From the Principal's Desk

It’s hard to believe March is already here along with MAP testing, field trips, and other special events.  It will be quite a busy month.  MAP testing will take place during the weeks of March 12th -April 1st.  The purpose of this test is to help teachers target specific areas of strengths and weaknesses for students in math, reading and language arts.
  
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ACT Test
 
   Did you know that there are testing changes coming to South Carolina? Learn more about the new ACT tests being administered to all students in grades 3-8 and in the 11th grade this April. Learn what is being tested, find out test dates, and how you can get your children prepared by clicking on the ACT button on the homepage of the South Carolina Department of Education: http://ed.sc.gov
 

District "Reflections" Winners



Each year our PTA sponsors the Reflections program, which gives students an opportunity to share their artistic talents.  On January 29, several of our school winners were also recognized as district-level winners:

Visual Arts
Caleb Baker - 1st Place
Addison Young - 2nd Place
Abigail Peyton - Honorable Mention
William Mistretta - Honorable Mention

Literature
Mackenna Reed - 1st Place
Mary Gilroy - 3rd Place

Photography
Jennifer Lee - 1st Place
Caleb Baker - 3rd Place
Lyndsi Lynch - Honorable Mention

Congratulations to these students!

Health Reminder for Parents:

A child who comes to school while infectious can spread germs to other students, teachers, and staff members.  If you are not sure whether your child needs to remain at home, please read the School Exclusions brochure created by the DHEC Bureau of Disease Control.  It outlines symptoms of illnesses that parents should watch for, and offers advice on what to do if you see these symptoms in your child.

Family Science Night
We hope you were able to join us for Family Science Night! A big THANKS to everyone who participated!

  Monday was Read Across America Day, an event founded in 1997 and held each year on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  We celebrated with a Book Character Parade and special read-alouds!  Thanks to all the students who came to school dressed as a favorite book character!

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Amber Frye will serve as our Teacher of the Year next year!  Here she is pictured standing behind her Kindergarten class, wearing her crown and sash!

Mrs. Frye was born and raised in Sumter, and is herself a product of our public school system.  After graduating from Sumter High School, she went on to get a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Creative Arts.  She's been happily married for thirteen years, and has a daughter in fourth grade at ADE.  She enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cocker spaniel named Mollie.

Congratulations Mrs. Frye!  We know you will serve us well!

Do you recall taking a Career Interest Inventory in high school, answering a variety of questions about your likes, dislikes and temperament?  The survey then matched your answers to some  good career options.  I remember my results were: farmer, teacher and shepherd.  It's funny how those three are kind of related!  Yet that test simply confirmed what I already knew from a very young age:  I wanted to become a teacher.
 


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