Ambler August Newsletter

Welcome back, Wildcats! We are so excited to begin a brand new school year at Ambler Elementary. This year, our theme is “Growing Stronger Together,” and we truly believe that when our students, families, and staff work hand in hand, amazing things happen. Just like a tree grows deep roots and strong branches, our students will grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year. We are committed to nurturing every child, supporting every family, and building a school community where everyone feels valued and connected. Thank you for partnering with us—we can’t wait to see all the ways our Wildcats will grow stronger together this year!

We’re excited to welcome our 1st- 5th Grade students back on Tuesday, August 4th and our Kindergarten students back on Friday, August 7th for the first day of school! Here are a few important reminders to help both days 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..

Tuesday, August 4th - Breakfast and Lunch (1st Day for 1st - 5th Grade)

Breakfast: Blueberry Muffin

Lunch: Chicken Fingers or Salisbury Steak

Friday, August 7th - Breakfast and Lunch (1st Day for K5)

Breakfast: Chicken Biscuit

Lunch: Pizza or Cheeseburger

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 6th - 19th.
All students in K5 through 5th grade will complete assessments in both reading and math during this period. To read more about i-Ready, click here.

Volunteer Training Process for the 2026-27 School Year

This year, volunteers will 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 14th. T-shirts are $20 with the exception of Adult XXL and XXXL, which are $22. You can pay in cash (exact change), by check, or on MySchoolBucks. Please make your checks payable to Ambler Elementary. Thank you so much for supporting our school.

Chorus auditions for interested 4th and 5th graders will take place the week of August 24 during their music class. Information and permission forms will go home with students over the first two weeks of school.

All students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2026–2027 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 2026-27 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.

Sign up Here