The Parrots' Nest
October 15, 2020
Message from our Assistant Principal, Mr. Williams
As a parent myself of a school aged child, I understand that this time of e-learning is very challenging. I have been grappling with how to keep my son motivated and engaged with learning in the absence of the face to face in person human interactions. Here are a few tips that I think will help you drawn from my experiences with my son and the wisdom of others.
Make sure all work is completed. With Google Classroom it is easy to go back in to their classroom to see what work has been done by simply looking under the missing assignments tab within the classroom. Also, Google Classroom will send you a message at the end of the week summarizing what work has been completed, what still needs to be completed and what assignments will come the following week. Make sure you have the parent guardian option activated in your child’s Google Classroom so that you can receive notifications about your child’s work completion. Another option for parents of students in grades 2-5 that receive grades is the Parent Portal.
Encourage a growth mindset. Encourage your child to be a problem solver. When they run into a challenging assignment, help them list possible solutions to getting the assignment done. Model and even explain what you do when you face challenges.
Direct your child to their teacher when they need assistance with their work. This is a very powerful tool that we as parents tend to overlook. Being an educator myself, I am very guilty of doing so. Your child needs to get in the habit of asking their teacher for assistance because our hope is that soon they will be back in the classroom where parents won't be as accessible to them.
I hope these tips will help you as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times.
Here are a few general reminders:
KRA testing for kindergartners will continue next week. Kindergarten parents should have already scheduled a time with our Kindergarten teachers for testing.
Phase 2 is scheduled to start November 4, 2020. If you have any questions about Phase 2, please feel free to contact me or any member of administration here at the school. Let us continue to be partners in education.
Veteran's Day Celebration
TECH INSURANCE FEE
Parents,
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be assessed a non-refundable $20 technology insurance fee to cover the cost of device repairs.
The technology fee plan provides 100% repair cost coverage for the first instance of accidental damage to the student’s school-assigned computing device. The plan also covers the cost of device replacement in the event of theft, provided a police report is filed. The cost of repeat instances of device damage will be assessed according to the full cost of repair.
The deadline to pay the $20 technology insurance fee is October 15th for students who are currently enrolled. Students who enrolled on or after September 16th will have 30 days after the first day of enrollment in Richland School District Two to pay the $20 insurance fee.
Any family experiencing financial hardships can request a reduction or waiver of the technology insurance fee to their child's school principal prior to the due date. After 30 days, the technology insurance fee will be removed from students' fees and 100% of damage costs, even in cases of accidental damage as well as a first occurrence, will be the responsibility of parents/guardians.
PURCHASE PONTIAC ELEMENTARY SPIRITWEAR!
The logo design was voted on by our students! The sales include youth and adult sizes. Items included a pullover hoodie, sweatpants, a tshirt, and a mask.
ORDER USING THIS LINK: https://pontiac20.itemorder.com/sale
After School Care: Hosted at Pontiac by the BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS
We are looking forward to working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands for our aftercare this year. We feel confident that they will provide safe, engaging after-care. During Phase 2 students will receive homework help, arts and S.T.E.M. activities, and much more. Please watch the attached video for more information on the safety measures that they are taking during Phase 2.
Hours of operations are from dismissal to 6:30pm. They will be following CDC and DHEC Safety Guidelines. Due to social distancing requirements, space is limited. To reserve your spot and register for this program, please click here.
In addition to serving our Kindergarten thru Fifth grade students, they also have a program for our youngest parrots called Pontiac Juniors. If you have students who are 3 or 4 years old, choose the option "BGC Jr After School Care (2020-21)" after selecting Pontiac as the campus when registering.
If you have any questions, you can contact Boys and Girls Club directly, or reach out to our Assistant Principal, DeAnna Savage (dsavage@richland2.org).
VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR
Pontiac Elementary is so excited to announce that our Scholastic Fall Book Fair is virtual this year! The fair will be open from 10/12-10/25. The link to shop is:
2020-2021 FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS
It’s very important that families who qualify for free and reduced price meals apply for this status as soon as possible. To find out more about the process please click here to read the parent letter that answers a lot of questions including who qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. The quickest and easiest way to submit an application for free or reduced-price meals is to use the online application. Click the link here to start the application.
As a reminder, families have to apply every year. That means students who attended schools in Richland Two in 2019-2020 and received free/reduced price meals MUST complete a new application for eligibility of extended benefits each school year. If you do not reapply, all meal prices will automatically change to full price.
If you do not have access to the online application form, you can submit a paper form. To turn in a paper application, you may
- FAX your completed application to 803-419-5839 OR
- RETURN your completed application to your child's school cafe manager OR
- MAIL your application to Richland School District Two Food & Nutrition Services, 124 Risdon Way, Columbia, SC 29223.
Health Room: IMPORTANT REMINDER
If your child needs to receive a medication while at school during Phase 2, contact Nurse Larck to arrange for drop off prior to Nov. 4th .
Parents can reach Nurse Larck via email at jlarck@richland2.org or by calling the school office at 699.2700. Medication will not be able to be dropped off on November 4.
Upcoming Dates for October
Please note: October 19 at 9am is the deadline to change your child's learning model for November 4 Phase 2 start date! The next opportunity to change your child's instructional model after Oct 19 will be December 3.
October 19 - Spirit Week Begins
October 20: School board candidates forum; streamed live at 6:30pm
October 26-30: Red Ribbon Week
November 2 - No School
November 3 - No School
November 4 - Phase 2 Begins
November 5 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm - a link will be provided! Hope you will join us!
Pontiac Information
Website: https://www.richland2.org/pe/
Location: 500 Spears Creek Church Road, Elgin, SC, USA
Phone: 803 699-2700
Facebook: facebook.com/Pontiac
Twitter: @PontiacElem