Family Wave

Dear Loggerhead Families:

First Quarter Report Cards

We have officially completed the first nine weeks of the 2026–2027 school year! First-quarter report cards will be distributed to all students today, Friday, October 16, 2026.

Report cards provide valuable insight into your child's academic progress and mastery of grade-level standards. More importantly, they offer an opportunity to celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and strengthen the partnership between school and home.

As you review your child's report card, I encourage you to consider these helpful strategies:

• Grading practices vary by grade level. Students in kindergarten through second grade use different reporting scales from those in grades 3–5 and 6–8. Familiarize yourself with the grading system used at your child's grade level, including performance indicators, numerical grades, and academic competencies. If you have questions about a grade or performance descriptors, please contact your child's teacher for clarification.
• Begin the conversation by recognizing your child's accomplishments and efforts. Celebrate strong performance, improvements, and positive learning habits before discussing areas needing attention. Specific praise reinforces confidence and encourages continued growth.
• Approach academic challenges with encouragement rather than criticism. Ask open-ended questions such as, "How do you feel about your progress in mathematics?" or "What has been challenging for you this quarter?" These conversations help children reflect on their learning and develop ownership of their academic success.
• Work with your child to establish realistic goals and identify strategies for improvement. These may include regular reading, additional practice with academic skills, improved study habits, or greater consistency in completing assignments. Your child's teacher can recommend specific strategies and resources to support learning at home.
• A report card should not be the first indication of an academic concern. Teachers communicate student progress throughout the grading period through interim reports and direct contact when concerns arise. If a grade is unexpected, reach out to your child's teacher to discuss your child's progress and develop a collaborative plan for improvement.

Above all, remind your child that grades measure academic performance, not personal worth or potential. Every student possesses unique talents, strengths, and opportunities for growth. Our goal is to help students develop confidence, perseverance, responsibility, and a commitment to learning.

As principal, I will continue reviewing student achievement data and engaging students in conversations about academic performance, leadership, and work ethic. These conversations reinforce student accountability while recognizing growth and celebrating success.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Our parent-teacher conference window extends from Friday, October 23, through Friday, November 20, 2026. Teachers will schedule conferences with families to discuss academic progress, celebrate student strengths, and identify opportunities for continued growth.

Friday, October 23, will be an early dismissal day, with students dismissed at 11:50 a.m. The remainder of the school day is designated for parent-teacher conferences.

If you have not yet been contacted about a conference and would like to meet with your child's teacher, please reach out directly to arrange a convenient time.

Assessment and Grading Guidelines: Grades 3–5

At Carolyn Lewis School, our grading practices are designed to accurately reflect student mastery of academic standards while providing meaningful feedback to students and families.

All graded assignments are scored using a 100-point scale. Assignments within each grading category carry equal weight, while the categories contribute different percentages to the overall course grade.

Teachers identify the applicable South Carolina academic standard in the gradebook alongside each assignment, providing families with greater transparency about the skills and knowledge being assessed.

Students are evaluated through major assessments, minor assessments, and classroom practice. Assignments are assessed for accuracy, and teachers provide instructional feedback to support continued learning.

Students who have not demonstrated mastery on major or minor assessments may have opportunities to complete corrections or reassessments. Before reassessment, students must complete targeted learning activities designed to address identified learning gaps.

Grading Weights (Category Weight Examples)

Minor Assessments 35% Quizzes, independent practice, SFAs

Practice Assignments 25% Classwork, guided practice, independent practice

Assignments Not Included in Academic Grades

Certain learning activities and assessments are used to strengthen skills and guide instruction rather than calculate academic grades.

• Homework: Homework is not required. When assigned, it provides additional practice and allows families to reinforce classroom learning. Homework does not receive a numerical grade.
• i-Ready Learning Pathways: Personalized i-Ready lessons support skill development and academic growth but are not included in course grades.
• Diagnostic Assessments: Benchmark assessments and pretests identify student strengths and learning needs. Results guide instruction and monitor growth but are not entered as academic grades.

Minimum Grading Requirements

To ensure consistent monitoring of student progress, teachers follow these grading expectations during each nine-week period:

Science and Social Studies

• Grading Expectations: When taught, a minimum of two grades per category each quarter, with at least one grade per category entered by the mid-quarter progress report.

Maximum Number of Grades

Gradebook Updates and Parent Notifications

Maintaining accurate and timely grades is essential to effective school-home communication.

• Timely Updates: Teachers enter grades within five to seven days of assignment completion.
• Missing Assignments: Assignments not submitted by the due date are marked "Missing" in Schoology. This designation temporarily calculates as a zero and syncs with PowerSchool until the assignment is addressed.
• Make-Up Work: When students have not had a reasonable opportunity to complete make-up work, a grade may be temporarily withheld.
• Academic Concerns: Teachers contact parents directly when a student is failing a course or receives a zero on a major or minor assessment.

We encourage families to monitor PowerSchool regularly and communicate with teachers whenever questions or concerns arise. Working together, we can provide the support and encouragement every student needs to succeed.

Early Release Procedures — Friday, October 23, 2026

Friday, October 23, 2026 is an early release day for all students. Dismissal will begin at 11:50 a.m. The remainder of the school day will be dedicated to parent-teacher conferences.

After-care services will NOT be available on October 23. Families who normally utilize after-care must arrange alternate transportation for their children. If families are already registered 2026-2027 car rider tag holder, no additional transportation notification is required if your child will be picked up through the regular car-rider process. Please use your assigned pickup location:

• Front Porch: Grades 2–8
• Side Porch: PreK–1st Grade and Siblings.

Follow the established car-rider procedures and display your registered tag.

If your child requires a transportation change and you do not have a 2026-2027 registered car-rider tag, you must email your request to clstransportation@bcsdschools.net.

Your email must include:

1. Student's first and last name
2. Homeroom teacher
3. Grade level
4. Requested transportation arrangement (car or bus), including the pickup or destination details
5. Parent/guardian contact number for verification
6. Name of the authorized individual picking up the student, if applicable
7. A copy of parent/guardian identification, if requested for verification

Transportation Change Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

All transportation change requests for the October 23, 2026 early release day must be submitted no later than Wednesday, October 21, 2026 by 2:30 pm.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping our team maintain a safe, efficient, and organized dismissal process for every Loggerhead.

Sports Equipment Reminder

The safety and well-being of our students remain a top priority at Carolyn Lewis School.

As a reminder, students are not permitted to bring personal sports equipment from home, including footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, or similar items.

Personal sports equipment can create unnecessary safety concerns during the school day, including unintended physical contact or injuries. To maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, students must leave these items at home and may not bring them onto school buses or into the school building.

Please take a moment to review this expectation with your child. Your partnership helps us maintain a school environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive safely.

Thank You, Loggerhead Families!

Thank you for your continued involvement, encouragement, and support throughout our first nine weeks of school. The success of our students is strengthened by the meaningful relationships we build between school and home.

Let's celebrate our accomplishments, embrace opportunities for growth, and continue working together to ensure every Loggerhead reaches their fullest potential. Making Waves and Leading Forward!

Your child's school picture will be coming home today as well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Wright

Join us for our 2nd Cup of Coffee with the Principal on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.! Enjoy a cozy fall morning with pumpkin spice and conversation as we connect, build relationships, and continue working together to support our Loggerheads.

We look forward to sharing a cup of coffee, hearing your thoughts, and strengthening our CLS community. Let’s brew together in unity! 🐢🧡💚

Sign Up Link 🔗https://forms.gle/5YyfyCvQpo5fSyUn8

Dear Parents:

The School Improvement Council (SIC) is an advisory committee to the principal. It's primary

purpose is to assist the principal in the development and monitoring of school improvement

and innovation.

By state law, the SIC is composed of at least two parents/guardians elected by the

parents/guardians of the children in the school. Claudie Torrez is our SIC Secretary, and Erin Zubkoff is our Vice Chair. Those two positions are up for re-election. Use this form to nominate someone for the position(s): https://forms.gle/VwWKr5Ld741QGp7t7

We will need to vote for a new Co-Chairperson and Secretary during our next SIC meeting.

If you are interested in serving a two-year term, please plan on attending our October SIC meeting of the year on 10/22/26 at 5:00 in the CLS Media Center. This will require a commitment to attend a monthly meeting this school year. If you have any questions related to the committee or the chairperson's duties, feel free to reach out to Dr. Batkins at batkinsd@bcsdschools.net We welcome your interest and support!

The theme of Red Ribbon Week this year is: “Make a Difference, Be a Hero! Stay Drug Free!”

This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder that each of us can make a difference in our communities by making healthy choices and embracing a drug-free lifestyle.

CLS will celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26–30, with the following activities and dress-up days:

🎩 Monday, October 26 “Hats Off to Living a Healthy Life—Making Healthy Choices!”

Wear Your Favorite Hat!

❤️ Tuesday, October 27 “RED-y to Be All I Can Be! Drugs Won’t Find Me!”

Wear Red and/or Camo!

🌟 Wednesday, October 28 “When You Do It Right, Your Future Is Bright!”

Dress for the Job You Want or Support Your Favorite College!

🏈 Thursday, October 29 “Keep Your Head in the Game!”

Dress Like an Athlete or Wear Your Favorite Jersey!

🦸🏽 Friday, October 30 “Real Heroes Stand Strong, Stay Mighty, & Live Drug Free!”

Dress Like a Superhero! Wear a Superhero Shirt and/or Cape!

Unity Day is observed each October during National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time for students, staff, and communities to come together to show that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

The color orange represents the supportive and universal message that we can all work together to prevent bullying and build commUNITY.

On Wednesday, October 21, we encourage everyone to:

🧡 Wear orange or an orange item
🧡 Talk about why kindness, acceptance, and inclusion are important
🧡 We encourage everyone to stand together against bullying

Let's come together and show that CLS is united for kindness! Being a BUDDY and NOT a Bully!!!!

Dear CLS Families,

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common, we encourage families to review the attached E-Bike & E-Scooter Frequently Asked Questions flyer with their students. The flyer provides important information about speed limits, where these devices may be ridden, helmet requirements, passenger restrictions, lighting, and safe riding practices.

Please take a few minutes to discuss these guidelines with your child to help ensure they understand the importance of following applicable laws and making safe choices while riding. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your partnership in keeping our students and community safe!

Fall Scholastic Book Fair- 11/16-11/20 during Library Special Area time. Information is coming soon on setting up an eWallet for your student to shop the book fair!

CLS readers are leaders! We have been in the top ten each week in Beanstack this school year. You can add Beanstack to tablets and phones at home by following the Beanstack download directions.

Calling all staff + 5th–8th grade runners and walkers! Join us for fitness, friendship, and fun at YOUR pace. Everyone belongs, whether you're a beginner or seasoned runner! Questions? Contact Ms. Murphy: murphyt@bcsdschools.net

Tuesdays, October 20
3:30 PM

BIG GYM

Digital Permission Slip

Cocoa Cup 5k Registration

We do our best to share athletic info as it is received. Specific questions? Reach out to CBHS.

• Girls Softball Preseason Conditioning: Started October 1st, Monday-Thursday @4:15
• Boys Basketball Eligibility Meeting: November 1st @5pm, CBHS Gym
• Boys & Girls Wrestling Practice: November 2nd @4:25, CBHS

*ALL participants must have an up-to-date account in:

https://hello.students.arbitersports.com/

Berkeley County's Gifted and Talented Arts Program is available to students of Berkeley County Public Schools between the 4th and 12th grade who have auditioned and are identified as gifted/talented in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Once identified, students may attend seven Saturday STEP opportunities at a school throughout the district during the school year and a two-week summer program. Sixth through eighth grade STEP students may also attend Marrington Middle School of the Arts.

To qualify for STEP, students must either audition before a jury composed of fine arts professionals (theatre, music, and dance) or must complete on-site visual arts assignments. In addition, students are given tests that are indicators of potential in the various art disciplines. The jury seeks to identify students with outstanding potential in the arts.

STEP Registration Form

STEP Descriptions

Auditions are open from now until November 30, 2026. We would love to see a great turnout for STEP Auditions this year. Above is the description letter, which includes the link and a scannable QR Code.

Locations and times:

January 8th - Carolyn Lewis School 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM

January 9th - Sedgefield Middle School 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM

We are especially grateful to the Carnes Crossroads Neighborhood Association for serving as our Grand Marshal, with local farmer Tripp Eldridge leading the way on the Big Green Tractor! Thank you to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office for safely guiding our participants, our PTA volunteers and staff participants for supporting our students along the route, and the Cane Bay High School Dance Team and Cheerleaders for greeting our Loggerheads with so much excitement and encouragement!

It takes a community to make waves, and our community did just that! With triple-digit participation, our Loggerheads showed up in a BIG way! Thank you for helping make this such a memorable morning for CLS!

It is time once again for Stratford High Schools Annual Trunk or Treat! Below is the flyer with all the details. Also, there is no haunted house this year, but instead, Stratford Theatre and Orchestra are collaborating to present A Night With Edgar Allan Poe. This will be a music and spoken word presentation of the poems and stories of Poe! We would love to see our feeder schools that night and can't wait to scare and delight!

Registration is OPEN for the Fleet Feet Huffin’ for the Stuffin’ 5K in Carnes Crossroads!

Run or walk with fellow CLS families, represent our Loggerheads, and earn points toward our Boeing/MUSC Wellness Initiative! Spots are limited, and registration is first come, first serve. Register soon!

Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Summerville/FleetFeetHuffinForTheStuffin5k

If you’re given the option to join a team, select: CLS Wave Runners!

We’re looking for ways to create meaningful health and wellness opportunities for our students, families, and staff! Please take a moment to complete our brief survey and share your interests, ideas, and potential community connections. Your feedback will help us plan future activities, explore career connections, and strengthen wellness at CLS.

• https://forms.gle/hUcosZafcdzgLKG99

Kindergarten-8th grade students: Dance through the holiday season with the Cane Bay Dance Team and join the cast of The Polar Express! Rehearsals begin in November-all rehearsal dates listed on Google Form. If you have questions, email Jenna Oliver at oliverjenna@bcsdschools.net

The Polar Express

December 10-11, 2026

7:00 pm

CBH Auditorium

Two-Step Registration:

1. Complete Google Form: https://forms.gle/SpizgasZhEY9DDwU6

2. Registration fee: https://bcsdschools.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/4418/667/False/True

Hello Loggerhead Families!

There's a lot happening at Carolyn Lewis School! From choosing our very own ice cream flavor to sending Halloween treats and supporting our PTA fundraisers, here's what you need to know.

SPRINKLES BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS — CAST YOUR VOTE!

Carolyn Lewis School has been selected to participate in Sprinkles Homemade Ice Cream's first annual Battle of the Schools! Each participating school gets to create its own signature ice cream flavor, and we want our Loggerheads to help choose ours! Students and families can vote for their favorite of three CLS-inspired flavors, including LOGGERHEAD TURTLE TRACKS, LOGGERHEAD CHOCOLATE SPLASH, & LET’S MAKE CAKE WAVES. Voting closes Monday, October 19!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR HERE:
https://forms.gle/xq85EyMMMP7mXTUg7

The winning flavor will represent Carolyn Lewis School during our special Sprinkles fundraising night. Our school will receive 10% of sales from our dedicated night, and the school with the highest sales will be crowned the Battle of the Schools Champion!

BOO GRAMS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Spread some Halloween cheer with a Boo Gram! A Boo Gram is a fun Halloween-themed message accompanied by a sweet treat that students can send to friends, classmates, or teachers.

Online Sales: Through October 23
In-Person Sales: October 19–23, 7:30–8:05 AM
Delivery: October 30

Traditional Boo Grams

• Individual Boo Gram — $1: Send a Halloween surprise to a friend or classmate.

• Class Pack — $25: Every child in the classroom receives a Boo Gram addressed from your child! ONLINE ONLY.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOO GRAMS

Our middle school students can choose from three special Halloween-themed treats:

• Ghost: Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme

• Bat: Hershey's Milk Chocolate

• Frankenstein: Sour Punch candy

Pricing: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5

TREAT YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER — FEATURING DUCK DONUTS!

Show your child's teacher a little extra appreciation with one of our special Teacher Boo Grams featuring Duck Donuts!

• Boo-tiful Duo — $6: Two randomly selected donuts.

• Boo & Brew — $10: One randomly selected donut with hot coffee or cold brew.

• Spooky Sweet Six — $15: A Fall Favorites half dozen donuts.

IMPORTANT: Teacher Boo Grams and Class Packs are available ONLINE ONLY. They will not be sold during morning in-person sales.

Purchase Boo Grams:
https://carolynlewisschoolpta.givebacks.com/shop

CAR RIDER RAFFLE — LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!

Our next Front-of-the-Line Car Rider Raffle winner will receive front-of-the-line privileges for BOTH November and December!

Sales End: Sunday, October 18
Winner Drawn: Monday, October 19

Ticket Prices:

• 1 for $5

• 3 for $10

• 7 for $20

• 15 for $50

• 32 for $100

Purchase Raffle Tickets:
https://carolynlewisschoolpta.givebacks.com/shop

NEW LOGGERHEAD SPIRIT WEAR STORE!

We're excited to announce our new Carolyn Lewis Loggerheads spirit wear store through Varsity92!

Show your school pride and check out the collection of Loggerhead gear for students and families.

Shop Here:
https://varsity92.com/collections/carolyn-lewis-loggerheads

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Boo Gram Sales — October 19–23

We need volunteers to assist with morning sales from 7:30–8:05 AM. Even one morning makes a difference!

PTA MEETING — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

Join us for our next PTA meeting at 6:00 PM in the Carolyn Lewis School Library. We'll discuss upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and PTA initiatives.

VETERANS DAY BRUNCH — NOVEMBER 11

We are honored to celebrate the veterans in our Loggerhead community! Please join us for our Veterans Day Brunch on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 9:00 to 10 AM. We look forward to recognizing and thanking those who have served our country. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

UPCOMING PTA EVENTS

• October 18: Car Rider Raffle Sales End

• October 19: Car Rider Raffle Winner Drawn & Sprinkles Flavor Voting Deadline

• October 19–23: In-Person Boo Gram Sales

• October 22: PTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

• October 30: Boo Gram Delivery

• November 11: Veterans Day Brunch, 9:00 AM

• November 16: Angel Tree Begins

• November 16: Freddy's Spirit Night, 4:00–8:00 PM

• November 19: PTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

• December 3: Winterfest

• December 7–11: Polar Pals

Thank you for everything you do to support our students, teachers, and staff! Your participation, generosity, and volunteer time help us continue to make waves at Carolyn Lewis School.

Stacey Burgess
CLS PTA President
Carolyn Lewis School PTA

• October 19-23 - Boo Gram Sales
• October 19-23 Anti-Bullying Week
• October 20 - Grades 3-5 CogAT Testing
• October 21
• Grades 3-5 CogAT Testing
• Unity Day(Wear Orange)
• October 22
• Grades 6-8 CogAT Testing
• October 23
• Early Release Day/Parent Conferences
• October 26-October 30 - Red Ribbon Week
• October 30 - First Quarter Renaissance Rally
  
• November 3 - Election Day (School's and Offices Closed)
• November 11 - Veteran's Day Breakfast