Dear RTE Family,
All of us have experienced a level of trauma due to the historic flooding in our great state. Although it appears that no RTE families suffered any major loss, we all seem to know someone who has. Through viewing the devastation from our TVs or by being part of the relief efforts, the experience has certainly impacted each of us.
In times such as these, the human response is to want to help. We are aware of many of our employees, students, and parents who served on the front lines of relief efforts throughout last week. Although we cannot call them by name, we want to give them a very special Aviator Salute!
Now, we are ready to work together as a school to assist in the rebuilding of our community. All of our students will be encouraged to write letters of thanks to various "helpers". Each grade level will write to a different group, so please check with your student. Our district has invited each school to participate in collecting food for our Student Backpack Program and the RTE Student Council will be making the announcement for the items RTE has been assigned this Friday. Some classes will also take on mini-projects of assistance. Finally, our annual Boosterthon has been postponed until November 9 - 18 and a significant portion of the funds raised will be donated to the flood relief.
As we move closer to a normal school schedule, we must not lose sight of how many areas of our state must rebuild slowly. The rebuilding process will allow us to discuss many of our 19 LIFESKILLS and 7 Habits with your child as it continues. I am confident you will be reinforcing these discussions at home, as well.
As difficult as a natural disaster is for all of us, it can also remind us of the abundance of caring people in our midst. I am truly, truly proud and humbled to be a resident of South Carolina.
