Pilots Log

Our first full week is now completed.  Getting back into the daily routines is not easy for our students or adults.  I am confident we are all anxious to have an extra day of rest this weekend.

Many of us are super excited about the return of college football, too!  While Gamecocks fans are disappointed about their first loss there are many lessons to be learned from sports, win or lose.  This morning on WING TV, I spoke about the many LIFESKILLS used on sports fields, such as courage, effort and perseverance. 

On Wed. of this week I recorded a Connect-Ed phone /email message to send to our parent data base with several reminders of upcoming events.  Please be sure to check the calendar on this blog. 

Below is the information on the Smart Snack legislation I mentioned and how it will be impact RTE. 

We look forward to seeing all parents here for Orientation on Thursday, 9/4 at 6:00. A second session begins at 6:45 for families with students in more than one grade level.  

Smart Snacks in Schools Legislation

As you may have heard, Smart Snacks in Schools federal legislation was enacted on July 1, 2014. This legislation significantly impacts how we are able to offer “snacks” in schools.

As we work to educate ourselves and understand what is within the acceptable guidelines of the legislation we want to ensure that our actions do not jeopardize federal funding for Richland School District Two.

Therefore, Round Top Elementary, along with several sister schools, will no longer allow food items (“snacks”) to be sent to school  for birthday celebrations. 

RTE will continue to celebrate student birthdays’ with an announcement of their name and photo on WING TV, our morning news show. Additionally, students will be recognized during grade level community time. 

Below are a few suggestions for other ways you may want to celebrate your child’s birthday at school:

· Lunch with your child (You may bring a special treat for your child only.)

· Play/facilitate a game with your child’s class during recess

· Read a book to your child’s class

The new legislation does allow us to have homeroom celebrations, hosted by the teacher, outside of times scheduled for lunch or breakfast. As has been our practice for many years we will continue to host two class celebrations annually: before winter break and at the end of the year. 

We thank you in advance for your support as we all learn more! 

Fun Run Begins September 2nd!

Come earn those tokens out back on the track with Mr. Lally!

• K, 1st & 2nd --- Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
• 3rd, 4th & 5th --- Tuesday & Thursday.

Remember to eat breakfast BEFORE you come out to Fun Run and also drop your bookbag off at morning community.  Fun Run will begin at 7:30 and end at 7:50.   We look forward to seeing you!

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Updates

Your PTO has "hit the ground running," already preparing fun student and family events for the school year! Here are some September events that you will be hearing about very soon:

• Spirit Wear sales (pre-order) will run August 26th-September 5th - forms coming this week!
• Homeroom Volunteer Breakfast is September 9th at 8:00 AM in the cafeteria.  
• Boys' Night Out is September 26th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Frankie's Fun Park!

These events would not be possible without the time and talents of our AMAZING PTO parent volunteers! Check out the PTO calendar of events by visiting their website at: http://roundtop.digitalpto.com/

Girls on the Run at RTE!

Attention all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls!  Girls on the Run is coming to RTE!  GOTR is not about running - Join GOTR to:

• have fun playing games!
• make new friends!
• learn about yourself!
• learn to be a better friend!
• become healthier!
• talk about girl issues!

Registration:

Online registration is open now at http://goo.gl/DPiwVc.  There are a limited number of slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.  A $150 registration fee applies.  Scholarship assistance may be available. See Mrs. Bennett for details or a paper application.  

Schedule:

Meetings Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:00 -4:30 PM

September - November (10 week program)

November 22nd Celebratory 5k Run/ Walk

For more information about the Girls on the Run program, visit: http://www.gotrcolumbia.org/

Pilot's Log

We have had a very smooth start to our '14-'15 school year!  There are happy children, parents and teachers all around our beautiful school.  The start of each year requires us to practice our daily  procedures and routines very thoroughly.   Beginning Monday, 8/25, we will start our "routine" morning procedures. Students in 1st and 2nd grade only, will enter the front doors from 7:30 to 7:55 and report to Community. Our students in K, 3, 4 & 5 will use the Multi-purpose room doors.  Kindergarten students will wait in the Multi-purpose room where they are supervised until their teachers comes to walk them to class.  Students in grades 3, 4 & 5 report to their Community room.  Our goal is to have all students seated  in homerooms  and ready for the day by 8:00.  Our late bell rings at 8:10.  

Our car traffic has flowed quite smoothly in the AM & PM. We strongly encourage you to make very effort to ensure your child is exiting your car no later than 8:00.  After that time there is no adult supervision out front and we ask you to park & walk your child to the door.  Also, beginning on Monday, 8/25,  any parent wishing to walk his/her child to class must sign in using our Lobby Guard Kiosk in the front office. 

If you have not yet read through the District Handbook and our RTE procedures please be sure to do that this weekend.  Please be sure to review the student dress code section.  Although the weather is extremely hot all clothing must meet with district policy.  We will often refer you back  to this information when questions arise as the vast majority of questions are answered in the communication provided.  We appreciate those parents who have utilized the Infosnap option to check that you have read the district handbook. The most critical form that must be returned to RTE is entitled STUDENT INFORMATION FORM.  While similar information has been provided in Infosnap this paper form is more school specific.  A paper copy is necessary to have at arms reach to refer to when a student has an early dismissal. 

As we learn each day we infuse as much FUN as possible.  Ask your child about starting day one with a dance break!  Last Sunday I accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge with several RTE Alum & current students enjoying the chance to dowse me!  Ms. Cathy Williams, Ms. Paige Brown and Ms. Tamara Willing have accepted my challenge so be on the lookout for those videos to come!

We are looking forward to another AWESOME year ahead.  We are very grateful for your support!

Picture Day!

Fall/ Yearbook pictures are scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th.  

School Counseling Newsletter

Hello All,

Check out our School Counseling Newsletter here.

We are so excited to see everyone very soon! 

Ready to Meet and Greet?

For families new to Round Top, our Annual Meet and Greet is as eagerly anticipated as any holiday!  This event is where families can meet their child's teacher before the first day of school.  So what can you expect to do and see?

• Greeters will be present as you enter to direct you or answer questions when you arrive.
• Didn't receive a homeroom placement card?  Visit the front office for assistance.
• Teachers will receive you in their classrooms.  This is a good time to drop off school supplies.  
• School Fees will be collected in the Computer Lab between the K and 1st hallways.
• Our Parent Teacher Organization and School Improvement Council will be present to talk with any parents interested in volunteering.
• The Cafeteria will be open to accept pre-payments and online lunch applications.
• Transportation Services will be available to provide bus registration forms.
• After School Programs will be located in the Multi-Purpose Room to share registration and program information.  Program info here: https://www.richland2.org/rte/Pages/After-School-Enrichment-.aspx
• The Boys and Girls Club will be located on the Multi-Purpose Room Stage to accept registration for before and after school child care.  More info here:  http://www.bgcmidland.org/

Completing some of these tasks ahead of time will make the start of the school year a little easier on parents and students.  We can't wait to see you!

Goodbye Newsletter...Hello BLOG!

Welcome to our NEW BLOG and our twelfth year of flight at RTE! You're invited to view the RTE Flight Status daily by visiting http://rteflightstatusonline.blogspot.com/ Be sure to sign up to receive our updates via email.  The "Control Tower" will begin using this BLOG to share information about important dates, announcements, events, and happenings as they occur.  

Teachers return on Wednesday, August 13th to prepare their classrooms and begin professional development (yes - teachers are already in classes themselves!).  Homeroom placement cards will also be mailed by the end of this week, so you should expect to find out who your child's teacher leader is by the weekend...just in time for our Meet and Greet!  Join us Monday, August 18th from 4-6 PM for our Annual Meet and Greet.  This is the perfect opportunity to meet your child's teacher, drop off school supplies, pay school fees, and get information about the after school programs available for 2014-15.  Psst - New this year: Kindermusik and Girls on the Run!

The front office is open daily from 7:30 AM until 4 PM.  Teri Anton - our Director of First Impressions - will be happy to answer any questions you have about getting ready for the new school year.  Remember to check the RTE website for Back to School information: https://www.richland2.org/rte/pages/default.aspx

We hope you and your family are ready for school, because we are all ready to welcome each of you!  ;-)

RTE Administration Team