The Crocodilian

Thursday, April 16th - HEC Open house for new families, 4-5pm

- Spring Concert 6pm

Tuesday, April 21st - 4K Field Day, 8:45am-9:30am

Thursday, April 23rd - Early Release Day, Dismissal 11:40

- Pirate Palooza Literacy Night, 5- 6:30pm

For the Future

April 28th* - SC Ready Testing - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Writing

April 29th* & 30th* - SC Ready Testing - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Reading

May 5th* & 6th* - SC Ready Testing - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Math

May 7th* - SC Ready Testing - 4th Grade Science

*Please note, due to testing security, parents will not be permitted in the building on these dates.

Help needed!

Testing season is upon us, and we would truly appreciate your support in helping us monitor our state’s SC Ready assessments.

What will this require if you volunteer?

Availability from 8:00 AM – approximately 11:00 AM (testing may run longer, but you are welcome to leave at 11:00 if needed)
Participation in a brief 10–15 minute training session on confidentiality and test monitoring with Mr. Bebber
Assisting with distributing materials (pencils, tissues, paper, etc.)
Supporting the classroom teacher who is actively proctoring the test
Helping respond to needs such as technology assistance or contacting support
Monitoring hallways as students travel to and from the restroom
Assisting with other miscellaneous needs as they arise

Testing Dates:

April 28 – Writing
April 29 – Reading
April 30 – Reading
May 5 – Math
May 6 – Math
May 7 – Science (4th Grade Only)

This support is a huge help to our faculty, and we are incredibly grateful for any time you are able to give. You are welcome to volunteer for all testing days or just one or two.

If you are willing and able to help, please reach out to Mr. Bebber at jbebber@lexrich5.org.

Thank you so much for your continued support of HECES!

📝 Parent Input for 2026–2027 Class Placement

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we value your input in helping us make thoughtful class placements for our students.

Parents are invited to share teacher characteristics that would best support their child’s learning and success. If you would like to provide input, please complete the form by Friday, May 30th.

Please note:

Do not include specific teacher names in your response
Requests that include specific teacher names will not be considered as part of the placement process

Our goal is to create balanced classrooms where all students can thrive, and your feedback helps us better understand your child’s needs. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work to make the best possible placement for your child!

Click here to share your input

Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw. Balance feels best.

We all feel better when we’re balanced, when we take time to renew the four parts of who we are: body, heart, mind, and soul. Just as a car has four tires, we, as people, also have four parts. And to be healthy and happy, all four parts need time and attention. If we focus on only one part, like exercising our mind through books, we neglect the other parts, body, heart, and soul. We become lethargic.

What can you do to teach your child to sharpen the saw at home?

1. For two nights in a row, go to bed early, and see how great you feel when you wake up!

2. For one whole week, read for 20 minutes every day.

3. Go play with someone who you haven't played with for a long time.

4. Do your favorite outdoor activity with someone you love.

5. Think about the things in your life that make you happy, like your grandma, your dog, a fun toy, or playing with your friends.

→Send in a photo of your child doing these things at home and we will feature some of them in the next issue of the Crocodilian. Email the photo along with the student’s name, teacher, and grade to Katye Wilkinson at kwilkinson@lexrich5.org by April 27th.

Order a yearbook here!

PTO Website

Calling all dancers!

It's finally time to try out for the Dutch Fork Dazzlers dance teams! The award-winning program will compete to maintain state champion titles and will attend Nationals in Orlando, Florida in February 2027. If you are zoned for Dutch Fork High School and will be in grades 6-12 next year, you are eligible to come to tryouts. All dancers need a tryout packet and two teacher recommendation letters. For more information, please email Coach Madeline Thiemann, or stop by DFMS or DFHS front offices to pick up tryout packets!

Click here to RSVP

USC Summer Camps

Looking for activities to keep your kids entertained while still learning new things this summer? The University of South Carolina offers a wide variety of summer camps for all interests — from performing arts to swimming and football to STEM.

Click here for a list of all camps: USC Summer Camps