THE MUSTANG MESSENGER

As we wrap up a busy October filled with lots of school events and activities, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the Palmetto Elementary School community. This time of year reminds us how important it is to pause and appreciate the dedication, teamwork, and care for our students and families that make PES such a special place.

Our students continue to put forth tremendous effort and show growth academically and personally, and it’s exciting to see their curiosity and confidence shine. Thank you for your continued support—whether it’s helping with homework, attending events, or simply encouraging your child each day.

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I hope that you and your family have a time filled with joy, gratitude, and time together. As always, let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to better serve your student during their time at PES.

Brandon Koon

koonb@apps.anderson1.org

Principal

WOW! This month's Jolly Trolley winner was determined by 1 point! Congratulations to this month's winners from Ms. Caroline Phillips' third grade class! Keep up the phenomenal behavior in related arts and during lunch.

Officer Garrison’s public service career spans from 1998 to 2023 when he initially retired from the Highlands County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office in 2023. Officer Garrison came out of retirement and joined the Williamston Police Department in August of 2025 and is now assigned to Palmetto Elementary School as our School Resource Officer.

Officer Garrison enjoys hiking, mountain biking, working in the yard, and loves to cook. He is looking forward to establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the students and faculty of Palmetto Elementary School while being 100% committed to the safety of each and every one on campus at all times.

Boutique at the Bridge Donation

We were blessed to receive a donation of $2,200 from Boutique at the Bridge. Thank you to the PES community for shopping at and supporting Boutique at the Bridge, and thank you to Boutique at the Bridge for supporting PES and other local schools!

Guest Speaker - Dr. Jerome Hudson

Former principal of PES, Dr. Jerome Hudson, spoke to our 3rd-5th grade boys about the importance of leadership, trust, and always giving their best. His message also served as an announcement to these students that plans are underway to bring the Mustang Men program back after Winter Break.

Awards Day

It was our pleasure recognizing students during our First Nine Weeks Celebration. Students were recognized for their accomplishments in the classroom and around the school. Awards were presented for All A or A/B Honor Roll, outstanding effort in math, reading, phonics, or writing, and Perfect Attendance. We also presented Mighty Mustang medals for students who best displayed the Leader in Me traits of being proactive and beginning with the end in mind. We are so proud of all of our students and their achievements.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more pictures of these recognitions.

Book Fair

We are so appreciative of your support for our Fall Book Fair! Not only did we see the excitement of our students buying new books to enjoy at home, but you helped raise almost $2,400 for our media center. These funds are used to purchase new books and other materials for PES students to access at our media center.

Fall Carnival

The Fall Carnival was a hit! From food vendors, candy, games, hayrides, and our haunted classroom, there was something for everyone. Thank you to our PTO and all of the volunteers who helped make this such a wonderful event!

Red Ribbon Week & Field Day

Throughout the week of October 20-24, students at PES celebrated spirit days as part of Red Ribbon Week. The week was capped off with a Red, White, and Blue Field Day. We were thrilled to watch students participate in these events and see all of the family members and guests who joined them!

Greenville Little Theatre

Our school enjoyed a performance of Charlotte's Web by the Greenville Little Theatre. They delivered a fantastic adaptation of one of the most beloved children's books of all time.

During our First Nine Weeks Awards Celebrations, students were awarded medals and the Mighty Mustang Award for best exemplifying Habit 1: Be Proactive and Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind.

Our focus habits for the 2nd nine weeks will be Habit 3: Put First Things First and Habit 4: Think Win-Win. You can support both of these habits at home as well.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Talk about what's important to your family. Make a list of your family's top three Big Rocks (most important priorities).

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Make a "wish poster." Start by drawing a line down the middle of the poster. On one side, record your student's hopes, dreams, and wishes. On the other side, record your hopes, dreams, and wishes. Together as a family, look at your wish poster. How can your family work together to make both sets of wishes a reality?

Palmetto Elementary has been designated as a Title I school. This means that we receive federal funding to supplement our existing programs. All funds are directly related to improving math and ELA instruction.

At PES, this funding has been used in the following ways:

Professional Development opportunities for teachers
Additional faculty to lower class size
Additional reading and math support
Instructional materials and supplies
Resources directly related to reading and math instruction

As a parent, your role is to do the following:

Participate and attend school events
Talk about homework with your student
Communicate with your student's teacher
Join our PTO / SIC
Volunteer

Title I Parent Rights:

Information is presented in a language and format that is understandable.
Parents have the right to be involved in the decision making about their child's education.
Parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child's teacher and paraprofessional.
Parents have the right to know if their child has been assigned or taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
Parents have the right to be involved in the development of the written Parental Involvement Policy.
School-Parent Compact should be developed and reviewed annually.
Parents have the right to be involved in the development of the Title I plan for their student's school.

If you have additional questions about Title I and what it means to Palmetto Elementary, please reach out to school administration.

We look forward to welcoming our families to the following upcoming events. Information has been sent home to RSVP for the Good Morning, Grands (November 13 and 14) and our upcoming Thanksgiving lunch (November 18). Please reach out if you have any questions. We hope to see you for these events!

Oct 31 - No school
Nov 2 - Daylight Saving Ends (Set clocks back 1 hour)

Nov 5 - Brainy Bunch meeting

Nov 7 - Denver Downs field trip - Allen. Barr, Bogdan, Jordan's classes

Nov 8 - PGRC 5K 8:30

Nov 13, 14 - Good Morning Grands

Nov 18 - Thanksgiving Lunch

*Nov 19 - ALICE Drill*

Nov 24, 25 - No School (Weather Make-Up Days)

Nov 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

Dec 1 - Cookies with Santa 5:00 pm -7:30 pm

Dec 8-11 - PTO Santa Shoppe

Dec 8 - 12 STAR testing

Dec 22 - Jan 2 - No school (Winter Break)

Jan 3 - Professional Development Day (No school for students)

ADDRESS:

Palmetto Elementary School

1 Roberts Blvd

Williamston, SC 29697

(864)847-5442

INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: https://www.anderson1.org/o/pe

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoElementary

THE MUSTANG MESSENGER