The Crocodilian

It’s hard to believe May is already here! This time of year always brings a full calendar—state testing, special events, celebrations, and plenty of end-of-year excitement. It’s a season that reflects both the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff.

This week is especially meaningful as we recognize and celebrate our incredible faculty and staff. Their commitment to loving, supporting, and helping our students grow each and every day is what makes our school such a special place. This year’s theme, “In Our Connection Era: 35 Years Strong,” honors the relationships that are at the heart of our school community, while also celebrating 35 years of excellence at H. E. Corley Elementary—Home of the Classy Crocs! 🐊

The weeks ahead will be busy, but they will also be filled with joy, pride, and memorable moments. We look forward to finishing the year strong—working hard, supporting one another, and celebrating all that we’ve accomplished together.

May 4th - May 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week!

Tuesday, May 5th*- SC Ready Testing - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Math

Wednesday, May 6th* - SC Ready Testing - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Math

Thursday, May 7th* - SC Ready Testing - 4th Grade Science

*Please note, due to testing security, parents will not be permitted in the building to visit on these dates.

For the Future:

May 11th - Spring PTO Meeting, 7:30am - 8:30am

May 13th - 2nd Grade Leadership Assembly, 1pm - 2pm

May 14th - 3rd Grade Leadership Assembly, 8:30am - 9:30am

May 15th - 5th Grade Celebration, 8:30am - 9:30am

May 18th - Montessori Bridging Programs: Primary 8:30am, Lower 10am, Upper 12:30pm

May 19th - Senior Walk, 8:30am

-1st Grade Leadership Assembly, 1pm - 2pm

May 20th - 4th Grade Leadership Assembly, 8:30am - 9:30am

- Half Day, Dismissal at 10:40am

May 21st - Half day, Dismissal at 10:40am

May 22nd - Half Day, Dismissal at 10:40am & LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Testing season is upon us, and we would truly appreciate your support in helping us monitor our state’s SC Ready assessments.

What will this require if you volunteer?

• Availability from 8:00 AM – approximately 11:00 AM (testing may run longer, but you are welcome to leave at 11:00 if needed)
• Participation in a brief 10–15 minute training session on confidentiality and test monitoring with Mr. Bebber
• Assisting with distributing materials (pencils, tissues, paper, etc.)
• Supporting the classroom teacher who is actively proctoring the test
• Helping respond to needs such as technology assistance or contacting support
• Monitoring hallways as students travel to and from the restroom
• Assisting with other miscellaneous needs as they arise

Testing Dates:

• May 5 – Math
• May 6 – Math

This support is a huge help to our faculty, and we are incredibly grateful for any time you are able to give. You are welcome to volunteer for all testing days or just one or two.

If you are willing and able to help, please reach out to Mr. Bebber at jbebber@lexrich5.org.

Thank you so much for your continued support of HECES!

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, we invite all families to complete our Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us make informed decisions about how we use Title I funds and support our students.

This survey will guide our planning for:

• Academic programs and interventions
• Family engagement opportunities
• School resources and supports

The purpose and additional details are included within the survey.

📆Please complete the survey by May 1st

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we value your input in helping us make thoughtful class placements for our students.

Parents are invited to share teacher characteristics that would best support their child’s learning and success. If you would like to provide input, please complete the form by Friday, May 30th.

Please note:

• Do not include specific teacher names in your response
• Requests that include specific teacher names will not be considered as part of the placement process

Our goal is to create balanced classrooms where all students can thrive, and your feedback helps us better understand your child’s needs. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work to make the best possible placement for your child!

Dear Parents and Students,

1. Students in grades 3-12 returning to any D5 school for 2025-26 will keep their district issued devices over the summer. If a device is damaged during the summer, students should contact their current school.

2. All current K-2 students will turn in their devices, cases and chargers to the school before the end of the school year and will not have district issued devices over the summer. They will be issued devices at the beginning of the new school year.

3. Graduating Seniors and students moving out of District 5 must turn in devices, cases, and chargers* according to the collection schedule on page 2 of this letter or a bill will be sent for the full replacement price. *Chargers must be an appropriate charger for the device.

Per the District Issued Device Guide, the district covers one (1) accidental damage incident during the 2024-2025 school year (August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025). In order to be considered for 2024-2025 coverage, incidents should be reported by July 31, 2025. Any accidental damage reported after this date will be classified as part of the 2025-2026 school term.

If the device currently has any issues or damages, please do not wait until the end of the year or collection time to notify the school’s help desk. During collection, the device will be evaluated for damages and the student will be billed accordingly.

• Possible charges:

• Device - up to $310

• Case - up to $20

• Charger - up to $20 (missing, damaged or incorrect charger)

• Damaged devices will be reviewed by the Technology Services Department. Parents will be notified if charges are necessary.

• Costs are assessed based on replacement price which is dependent on age and model of device and charger.

D5 Technology Services will remotely disable any devices not turned in by the deadline and a bill for the full replacement value will be sent.

Before turning in the device, charger, and case, students need to do the following:

1. Clean the device:

1. Clean the screen with a soft, dry antistatic, or microfiber cloth.

2. Do not use window cleaner or any type of liquid on the device without adult supervision.

3. You may use packaged pre-moistened eyeglass lens cleaning tissues to clean the screen.

4. Make sure ALL personal stickers are removed. Do not remove district asset tag stickers.

2. Charge the device to at least 60%.

3. Wrap the charger cable and secure it with a Velcro tie or rubber band.

Devices, chargers and cases will only be collected during the times listed here.

COLLECTION DATES/TIMES:

• Kindergarten & Primary Montessori (week of May 11th)

• Wednesday, May 13th- All 1st graders, Lower Elementary classes (Grades 1 & 2 only),

• Tuesday, May 19th - All 2nd graders and students not returning to District 5.

At H. E. Corley, our Crocs are continuing to grow as leaders through the Leader in Me program by learning about the 8th Habit, developed by Stephen R. Covey. This habit focuses on finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs.

In our classrooms, students are discovering their unique strengths, talents, and passions. They are learning how to use those strengths to lead, help others, and make a positive difference in our school community. Whether it’s sharing ideas, showing kindness, or taking initiative, our Crocs are building confidence and leadership skills every day.

We encourage families to continue supporting this growth at home by talking with your child about how they use their voice and leadership skills. Together, we are empowering our students to become leaders both in school and beyond!

We encourage families to continue this conversation at home by asking your child:

• What are you good at?
  
  

• How can you use your strengths to help others?
  
  

• How have you shown leadership this week?

Together, we are empowering students to become leaders—not just in school, but in life!

Congratulations to Reading Interventionist Kathryn Meetze for being names a District Teacher of the Year Finalist!

Congratulations to Special Education Assistant Jessica Catalano for being names a District Support Employee of the Year Finalist!

If you are a Special Education parent and would like to be more involved, please click on the button below for more information on the mandatory training to participate in the D5 Advisory Council.

Looking for activities to keep your kids entertained while still learning new things this summer? The University of South Carolina offers a wide variety of summer camps for all interests — from performing arts to swimming and football to STEM.

Click here for a list of all camps: USC Summer Camps

Monday - Friday 7:05am - 4pm

Front Office: 803-476-4001 , Fax: 803-476-4020

School Counselor: 803-476-4005

School Nurse: 803-476-4009

Follow us on social media: Facebook & Instagram: @hecorleyelem

School Website: https://heces.lexrich5.org/