Weekly Hoots
#SoaringTogether April 15-22
From the Desk of Dr. Gantt
As we navigate through a very busy part of the academic year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all that you do to support our school community.
Your unwavering commitment to your child’s education is truly commendable. From attending parent-teacher conferences to volunteering for school events, your active involvement plays a vital role in creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. Your dedication not only strengthens our school but also fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our students, teachers, and staff.
We deeply appreciate your partnership in ensuring the success of our students. Your encouragement and support at home significantly contribute to their academic achievements and personal growth. Your role as their first and most influential teachers is invaluable, and we are grateful for the positive impact you have on their lives each day.
As we continue to work together in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your kindness, generosity, and commitment to excellence inspire us all and serve as a constant reminder of the incredible power of community.
Thank you, once again, for your continued support and dedication to our school. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for all.
#soaringtogether
B. Gantt
Vision
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a caring community that utilizes a multitude of teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for their next adventure.
Core Beliefs
- We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and appreciated.
- We believe that all children deserve a high quality education.
- We believe in collaboration and making connections.
SOAR to be aWESome!
We are SOARing High at WES!
Staying Safe
Owning Your Actions
Acting Responsibly
Respecting Everyone & Everything
Please use this form to share any comments, questions, or concerns.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, April 18: PTO Meeting
Friday, April 19: Volunteer Breakfast
Thursday, April 25: One Berkeley Unified Games (Rescheduled)
Thursday, April 25: WES STEAM Night
Monday, April 29: SIC Meeting
We'll be having a Yearbook Signing Party!!!
We have 150 yearbooks available for pre-sale (first come, first serve). Yearbooks are on sale for $20. Please complete this form and submit payment with your child to the front office. For any questions, please contact Mrs. Brandi Ard (ardb@bcsdschools.net).
*Make checks payable to Whitesville Elementary School.
If you are interested in purchasing a 2023-24 Yearbook and you did not complete online Strawbridge order form, please complete the form Yearbook Pre-Sales Form.
Get your child's yearbook today!
On the Horizon
Tuesday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 8: K-2th Grade iReady Spring Diagnostic
Tuesday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 8: 3rd-5th Grade SC READY (ELA)
Tuesday, May 14 - Wednesday, May 15: 3rd-5th Grade SC READY (Math & Science)
Thursday, May 16: 3rd-5th Grade SC READY Field Test
Thursday, May 16: Field Day (K-2)
Friday, May 17: Field Day (3-5)
Monday, May 20 - Tuesday, May 21: 3rd-5th Grade iReady Spring Diagnostic
WES Parent University Corner
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade iReady Final Diagnostic
The iReady Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit your student's needs. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question. The purpose of iReady is to determine how our students have grown during the year. Our Kindergarteners - 5th Graders will participate in iReady End of the Year Testing on
- Tuesday May 7th (K-2nd Reading)
- Wednesday May 8th (K-2nd Math)
- Monday, May 20th (3rd-5th Reading)
- Tuesday, May 21st (3rd-5th Math)
Please find some iReady Family Resources linked below.
3rd - 5th Grade SC READY
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessment (SC READY) program is a statewide assessment in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3–8 and science for grades 4 and 6. The SC READY tests measure the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards taught in ELA, Math, and Science classes. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders will participate in SC READY Testing on
- Tuesday, May 7th (ELA)
- Wednesday, May 8th (ELA)
- Tuesday, May 14th (Math)
- Wednesday, May 15th (4th Grade - Science)
- Thursday, May 16th (Field Test)
Please find some SC READY Family resources linked below.
Honesty & Integrity
Character Word of the Month
Every month WES students will learn about a character word. This month, the words of the month are Honesty & Integrity.
Honesty & Integrity are defines as being truthful in all things; acting in a way that is fair, just, and moral.
Share with your child what honesty & integrity means to you and ask them to share moments when they have demonstrated honesty and integrity.
2024-25 Student Placement Family Input
As we strive to continuously improve the quality of education at Whitesville Elementary School, your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our approach. With this in mind, I am writing to request your input regarding your child's placement for the 2024-2025 school year.
We do not take teacher recommendations; however, your insights and observations about your child's needs in terms of their teacher will help us to ensure that your child is placed in the best possible environment to learn and to grow.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by responding to the Student Placement Family Input Form (below). We value your partnership in your child's education and appreciate your time and input in this matter.
Thank you for your continued support.
South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law
“South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law requires that a parent or guardian shall require his child to attend regularly a public or private school or kindergarten of this State which has been approved by the State Board of Education, a member school of the South Carolina Independent Schools and Association, a member school of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, or some similar organization, or a parochial, denominational, or church-related school, or other programs which have been approved by the State Board of Education f rom the school year in which the child is five years of age before September first until the child attains his seventeenth birthday or graduates from high school.”
Complete this attendance form when your child is absent
Volunteer at WES
We love our Volunteers! Please make sure to complete the BCSD Volunteer Clearance Check at https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzplbi1VUw== in order to volunteer!
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Community Partners
Healing Farms
Healing Farms is a nonprofit organization that BCSD has worked with for a number of years. They are also looking to build a location right here in Berkeley County. Healing Farms helps students with disabilities when they age out of high school find a way in which they can give back and contribute to the community. This organization does a phenomenal job helping these kids/young adults find their strengths and ABILITIES.