The Mallard Compass
Forts Pond Elementary School
November 2021
Be InTENTional In All You Do!
Traducción
,
From Your Principal
We had so much fun celebrating Red Ribbon Week! Thank you to our school counselors for coordinating the themes for the week. Check out the pictures from the week.
Please be sure to follow our social media accounts. We share announcements and highlights of things happening in the school.
Here is the link to our school website. https://schools.lexington1.net/FPES
Here is the link to our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/FPESMallards/
Here is the link to our Twitter Page. https://twitter.com/fortspond?lang=en
I look forward to working with your family!
Mrs. Michelle Smith, Principal
FPES Vision and Mission
Vision
Forts Pond Elementary students will become self-directed, collaborative, creative, and caring learners who flourish in the global, competitive 21st century.
Mission
Forts Pond Elementary will Fulfill the Potential of Every Student by:
Collaborating with families and the community
Providing a safe, nurturing environment
Promoting learning through academics and the arts
Inspiring students to find their own greatness
Engaging students in goal setting
Celebrating accomplishments
Developing LEADERS
Congratulations To FPES Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to FPES Support Staff of the Year
Congratulations!
Thank you both for submitting your amazing artwork.
Congratulations to the following students for winning the Grand Prize for the Fall Reading Challenge!
K-1st Grade Winner-Luke Hammond in Mrs. White's class
2nd-3rd Grade Winner-Isabel Pestana Ramirez in Mrs. Coker's class
4th-5th Grade Winner-Madison Taylor in Mrs. Dingeldein's class
Each of these students won a $35.00 gift certificate good for one vehicle admission to Eudora Farms Safari Park and one buck of feed.
Custodial/Housekeeping Appreciation Day
Cafeteria Appreciation Day
Morning Drop Off
Our doors open at 6:50 AM. All students need to be dropped off at the front of the school. Mrs. Miller and another staff member are out front helping students out of the car.
The drop off line is a single with students unloading on the right side closest to the breezeway. There are cones out preventing cars from driving around other cars. This helps keep children safe.
The school day begins at 7:40 AM. If your arrival is after 7:40, you will beed to park and walk your child inside and sign them in.
Transportation Changes
ID Needed to Pick Up A Child
To dismiss a student, that individual will need to be on the child's approved contact list provided by the parent/guardian.
When is my child tardy?
Thank you for taking important steps each morning to have your child to school in time such as leaving a few minutes early or having clothes laid out the evening before can help.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Any adult dropping off a student at 7:40 or after, will need to walk the student into the office and sign them in.
Communication Between Home and School
Kindergarten and first grade send home communication folders every day. Other grade levels send home a green communication folder every Tuesday.
If you have not been receiving emails from the school, you will need to contact the front office to make sure we get that updated for you.
If you are trying to reach your child's teacher during the school day on days your child is learning at home, please remember the teacher is teaching another group of students at this time. They will return your emails and calls as soon as possible.
If you need assistance with your child's technology, please call the district's helpline at (803)821-1201.
Important School Phone Numbers
School Nurse (803) 821-2523
Library (803)821-2514
Pelion Transportation (803)821-1352
School Cafeteria (803)821-2525
Attendance and Records (803)821-2504
Fees (803)821-2502
Forts Pond Family Hub
Here is the link.
Counselors' Corner
November 15-19 is National Career Development Week.
We will incorporate interesting career videos into the FPES Morning News Show. Our District Career Specialist, Betsy Moore, is also teaching lessons with all grades to support Career Development.
Our 5K students are participating in a weekly program called Second Steps. It is an evidence-based program that supports students in skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving. They love the puppet friends Puppy and Snail! There are fun activities that support the lesson in your child’s folder. Please check out those activities and if you could send them back in. That would be great!
1st graders will learn about Getting to Know the Careers & Jobs at my School, which will help students understand that the things we learn at school are connected to the real world.
2nd graders will have a Career Lesson entitled, Things I Like to Do, which will help them tap into their interests and strengths. They will come to understand that jobs involve our own unique talents and strengths too.
In 3rd grade, students will circle words that describe them and then talk about how these qualities will help them be successful in school and in a future career.
In 4th grade, students will complete an interest inventory where things they like are matched to types of careers.
In 5th grade, students will write down events that have happened in their life and also write future life events that will help them reach their goals in the future.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like for your child to meet with one of our counselors, you may contact us at:
Mrs. Hill (Grades 5K-2nd) at 821-2510
Or
Mrs. Mahoney (Grades 3rd-5th) at 821-2598
Important Dates for November
November
7 Daylight Saving Time Ends
10 Collaborative Planning Day - Dismiss at 11:20
11 Veterans Day
16 District's Board Meeting
17 Fall Picture Make Up Day
18 Virtual BINGO night at 6:30 P.M. (Information included in Newsletter)
24-26 Thanksgiving Break
December
20 - January 3 - Winter Break
Updates From the Healthroom
All parent visits to the school nurse will be by appointment only, unless the nurse calls you to pick up your child.
Medications
School nurses are not allowed to keep more than a 30-day supply of medication at school at any time. Please keep this in mind as you plan for your student’s needs during our AA BB (hybrid) instructional model.
We ask that whenever possible, you (parent/guardian) give your child his/her medications at home — before or after school. However, when medications must be given at school during the school day, we ask that you:
● Make an appointment to bring those medications to school with our school nurse, Sharon Fairey. You can reach her at (803) 821-2523. If you do not make an appointment, Mrs. Fairey may not be able to meet with you at the time you come in.
● Bring your student’s medication in its original container. It cannot be expired and must be accompanied by a completed medication permission form. Here is the direct link to the form.
What do I do if my child gets sick over a weekend or overnight?
If your child is sick, please do not send them to school.
It is important that we continue to monitor and contact trace for COVID.
Here is what we need to know:
1) If your student tests positive for COVID
2) If your student is identified as a close or household contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID
If your student receives a positive test result for COVID-19 infection or is identified as a close or household contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19, complete the Google form HERE to notify the school.
Someone will then be in contact with you regarding a return to school date.
Please contact Sharon Fairey, FPES school nurse, at 803-821-2523 or by email at sfairey@lexington1.net if you have any questions.
Thank you for helping keep our school safe and healthy.
Safety Procedures to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Procedures are in place to maintain the safety of our students, staff, and parents.
Parents may walk their child/children to the entrance of the school but we ask that you do not enter the building past the front office.
Children will have time throughout the day to clean their hands.
We will be practicing social distancing in the classroom.
The students are in the family model of learning. When they transition to another classroom, like related arts, they remain seated with the same group of students as their classroom seating chart.
Since we are in the family-style model, we will be eating lunch in our classrooms. We will be unable to accommodate having guests come to school to each lunch with their child or visit the classroom.
All rooms are equipped with hand sanitizer installed on the walls and individual pumps. We ask that everyone use our school-provided hand sanitizer.
Classrooms are sanitized daily after students and staff leave the building.
Safety and Security
Please be prepared to show your picture ID every time you sign out your child. Also if you send someone else to sign out your child, they must be listed on the child's record giving us permission to allow the person to pick up your child. We will also need their drivers license.
At this time, we only welcome visitors in the front office. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep students and staff healthy and safe.
All students must be dropped off in the car rider lane closest to the building. Please do not drop students off at the flagpole. It is not a safe or supervised drop off area.
Math Curriculum
Ready Classroom Mathematics is a robust mathematics program that will help your student become a strong, independent mathematical thinker. The program uses a different approach to math instruction than many of us had as kids. It focuses on learning through problem solving and student-to-student conversations about mathematical thinking (called discourse). Your student’s teacher uses a set of learning routines each day that help students engage in discourse as they develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics. The routines also ensure that your student develops the problem-solving skills needed to become an independent and confident mathematical thinker.
How to Help Your Child in Math
Pumpkin math is a seasonal treat
Today is a great day to do some pumpkin math with your child! Get your child a pumpkin, and then have him: Estimate how much the pumpkin weighs. Weigh the pumpkin, and then add or subtract to see how much heavier or lighter it is than his estimate. Estimate, and then measure, how many inches the pumpkin is around at its widest point (its circumference). Count its seeds by fives, 10s and 20s.
A 'checkbook' can help your child account for money
Giving a child an allowance is one way to teach financial responsibility. But you may not always have the right cash on hand. Give your child a "checkbook." Make up some checks that look like the real thing. On the first day of the month, "deposit" your child's allowance in the checkbook. When he needs to make a purchase, he can write you a check, and you can pay for the item. He'll get practice writing and learn math skills in the bargain.
English Language Arts Curriculum
Lexington One uses Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Teaching Reading Writing curriculum.
The link below will provide you access to South Carolina State Standards for ELA and Math.
How to Help Your Child in Reading and Writing
Reading brings the world to your home
Sometimes a pretend trip can be just as fun as a real one. You and your child can "visit" Italy, Argentina, Thailand or anywhere else…by way of the public library and the internet. Choose a country and ask each family member to gather information about it. Then plan a dinner of dishes from that country (check out a cookbook from the library) and discuss the interesting facts each of you has learned from your reading.
Encourage reading, one chapter at a time
Get your child excited about the idea of reading by introducing her to the pleasures of chapter books. Find a book you think she will enjoy. It could be a classic or a new book recommended by the librarian. Have your child read (or you read to her) just one chapter a night. Then talk about the story. Ask your child to predict what will happen next. If she enjoys the book, see if it has a sequel and read that one, too
Leader in Me Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 2 BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen. Begin with the end in mind means to think about how you would like something to turn out before you get started.
Reading a recipe before cooking or looking at a map before leaving on a trip is beginning with the end in mind. For young children, a good example is that of a jigsaw puzzle. Before doing a puzzle, they look at the cover of the box. They begin with the end in mind.
Title I Planning Meeting
On November 19 at 9:00 A.M, our Title I Planning Committee will meet. December's Newsletter will provide an overview of topics discussed at this meeting.
A copy of all the Title I documents below were sent home through School Messenger on October 26. If you would like a paper copy of these documents, please send your request to Kasci Padgett, Family Liaison at kpadgett@lexington1.net.
After reviewing these documents, we invite you to share any suggestions or concerns through the survey in the school message you received or the links are below. This will help us improve our Family Engagement Policy.
The links below will give you digital access to all these documents.
FPES Parents Right to Know - English
FPES Parents Right to Know - Spanish
Parents and Family Engagement Policy - English
Parents and Family Engagement Policy - Spanish
Parent and Family Engagement Policy Highlights - English
Parent and Family Engagement Policy Highlights - Spanish
Family and School Compact - English
Family and School Compact - Spanish
Activities for Children During Quarantine
NEEDS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Has your child finished all of their school work? Need some ideas of how to keep them busy. Check out these links for ideas during quarantine.
Link to COVID Updates
http://www.lexdistrict1.com/onward_as_one
If you can check out each school's COVID 19 data by going to this link.
Exciting News From Food Services
If your child has to quarantine, you now have the option to receive two 5 day meal kits. If you would like to take advantage of this option, please call our front desk and they will take your information.
LOOLA Material Pick Up Dates
For Current LOOLA students, if FPE is your home school, on designated LOOLA Fridays, you will be able to come to Forts Pond Elementary to pick up materials. Your child's LOOLA teacher will notify you if they are sending materials home that need to be picked up. Please pick up your materials between 10:00 am and 1:00 P.M. on LOOLA Fridays in the main office. If you have questions or concerns, please email Mr. Lehmann at jlehmann@lexington1.net or call 803-821-2506.
LOOLA Friday Dates
November
November 12, 2021- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
December
December 3, 2021- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
December 17, 2021- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
January
January 7, 2022- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday, January 13, 2022 - End of Semester - Return all materials EXCEPT district issued device.
Special Occassion Treats
Parent Engagement Tips
Raising children is complicated and sharing ideas is a great way to make it easier. Each month the newsletter will include ideas for helping parents with home life.
Show off your child's work in a special gallery
When you display your child's excellent and improved schoolwork, it builds his sense of himself as a capable student. But there isn't always room on the refrigerator. One mom created a family gallery by installing a strip of corkboard along a hallway wall, low enough for her children to reach. Now the kids put their own work up for family viewing, and the displays change all year long!
Tell your child's teacher about concerns or life changes
You and the teacher are a team, working for your child's benefit. Reach out to the teacher if you see a dramatic change in your child's behavior, if grades drop, or if you suspect your child may be telling you things about school that may not be true. The teacher also needs to know if there has been a major change in your family. A serious illness, death, marriage, divorce or new baby can all affect your child's performance in school.
Put the focus on learning with a hands-off approach
Sometimes parents help too much with their child's school projects. It can be really tempting. After all, you want your child to get good grades. But there is a better approach. Instead of thinking about grades, think about what your child can learn from doing the project herself. Ask the teacher about the best ways to support your child's efforts.
Please Register for Virtual BINGO Night
Registration - Books For BINGO
If you need assistance, please call Kasci Padgett at 803-821- 2552.
Support Our School By Shopping at Publix
Here is how you can sign up and participate in just a few steps.
- Enroll in Publix Partners by visiting publix.com/partners and selecting our school.
- Enter your phone number every time you check out at Publix.
- Publix will donate a portion of qualifying purchases to our school!
Publix Partners has contributed $37.7 million to more than 4,600 schools across the Southeast.
Terms and Condition Apply.
All you need is your phone! Download the Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then use the app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase. The app will identify Box Tops products on your receipt and automatically credit your school’s earnings online.
Here is a video to show you how to give credit to Forts Pond Elementary.
You can even have other family members and friends give their credit to FPES!
Coca-Cola Codes
Please save and let your child turn-in your Coke product bottle caps and carton codes (worth 5-38 cents each) in the container provided in the commons area. You may also enter your codes online at https://us.coca-cola.com/give/. Click on "DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL" and enter "Pelion Middle School". Then sign-in or create an account. It's that easy! Thank you so much for your support. Our teachers and students appreciate it!
Links to Previous Newsletters
Building Plan for FPES Through the Bond Referendum
The community can find the latest information about projects happening around the district as well as here at FPES. All of these are funded by the recently passed bond referendum for Lexington School District One.
FPES will be receiving the following:
- Secure Entrance Upgrades
- Additional Classrooms
- Replacement for Folding Partition in Between Cafeteria and PE Room
- Additional Exterior Lighting in the Front Parking Lot
- Storage and Equipment Building
- Future Ready Classroom Furniture and Equipment
Lexington County School District One’s Nondiscrimination Statement
Lexington County School District One is committed to a policy of
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all students, parents/legal guardians,
staff, visitors, personnel and community members who participate or seek to
participate in its programs or activities. Therefore, the district does not discriminate
against any individual on the basis of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy,
childbirth or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age, genetic
information, national origin or any other applicable status protected by local, state
or federal law.
The district will use the grievance procedures set forth in policy to process
complaints based on alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments
Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967;
the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of
2008; and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The district designates specific individuals to handle inquiries or complaints. To
find out whom to contact and how to contact them, please go to our website at