The Scottie Scoop

Dear Scottie Families,

What an exciting week we had last week! Between the learning, laughter, celebrations, and Halloween festivities, our building was full of energy and Scottie spirit. The week ahead promises to be a little less hectic as we settle into November and begin looking toward the season of gratitude.

Throughout this month, we want to help our students understand the importance of gratitude—not just saying thank you, but recognizing the people who invest in them, encourage them, and help them grow. We want our Scotties to recognize that kindness and appreciation are powerful things, and that taking the time to express gratitude can make someone's day.

Speaking of gratitude, I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for YOU! I am incredibly fortunate to serve such a wonderful community and an amazing group of students. I genuinely love my job, and I am thankful for each and every day I get to spend learning, growing, laughing, and working alongside our Scotties. Your support, partnership, and trust mean more than you know.

I would love for you to share something you are grateful for about LES using the link below. We will share your responses with our staff and on social media as a way to spread encouragement and celebrate the wonderful things happening in our school community. Let's fill November with a little extra appreciation!

November is a short month, and Thanksgiving Break will be here before we know it. While we look forward to the excitement of the season, we must remain intentional about academics. Please continue to encourage your children to read for at least 20 minutes each night and practice mastering their math facts. These simple routines make a tremendous difference over time. Our students are capable of great things, but consistency is the key to helping them get there!

Joyfully yours,

Tiffany Matthews, Principal

Gratitude is an important part of developing empathy, respect, and an appreciation for the world around us. In the Montessori tradition, we encourage children to become thoughtful members of their communities by recognizing the contributions of others and understanding how their actions affect those around them. Parents can nurture gratitude at home by modeling it in everyday moments—thanking someone for preparing a meal, acknowledging a helpful gesture, or expressing appreciation for the little things that often go unnoticed. Invite your child to participate in family responsibilities, care for shared spaces, and recognize the effort that goes into making everyday life possible. You might ask questions such as, “What is something someone did for you today that you appreciated?” or “How could we show someone that we are thankful for their kindness?” Consider creating a simple family gratitude ritual, such as sharing one thing each person is thankful for at dinner or before bedtime. Most importantly, help children understand that gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you”—it is recognizing the value of others, showing care through our actions, and appreciating what we have. When children see gratitude practiced consistently at home, they begin to develop a deeper sense of connection, compassion, and responsibility to their community.

To ensure appropriate communication and the safety of students all transportation changes require a phone call to the Lester Elementary front office. Any other form of notification, such as note, email or text message, will not be honored and the student will be sent home via their original assigned transportation. For convenience, please save our school phone number. 843-664-8459

Happy Fall Y'all! We often take time throughout November to reflect and express gratitude for the good that life has offered. Please share one thing about Lester Elementary School that makes you and your family thankful. This will be shared with staff and on social media throughout the month in a show of appreciation and encouragement. Feel free to write about the school as a whole or specific individuals. As always, we are grateful for you!

Chorus will resume Wednesday, November 4th at regularly scheduled time of 2:30-3:45pm. At this time the LES Chorus will be led by AUS classroom assistant Ms. Whack, who is a talented local musician and singer. As an LES employee, she has graciously agreed to share her talents with our students and we couldn't be more excited! Please ensure prompt pickup at the front of the school each Wednesday. Reach out to Mrs. Matthews with any questions or concerns.

Support our Scotties without paper forms! Certificates can be purchased and monetary donations can be made at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/krispy-kreme-and-tidal-wave-fundraiser

This attendance policy for Florence 1 Schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year, outlines rules for elementary students (5K-5th grade). Key points include:

• Absences: Students are limited to ten absences with a doctor's excuse and ten absences of any other kind (including parent notes, suspensions, sign-outs, and unexcused absences). Exceeding these limits can result in loss of promotion. Written excuses are required for all absences and must be submitted within three days of the student's return to school.
• Part-Day Absences: Students are counted present if they are in school for at least four hours; otherwise, they are counted absent. Signing out before 11:50 a.m. or signing in after 10:10 a.m. results in an absence.
• Unexcused Absences: State law requires regular school attendance. Parents can face fines or jail time for violations of the Compulsory Attendance Law.
• Extended Illnesses: Homebound instruction is available for students with physician-certified illnesses, with applications due within ten days of the first absence.
• Appeals: Students not promoted due to absences may appeal at the end of the school year if absences are due to extreme hardship.
• Tardiness: School begins at Lester at 7:45 a.m., with students marked tardy if not seated by 7:50 a.m. Consequences reset each semester:
  • 1st-4th tardy: Warning
  • 5th tardy: Overnight suspension and parent conference
  • 6th+ tardy: One day out-of-school suspension
• General: Students must provide valid written excuses for absences within three days, listing dates, reasons, phone number, and signature. False excuses will lead to disciplinary action. Failure to comply can result in referrals to the Truancy Intervention Panel, Family Court, or Department of Social Services (DSS).

Parents are required to sign an agreement acknowledging their understanding of the policy and consequences. Additional copies of the policy are available at the school office, Attendance Supervisor's office, and in student agendas.

November 3 - Election Day (No School)

November 5 - Kona Ice

November 6 - APT Fall Fundraiser Money Due

November 10 - Afterschool Clubs

November 11 - Q2 Interim Reports

November 19 - LES Fall Ball

November 20 - Thanksgiving Meal

November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break

Teacher qualifications can be accessed at Educator Qualification Search.

For any questions relating to our Title 1 plan, please email Mrs. Matthews @ tiffany.matthews@fsd1.org