Weekly Hoots
#SoaringTogether February 5th - 9th
From the Desk of Dr. Gantt
At WES, we believe that a child's education is a collaborative effort between the school and families. Your involvement in your child's education not only strengthens their academic performance but also fosters a positive and supportive learning environment.
Research consistently shows that students whose families are actively engaged in their education tend to perform better academically, have better attendance, and develop stronger social and emotional skills.
Here are some ways you can actively participate in your child's education and contribute to our school community:
Attend School Events: Join us for school events, parent-teacher conferences, and open houses to stay informed about your child's progress and to connect with teachers and staff.
Volunteer Opportunities: We encourage parents to volunteer in various capacities, whether it's helping in the classroom, participating in school committees, or supporting extracurricular activities.
Communication: Stay connected with us through regular communication channels, such as emails, newsletters, and the school website. Follow us on social media to receive updates and information about school events.
Homework Support: Take an active interest in your child's homework and assignments. Create a designated space for studying and be available to provide guidance when needed.
Family Learning Nights: Attend our family learning nights such as Literacy Night and STEAM Night.
Encourage Reading: Foster a love for reading by setting aside time each day for your child to read. Visit the library together and engage in discussions about the books they are reading.
Remember, your involvement doesn't have to be grand – every small effort makes a significant impact on your child's educational journey. Together, we can create an enriching and supportive environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your child. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year and beyond.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and success!
We will be the best elementary school in the state!
Thank you!
#SOARingtogether
B. Gantt
Vision
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a caring community that utilizes a multitude of teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for their next adventure.
Core Beliefs
- We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and appreciated.
- We believe that all children deserve a high quality education.
- We believe in collaboration and making connections.
We SOAR to aWESomeness!
We are SOARing High at WES!
Staying Safe
Owning Your Actions
Acting Responsibly
Respecting Everyone & Everything
Please use this form to share any comments, questions, or concerns.
Congratulations to our 2023-24 Support Employee & Teacher of the Year
Head Secretary: Mrs. Brandi Ard
4K Teacher: Mrs. Amanda Pardue
Important Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, February 8: Progress Reports sent Home
Thursday, February 8: PTO Meeting
Friday, February 9: Class Pictures
Saturday, February 10: WES Sweetheart Dance (sponsored by WES PTO)
Friday, February 16: Teacher Work Day - No school for students
On the Horizon
Monday, February 19: Presidents' Day - School and Offices Closed
Tuesday, February 20: Spring Pictures
Monday, February 26: SIC Meeting
Thursday, February 29: Boosterthon Kick-Off Day
WES Parent University Corner
Do you know what your child should learn in Math?
The South Carolina mathematical standards have clear, rigorous, and coherent standards for mathematics that will prepare students for success in their intended career paths that will either lead directly to the workforce or further education in post-secondary institutions. The SC Standards are consistent and are taught in every South Carolina classroom.
Family Friendly Guide to South Carolina Math Standards
See what your child should know in:
ACCESS for ELLs® Testing
All students in grades K-12 who are determined to have limited English proficiency - based upon the completion of a Home Language Survey and the initial assessment of their English proficiency - must take ACCESS for ELLs® or Alternate ACCESS each spring.
The testing window for ACCESS for ELLs® or Alternate ACCESS began on January 22 and goes through March 8, 2024.
If you have any questions regarding ACCESS for ELLs® or Alternate ACCESS, please contact Ms. Debbie Gallagher @ gallagherd@bcsdschools.net.
Kindness & Compassion
Character Word of the Month
Every month WES students will learn about a character word. This month, the word of the month is Kindness & Compassion.
Kindness & Compassion means being courteous, considerate, and helpful to others. The platinum rule: find out how others would like to be treated, and treat them accordingly. Our Wise Owls will learn what sympathy looks like and sounds like, and understand the importance of showing sympathy and concern for others.
Ask your child what it means to be Kind and Compassionate.
Need to contact your child's teacher?
WES Student Clubs
We are launching Student Clubs during the second semester!
Be sure to check your child's Thursday Folder regarding details with our WES Spring Clubs.
South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law
“South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law requires that a parent or guardian shall require his child to attend regularly a public or private school or kindergarten of this State which has been approved by the State Board of Education, a member school of the South Carolina Independent Schools and Association, a member school of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, or some similar organization, or a parochial, denominational, or church-related school, or other programs which have been approved by the State Board of Education f rom the school year in which the child is five years of age before September first until the child attains his seventeenth birthday or graduates from high school.”
Complete this attendance form when your child is absent
Volunteer at WES
We love our Volunteers! Please make sure to complete the BCSD Volunteer Clearance Check at https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzplbi1VUw== in order to volunteer!
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Whitesville's Sweetheart Dance
Get your tickets today!
WES PTO will be sponsoring our first ever Sweetheart Dance! Our students decided on the theme: Mini Prom. We are excited to have our WES students and their date (parent, guardian, adult) join us on the night of February 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for a great evening of dancing and enjoying fellowship.
* Get your tickets today as there is limited space.
Breakfast & Lunch are free for ALL WES Students
February Breakfast Menu
February Lunch Menu
Become a Certified Teacher in Berkeley County!
Do you have a bachelor's degree? You could be a teacher in Berkeley County!
There will be two alternative certification info sessions for prospective teachers. The first session will be held virtually on October 18 at 6 p.m., and the second will be on November 1 at 4:30 p.m. at our main office in Moncks Corner.
Virtual Session Registration | In-person Session Registration | Learn More