The Bobcat Blaze
January 7, 2022

Principal's Message
Happy Friday Bobcat Families!
Happy New Year! Welcome back for the 2022 portion of our 21-22 school year. We were so excited to have students and staff back in Bobcat Country after Winter Break. I do hope you were able to enjoy the time with loved ones safely.
If you have not done so already, please familiarize yourself with the updated isolation and quarantine guidelines Richland One has adopted effective 1/6/22 regarding COVID (PDF file below).
Students will complete mid-year STAR testing in Reading and Math next week. This is a progress monitoring tool used to gauge their progress towards end of the year academic goals. Please ensure students are on time to school, rested, and have breakfast.
Reminder that students do not have school on Friday, January 14th as it is a Teacher Work Day. There is no school for staff or students on Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
I wish you a wonderful, safe weekend and we'll see you next week!
---------------------------------
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
January
Monday, January 3..................................................School Resumes from Winter Break
Thursday, January 13..............................................End of the Second Nine Weeks
Friday, January 14...................................................Teacher Workday
Monday, January 17.........................................Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No School
Thursday, January 20..............................................Report Cards Issued
Monday, January 31................................................Round One Choice Applications Close
February
- Tuesday, February 1.................................................Dad Talk Sports Trivia Night (see flyer below)
Friday, February 4...................................................Professional Development Day (Early Release for Students)
Monday, February 21..............................................Professional Development Day (No Attendance for Students)

January 5, 2022
Dear Richland One Colleagues,
We have reviewed the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) regarding COVID-19 quarantines and isolations.
Quarantine days for persons who are considered close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be reduced from 10 days to 7 days for students and staff. Isolation days for persons who test positive for COVID-19 will be reduced from 10 days to 5 days (from the start of symptoms) for students and staff. If a student or staff member is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and tests negative, they do not have to isolate and can return to school/work.
Students and staff should stay at home if they are not feeling well.
The new protocol is outlined below:
Definition of Maximally Vaccinated
- You are maximally vaccinated if you have completed your primary vaccine series and you have had a booster shot, if eligible.
Close Contacts: Maximally Vaccinated
- If you are considered maximally vaccinated and you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may remain at school/work as long as you are asymptomatic. You are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test 5 days from the last day of contact with the positive person.
- NOTE: Rapid tests are acceptable if you are symptomatic, and PCR tests are for persons who are asymptomatic and close contacts. Per SCDHEC, at-home tests are not accepted.
Close Contacts: Not Maximally Vaccinated
- If you are considered not maximally vaccinated and you have been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must quarantine and will be able to return to school/work after day 7. You are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test 5 days from the last day of contact with the positive person.
- NOTE: Rapid tests are acceptable if you are symptomatic, and PCR tests are for persons who are asymptomatic and close contacts. Per SCDHEC, at-home tests are not accepted.
Symptoms of COVID-19: Regardless of Vaccination Status
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you will need to isolate for 5 days from the onset of symptoms. If you do not take a COVID-19 test, you can return to school/work after the 5 days of isolation if your symptoms are significantly improving and you have not had a fever in 24 hours. If you do take a COVID-19 test and it is negative, or if you have an alternate diagnosis, you can return to school/work. If you continue to have symptoms, you should stay at home.
Positive COVID-19 Cases: Regardless of Vaccination Status
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will isolate for 5 days and you will be able to return to school/work after completion of your isolation period, as long as your symptoms are significantly improving and you have not had a fever in 24 hours.
Mask Requirement
- In all cases, students and staff will be required to wear masks when returning to school/work.
- Also, please note that our revised 2021-2022 COVID-19 Mitigation and Safety Protocols one-page summary is posted on our home page and our Restart Strong landing page. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your partnership and cooperation. We will keep you informed.
Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D.
Superintendent


+++We Are AC Moore STRONG+++
NEW SCHOOL VISION
Every AC Moore student will enter middle school reading at or above grade level.
NEW SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
We collaboratively empower students to be accountable and successful.
STAFF CORE VALUES
Passion: Embracing and nurturing our school community
Intentionality: Purposeful, Present, & Prepared
Accountability: Growth Over Ego
Student Pillars of Leadership: PreK - 2
Respect
Cooperation
Community
Responsible
Self-Control
Caring
Trustworthy
Student Pillars of Leadership: 3rd - 5th
Respect
Collaboration
Citizenship
Responsible
Self-Discipline
Empathy
Integrity
REVISED New Elementary Montessori Parent Information Session Flyer

Dear AC Moore Family,
It is an honor to announce AC Moore will participate in Special Olympics under Unified Champion Schools (UCS)! UCS strategies in schools align with important education initiatives including soft-skill development, leadership development, anti-bullying, character education, inclusive collaboration, etc. Students with special needs and their general education peers will be paired up to work together in a variety of physical activities to promote teamwork and inclusive practices, as well as support social-emotional skills. We are so thrilled to have this opportunity! Additional information will be provided in January, 2022.
Thank you,
Special Olympics Team @ AC Moore
Hip-Hip Hooray! A New Playground is on the Way!
If you have not had an opportunity to see the first phase of the renovation process for the new playground, check out the pictures below! A lot has happened in such a short period of time. We are excited to welcome new recess areas in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!!
First Phase!
Second Phase!
3rd Phase
Got Holiday Cards???
Not sure of what to do with the greeting cards you received during the holiday season? Send them to school! You can recycle your holiday cards by donating them to the AC Moore Visual Art Program! Every year before the Winter Break, Mr. Clamp has students create cards using using the recycled materials. Just tear off the backs of the cards (with the personal information) and bring them to Mr. Clamp in the Art Room. They will be saved and recycled the following season.
Dad Talk: Kids and Dads Only Sports Trivia Night
Tuesday, Feb. 1st, 7pm
This is an online event.
Please join Parent and Family Engagement Specialist, Mrs. Sylvia Rogers, as she hosts a virtual Dad Talk Sports Trivia Night event! Click here to register for your attendance.

Tutor.com Offers Free, Real-time Tutoring for All South Carolina Residents
The South Carolina Department of Education and the South Carolina State Library (SCSL) have partnered with Tutor.com to address the continuing academic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership will span the next three years and is funded through the American Rescue Plan's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER).
- Tutor.com is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for English and Spanish speakers.
- Connect with a tutor on various subjects, such as math, science, language arts, social studies, world languages, computer literacy, and AP courses.
- Tutor.com offers test prep assistance, skills coaching, and help with specific math and essay-writing questions.
- Unlock even more features with a Tutor.com account. Creating a Tutor.com account is optional and not required to connect with a tutor.
Visit scdiscus.org to get started. If you don't know the Discus login information, contact discusoffice@statelibrary.sc.gov.

Hello Bobcat Families!
Our school was selected to participate in Kinsa's FLUency school health program (sponsored by Lysol) again this year! This program allows us to give FREE smart thermometers to all school families & staff. Thirty students/staff participated last year, so we have SO many families to enroll!
Ordering your FREE smart thermometer is easy! Text JOIN to 24020 to get started. The app is helpful, and the more A.C. Moore families that participate, the more effective it is!
Please consider signing up over Winter Break if you haven't already. With 50 new orders, Lysol will provide disinfecting wipes for the school!
Email Nurse Robinson if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Jennifer Robinson, RN
School Nurse
Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is available for children 5+
The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is now available for children age 5 and older! To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccine, please visit the DHEC Vaccine Locator site or call your healthcare provider.

Take A Look at Your Bobcats Engaged in Learning!
Overdue Library Books
Dear Parents/Guardians:
There are still quite a few books out from last school year and the 2019-2020 school year. I know these were very exceptional years, but please make every effort to locate and return those books to the library as soon as possible. Thank you for you help in maintaining our library collection of books!
Jessica Warren, Librarian
Carline procedures
In an effort to maintain a safe arrival/dismissal and decrease the wait time for car riders, we would like to issue the following reminders:
MORNING CAR RIDERS
- Please be courteous to the other parents in the carline...remain in your vehicle to allow for a more efficient arrival procedure.
- Pull as far forward as possible before allowing your student to exit the vehicle.
- Have students prepared to exit the vehicle with masks on and bookbags ready prior to entering the drop-off area.
- Students should exit the vehicle from the passenger side, along the sidewalk.
- Students should walk along the sidewalk to the gate at the end of the sidewalk.
- Students should not be allowed to exit the vehicle in between the parked cars.
AFTERNOON CAR RIDERS
- Please be sure your child knows his/her car number.
- Hang your car tag from your rearview mirror and be sure it is visible to the staff member on duty.
- Please be courteous to the other parents in the carline...remain in your vehicle to allow for a more efficient dismissal procedure.
- Pull forward as much as possible before allowing your student to enter the vehicle
- If your student needs assistance with buckling into a seat or seatbelt, please move forward to the end of the carline before assisting your child.
Attention: YMCA Families
Good Afternoon AC Moore YMCA Families,
I hope this note finds you all well and you’ve had a great week.
I just wanted to pass along a quick note about YMCA pick-up on a weekly basis Tuesdays-Thursdays. When arriving to the school to pick up your child or children from the YMCA program can you all please park on the side of the road instead of the bus loop? There is after school tutoring (CRP) going on during these days and by parking in the bus loops it prohibits the busses from getting in the bus loop.
Thank you so much for your understanding and please let me know if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Matthew Taranto
Program Director
YMCA of Columbia
1447 Hampton Street
Columbia SC, 29201
(w) 803 799 9187; © 772 480 3942
-------------PTO News-------------
----------WELLNESS WATCH----------

--Parent and Family Engagement Opportunities--
Me Moments are practices students (& adults) can use to address their needs at any moment in school & at home. These practices build self-regulation that helps prepare you to learn and engage with others. Click the banner to learn more!
------------DISTRICT NEWS------------
Read to Succeed
Attendance...What You Need to Know


ThriveRichland Spark Time (Virtual ) Play Group
Revised COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies and Safety Protocols
Richland School District One Student Technology Replacement Fees
-----Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)-----

-Neighborhood News & Community Connections-
Free Tuition for Technical Colleges in South Carolina
Good afternoon,
Below are links about a recent educational opportunity in South Carolina that may be beneficial for high school students within the district and/or parents/caregivers within your school communities interested in continuing their education. This initiative, SC Workforce Scholarships for the Future, has been designated $17 million in GEER funding for the Spring semesters. The governor is asking Congress for an additional $24 million from the American Rescue Act funds to extend the program through June 2024.
This initiative allows any adult in South Carolina the opportunity to attend one of sixteen technical colleges for free if they choose to major in a high-demand career preparation program including: construction, nursing, manufacturing, technology, hospitality/tourism, and early care and education.
Links with more information:
· South Carolina technical colleges free tuition: how it'll work | wltx.com
· McMaster: Pandemic cash for free 2-year degrees (live5news.com)
Hope this helps!
Laurann Gallitto Patel, MMFT
Lead Regional Family Engagement Liaison
Midlands Region
803-687-3460
Carolina Family Engagement Center
College of Education
University of South Carolina
820 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29208

The University of South Carolina String Project directed by Dr. Gail V. Barnes is the model for university string programs across the country. This nationally recognized program caters to children 3rd-5th grade & adults. Click above for more info.

DHEC-Tour Health - Columbia
Dates and Times
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Address
2221 Devine St, Columbia, South Carolina 29205, United States
Customer Service Number
1-866-416-6341
Further Information
- Pre-Registration Strongly Recommended but not required http://www.tourhealth.com/
- Wait times at all sites vary and patients are seen in the order that they arrive.
- Pre-registration will help to reduce your wait time at the site.
Appointment Needed: Call for details
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All Ages
DHEC - Richland County Health Department
Dates and Times
Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30
Further Information
- **SELF ADMINISTERED COVID-19 Saliva Test Kits ONLY**
- Pick up during normal business hours
- No appointment needed
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
DHEC-Tour Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Address
2600 Bull St, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, United States
Customer Service Number
1-866-416-6341
Further Information
- Please pre-register using the link. Pre-Registration Strongly Recommended but not required. https://www.tourhealth.com
- Wait times at all sites vary and patients are seen in the order that they arrive.
- Pre-registration will help to reduce your wait time at the site.
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All Ages
Free COVID-19 Vaccine Site
DHEC-Tour Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Address
2600 Bull St, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, United States
Further Information
- Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are now available at this testing site.
- Preregistration is highly recommended, but not required.
- You can register for a vaccination appointment at https://www.impacthealth.com/scc19vaccine
- Wait times at all sites vary and patients are seen in the order that they arrive.
- Pre-registration will help to reduce your wait time at the site.
Referral Needed: No