Blue Jacket Buzz
Aynor Elementary School Newsletter
Thank you for all you do!
LOOK BELOW FOR INFORMATION:
Dates to Remember: End of Year dates
Important Testing Information
New & Current Student Registration Information
Kindergarten & 5th Grade End of Year News
PTO Volunteers needed for School Events
Afterschool Programs
Summer Camps
Safety/Security Information
Testing Information from Mrs. Kinlaw
Dear Parents and Students, As we approach the SC Ready assessment, we want to remind everyone testing will begin daily at 7:30 and end at 2:30 and will occur on the following dates: · Tuesday, May 13 - Reading A · Wednesday, May 14 - Reading B · Friday, May 16 - Writing · Tuesday, May 20 - Math · Thursday, May 22 - Science (4th Grade) This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and determination! We encourage all students to give their best effort during the assessments. Remember, every test is a chance to shine and demonstrate what you’ve learned! To help your child perform at their best, please ensure they: · Enjoy a healthy breakfast on the morning of the assessment to fuel their brain. · Get a good night's sleep the night before to feel refreshed and ready. Believe in yourselves! We know you can do it! Let’s show everyone how amazing you are! Thank you for your support in helping our students succeed! Shamara Kinlaw Principal
SC Ready Testing: 3rd - 5th gr: May 13, 14, 16, 20, & 22
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
This years theme is "Turn Awareness into Action". This theme encourages individuals and communities to move beyond simply recognizing the importance of mental health but to take concrete steps to improve it. This includes practicing self-care, advocating for change, and seeking support. There are numerous things you can do to improve your mental health: exercise, deep breathing, gratitude journaling, spending time in nature, or connecting with others. Activities like these can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health so take the time to take care of yourself.
Dates to Remember:
May
23: Final BPJ/DRUM Band performance, more info to come
26: Memorial Day, Schools Closed
28: Last day for 3yo Preschool and Child Development Program
30: Kindergarten Awards Ceremony 8:30am
June
2: 5th Grade Awards Ceremony 8:30am
3: 3rd & 4th Gr Quarter 4 Honor Roll & End of Year Awards Program
- 3rd- 8:15am
- 4th- 9:00am
6: LAST DAY of SCHOOL- Half Day, dismissal at 12:00pm
SUMMER BREAK! June 9-August 17
Blue Jacket Best
Lost & Found:
End of Year Cleanout.
Please remind your student to visit our Lost & Found cart for missing items.
Labeling lunchboxes, cups, coats, etc. can help your items make it back home.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL STUDENTS!!
Register your student for a chance to win a prize!
Register your student by May 10, 2025 for a chance to win a $25 gift card.
All students registered by May 26, 2025 will be able to participate in End of Year Water Day celebrations. Each grade level with the highest percentage registered will win an ice cream party!
4 year olds - Child Development now accepting Applications
Required Documents for the Child Development Program Application
Children must be four years old on or before September 1st to participate in the CD program. The following documents are required to apply:
- Child’s legal birth certificate
- Child’s immunization record
- Child’s Medicaid card or parents’ proof of income (2024 income tax return or W-2 form)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, rental or lease agreement).
- The child’s social security card is requested, but not required.
Applicants must be a resident of Horry County to apply for and participate in the CD program. Please note: Transfer Requests are not accepted for students in the Child Development Program.
New to HCS Registeration
Visit www.horrycountyschools.net/registration to learn more and begin the registration process.
AES Students
Online enrollment for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year is now available! You will use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to access the InfoSnap Registration.
How do I get started?
Visit www.horrycountyschools.net and click on the PowerSchool link. Sign in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal. From the Parent Portal.
- Select the student you wish to register along the top
- Click on the Registration (2025-2026) link on the left side of the portal
- Enter the students date of birth
- Begin Form
I can’t remember my login for the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Click on the “Forgot Username or Password?” link on the Sign In page, and enter the below information to reset your PowerSchool password.
STEM | TECH FAIR:
Tech Fair Awards
A great big thank you to all the students and parents for all their hard work during the Tech Fair. I have gotten MANY questions about awards, so I wanted to let you all know, awards will be announced on May 23. I will send out more information about our plans to announce.
LIBRARY:
Spring BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported our BOGO Book Fair! We sold over 1,200 books for summer reading!
Summer Reading
Reading is a Game Changer! Summer Reading information will be coming home soon!
Kindergarten & 5th Grade End of Year Information
End of Year Events
IMPORTANT DATES:
May 30: Kindergarten End of Year Ceremony at 8:30am
June 2: 5th Gr Awards Program at 8:30am
If you were unable to attend the 5th grade meeting on May 1 & 2, no worries!
Your student will select their AMS Electives during Guidance with Mrs. Hemingway.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Hemingway at ehemingway002@horrycountyschools.net
MUSICAL NOTES:
Mark your calendars:
- May 23rd – Blue Pan Jam and D.R.U.M. Band combined in school performance
More information as the dates get closer.
SchoolStore Music Fundraiser
Thank you so much for all your support! Don’t forget to continue to support Music at AES by shopping online at your favorite stores through www.schoolstore.com!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Backpack Buddies:
Backpack Buddies believes that students who can go to school prepared will be more successful. Children should have the opportunity to grow, learn and be a child for as long as they can while receiving basic needs. If your family would benefit from the Backpack Buddies program, please email Mrs. Hemingway at ehemingway002@horrycountyschools.net for a form to fill out and return.
Elizabeth Hemingway, Aynor Elementary School Counselor, 3rd-5th
Erin Monday, Aynor Elementary School Counselor, CD-2nd
CD-1st Grades
2nd Grade
3rd-5th Grades
This week in guidance, third, fourth, and fifth grade students continued to learn about self-awareness skills. They are also learned strategies that can help them prepare for SC Ready Testing. Students, enjoyed a competitive learning game utilizing colors.
AREA SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS:
** DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING! **
AHS/AMS Volleyball Camp
Aynor Blue Jackets Volleyball Camp June 9 - 10.
Scan QR code to register
Aynor Kiddie Cheer Camp
CCU Soccer Youth Camp
AREA AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS: (not affiliated with AES or HCS)
Area Afterschool Programs
These programs provide pickup from AES. (via private vehicle/HCS school bus)
After 3 Team 843-421-9979
Aynor Child Development Center 843-385-1106
The Coop 843-358-4993
The Fellowship Church 843-212-6746
FSK- Karate School 843-358-5425
Palmetto Child 843-358-2993
In Conway, but provide pick up AES:
Superkicks 843-369-5425
Thomas Gymnastics 843-353-1500
This list is in no way affiliated with AES or HCS.
PTO NEWS:
Volunteers:
Are you interested in volunteering with the PTO? If so, please complete the google doc below.
Please complete the form below if you are interested in volunteering with PTO events.
All volunteers must complete a background check and be approved through HCS.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at: AESPTObluejackets@gmail.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: Aynor Elementary School PTO
Rent the Rock!
If you are interested in renting the Spirit Rock for a special occasion, please complete the form below:
Birthday Gram!
Send a Birthday Gram to your student!
They are $10/each and include: stick balloon, birthday card with a special message from you, birthday pencil, and special lollipop!
PTO will deliver to your student.
Complete the form below:
Spirit Wear- Old South Designs
You can visit Old South Designs and they will deliver to the school.
Shop Old South Designs
Safety Updates:
OPENGATE Security at Horry County Schools
With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Horry County Schools will use OPENGATE weapon detection scanners to screen all students and guests including all elementary schools.
Please watch the video to learn more:
Our #1 goal is to ensure that Aynor Elementary is a SAFE environment for our Blue Jackets. To do this, we hold a variety of safety drills throughout the year. Safety drills enhance school safety by allowing students and staff to understand proper emergency procedures outside of a crisis situation.
What drills will our Blue Jackets participate in throughout the school year?
Fire Drill: Students and staff practice exiting the building in case of a fire.
Tornado Drill: Students and staff take safety position lining up along an interior wall or the safest area, in case of a tornado.
Earthquake Drill: Students and staff DROP, COVER and HOLD ON, getting under a table or desk if one is near, in case of an earthquake.
Intruder Drill: Our school has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Students and staff will be training, practicing, and drilling the protocol.
Metal Detectors: Staff will use a metal detector to check students and their materials/backpacks as they enter the building.
Morning Arrival Procedures
Only bus riders will enter the bus entrance doors. Car riders will enter through the side entrance.
All students will go through metal detectors daily before entering the classroom each morning. Parents are not allowed to walk their student to class.
- Breakfast is served 7:00-7:25.
- Parents are not allowed to walk down the sidewalk where students are being dropped off.
- Only buses are allowed in the bus drop off zone. Parents do not walk or drive in the bus drop off zone during student arrival times.
- Do not drop children off in the parking lot for safety reasons.
- Please remain in your car during drop-off. Staff will be available to assist your student.
- Obey the directions of teachers on duty. We are working diligently to make drop-off efficient and safe for everyone.
- In order to help the line move safely and smoothly, have your student gather their supplies and be ready to exit the vehicle promptly.
- Students may only exit on the right side of the vehicle.
- If your child is having difficulties exiting the vehicle, you will be asked to pull to visitor parking.
- Wait until the car in front of you departs to exit. Do not go around vehicles.
- In order to unload the maximum number of students in the drop off zone, please pull up as far as possible when unloading your child.
Afternoon Car Rider Procedures
-
Afternoon dismissal begins at 2:30. Our campus will begin receiving parents and guardians of car riders at 2:00. Avoid parking or impeding traffic on Jordanville Rd. This area will be monitored by Aynor Police Department.
- Please remain in your car during pick-up.
- Display your student’s name (AES car tag) on the dash of your car so it is easily visible to teachers on duty.
- If you need additional car tags, please notify the front office staff.
- Students may only enter on the right side of the vehicle.
- Wait until the car in front of you departs to exit. Do not go around vehicles.
- In order to load the maximum number of students in the pick up zone, please pull up as far as possible when picking up your child.
- Obey the directions of teachers on duty. We are working diligently to make pick up efficient and safe for everyone.
- Only buses are allowed in the bus zone. Parents do not walk or drive in the bus zone during student dismissal times.
* To ensure the safety of all students, if you do not have a car tag, you will be asked to go to the front office to be verified.