Husky Herald
August 2026
Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to student success. Each school day provides valuable learning opportunities, and arriving on time helps students begin their day prepared, focused, and ready to learn.
Our doors open at 7:15 a.m., and instruction begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. are considered tardy and may miss important morning routines, classroom instruction, and opportunities to connect with their teachers and classmates.
In addition, we offer support services beginning at 7:15 a.m. for students who may need extra academic assistance. Arriving early allows students to take advantage of these valuable resources and start their day on the right foot.
South Carolina law requires every K-12 public school to have a School Improvement Council (SIC) that meets regularly. The SIC is composed of parents, teachers, and community members who work together to support the school's growth and success.
Parents serving on the SIC are nominated and elected by the parents of students attending the school, while teachers are nominated and elected by their fellow faculty members.
Established more than 45 years ago under South Carolina law, School Improvement Councils provide an important opportunity for parents, community members, and school staff to collaborate in the continuous improvement of our schools, ensuring the best possible educational experience for all students.
The vision of the SC School Improvement Council is:
"To promote and support civic engagement for quality public education in South Carolina.”
The mission of the SC School Improvement Council is:
"To facilitate meaningful parent and community involvement in our state’s public schools by providing resources, tools and strategies to local School Improvement Councils and other stakeholder groups."
We would love for you to get involved with our HSES School Improvement Council (SIC)! If you are interested in serving on the council, please contact Mrs. Montgomery at hemontgomery@york.k12.sc.us.
Third grade is a critical year for our students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We are committed to supporting your child’s reading development and helping them succeed. Below are key details about the Read to Succeed Act and how it impacts third-grade reading expectations.
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Why Third Grade Reading Matters
Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is essential for your child’s academic success. At this stage, students use reading skills to learn other subjects like math, science, and social studies. Developing fluency and comprehension now lays the foundation for future learning and success.
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The Read to Succeed Act
The Read to Succeed Act ensures that all students gain the reading skills necessary for college, career, or military readiness. The law requires that third-grade students who do not demonstrate reading proficiency—scoring Does Not Meet Expectations on the SC Ready reading assessment—be retained for additional support.
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Good Cause Exemptions
Students who qualify for specific Good Cause Exemptions may still be promoted to fourth grade. These exemptions include:
· Limited English proficiency (fewer than two years of English instruction).
· Disabilities requiring alternative assessments or interventions (as outlined in their IEP).
· Receiving reading interventions for two years and previously being retained.
· Demonstrating reading proficiency on an approved alternative assessment.
Please contact your school if you believe your child may qualify for an exemption.
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Summer Reading Camp (SRC)
Students who do not meet the required reading level by the end of third grade will be invited to attend Summer Reading Camp. This program offers intensive, small-group instruction to help students strengthen their reading skills. Successful completion of the camp could lead to promotion to fourth grade.
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How We Support Your Child
We are committed to helping every student become a confident, independent reader through:
· Additional instructional time focused on literacy.
· Small-group and individualized reading interventions.
· Specialized teacher training provided by literacy coaches.
We also monitor progress regularly and communicate results to keep you informed.
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How You Can Help at Home
Your involvement is key to your child’s reading success. Here’s how you can help:
· Read Together Daily: Encourage your child to read aloud and ask questions like, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think that happened?”
· Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher about their progress.
· Use School Resources: We’re here to provide tools and materials to support your child’s reading journey at home.
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By working together, we can make this year a success for your child. If you have questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
Thank you for partnering with us to make third grade a year of growth and learning!
