Ambler Elementary August Newsletter

Ever wonder what teachers do over the summer? Take a look at this slideshow featuring our Ambler staff! As you’ll see, we’ve enjoyed some well-deserved rest and are recharged, refreshed, and ready to welcome our sweet students for an amazing 2025–2026 school year!

I am Raegan Ramsey, and I am so excited to join the Ambler family! This will be my fifth year teaching and my 3rd year teaching 5th grade math and science. I grew up in Weaverville, NC and earned my bachelor’s degrees in elementary and special education from UNC Charlotte. My favorite hobbies are painting, baking, and thrift shopping. I also enjoy playing games on the Nintendo Switch, especially Mario Party, and spending time outdoors, particularly near the water. I have a wonderful husband, Noah and a funny mutt named Bama! I am so excited to meet you all and learn more about each of you!

We’re excited to welcome our students back on Friday, August 1st, for the first day of school! Here are a few important reminders to help the day run smoothly:

• Doors open at 7:15 a.m. for bus riders and 7:30 a.m. for car riders.

• Students who would like breakfast should go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival.

• All other students will head straight to their classrooms.

• Please make sure both your child and their teacher know how your child will be getting home on the first day.

• Afternoon car riders must have a car tag visible for pick-up.

• Dismissal will begin as soon as the buses leave campus.

• All students must be picked up by 2:50 p.m..

Friday, August 1st - Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast: Chicken Biscuit

Lunch: Pizza or Cheeseburger

At Meet the Teacher night, we were only able to provide one car tag per family. We’ve now ordered more and are happy to offer additional tags if needed. If your family would like extra car tags, please complete the Google Form linked below. We will send the additional tags home with your oldest child. Thank you!

Car Tag Google Form

At this time, Wildcat Den is currently full.
If you were unable to sign up during Meet the Teacher, you may reach out to our Director, Mrs. Melissa Willard, at melissawillard@pickens.k12.sc.us for more information.

The i-Ready testing window is scheduled for August 12th–22nd.
All students in K5 through 5th grade will complete assessments in both reading and math during this period. Specific testing dates for each grade level will be shared as we get closer to the window. To read more about i-Ready, click here.

Volunteer Training Process for the 2025–26 School Year

This year, volunteers have the option to complete the training online. The updated process includes the following five steps:

1. Watch the “Volunteering in SDPC” training video
   Volunteering in SDPC Training Video
   
   
2. Review the “Volunteering in SDPC” informational pamphlet
   Volunteering in SDPC Pamphlet
   
   
3. Review the safety one-pagers on Blood Borne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment
   Blood Borne Pathogens Safety for School Volunteers

Sexual Harassment Prevention for School Volunteers

1. Complete the Raptor volunteer application and background check
   
   

• All volunteers must submit an online application through the Raptor system.
  
  
• Volunteers interested in serving as chaperones or working one-on-one with students must select and pay for the $32 background check during the application process.
  
  
• Reminder: Background checks are valid for three years.

• Access the application using this link: Raptor Application Link
  
  

1. Submit the Volunteer Orientation Certification Google Form
   
   

• This form verifies that you have completed all required training components.
  Volunteer Orientation Certification Form
  
  

The SDPC Volunteer webpage has been updated with all necessary links and additional information about this process. You can access it here: SDPC Volunteers

We will be pre-ordering Ambler t-shirts for students and parents during the first 2 weeks of school. The final order will be placed on Friday, August 15th. T-shirts are $20 with the exception of Adult XXL and XXXL, which are $22. You can pay in cash (exact change) or by check. Please make your checks payable to Ambler Elementary. Thank you so much for supporting our school.

All students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2025–2026 school year. We are so thankful for this opportunity to support our students and families.

Click below for the August Breakfast and Lunch Menu:

We’re excited to announce that we’ve received funding from Women's United Way to continue Preschool Story Time for the 2025–2026 school year!

Please help us spread the word to friends and neighbors—this program is open to all children from birth to 5 years old. Each session will incorporate the Palmetto Basics and include an engaging read-aloud, interactive learning stations, a light snack, and a free copy of the featured book to take home.

Stay tuned—sign-up information will be shared soon!