The Bobcat Blaze
January 22, 2021
Principal's Message
I hope you've had a great week. As always, thank you to all for the hard work you are doing during our return to Phase 1. Please monitor your email and that of your student(s) for updated information from their homeroom teacher. Schoolwide updates are also communicated weekly in The Bobcat Blaze and via our social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and school website). As of today, students are still expected to return to Phase 2 beginning Monday, February 1st. If that changes, communication will be sent out as soon as possible.
As we ushered in a change in our country's top administration this week I could not help but think of our beloved A.C. Moore Elementary. The culture of care we continue to build within these school walls is admirable. We too believe in leaving no child left behind, strive to be the light for all students, and hope to build a better future for all. I could not be prouder to serve among such talented and diverse students, staff, and families. Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you during this journey! As always, we are A.C. Moore STRONG! #gobobcats
Principal's Message: https://cloud.swivl.com/v/b288ac02cf29a211862f425db8a93503
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
January
January 25th - 29th ..........Students Remain in Phase1 Instructional Model (E-Learning)
---see additional information concerning the continuation of e-Learning in the "District News" section below
January 21st.....................Pre-K Registration Begins (details below)
January 26th.....................End of Second Nine Weeks
- January 26th....................Joy of Parenting Workshop: Attendance Matters! (details below)
January 29th.....................Teacher Workday
February
February 1st ..........TEA with ME, Zoom Meeting with Parent and Family Engagement Specialist Sylvia Rogers
February 3rd ..........Lunch and Learn, Zoom Meeting with Parent and Family Engagement Specialist Sylvia Rogers
----Balance Literacy Focus: Interactive Read Alouds
---see flyer below
February 5th.....................Early release day, Professional Development for Teachers
February 15th...................No School for Students, Professional Development Day for Teachers
Return to E-Learning
January 12, 2021
Dear Richland One Families,
On December 14, 2020, we shared with you our intent of starting this calendar year in the Phase 1 (eLearning) mode due to the increases in COVID-19 incidence rates, positivity rates and trends, along with our concerns about the availability of staff. Prior to the winter break, there were staffing concerns at several schools across the district.
Now that we are in the second week of January, we continue to monitor the health data and the other indicators that assist us in making informed decisions regarding how we continue to navigate the impact that COVID-19 has on the district as it relates to instructional delivery. Presently, we know that the incidence rates continue to climb, and we continue to assess staffing levels.
Given where we are at this point, Richland One will remain in Phase 1 (eLearning) at least for two additional weeks, through Friday, January 29.
The rationale for this continuation is as follows:
- We do not want to create a situation in which a series of schools may open only to have to close due to staffing concerns due to COVID-19 positivity rates, isolation and quarantine protocols.
- We want to maintain as much consistency as possible in a particular learning modality.
- Extending the return to eLearning also allows the district an opportunity to assess vaccination protocols for teachers and other staff.
Again, I appreciate all of our staff, students and parents for your understanding of the many complexities and challenges that we face due to the pandemic. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Parent Engagement Opportunity
Registration Information for Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
DHEC - Pardon and Parole (Old Building)
Dates and Times for January
Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Further Information:
- Report to the intersection of Greene St. and Heidt St.
- Appointment Needed: No
- Referral Needed: No
- Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
Address: 2204 Lee St, Columbia, SC 29205
Contact Details and Pre-Registration: https://scdhec.gov/GetTested
DHEC-Well Health - DHEC Parking Lot
Dates and Times for January
Open weekdays: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Further Information
- Oral Testing
- Appointment Needed: No
- Referral Needed: No
- Pediatric Testing Available: Yes
- Register @: https://www.gogettested.com/
Address 2600 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
Contact Details https://www.gogettested.com/
SCHOOL NEWS
History Made in Washington This Week
It is our hope that you had an opportunity to share with your Bobcat student an important American government ritual, the Presidential Inauguration. On Wednesday, January 20th, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States and for the first time in American history, Senator Kamala Harris became the first woman, first African-American, and first person of South Asian decent to be sworn in as Vice-President of the United States. The inaugural ceremony took place on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. and was the 59th presidential inauguration.
For more kid-friendly information about the Inauguration process or Inauguration Day visit Britannica Kids or We Are Teachers
Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris
President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Jr.
Attention Bobcat Families:
If any of your contact information has changed (phone number, address, email address, emergency contacts) since the start of the school year please contact database specialist Madolyn Thorpe at madolyn.thorpe@richlandone.org. We need the most accurate information in Powerschool to ensure you receive school communication.
Notes from the Nurse
Important reminders:
Hello Bobcat Families!
I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. I urge you to please, please, please notify me if any of the following occurs:
- your child is identified as a close contact to someone who tests positive for Covid
- tests positive for Covid himself/herself
- or becomes ill.
We are working hard to track these things, and accurate data is a critical component when it comes to decision-making. We want to get our kiddos back to A.C. Moore as soon as we can, but we have to do it safely. You can contact me via phone or email (quickest way).
In the meantime, please continue to wear your masks, socially distance, perform frequent hand hygiene, and stay home when advised.
Take care, everyone!
Jennifer Hurt, School Nurse
Phone: 803-929-3886
Report to the Parents
This report is issued by the AC Moore Elementary School Improvement Council (SIC) in accordance with South Carolina law to share information on the school's progress in meeting various goals and objectives, the work of the SIC, and other accomplishments during the school year.
Wellness Watch
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Presents: Family Connection through Food
Mealtimes are great opportunities to connect with loved ones. Watch Chef Grace Ramirez, distinguished chef, author, and TV personality, share a quick and healthy recipe the whole family can enjoy
Information from your PTO
To stay up-to-date on PTO happenings, please click the link below to register for the Bobcat e-Blast! If you are currently receiving the Bobcat e-Blasts, you will still need to complete the form and provide your information. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVTMQYJ
Thanks,
Carrie Smith & Kim Pordes (PTO chairs)
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Asi usted haya recibido el Bobcat e-Blast en el pasado, por favor complete esta informacion- estamos haciendo una nueva base de datos. Estamos planeando las reuniones del PTO los miercoles en la tarde, al comienzo virtualmente, por eso esten pendiente de los anuncios que haga la Directora Aldridge en el Bobcat Blaze (periodico de la escuela) para mas informacion de la primera reunion.
Gracias, y espero verlos pronto!
Carrie Smith & Kim Pordes ( representantes del PTO)
Tech Tips
For Parents and Teachers...
Richland One IT Help Desk
You can get remote assistance by calling the IT Help Desk Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM at 803-231-7436.
Mark Your Calendars for...
Funny, Random, & Weird Holidays
Did you participate in a wacky holiday last week? Don't forget to send a picture of your family's celebration to Mrs. Whetstone at andrea.whetstone@richlandone.org. Here are a few weird holidays for your family to think about this week.
January 22..........................................………Hot Sauce Day
January 22..........................................………Answer Your Cat's Questions Day
January 23..........................................………Handwriting Day
January 24..........................................………Compliment Day
January 24..........................................………Macintosh Computer Day
January 25..........................................………Opposite Day
January 26..........................................………Spouse's Day
January 27..........................................………Chocolate Cake Day
January 27..........................................………e-Day
January 28..........................................………Data Privacy Day
January 28..........................................………Fun at Work Day
January 29..........................................………Puzzle Day
We Want to See Your Bobcat Student MAKING TRACKS!
We would love to share in your student's success by seeing them in action! Submit a photo of your Bobcat completing their asynchronous assignments and/or activities your student's picture can be featured in an upcoming issue of the Bobcat Blaze! Submit your photos to Mrs. Whetstone at andrea.whetstone@richlandone.org.
DISTRICT NEWS
Parents, students and staff can now get up-to-date information about COVID-19 cases in the district through Richland One’s new online tracking dashboard.
A link to the dashboard, which will be updated daily, is posted on the Restart Strong page on the district’s website www.richlandone.org/restartstrong. In addition to listing the number of positive and quarantined COVID-19 cases among Richland One students and staff, the dashboard includes the number of cases at each district school and administrative building. It also shows daily, weekly and year-to-date summaries of the number of positive COVID-19 cases.
“Richland One’s goal in creating the COVID-19 dashboard is to provide the most accurate and current information possible to our community,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “Having the same data allows us all to work together to better protect our students and staff.”
COVID-19 data is compiled daily by the district’s Nursing Services office and Accountability, Assessment, Research and Evaluation department. The information shown on Richland One’s dashboard may differ from the reports from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which are updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Richland One Office of Communications.
Richland One Student Attendance Info for 2020-2021
As a parent or guardian you are responsible for ensuring that your child attends school either in person or virtually every day that school is in session. Please review the documents below for Richland One's attendance expectations.
District Resources
ThriveRichland
ThriveRichland is a birth to four initiative established by Richland County School District One with the overall goal of increasing the percentage of children entering kindergarten ready to learn. The three major focus areas of ThriveRichland are:
High quality professional development and support for early childhood professionals
Comprehensive family wellness and engagement
Development of a plan for an early learning lab school within Richland One
ThriveRichland is offering families with children from birth to four and opportunity to join an online play group. Click the link below for details on how to sign up your family.
Connect with Us
Website: www.richlandone.org/Domain/26
Location: 333 Etiwan Avenue, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 343-2910
Facebook: www.facebook.com/acmooreelementary
Twitter: @ACMooreBobcats