TIGER TIME

I am so thankful for the teachers, the students, and the families here at Richmond Drive Elementary. I must be honest, I was a little discouraged at our last PTO meeting when we only had 4 families attend out of 384 families. Your voice matters and you matter. As your proud principal, I want our school to be a partnership where we support each other. The school works very hard to create an environment where families feel welcomed, supported and appreciated. Please put the next meeting on your calendar and if you are able to attend, we would love to have you! The PTO meeting dates are posted below. As always, if you need anything, please reach out to me!

Mr. Hamm

Proud Principal

Richmond Drive Elementary

October 23 - Monochrome Day (Wear all one color)

October 26 (Red Ribbon Week) -Team Up Against Drugs (Wear your favorite team or school spirit shirt or jersey)

October 27 (Red Ribbon Week) -Dynamic Duo (Match outfits with someone else)

October 28 (Red Ribbon Week) - Wear Red Day (Show your support for a drug-free future by wearing red)

October 29 (Red Ribbon Week) - Inside-Out Day (What’s on the inside is what counts! Wear your clothes inside-out)

October 30 (Red Ribbon Week) - Heroes Dream BIG (wear your favorite pajamas and dream BIG)

FULL COURT WITH FIRST GRADE IS NOVEMBER 17

Get ready, First Grade ! On Tuesday, November 17, our first graders will head to the Winthrop Coliseum to cheer on the Winthrop University Women’s Basketball Team. Thanks to our partnership with Winthrop Athletics and the The Foundation, game tickets are free!

Each month, administration and Mrs. Spain (School Counselor) hold grade level town halls. At the town halls, we talk about important things that impact education. Students, teacher, and classes are recognized for being a leader in our building. Students receive certificates and recognition for perfect attendance. These meetings are important to our school as we continue to develop of school culture and define what it truly means to be a Richmond Drive TIGER!

Looking for a safe, engaging place for your child after school? Register your student for Be Great Academy, our onsite afterschool program!

Students will enjoy:

• 📚 Homework assistance
• ⭐ Character education
• 🔬 Hands-on STEAM learning opportunities
• 🎉 Fun, enriching activities with caring staff

SIGN UP TODAY

Register now to ensure your child is ready to begin on the very first day of school! Space may be limited, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Information is available at the front desk or call the school 1-803-981-1930. There will be a Be Great table at the Open House!

A proud moment for Richmond Drive Elementary at the South Carolina State House! Richmond Drive Elementary was recognized by the State Superintendent for its impressive growth on the South Carolina School Report Card, including a 12-point increase in its overall score - one of the most impressive growth results in the state!

Superintendent Dr. Deborah Elder was proud to join Principal Hamm and several of Richmond Drive’s outstanding teachers at the State House to celebrate this achievement. We also celebrated at school with the entire Richmond Drive team (#Lafamilia), recognizing the hard work and dedication of all their teachers and staff who made this possible!

WAY TO GO TIGERS!

School Report Card

If you need to change your child's transportation, please send a note with your student to the front office. Changes can not be made over the phone.

Richmond Drive had it's first ever, Hispanic Heritage Month Day Parade! It was a huge success! The parade had a police escort as the walked the parade route. I was a fun way to show our appreciation for the Hispanic culture. A huge shout out to our Hispanic Committee for organizing fun events all month long!

Add a splash of color to your celebrations by painting the Spirit Rock! Whether it’s a birthday, a personal achievement, or any joyous occasion, this is your chance to shine!

Reserve your date today and let your creativity flow! It’s a delightful way to share your happiness with the whole school community. Plus, it's super fun!

Remember: You can start painting the rock after 5 PM the evening before your special day.

Unleash your imagination and let’s make some memories!

Please see Ms. Maldonado in the front office!

THE NEW LAWS impacts students as they are now eligible to receive ZEROS! Students grades will now reflect their actual grades. Please make sure that all students do their very best AT ALL TIMES! Students that receive special services, including Resource and ML, are also included in the law.

1. Parent Volunteers- Now is a good time to complete or update your Volunteer Screening if you plan to volunteer in our school, or on a field trip or at Field Day. This has to be done every two years for it to stay current. To begin the process, click on the following link: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/departments/operations/safety-and-security/visitor-management/volunteer-interest-information

2. Room Parent - Please consider being a room parent for your child's class this year. You will help the teacher and students throughout the year. Some ways you will be helping: Reading with students, setting up for celebrations, field trip chaperone, teacher tasks, etc..

3. Technology Fee Reminder

Just a reminder — the annual $20 technology fee helps cover essential tools that support learning, safety, and equity for every student. This includes software access, digital learning platforms, secure internet filtering, device repairs, and protective cases.

Our goal isn’t screen time — it’s smart, teacher-guided use that builds creativity, literacy, and 21st-century skills. Want to see more? Check out our Mobile Computing Guide.

Want to pay online, click here.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep learning equitable and innovative.

4. Parent Portal - You can check your child's grades at any time through parent portal. If you have not set up your parent portal, please click on the links below for directions.

English Parent Portal Instructions

Spanish Parent Portal Instructions

5. Early signout and transportation change- Early signout ends at 1:45 PM. If their is a transportation change for your child, please make sure you provide a hand written note or come to the main office to make that change.

6. School Meals- Districtwide, students can eat breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria at no cost to families. Children need to be at school by 7:20 to have time to eat breakfast and be on time for class. Menus for each day can be found on our RHSD App.

Title I Information

Title I is a law under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 which provides federal funds for compensatory educational services. Compensatory means "extra." Title I provides extra teachers, instructional assistants, funding for staff development, additional materials and additional supplies in the areas of reading and math for eligible schools. Title I programs offer opportunities for parents to make suggestions and recommendations regarding programs and use of Title I funds.