THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting, yet busy time. It’s hard to believe we’ve already completed the first month of the 2026-2027 school year! Our students have settled into classroom routines, built new friendships, and are already showing academic growth. We have welcomed several new faculty members to the PES family including our new Assistant Principal, Dr. Jennifer Anderson.

I shared the following goals with our faculty and wanted to share my goals for PES for the upcoming year with you.

• Increase positive communication with parents and increase involvement in the PTO.
• Continue to recognize students for positive behaviors and academic achievement.
• As a faculty, we will continue to increase our instructional rigor and align instruction to our essential standards..

As we focus on these goals, I'm excited about the opportunities for our students to grow academically as learners and socially and emotionally as individuals. I encourage you to speak to your student daily about what is happening in the classroom and around the school.

Thank you for your continued support of the students, faculty, and community of Palmetto Elementary School! If you ever have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to me via phone or email: koonb@apps.anderson1.org.

Brandon Koon

koonb@apps.anderson1.org

Principal

Morning Arrival:

When dropping students off in the car lines, please be sure that students are completely away from the car before pulling away. This is for the safety of all students.

Afternoon dismissal:

Dismissals earlier than 1:55 may not allowed. It is not a good practice to leave school early as students are missing valuable instruction. Any student leaving before 2:15 must be signed out through the office.

If you arrive to the car line after 2:30, please park your car and come into the front office.

One School, One Book is a schoolwide reading initiative that brings our community together around a shared story. All students and families are invited to read the same book over a set period of time, sparking meaningful conversations at school and at home. The goal of One School, One Book is to build a love of literacy, strengthens family engagement, and creates a sense of connection across grade levels.

Looking for a way to celebrate your PES student? Why not with display a special message on our Spirit Rock? All proceeds from the Spirit Rock are used to provide supplies and materials for our teachers and students. Reserve the Spirit Rock here!

The following clubs have already started or will be underway soon. Contact your child's teacher or the front office if you need information on the following clubs.

Palmetto Girls Run Club - Available for 3rd-5th grade girls - Meets afterschool on Monday until 4:00. Participants will finish their fall season with a 5K race on November 14th.

Good News Club - Available for all students in K4-5th grade - Begins September 10th and meets on Thursdays until 4:15. Registration information is availble in the office.

Mustang Men - Available for 3rd-5th grade boys. More information will be sent home to selected students in the upcoming weeks.

Dot Day - Tuesday, September 15 is International Dot Day! Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, this is a day that celebrates creativity, courage, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to dress in dots!

Donuts with Dudes - *Correction* There was a typo on the flyer that went home. Donuts with Dudes is scheduled for FRIDAY, September 18th. RSVPs should be turned in by Friday, September 11th.

Field Days - This year we will be holding Field Day on two separate days. This will allow all students to participate in more age appropriate events as well as having more time to enjoy the fun.

Grades 3 - 5: Thursday, October 1st

Grades K5 - 2: Friday, October 2nd

More information will be sent home in the upcoming weeks.

Our first PTO Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 8th at 9:00 am. All parents and guardians are welcome! Join us to share ideas, stay informed, and help support out students, teachers, and school community.

Palmetto Elementary has been designated as a Title I school. This means that we receive federal funding to supplement our existing programs. All funds are directly related to improving math and ELA instruction.

At PES, this funding has been used in the following ways:

• Professional Development opportunities for teachers
• Additional faculty to lower class size
• Additional reading and math support
• Instructional materials and supplies
• Resources directly related to reading and math instruction

As a parent, your role is to do the following:

• Participate and attend school events
• Talk about homework with your student
• Communicate with your student's teacher
• Join our PTO / SIC
• Volunteer

Title I Parent Rights:

• Information is presented in a language and format that is understandable.
• Parents have the right to be involved in the decision making about their child's education.
• Parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child's teacher and paraprofessional.
• Parents have the right to know if their child has been assigned or taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
• Parents have the right to be involved in the development of the written Parental Involvement Policy.
• School-Parent Compact should be developed and reviewed annually.
• Parents have the right to be involved in the development of the Title I plan for their student's school.

If you have additional questions about Title I and what it means to Palmetto Elementary, please reach out to school administration.

The School Improvement Council (SIC) is an active group of parents, teachers, and community members who work together to plan school goals, generate parental involvement, and act as liaisons for these groups. The SIC also assists in planning, monitoring, and evaluating the school improvement plan.

It is your turn to nominate volunteers to serve on this important group as advocates for our students. From your nominations, a final ballot will be compiled and sent home for the selection of Palmetto Elementary School’s 2026-2027 School Improvement Council members.

A BRAND NEW PES Instagram account is coming soon!

September

7 - No School - Labor Day Holiday

10 - Good News Club begins

10 - Girl Scouts Parent Meeting @ 6:00 pm

15 - Dot Day

18 - Donuts with Dudes

October

1 - Field Day (Grades 3-5)

2 - Field Day (Grades K5 - 2)

6 - Fall Pictures

7 - End of First Nine Weeks

9 - No School for Students - Professional Development

12 - 16 - Book Fair

15 - Fall Carnival

ADDRESS:

Palmetto Elementary School

1 Roberts Blvd

Williamston, SC 29697

(864)847-5442

INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: https://www.anderson1.org/o/pe

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoElementary