Winter Break!

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Relaxing 

Holiday Break 

and 

Happy New Year!!

School will be closed 

December 19th - January 2nd

Classes resume Tuesday, January 3rd

RTE Holiday Card
https://video214.com/play/VOkJ1N1h2roBmrLNhGX6Ug/s/dark

Ugly Sweater Day Parade!

Our Ugly Sweater Parade was so much fun!  Over 100 students participated with Mrs. Tucker in the lead escorted by Tajma Lott, drum leader!  The event wound through the school and marched through the Collaborative Lab to view Mrs. Tucker's festive holiday clothing collection.  Congrats to all of our winners!

Free Money for RTE Tip #3

Publix Key Tags

Weekly Grocery List:

1. Make sure I have my Publix Partners Round Top key tag  with me

2. Get a Publix Partners Round Top key tag for Grandma and Aunt Mary--in the school's front office--they can use them at their Publix

3. Have the Publix cashier swipe my card for RTE to receive a percentage of my total bill

4. Watch RTE's earnings grow! Publix sends a quarterly check and RTE usually is the highest earner of all local schools!

RTE Book Fair Tax-Free Shopping (This W-F)

Inquiry-based Learning at home and school!

Inquiry-based Learning 

Do you have a question about whats in the picture? What is inquiry based learning? How can I help my child with this home? Why is it even important? Is there a right or wrong way to do it? 

Inquiry-based learning starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios—rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. Simply put, let your child make discoveries on their own and ask questions. They can learn many new things while outside playing or while on a trip to grandma's house. It is important because students are allowed to bring their imagination and curiosity to learning. There is no right or wrong way to inquire about something. Just be sure to never stop wondering and bringing new discoveries to school for all to learn from. 

Spirit Night at CiCi's Pizza TONIGHT!

TONIGHT! Tuesday, December 13 is RTE Spirit Night at CiCi's Pizza in the Village at Sandhills. Stop in to eat any time between   5-8pm and drop your receipt in the bucket at the register so that RTE can receive a percentage of sales! No cooking, no dishes to wash, happy kids and a donation to RTE! Guess that makes it a win-win-win-win!

Magnet and Expanded Choice

What is School Choice?
Although students are assigned to schools based on their residential address, they may apply to a magnet school, a school with a magnet program or another school within the district through the Expanded Choice program. This program offers parents and students residing in Richland District Two the opportunity to request permission to attend a school other than their residentially assigned school. 

School Informational Meeting Dates:
https://www.richland2.org/Departments/administration/EnrollmentandRegistration/Pages/2017SchoolInfoNights.aspx
Important Dates to Remember:

December 12, 2016: Choice Application Opens Online

January 27, 2017: Choice Application Process Ends Online (All applications are due by midnight January 27, 2017)

March 27–31, 2017: Choice Acceptance/Non Acceptance Notifications Posted Online
March 27–31, 2017: Parents Accept or Decline Choice Online 

For More Information:

https://www.richland2.org/Departments/administration/EnrollmentandRegistration/Pages/ChoiceResources.aspx

Saturday Tax Free Book Fair Shopping!

Handbook Highlights by Mrs Hill #6

RTE's faculty and Staff are certified in Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and have participated in professional development to explore the philosophy and framework of the 7 Habits. We believe that by demonstrating these habits in our personal and professional lives, students will observe, learn and and emulate these skills themselves. Over time, this process will teach students specific leadership skills that will help them create their own future successes in school and life. 

As a parent, you are probably wondering 

What are the 7 Habits?

Habit 1: BE PROACTIVE...You're in Charge
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND...Have a Plan

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST...Work First, Then Play

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Habit 4: THINK WIN-WIN...Everyone Can Win

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Habit 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN BE UNDERSTOOD...Listen Before you Talk

I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit 6: SYNERGIZE...Together is BetterI value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit 7: SHARPEN THE SAW...Balance Feels Best

I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

Readers are Leaders @ RTE

Readers are Leaders @ RTE

Kyleigh was celebrated today in the media center for making great strides in her personal reading goal. Kyleigh is a 3rd grade student in Mrs. Sander's class.  She is our Reader Leader of the Week!

Round Top Spirit Night at CiCi's Pizza!

Spirit Night at CiCi's Pizza coming up on Tuesday, December 13th! No cooking! No dishes to wash! Funds for RTE! It's a win-win!

Shoes for Water - Service Project

 

Did you know that 1 in 10 people on the planet do not have access to clean safe water? 

RTE's Second Grade Team wants you to know about their upcoming, school wide service learning project.They will be collecting new or gently used athletic shoes of all sizes.
These shoes will be donated to a nonprofit organization called Water Step.  

WATER STEP is a program where the shoes are turned in for funds and those funds will provide training for people in developing countries on how to use safe water solutions like water purification, health education, and well repair, empowering communities to take care of their own water needs for years. 

How can you help? 
We have set a school wide goal of 1,500 pairs of shoes.  

Start looking through your closets now and asking family or friends to save those athletic shoes. Getting new shoes for Christmas? Donate the old ones! 

WHEN: January 30 - February 17

SHOE TYPES: athletic shoes all sizes baby to adult   They can be used as long as they are in good condition and no mold. 

For More Info:

http://waterstep.org/

REMINDER: Early Dismissal Tomorrow

 Friday, December 2nd

is a 

HALF DAY

Students will be dismissed at 11:30 am

Cut off for students to be checked out early will be 11:00 am

Please plan accordingly

Boys and Girls Club will be operating on regular, full day schedule

December Dates from the PTO

December Dates to Note from RTE PTO:

• Friday 12/2 – Early Release @11:30

• Saturday 12/10 - Saturday Book Fair Shopping 10am-2pm in the RTE Media Center

• Tuesday 12/13 – Spirit Night at Ci-Ci’s (Village at Sandhill, 715 Fashion Dr.) 5:00-8:00 pm

• 12/14, 15 & 16 – Book Fair shopping *Volunteers needed, see below*

• Friday 12/16 – Last day of school before Winter Break

• Tuesday 1/3/17 – School resumes

~Throughout the month of December RTE will be sponsoring a coat drive – more info to come!

~There will be no general meeting session held for RTE PTO during the month of December.

*Book fair volunteers, please sign up here (you will be asked to sign in to your Scholastic account or register) :
https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/experience/login/hyRUjSa4j

Carolina vs. Clemson Canned Food Drive-It's in the can!

Dec. 16-Ugly Sweater Day Parade

Our Ugly Sweater Parade was so much fun!  Over 100 students participated with Mrs. Tucker in the lead escorted by Tajma Lott, drum leader!  The event wound through the school and marched through the Collaborative Lab to view Mrs. Tucker's festive holiday clothing collection.  Congrats to all of our winners!

5th Grade Yearbook Baby Ads

If you would like to purchase a Baby Ad for your 5th Grade Student, please see the, attached, PDF Document. 

Click Here for Baby Ad Form:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p-9gs1Pv3_dhr0-Zs58pgsx4eKQos5C38khY_Ood4u0/edit?usp=sharing

Deadline for Baby Ads: February 10th - NO EXCEPTIONS!

There are two size options:

1/4 Page Ad $30 (1 Picture)

or

1/2 Page Ad $60 (Up to 2 Picture)

Payments can be made by 

Cash, Check or Online in Parent Portal 

Please turn in all forms to Ms Hill in the front office.

Boosterthon Snapshot

A big thank you to everyone who participated in Round Top's largest fundraiser of the year, the Boosterthon Fun Run! You may have been wondering about the results, and now that pledges have been collected and counted, we are proud to present.....

Handbook Highlights by Mrs Hill #5

This Week's Spotlight:

Volunteers

Round Top Loves Our Volunteers!

Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in their children's education. There are always opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and in many areas around the school. PTO seeks volunteers for special events, school-wide projects and service committees. 

What do I do if I am going to volunteer?

In order to keep our school safe, ALL Volunteers MUST sign in through the office using our Lobby Guard system and wear a volunteer sticker. A valid DRIVER'S LICENSE is required to be in the building as a visitor, volunteer or guest. 
There is a SLED check form that is completed on each individual signing up as a volunteer. https://www.richland2.org/Departments/communications/Pages/VolunteerServices.aspx

How do I find out when volunteers are needed?
Our PTO is always looking for volunteers for the many different events and activities that go on here at Round Top. If you are available to volunteer, please email rtepto@gmail.com and let them know that you are interested in volunteering. The PTO also posts many volunteer opportunities on the Round Top PTO Facebook Page. 
You may also contact your student's homeroom teacher to inquire about any volunteer opportunities they may have in the classroom. Teachers use volunteers in many different aspects throughout the year not just field trips so feel free to contact them if you have time to give.

Free Money for RTE-Tip #2

Cyber Monday or any Monday--start your online shopping at Smile.Amazon.com and choose Round Top Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization as your charity of choice. Amazon will donate a percentage of all eligible purchases to Round Top.  

The same Amazon, the same products, the same Amazon Prime membership benefits, a whole new way to give!

Our next PTO meeting is Monday, November 28 at 6:00pm in the Media Center. View the agenda here.

Volunteers Needed-Holiday Book Fair Coming Soon!

Volunteers needed! http://www.scholastic.com/bf/roundtopelementaryschool1

Happy Thanksgiving!

RTE will be closed for the Thanksgiving Break

November 23-25

It was a fun, fabulous Club Day, Pajama Day and Read In Day.

As seen below, Mrs Tucker was "rolling" on into the long weekend! 

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

'Tis the Season

Yes, with the colder weather comes hat season and also the sharing of hats which can become a breading ground for lice. 

Signs and symptoms

Intense itching is the most common sign that your child may have head lice.  Lice are about the size of a sesame seed; the color may be grayish-white to reddish-brown.  Their nits are small, silvery-white and are attached to the hair shaft just above the scalp. Head lice are commonly found around the nape of the neck and behind the ears.

What else do I need to know?

Children should understand the importance of not sharing combs, brushes or hats or any personal hygiene items.  Children should also know that head-to-head contact with friends can transmit lice.  Inspect your child’s head carefully and frequently for signs of lice and nits.  Pay close attention to children who consistently scratch their heads. If your child has a case of head lice, please inform your school nurse and classroom teacher.

A common problem

Lice are small insects that live on human hair.  Children 3-11 are their usual hosts.  Having head lice has nothing to do with poor personal hygiene. Lice do not jump, hop, or fly, nor do they typically survive off their human host more than 24 hours. They are mainly acquired by direct head-to-head contact with an infested person’s hair and therefore are most likely transmitted in the home setting. Lice should not be considered a medical or public health problem, since they rarely (if ever) cause direct harm and are not known to transmit infectious agents from person-to person.

For more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10DG_gzVkIdvfPVJlwnVEx_Ol9te2AOFe0ErGCsXOV5c/edit?usp=sharing

"Free Money" for RTE--Tip #1

Box Tops add up! Did you know each 10 cent Box Top
adds up to over $2,000 annually for RTE?!

Check out the new Box Tops App!

Maybe there's no such thing as "free money," but there are several EASY things you can do to bring in more funding to the PTO!

There's no better time than the Thanksgiving cooking and baking season to clip Box Tops AND download the new Box Tops app to earn bonus e-Box Tops for RTE.

All Box Tops should be neatly trimmed and within their expiration date. Box Tops should be in zip-top baggies or use an easy collection sheet. And make sure your child's name and teacher name are on the baggie/collection sheet! Click here for more information on the new Box Tops App!

Grits for Grands 

Yearbook Cover Design Winners!

Congratulations!

 Winners:

Front cover - Drayden Young (5th)

Back cover - Nolan Palmer (2nd)

Runners up Front Covers: Ellis Murray, Kari Johnson-Bowens
Runners up Back covers:

Wylie Khalil, Olivia Strobel

DON'T FORGET:

If you would like to purchase a Baby Ad for your 5th Grade Student, please see the, attached, PDF Document. 

Click Here for Baby Ad Form:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p-9gs1Pv3_dhr0-Zs58pgsx4eKQos5C38khY_Ood4u0/edit?usp=sharing

Deadline for Baby Ads: February 10th - NO EXCEPTIONS!

There are two size options:

1/4 Page Ad $30 (1 Picture)

1/2 Page Ad $60 (Up to 2 Picture)

Payments can be made by 

Cash, Check or Online in Parent Portal 

Please turn in all forms to Ms Hill in the front office.

Handbook Highlights by Ms Hill #4

This Week's Handbook Highlight is:

Tardies

Children can not be expected to be successful in learning if they aren't in the classroom to get the required instruction. Attendance is an important part of the learning environment. A child should be in school every day that he/she is physically able to attend. 

What time does the tardy bell ring?

The last bell rings at 8:10. Any child arriving after 8:10 is considered Tardy and the parent MUST sign the child in Tardy in the front office. 

What if my child is tardy due to a Doctor's appointment? 

While we understand that it is sometimes unavoidable; please review the classroom newsletters and the school Blog for critically important dates like standardized testing and avoid interruptions on those days. You will also need to sign your child in Tardy in the front office and may drop off a medical excuse at that time as well. 

How many Tardies can my child have?

We are required by law to monitor student attendance. RTE will communicate with parents when any student has an excessive number of Tardy arrivals using the following schedule: 3rd - 6th late arrivals will require parent notification and an attendance conference 

9th and subsequent late arrivals will require a referral to social worker/district office

RTE Student Council Mannequin Challenge

RTE Student Council members took part in the Mannequin Challenge.  As you can see from the video, staying still and quiet was the biggest part of the challenge for this group. 
  

Student Council invites you to continue to support our Carolina Clemson Canned Food Drive.  We wrap up the food drive on November 22 and all proceeds go to support Harvest Hope and other local food banks.  Let's finish up strong and show support for your favorite team!

 

The latest from the PTO

Calling All Volunteers!

RTE has a variety of volunteer needs from now until Thursday 11/17 at dismissal. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to help with preparations for our Palmetto's Finest visit. If you are available for any amount of time, we would really appreciate your help! Please let Debbie Hill at the front desk know that you are here to help PTO and she can direct you to Cathy Lacey, Tracy Deets or Holly Heckendorn who can discuss with you the various needs that we have, and you can choose what you would like to assist with.

Have a green thumb? The school is hoping to borrow any potted plants that would spruce up campus for our Palmetto's Finest visit. The plants would not be needed until after Thanksgiving, and would be needed for the 2-week window in which our site visit might take place. If you can help in this area, please email Cathy Lacey at rtepto@gmail.com. Thank you!!

FINAL DEADLINE FOR BOOSTERTHON PLEDGES!

Please have all Boosterthon pledges submitted by this Friday, November 18 at 8:00AM. We have collected 96% of all pledges made--let's strive for 100%!!

Mark your calendars for 1 week from today to join us for Grits for Grands!

5th Grade Yearbook Baby Ads

Graduation, believe it or not, is just around the corner and will be here before you know it!

If you would like to purchase a Baby Ad for your 5th Grade Student, please see the, attached, PDF Document. 

Click Here for Baby Ad Form:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p-9gs1Pv3_dhr0-Zs58pgsx4eKQos5C38khY_Ood4u0/edit?usp=sharing

Deadline for Baby Ads: February 10th - NO EXCEPTIONS!

There are two size options:

1/4 Page Ad $30 (1 Picture)

1/2 Page Ad $60 (Up to 2 Picture)

Payments can be made by 

Cash, Check or Online in Parent Portal 

Please turn in all forms to Ms Hill in the front office.

We Salute Our Veterans

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Round Top Elementary loves it's Veterans! 

We Salute all the

 Active Duty and Retired Military Members

Happy Veteran's Day!

Veterans Day Video 

This video was created by

 Blythewood High School. 
(and many RTE Alumni) 

Handbook Highlights by Ms Hill #3

This week's Handbook Spotlight is 

Morning Drop off Procedures

Each school day many children are transported to school by car. RTE's most important concern is the safety of all children. To ensure safe and smooth movement of traffic while on campus, BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND and follow these Guidelines. 

When does drop off time begin?

Unless your child is a registered with Boys and Girl's Club (fee based), children MAY NOT be dropped off before 7:30 am. Faculty and staff are not in place until then and it is a safety issue for students to be dropped off any earlier. Remind children to ONLY EXIT on the passenger side of the vehicle to allow other cars to pass safely. 

What if I am running late?

Please BE PROACTIVE! While we know that there are always unpredictable circumstances that can arise, it is not safe to bypass cars sitting in the drop off line and cut in to the Boys and Girl's Club drop off area. IT IS ALSO NOT PERMITTED to park in Handicap or other parking spots and let children walk around or cross through drop off line un-escorted. Procedures are to ensure the safety of all children and we, as parents, need to set the example by following procedures in and around RTE's campus. 

What if I need to come into the school with my child?

If you must come into the building, park in the designated visitor areas, come into the office, sign in and receive a visitor's badge. Please do not leave your car in the drop off line area unattended for any period of time. Use the designated sidewalks and  crosswalk areas at all times. 

What if my child has an activity that begins at 7:30?
Sometimes activities and clubs require students to be on campus at 7:30. All the above rules still apply. NO students/parents can enter the building until the 7:30 bell rings and teachers are aware of this. Students still must be dropped off in appropriate drop off areas and follow the same drop off procedures. Dropping students off any earlier and leaving them unattended is a safety risk. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms Hill.

Veteran's Day Assembly Reminders

RTE's Veteran's Day Assembly is 

Friday, November 11th @ 1:15 pm

If you have not yet turned in your picture for the 

Veteran's Wall of Honor

Please send a COPY of a photo of any family member who is a veteran, 

(preferably in Uniform). by Tomorrow

Please include: Name of Veteran, Branch, Service years, 

RTE Student's Name, RTE Student's Grade 

and relationship to student. 

Photos will kept on file for display as long as your student is here at RTE. 

SC Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home

Saturday, November 12th

Noon - 5:30 pm

Please Join Us and give SC's Vietnam Veterans the

 Welcome Home they never had. 

The day's events include:

Yellow Ribbon Rally & Ride

Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

Cookout & Documentary Film

For More Information: www.WelcomeHomeToCarolina.com
 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7kYemBj6bWhQVExT3Z2MTJKNU5nbDRNbUVOVjlWVVEtOEk4/view?usp=sharing