MPA Minute
August 1, 2023
Bookmark this newsletter!
From the Principal:
It's almost time to say welcome back to school. We are gearing up for an exciting year. There are several attachments that you may want to print and save so that you have all of the information. We look forward to having everyone back and ready for a great 2023 - 2024 school year.
We must again say goodbye to MPA team members who are moving on to pursue other opportunities. Their work here will not be forgotten. We are lucky to have had them all as part of our community. We say goodbye to the following:
- Ann Detyens is retiring after 37 years in education
- Allison Clark will be transitioning to work at the Newcomers Center at Stall High School
- Tressy Mellichamp will be teaching computer education at Whitesides Elementary
- Melissa Runey will be teaching 5th grade this year
- Jaime Edwards will be teaching upper elementary grades
This year's theme is "MPA All-Stars: Students Taking Action and Responsibility!" This year will be full of fun and engaging learning with growth and challenge for everyone.
Linking Calendars:
Did you know that you can link our school calendar with your calendar? Everything you need can be in one place. When calendar changes are made, you will get those directly to your calendar. What a great way to keep up with school events.
Get started here!
iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)
To subscribe using your iPhone or iPad:
- Click your iPhone Settings icon.
- Select Passwords & Accounts from the list.
- Select Add Account.
- Select Other.
- Select Add Subscribed Calendar at the bottom of the list.
- Enter the subscription link (shown above) in the server field.
- Click Next in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
- The URL will be verified, and your subscription information will display.
- Click Save.
To view this calendar on your iPhone:
- Click the Calendar icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Click the Calendars button in the top left-hand corner of your default calendar screen.
- Select the name of the calendar you have just added. A check mark will appear next to it.
- Click Done.
Events from this calendar will now display on your iPhone calendar.
Android Devices and Google Calendar
To subscribe using your Google Calendar:
- Open your Google Calendar.
- Locate Other Calendars on the left-hand side of the screen toward the bottom.
- Click the arrow to the right of Other Calendars.
- Select Add by URL from the list.
- Enter the subscription link (shown above) in the field. If you want these events to be public, check the box next to Make the calendar publicly accessible.
- Click Add Calendar.
Parent Information Update
Registration
Bell Schedule
School begins at 7:25 am and ends at 2:25 pm
Half-day dismissal will begin at 10:40 am
Early Dismissal will begin at 12:25 pm
Attendance
Students must be signed in/out by a parent or guardian if arriving late or leaving early.
If your child is absent, excuse notes must be physically turned in to Mrs. Sue in the office within three days of the child’s return.
Emails or text messages are not acceptable for student excuse notes.
Attendance policy
Vacations
Vacations are considered unexcused absences.
Teachers will not send home any work for students to complete while away
Teachers will work with your child upon return to catch up on missed work.
Bus
First Student Bus Services - 843-523-3909
To find your bus number and stop location, visit the CCSD transportation page and select the bus stop look-up tool after August 11.
Plan to be at your bus stop at least 15 minutes early.
If you are not at the stop to pick up your 4 - 6-year-old they will be returned to school.
Sign up for delay notifications through the First View app. Our school code is CUXU
Delays and changes are likely during the first couple of weeks of school.
Use this link to submit a complaint/feedback to the bus company and CCSD transportation office.
Special Needs Transportation Handbook
PikMyKid
Pick-up & Drop-off
Carline drop-off and pick-up are located on the side of the building between the school and the baseball fields. We ask that EVERYONE access the line via Simmons Street.
Please follow the directions of the staff on duty.
The ONLY area for parents to park and walk up to drop-off or pick up their child is by parking on Waterworks Blvd and entering campus between the second and third ballfields.
Park and ride can be accessed using Edwards St to Center Street to Waterworks Blvd.
Do not let children out on side streets immediately surrounding the school. Speights’ Field is our secondary meeting location.
Kaleidoscope
Communicating with school staff
All staff emails are firstname_lastname@charleston.k12.sc.us
Do not expect an immediate response to communication during the school day. If you need immediate help please contact the office. 843-849-2826
Allow teachers up to 24 hours to respond.
Teachers will share their preferred communication tool at the parent orientation for your class.
Please contact teachers first when you have a classroom or academic concern.
Early Dismissal
Students should present a hand-written note signed by a parent/guardian to the front office at the beginning of the school day. They will then be given an Early Dismissal Pass to report to the front office at the appropriate time. Phone calls will NOT be accepted.
No student will be released to an individual not listed as “authorized” on his/her Emergency Contact Card without verification from the parent/guardian in writing.
All Early Dismissals must occur before 2:00 pm. Students will not be excused from the classroom past this time due to the upcoming regular dismissal procedures.
Items dropped off at school
If a parent/guardian drops an item off at the front desk, Mrs. Sue will email the teacher to send the student to pick up the item.
Due to staff and time constraints, we cannot guarantee the delivery of items.
Outside food items (Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s, etc.) are not permitted to be dropped off to students for lunch.
Makeup work
Once your child returns from an absence, their teacher will provide the necessary instruction and send independent work home with your child should it be necessary.
Makeup work will consist of priority standards/content work only. Teachers will provide direct instruction.
Makeup work will not be provided before an absence or without direct instruction.
PTA
2023 - 2024 PTA board
President: Kate Womble
Secretary: Nicole Frizelle
Treasurer: Richard Perez
VP of General Fundraising: Sarah Davis
VP of SeeWee/Oyster Roast: Jessie Rodwell
VP of Communications: Erin Kaloupek
VP of Membership & Volunteers: Lauren Hamel
Volunteering
To be considered for a volunteer position with the Charleston County School District, please access and complete the Volunteer Application.
Completing the volunteer application will allow us to preprint your badge for large schoolwide events
Approved applications are good for three years.
Staying connected
Follow us on social media:
School & District:
Meals
Nurse
Nurse Jen Floyd - Jennifer_floyd@charleston.k12.sc.us
Daily/emergency medications must be dropped off by the parent/guardian with the doctor’s orders form attached
Parents will be contacted by the nurse regarding all major illnesses and incidents.
Do not send medication in with students.
Keep your child home if they are sick
Notify Nurse Jen of all health issues by completing the emergency health information when you register
Security
All school visitors must bring ID with them every visit.
Visitors should ring the school doorbell, stand in front of the camera, and identify themselves and their purpose for visiting.
Fire drills and lockdown drills are conducted regularly.
School Resource Officer - A. Hoyt Rowell Andrew_Rowell.c@Charleston.k12.sc.us
School Supplies
Technology
Do not use Gizmos or cell phones to message your child during the day. Cell phones, smartwatches, and all other communication devices must be off and in book bags from arrival until dismissal.
PowerSchool Parent Portal is used to check grades and attendance and update personal information.
Parent Portal video support
Student Login
Parent Portal
Parent Portal allows you to access your child’s grades (3rd - 5th), attendance, and report cards. You can also fill out district surveys and update contact information
The parent portal is also available to complete district surveys and update information.
To find out more visit https://www.ccsdschools.com/Page/7998
Uniforms
Paying Fees
Our online store allows you to pay fees, purchase uniform shirts, pay for field trips, and make other school donations. Please use https://mountpleasant.revtrak.net/ for your online purchases and payments for the school.
Do NOT use the above link to support our PTA.
Academic & Behavior Concerns
First - Share your concerns with the classroom teacher.
Next - Request a parent conference with the teacher for more clarity and support.
Then - Contact K. Manahan, Assistant Principal for behavior concerns that have not been addressed.
Or - Contact K. Jackson, principal for academic concerns that have not been addressed.
Finally - We will set up any follow-up meetings that need to occur.
Student and Family Support
Sports
Sports are run through the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department.
You can find information on the Town of Mt Pleasant youth athletics page
Teams with the MPA name are affiliated with but not sponsored by the school. All MPA sports are managed by the Mt Pleasant Recreation Department
Important Phone Numbers
Main Office - 843-849-2826
School Fax - 843-762-8255
Nurse Jen - 843-856-6812
Cafeteria Manager - 843-856-6805
Mark your calendar:
Kindergarten Orientation - August 21st - 8:00 am
Fact & Fee/Meet the Teacher - August 21st - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Class assignments will be posted
Parents can pay fees, join the PTA, learn about our after-school program, complete volunteer registration, apply for free/reduced lunch, purchase T-shirts, complete required online registration & pick up pre-order supplies
First day of school - August 23rd - 7:05am - 7:40 am
Parents may not walk their children to their classroom but may walk them to the building.
If your child struggles with transition or needs help with supplies, please enter through the main office.
Kindergarten parents may walk their children up to the small exterior playground.
CD Orientation - August 25th - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (enter through the main office)
CD Students begin (look for details soon)
Monday, August 28 - 7 students
Tuesday, August 29 - 7 students
Wednesday, August 30 - 6 students
Thursday, August 31 - First day for all CD students (parents may park and walk their child to the small playground and enter there.
Parent Orientation - August 29th
5:45 pm - First & Fifth
6:15 pm - Third
Parent Orientation - August 31st
5:45 pm - Second
6:15 pm - Fourth
Our Mission
The mission of Mt. Pleasant Academy Elementary School. working in partnership with families and the community, is to assist each student to excel academically, act responsibly and to expand talents and social skills by providing diverse learning experiences in a nurturing environment.
