat of rain made me linger a little longer.
As I sat there reflecting, organizing, and planning, I noticed a persistent car traveling ever so slowly in circles and loops in the parking lot. Because the vehicle was going at a reasonable speed, I felt neither threatened nor concerned about its presence on our campus. Occasionally, I noticed the car moving in our parking lot, making those circles. When I left the building, I saw the same car only now it was parked. I looked in the direction of the car, and the person in the passenger’s seat gave me a wave. Moments later, the passenger jumped from the vehicle, and it was evident she was changing places with the driver. The mysterious question of the donuts became crystal when the person in the driver's seat emerged from the car. It was clearly a young person learning how to drive. She waved as if I knew her, and so as not to insult her, I waved back, but I have no idea who the person was.
As I drove out of the campus, I realized the person was following me. Arriving at my home, I looked back, expecting the car to be in my driveway, but all I saw was that slow-moving vehicle and a pair waving. At that moment, I realized that the nervous driver was a former Beacon, K8. In all my years as a teacher, I simply will never forget a student with K8 for a name. She was an excellent student and a shining Beacon. K8 went on to continue to lead and shine in middle school and high school. There in my front yard came another piercing, poignant illustration of truth… Time flies.
Beech Hill Core Values
Because children come first,
Excellence, leadership and empowerment are standard.
All of us are nurtured, guided and supported to become our best.
Creativity, collaboration, passion and purpose drive our direction.
Ownership, scholarship and citizenship chart our course.
Nothing is too difficult, costly or taxing to keep us from reaching our destination.
Sailing with the winds of a growth mindset at our backs, Beacons change the world.
New Schoolwide Student Behavior Expectations
Beginning in 2020-2021, all Beacons will observe one system for behavior expectations. This will give us a seamless, consistent set of norms for Beacons throughout their school experience and give us a common language when establishing norms and expectations. These expectations will be appropriate in all school settings: traditional (brick and mortar); remote (distance learning) or a hybrid (blended learning) format. Please share these expectations with your children and discuss what these expectations might look like in various settings.
BE BEACON ABOUT IT!
Be brave, kind and fair.
Empower and equip yourself for learning.
Act responsibly with accountability.
Concentrate, collaborate and celebrate.
Own your mistakes and learn from them.
Nurture our planet, community and each other.
LEAP Day Survey for Parents
LEAP Days are scheduled for Aug. 31st-Sept. 4th for 4K-8th grade students on a ½-day schedule. Participation by students is encouraged but is optional. Students will learn new school and classroom procedures; engage in social and emotional activities; and receive technology information. DDTwo Virtual Academy students in grades 3-8 will attend an afternoon session August 31 – September 3 or on Friday, September 4 to receive their district devices. Your child’s home school of record will inform you of the date and time to attend. Attached to this email are other important details about the LEAP Days which is also posted on the Back to School website, https://www.ddtwo.org/backtoschool. Your child’s school will be sending an important survey about student participation in LEAP Days.
K through 2 will receive their devices early during the week of August 24th.
Please complete this survey to assist with planning. https://tinyurl.com/y2wz3kfm
DD2 Face Covering Guidance for Students and Staff
NEWS from the PTA Crew
Please take the time to join our PTA. This organization is instrumental in providing support for our school initiatives.
All 20-21 PTA memberships will be entered into a drawing to win a round of golf at Legend Oaks Golf Course. The drawing will take place on September 2nd, so don't forget to sign up.
Important Bus Transportation News
Dear Beacon Families,
For those who have children that will be riding the DSD2 buses, please see the attached instructions to download and set up the free Smartphone App - Parental Portal Lite . Our district is utilizing this service to give you real-time access and information regarding the location and timing of your student's school bus.