The Crocodilian
October 9th, 2025 Vol. 6
Principal's Pen
It’s hard to believe we’re already wrapping up the first quarter! It has been a busy and exciting start to the school year, and we’re looking forward to all things fall here at H.E. Corley.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are in full swing, and this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher about their progress and learn about ways to support their growth at home.
This month, our school-wide focus is on Encouraging Reading at Home. Be on the lookout for a brochure in your child’s VIP folder this week filled with ideas and tips for making reading an enjoyable part of your family’s routine. In conjunction with our Reading with the Gamecocks initiative, we hope to spark a love of reading that extends beyond the classroom!
As we head into Fall Break, I hope each of you takes time to relax and recharge. When we return, we’ll celebrate our students’ first-quarter accomplishments during our Leadership Assemblies—a special time to recognize their hard work and growth. It was truly inspiring to see our Montessori students showcase their learning during our Learning at the Hands event in September.
We’ll wrap up the month by connecting with our families and community during our Chick-fil-A Spirit Night and Trunk or Treat event—two fun ways to come together and celebrate being part of the Corley Croc community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s make this fall season one to remember!
Warmly,
Melanie Harris
Principal
Parent Teacher Conferences are in full swing at HEC! If you haven't already heard from your student's teacher, please keep an eye out for extra communications regarding setting up a meeting.
Thank you for your continued involvement in your student's education!
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Tri-District Arts Consortium Summer Program. Students who attend the public schools of Lexington One, Lexington/Richland Five and Richland Two are eligible to participate.
The program is designed for artistically gifted and talented students currently in fifth through eighth grades. Students may audition in creative writing, dance, vocal, strings, band, theatre or visual art.
The Summer Program will take place at Richland Northeast High School June 8 through June 26, 2026 from 9:00 am until 3:15 pm each day, Monday through Friday. Meals and transportation are included. Anyone can nominate a student using this form. An application for audition will be sent to each student nominated. Deadline for nominations: December 5, 2025.
Audition Schedule at Richland Northeast High School:
February 28, 2026 - Strings, Vocal and Visual Art
March 7, 2026 - Band, Creative Writing, Dance, Theatre and Visual Art
For more information or questions, contact Shirley Cope at 476-8129 or sfcope@lexrich5.org
🎉A Big Thank You to the Optimist Club! 🎉
We’re thrilled to share that HEC received a generous donation from the St. Andrews–Irmo–Chapin Optimist Club to sponsor our D.A.R.E. program for 5th grade students! Their support helps us continue teaching our Crocs how to make positive choices and stay safe.
Thank you, Optimist Club, for your continued partnership and commitment to our students and community!
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind — Have a Plan
*I plan ahead and set goals.
*I do things that have meaning and make a difference.
*I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision.
*I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 2 teaches students the importance of vision—the habit of having a plan. Planning ahead, whether it’s for school, money, or life, helps children make thoughtful decisions and positions them to help others.
What can you do at home to teach your child to plan ahead and take responsibility?
Choose your clothes and lay them out for the next day before going to bed.
Write or draw three goals you want to work toward and post them where you’ll see them every day. For example, maybe you want to get better at finishing homework, brushing your teeth at night, or listening the first time you’re asked.
Talk with your mom or dad about what you want to be when you grow up!
📸We’d love to see Habit 2 in action!
Send in a photo of your child putting this habit into practice, along with their name, teacher, and grade, to Katye Wilkinson at kwilkinson@lexrich5.org by November 15th for a chance to be featured in the next issue of The Crocodilian!
ID Required
To enter the school, have lunch with a student, or pick up students, you must present a valid, current driver's license or state-issued ID. Please make sure you bring your current driver's license or state issued ID each time you visit.
Thank you for helping us keep our school safe.
Front Office: 803-476-4001 , Fax: 803-476-4020
School Counselor: 803-476-4005
School Nurse: 803-476-4009
Monday - Friday 7:05am - 4pm
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