Dolphin Digest

West End Dolphin Pod Squad,

We have had a wonderful week at West End! Our friendship parties were full of smiles, laughter, and meaningful moments, and it was truly special to see our students celebrating what it means to be good friends.

We also loved welcoming parents into the building for our Leader in Me workshops—your partnership and presence make such a difference in our school community.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to our community partners who helped make the Girls with GRIT Spa Day such a memorable celebration. Their support and generosity continue to uplift and inspire our students in powerful ways.

As a reminder, there will be no school on Friday or Monday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, refreshed and ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support of West End—it truly is a special place to learn and grow together.

Kimberly Robson

Principal

Monday 2/16/26

Tuesday 2/17/26

Wednesday 2/18/26

Thursday 2/19/26

Friday 2/20/26

Are you ready!? Kids Heart Challenge has begun!

We have exciting things planned this year to get us moving, help others, and have fun. Get a head start by signing up today and join the NFL PLAY 60 Family Challenge by getting active together as a family for 60 minutes a day!

Visit our school page at http://www2.heart.org/goto/WestEnd or download the AHA Schools app!

All donations will be made online. Please do NOT send any cash or checks.

Complete Finn’s Mission to earn a chance to win two tickets to Super Bowl LXI in 2027. For every 18 participants who complete Finn’s Mission, our school will also be entered to win $10,000 for fitness equipment.

We’re excited to share a new way for our community to celebrate and support our schools this month! SDPC "Love a School Call Line!" This initiative gives staff, students, families, and community members a simple way to call in and share their voice by leaving a message about what they love most about their school. Hearing what’s great about school through the voice of a 6-year-old—a grateful parent, or a soon-to-be graduate—is truly impactful!

Tell us what you LOVE about West End by calling!

Call Line Number: 864-397-3333

Call Line is OPEN: Throughout the month of February

West End Families,

Our Field Day T-shirt sale has been extended through Wednesday, February 18th! If you would still like to order a Field Day shirt, you can do so using the QR code or the link below:

https://rocksgraphics.tuosystems.com/stores/westendfieldday

We are super excited for Field Day! 💙🐬

This week we are focusing on using the "I-Message" for respectful communication. Please practice this at home with your student!

The healthy salad recipe contest is open to all students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Mrs. Fortenberry will have recipe cards available in the cafeteria for students to grab and take. They may create a recipe from scratch or turn in a family recipe no later than Monday, March 2nd.

Students have a chance to travel to the career and technology center with Mrs. Fortenberry to make their recipe and participate in a contest! The winning salad will be featured on our school menu!

If you have a toddler ages zero to four, we invite you to bring them to our Little Dreamers Dolphin story time each month. To participate, please complete this short registration form by clicking here.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may apply for student admission to a school outside their area of residence. An application for school choice should be submitted between January 1 and April 15 preceding the opening of school to enable schools to address staffing needs and budgetary considerations. The principal of the requested school, the principal of the serving school and the superintendent or his/her designee must approve any request for school choice. No requests for school choice will be approved once the school year begins.

We’re excited to announce that 4K applications and 5K registration for the 2026-27 school year are officially open! Below is what you need to know—and we encourage you to share this information with friends, neighbors, or family members who may have a future 4K or 5K student.

4K Applications

Children who are four years old on or before September 1, 2026, may apply for 4K. Please note that 4K is a needs-based program, and students must qualify to be accepted. All applicants will be screened.

• Learn more & apply: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/preschool-programs
• Questions? Email us at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us

5K Registration

Children who are five years old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll in 5K (kindergarten) in SDPC.

Learn more & register: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/registration

Find Your Zoned School

Before registering, families are encouraged to use our School Locator to identify their zoned school:

• www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/school-locator

For specific questions about 5K registration, please call your child’s future school. Contact information for all schools can be found in our School Directory.

This year the SDPC is offering virtual volunteer training opportunities where you can train on your schedule from home rather than try to attend a training session at a district school. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Gary Mohr at 864-397-2511 or Mrs. Kela Simpson at 864-397-2520.

West End Families, We value your input and feedback and consider it as we make decisions here at West End. Please feel free to give us your feedback on anything related to our school in the form below. You are also welcome to submit questions here. Please give us 24-48 hours to respond to all questions. Thank you for your time and ideas! We appreciate you and you are an important part of the DOLPHIN POD!