Enter to Learn,Depart to Soar

In a few weeks we will end our second learning quarter and complete the halfway mark of the school year. We will begin our winter break, and begin 2026. Our students will be taking their Winter MAP testing in Math on December 3, 2025 and Reading on December 9, 2025. This is very, very important. Please make sure that your child gets to school each day on time, gets a good night’s sleep during that week, and that you talk with them about doing their absolute best on these tests. The Winter MAP will measure how much our students have grown with their learning from the beginning of the school year to the middle of the school year. Our students will participate in a pep rally the day before testing begins to get them excited and remind them to do their best to reach their goals. MAP Parent Reports will go home with students after we return from winter break. Please talk with your child’s teacher about what the report means if you have any questions.

We also have several major events happening this month and want to make sure that you are in the loop. We will have our first monthly School Improvement Council meeting. The Congaree Choir will sing carols at the annual Town of South Congaree Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 6:30 pm and our students will carry the banner for the town Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 am. We will also have our annual Christmas sing along on December 19, 2025. This will be an Early Dismissal Day and the day before winter break. There will be No Boys and Girls Club for this day. Students will not return to school until January 6, 2026. Check the school website calendar, Notifications from Lexington School District Two, Dojo, and social media for more details.

Parents please come to the school to claim clothing left at school in our Baggage Claim/Lost and Found. The closet has so many jackets, coats, sweaters, and shirts that the closet is now full. We will be donating ALL unclaimed items to a local charity when we dismiss for winter break.

We thank you again for choosing Congaree as the school for your child. If you would like to serve on the Parent Teacher Organization, School Improvement Council, or donate your time, talents, and resources in other ways, please contact the main office. As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We have a lot of work to do over the next few months to improve our school. “Change begins with us.”

Wishing you a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year,

Christopher K. Dickey

Please continue to check your child frequently for Head Lice. When treating/controlling Head Lice be sure to follow package directions completely and check other family members. Disinfect personal articles by washing in hot water (55 degrees C or 130 degrees F) for 20 minutes, or seal in airtight plastic bag for 10 days, or dry clean. Combs / brushes can be soaked in lice shampoo or hot water (150 degrees F) for 5-10 minutes. Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpeted areas where children may lie to play or watch television.

Please visit the Department of Health’s website for more information:

https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/early-childhood/head-lice-pediculosis

Use the Winter Break to clean out and disinfect your child’s book bag and to wash coats and jackets.

The holidays can be a hectic time, but it is also a time for fun and family. Follow these tips to help everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday season.

1. Stay Active with at least one hour of physical activity a day. Go outside and play or take a winter hike or bike ride. Remember helmets!

2. Drink lots of water and enjoy fruits and vegetables.

3. Dress in multiple layers to stay warm. Teach safety around fires and heating systems.

4. Try to avoid close contact with those that are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer. Cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching, eyes, nose and mouth.

5. Children 5-10 need 10-11 hours of sleep per night. Have children avoid electronic devices at bedtime.

6. Try to have some down time, and enjoy being together as a family.

7. Talk to your child’s doctor about any needed vaccines.

Our VIP, 2nd and 3rd graders are getting into the Thanksgiving spirit with a fun read-aloud of Gus the Pilgrim Turkey and How to Catch a Turkey! Students are enjoying the story while learning about gratitude and using our science vocabulary, survive and survival!

Meanwhile, our 4th graders are diving deeper into DISCUS, South Carolina’s Virtual Library, to explore safe and reliable online research tools. Students can access this at home as well with the username and password. Please see Ms. Broyles for the username and password.

Our 5th graders are tackling an important topic — copyright and plagiarism — learning how to give proper credit and create their own original work responsibly.

Tuesday, December 9 - Friday, December 12.

The Holiday Shop is an opportunity for our students to go shopping for gifts for their family and friends. There will be a gift wrap station for students to wrap their gifts after they shop. All items will be priced under $10 (or goal is to really be under $5).

Please check for any missing clothing items, lunchboxes, etc. All unclaimed items will be donated before winter break.