RTE Students Record the Pledge of Allegiance - On WWNQ 94.3 FM The Dude!

 Tune in to hear Mrs. Sanders' Class recite the Pledge of Allegiance!

ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum) Poster Contest!

RTE Students,

You are invited to design an ABC promotional poster to be displayed in every classroom at Round Top.  We will be voting on the final winner when we return from winter break.  If your poster is chosen, you will be recognized and it will be an honor to have your artwork (and name) displayed in every classroom!

Why?

The purpose of this is to raise awareness of Round Top as an ABC school.

What should I include on the poster?
ABC Logo and definition (pictures to the left)

Some other things to think about:
Think about what ABC means and looks like to you, show how you've been impacted and benefited from arts integration.  Plus, we want your art, not your parents...

It must have name and homeroom teacher on back to be considered.

How big should I make it?

12 in. x 18 in. see Ms. Manuel for paper

When do I need to turn it in by?  And Where?

January 15th, 2019.  It's a Tuesday!  Please turn it into Ms. Manuel, in the art room.

Our ABC committee will then select the winner to be displayed in all classrooms.

If you would like more information about ABC, what it means or for other items, please visit this website http://www.abcprojectsc.com/

If you have any further questions, you can ask our ABC Student Committee:
Soren Allen-Grunspan, Lena Allen-Gunspan, Shane Bates, Leslie Williams, Jaiden Bostic, Matthew Goolsby and Ms. Manuel

Lost and Found - Last Call!

Please take a moment before our Winter Break (Dec 24-Jan 4th) and check our Lost and Found (in front of Multi Purpose Rm) for any of your missing items.  RTE's goal is to donate any remaining items to a local charity by the end of this week (December 21st).  

Single socks needed!

 

Sock Puppets

The media center is in need of single socks, preferably adult or teen sized, for a sock puppet MakerSpace.  If you have any singles that lost their match in the dryer, please send them in on Monday or Tuesday.  

Yearbooks For Sale!

It's super easy to buy a RTE yearbook!

Sign in to Parent Portal and select fees on the left side menu.  Under fees, there is an option for yearbooks and you will be promoted with payment options.  Yearbooks are $20.00 now and will increase to $25.00 January 15, 2019. 

RTE Spirit Night - Coming Soon!

What is ABC?

Have you ever noticed this logo around our school?

Round Top Elementary has been an ABC site since 2005. ABC stands for Arts in Basic Curriculum. The AbC Project provides leadership to achieve quality, comprehensive arts education (dance, music, media arts, theatre, visual arts and creative writing) for all students in South Carolina. The ABC Project is cooperatively directed by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina.Department of Education and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University.
As an ABC site we have a 5-year Strategic Arts Plan to continually improve arts education for students, our school. W e receive grant money for the arts that is matched by our school, and we have a Strategic Planning Committee that oversees the implementation and progress of our Strategic Arts Plan. Our committee is composed of teachers, administrators, parents, a community members and students.

We had a wonderful meeting last Monday afternoon and are thankful for our amazing committee! Meet the students on our committee and some snippets from our meeting
(featured below)!

Meet Lena, Matthew Goolsby, Soren, and Leslie Williams

Missi Paschoal - 2nd Grade

Parents & Staff below.

1st Annual "Learn a Lifetime Sport Day"

Screen Time Detox Challenge - Friday

Screen Time Detox Challenge - Thursday

Screen Time Detox Challenge - Wednesday

Link to 6 Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time for Kids

Screen Time Detox Challenge

Hello Round Top Families!  The SIC hopes you are looking for ways to detox from your screen this week and checking the activity sheet that was sent home for ways to connect as a family.

Did you know?

The American Academy of Pediatrics found kids who spent two to four hours each day using digital devices outside of schoolwork were 23% more likely of "always or usually" not finishing their homework compared with children who spent less than two hours consuming digital media.

Research confirms screen time is hurting children's school performance by https://qz.com/816454/how-much-time-should-kids-use-smartphones-research-confirms-screen-time-and-video-games-hurt-childrens-school-performance/

Why not try something new?  After homework is finished play a game together or make dinner together?

Screen Detox challenge activity sheet entries are due Nov 19th!

Enchanted Forest Book Fair is Coming!!!

Heroes of the Hallways - November 15th @ 6:30pm

Nov 12th-16th is American Education Week!

In celebration of American Education Week, and in support of teacher advocacy and student success, RTE’s School Improvement Council (SIC) would like to invite students and their families to "Sharpen the Saw" by participating in activities designed to increase student engagement.

What? We are inviting all students and families to participate in our first “Screen Time Detox Challenge!” It is our hope that this challenge will foster meaningful conversations and connections in our community. 

Why? The American Pediatrics Association recommends prioritizing unplugged, unstructured playtime for children, and for parents to limit their screen time as well*. 

How? During American Education Week, we encourage your family to put away electronic devices to engage in fun activities together and discuss them afterwards. Completion of a written reflection by your student after the week of family activities will earn an entry in a drawing for a basket filled with family games. Only one entry per student, please. Have fun, have conversations, and submit your written reflection to your teacher for entry.

When? The Screen Detox Challenge begins Monday, November 12th. Entries are due by the following Monday, November 19th. Drawing for the grand prize will take place November 22nd.

Ideas: This can be done in a variety of ways: playing board games, cooking together, going on a walk/ /hike, etc. Anything that does not involve technology (t.v.'s, gaming devices, iPads, computers, cell phones, etc.).

Share! We would love to see your photos during the detox challenge. Please share with us on Twitter by tagging @RTEFlightStatus. 

Read More: "Media and Young Minds" Council on Communications and Media.

Canned Food Drive-Nov. 1-16

Honor a Veteran

History Channel Honors A Veteran

Breakfast With Buddies

Enchanted Book Fair-Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for the following:

Book Fair Setup
Grits for Grands
Kindergarten Previews
Class Shop times
Book Fair Breakdown

If you can help, please click the SignUpGenius link for dates and times:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0845A4AA2CABF85-round

November - December Arts Newsletter 2018

Richland 2 Film Festival

Each year, Richland Two provides a unique opportunity for students and district staff to share their story through video creation. We are excited to be in our 6th year and know this will be a bigger event this year. Take a look at the films students have created so far:

Want more information? Visit: http://r2filmfestival.blogspot.com

Students must complete the interest form and turn in permission slips to Jennifer McMackin, Technology Learning Coach by December 19th.

Good luck!

Nov 15th - Parent University

Please join us for our second Parent University on Thursday, November 15th at 6 PM.

Sessions:  

• 6:00-6:30  "Parent Involvement"                          Parent to Parent workshop              w/ Tinesella Ross (Media Center)
• 6:45-7:30  Watch Dog Parent Interest meeting                            w/ Dusty New & Wanda Holmstrom (Cafeteria)

Students are welcomed to attend. Dinner served at session #2. Please join us!

Buy Yearbooks via Parent Portal!

New this year!

Ordering Round Top's yearbook is now an option through our Parent Portal payment system!

Cost through December $20.00.

Price will increase to $25.00 on January 15, 2019. 

Ordering through Strawbridge's website is no longer available.

Boosterthon!

Click Here: FUN RUN

Rookie of the Year - Mr. Frye!

Photo Caption: Shown accepting his H&R Block Rookie Teacher of the Block award is Brett Frye(center). Celebrating with Mr. Frye are from left to right, Martha Jones, executive director of strategic partnerships for Richland Two, Joe Carraway, H&R Block district general manager, Lou Villwock, H&R Block area manager, Dr. Sophia Cornish, H&R Block area manager and Jeaneen Tucker, principal of Round Top Elementary School.

October 25, 2018

RICHLAND TWO ANNOUNCES FIRST ROOKIE TEACHER OF THE BLOCK

COLUMBIA — Richland School District Two, announced today that Round Top Elementary school special education teacher Brett Frye is the first H&R Block Rookie Teacher of the Block. The district and the tax preparation company are partnering to showcase the talents and accomplishments of our newest educators.

Mr. Frye was nominated for the award by Round Top Principal Jeaneen Tucker. She cited the new teacher's compassion for his students along with other ways he's demonstrated the district’s Core Values of Learning, Character, Community and Joy. In her nomination, Tucker noted that Frye’s calm demeanor and collaborative approach make him particularly suited for the role.

“His heart shows in his work each and every day,” she wrote. “(He) is also quick to celebrate the successes of his students. While the gains may seem small, he is keenly aware of the importance of each step forward. He also understands the importance of starting each day from a place of JOY with high expectations for success.”

It’s common knowledge that South Carolina and the nation are experiencing a teacher shortage. The district hopes that by encouraging and recognizing talent through programs like the Rookie Teacher of the Block award, new teachers will see that their hard work and efforts are valued. Partnerships like this one also reflect how valuable good teachers are to the workforce for whom they are preparing the next generation of employees. H&R Block has given a Teacher of the Block award for several years in other school districts, but this is the first time rookie teachers have been recognized by the company.

"This partnership with H&R Block is huge for our district." said Martha Jones, executive director of strategic partnerships. "This company understands the importance of showing teachers they are valued and they are working in a highly respected field. Teachers provide students the springboard to all other careers. It's the most important job there is. We are grateful that H&R Block shares our vision to support our teachers and more importantly they have put action to that belief."

Frye is the first Rookie Teacher of the Block. Richland Two and H&R Block will recognize a new teacher each month for the rest of the school year.

Picture Make-Up Day!

Picture Make-Up Day

Monday, November 5, 2018

If your student was: 

•  Absent during the first Picture Day
•  New Student entering RTE after first picture day
• You did not like your pictures the first time

This is your last chance to get your picture done!

The Round Top Fun Run is Coming!

October 26th Parent University

Are you scheduled for a parent conference with your child's teacher next Friday, October 26th? Since you're already in the building, that's the perfect time to attend one of our Parent University sessions to learn new strategies or get resources!  

Schedule and Sessions:

12:15 PM   Tackling Homework Hassles                                                  

                            Parent to Parent Educators (Military Child Education Coalition)

1:00 PM     Growth Mindset                                              

                            Parent to Parent Educators (Military Child Education Coalition)

1:45 PM     What you need to know about Bullying               

                            Sandy Tanner (Guidance Counselor)

No preregistration required. All sessions will take place in room 126, across from the Nurse's office. Join a session before and/ or after your parent-teacher conference. You may attend as many sessions as you would like. We look forward to greeting you!

Your Partners in Education,

AVID Site Team, 
The Leader in Me Lighthouse Team, and 
School Improvement Council

1 Week Out From Boosterthon!

Hello Again Parents!

We are just one week away from kicking off our Boosterthon Fun Run!

Our Mindspark Mystery Lab adventure begins with a Pep Rally will on Monday the 22^nd and ends with  our celebratory fun run on Wednesday October 31st. Look for details in your student’s folder at the end of this week. Pledge packets will go home on Monday the 22nd and will  include all the necessary details needed to begin reaching out to friends and family to collect pledges.

You can also check out FunRun.com for additional details.

We are excited to work towards our goals by beginning with the end in mind! One goal is to receive pledges from all 50 states and at least 50 countries. We are confident that we can meet this goal with your help!

Have a great evening and thank you for supporting excellent education at Round Top Elementary!

Car Rider Procedure Reminders

Reminders:

• Do not block the area with the X as you come into the parking lot (the first blue sign). This creates a space for people who are not dropping students off to bypass the line to park, including school employees.
• Do not drop off before seeing an adult on duty at 7:30 AM. Teachers do not come on duty until 7:30 and children are not allowed to enter the school until then. It is unsafe to let children out before then and leave them unattended. 
• Do not park and allow children to walk unsupervised around the edges of the parking area, across the parking lot or through drop off line This is an issue of safety for children to be let out in the parking areas and being allowed to walk around or through car rider lines.
• Students should exit their car starting at the blue sign in front of the Kindergarten playground (see picture). This allows up to 14 cars to unload at one time, moving the entire car rider line through the parking lot more quickly.
• Older students should not wait for someone to open their doors, if they are able to open the door on their own. We specifically ask 3rd - 5th grade students to exit their cars independently. There are adults on duty to assist as needed.

Did you know?  All RTE Buses arrive by 7:45 AM. Knowing that, it is easy to figure out that students who arrive tardy to school are car riders.  We often hear from parents that students arrive late due to traffic congestion in the mornings. While the traffic issues along Rimer Pond Road are not within the RTE's "circle of control," following our car rider procedures can help everyone get through the drop off line more quickly. We need YOUR help!

Tips & Hints:

• Try to leave home 5 minutes earlier than you usually do. You'll be surprised at the difference you'll see in community traffic at 7:15 AM (less congested) versus 7:20 AM (very congested).
• 1st and 2nd grade students who exit their cars in front of the Kindergarten playground are actually closer to their classes! 
• Allow your child to ride the bus. Buses are noticeably less full in the mornings than in the afternoons. If your family lives in the attendance zone, allowing your child to ride the bus can help you skip the car rider traffic altogether! Find your child's bus route and register here!

Attendance and Transportation...you may ask "what's the connection?" Consider this: if your child arrives 15 minutes late to school once every week for the entire school year, they will have missed over 1 full day of instruction! Imagine how that gap grows if your child is late more than once a week. Don't forget...Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Monitoring the Weather

District administrators are monitoring Hurricane Michael and its possible impact on the Midlands area of South Carolina after it makes landfall in Florida. We receive regular weather updates from the Emergency Services Department of Richland County. Unsafe travel conditions for school buses as well as our employees, parents and student drivers may prompt delays or cancellations later this week. No decision has been made at this time. Please continue to monitor your email as well as the district’s website for updates. Richland 2

Round Top's Walk for Life Team

Join RTE's Walk for Life Team!  

October 13, 2018 7:15am

Fireflies Spirit Communications Park

Adult registration $35

Kids 12 & under with an adult=free

Register or Donate to the RTE Team

Pumpkin Book Character Contest-Due Oct. 26!

Does Your Family 

Read for Clemson or USC? 

Read and Win Free Tickets!

Read Your Way to the Big Game 6 Book Challenge!  

Now through November 2, RTE students who read at least 6 books and list them on their USC/Clemson Reading Log (kept at school in their Leadership Binders) will be entered in a contest to win tickets to the Palmetto Bowl. Two winners will be selected-one for USC and one for Clemson.  Each winner will receive 4 tickets, sideline passes, and pre-game activities from all students who participate statewide.  In addition, Round Top students will be entered to win books and prizes from our November book fair.  Go Gamecocks and Tigers! R----E----A----D!

Boosterthon Is Coming Soon!

Hello Parents! 

We’re three weeks away from this year’s Boosterthon Fun Run! It’s a two-week program that kicks off with a Pep Rally on Monday, October 22nd. The Boosterthon Fun Run is critical in raising money for our school, but our #1 goal is student participation. All students participate in Boosterthon activities regardless of pledges. The Boosterthon program is a great opportunity to engage our students in character building and physical activity.

Students will experience an amazing character theme, MINDSPARK MYSTERY LAB! Boosterthon’s most exciting theme yet combines S.T.E.A.M skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with character-building. While they're teaming up with the MindSpark Kids to solve mysteries, our students will learn five 21st-century character traits that will help strengthen themselves and our world.

Following the kick-off Pep Rally, families will gather pledges for every lap each student runs (30-35 laps), and we’ll celebrate at the Fun Run on Wednesday, October 31st.

We’re excited about this year’s Boosterthon events. Additional details will be provided as kick-off day nears.  All families are invited to come out and cheer on your student at the Fun Run! Thank you for your support!

Additional details regarding the Boosterthon program can also be found in this video link.  https://vimeo.com/177157581

RTE Family Fun Night!

Register for Event

Waiver - print and sign

RTE Spirit Night! September 18th 5-8pm

Bus 70 Route Changes

From the desk of Robert White, Killian Transportation Supervisor:

In order to alleviate overcrowding on some of our school buses, there will  be changes to Bus 70's route starting Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Students currently being picked up at the following stops by bus KL 70 will now be picked up by Bus KL 96 at the new times listed below.

 

Round Top Elementary:                                               

• Coatbridge Dr/Brentsmill Cir                   7:05 AM
• 564 Rimer Pond                                      7:07 AM                                                 
• Hard Scrabble Rd/Adams Pond Rd        7:10 AM
• Fox Hill Dr/Broken Club Ln                     7:15 AM
• Foxfield Ln/Hunting Path                        7:17 AM
• Hunting Path/Wessex Way                     7:18 AM        

On Thursday, September 6, 2018, students must be at their stop no later than five minutes prior to the new scheduled time. Please make sure your student know to ride bus KL 96 in the afternoon as well.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by making this change and appreciate your understanding as we adjust our routes to provide a safer and efficient bus service.

Tardies and Transportation

Did you know students can be dropped off at school as early as 7:30 AM?

Students have options to eat breakfast at school, meet with their assigned clubs, attend grade level Community, or participate in morning Fun Run if they arrive on time!

Did you know that teacher instruction begins at 8:00 AM? 

The first 30 minutes of the day are when students get organized, review the schedule for the day, and begin their morning work. Think of how important the first 30 minutes of your day at work is to you!

Did you know our morning news show (WING-TV) begins at 8:05 AM? 

Our news show shares important announcements that impact students in all grade levels. Students who do not arrive on time to hear announcements may miss important information and deadlines!

Did you know RTE averages nearly 30 tardy students each week? 

These are students arriving after 8:10 AM....after WING-TV ends and instruction has already begun. Students who enter the classroom late interrupt instruction for others, and they often feel "left behind."

Did you know that RTE buses arrive between 7:30 and 7:40?

Bus riders have the option to attend all before school activities and are present when instruction begins at 8:00 AM.

So what's missing from this picture?

YOUR STUDENT!  This is a picture of one of RTE's buses arriving in the morning with only 13 students! Our school buses have the capacity to transport up to 78 students. By allowing your child(ren) to ride the bus to school, not only will you help conserve earth's resources and reduce pollution, but you can avoid the car rider line and your student(s) will always arrive on time for our before school activities. Preschool through 5th grade students are eligible to ride RTE buses daily. Parents, we encourage you to register your student and start sending them to school on the bus today!

Elections for Round Top School Improvement Council (SIC)

Hello Round Top Families!

Elections for the Round Top School Improvement Council (SIC) are coming up soon - and we hope you will consider running for a parent position!  The School Improvement Council (SIC) is the liaison between the school and community. Its purpose is to gather community input and assist in school improvement.

The membership of the Round Top SIC consists of:  

1. Four parents of students in the school, elected by the parents of the students enrolled in the school
2. Three teachers
3. Three representatives appointed by the principal. 
4. In addition, the previous SIC Chairperson, Principal, Assistant Principals, and PTO President become ex-officio members. 

The school, home and community must cooperate to provide an environment that supports the optimal physical, emotional, social and academic development of each student at Round Top Elementary. SIC provides the connection for these entities to support the school, and its students, faculty, staff, and administration, in creating this environment.

Elections for the current school year will be held in September.  If you are interested in running for a parent position, please submit a bio of yourself and why you are interested in serving on SIC to Dr. Kelly Eifert by Sept. 4, 2018.