HAPPY NEW YEAR, Parents! Each year gives us the opportunity to renew and revise our goals. Our students, too, were recently given this opportunity during their class Habit Huddle. Have you heard your child talk about their WIG? These are your child’s WILDLY IMPORTANT GOALS! Our students are encouraged to identify a personal and academic WIG for themselves.

Research has shown that the simple act of writing a goal greatly increases the chances of accomplishing the goal. If the goal is broken down into action steps and the action steps are tracked, goals have an even greater percentage of success.

At school, your child likely wrote their academic and personal goals in their Leadership Notebook. It is our hope this year that we can help them devise strategies to meet these Wildly Important Goals. We will even help them track their progress!

Ask your child to tell you about their goals. The goals chosen are meaningful to your student so be sure to practice Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. Encourage your student to share and post their WIGS at home, and ask them how you can help and support them in their goals.

Mark your calendars to join us for our STUDENT SHOWCASE on January 28 at 6pm. Virtually, through the Google Classroom link, your child will share more of the work they are proud of from their Leadership Notebook. More information is coming soon!

Did you know that our School Improvement Council has launched a reading initiative to engage our community?

50 Readers from 50 States! Literacy + Geography = WIN WIN!

We want to host 50 readers from 50 states by the end of the school year! Will you help us?

Complete this form if you have a friend or family member from another state that is

willing to read to our students on our news show! We will take care of the rest!

Picture day is coming to Pontiac! Strawbridge Studio is hosting our Picture Day this year.

If your student is a face to face learner, your child's CONTACTLESS photo will be taken on February 12 before students are dismissed at 11:30am.

If your student is a virtual learner and you would like your child's CONTACTLESS photo taken, please schedule a photograph time using the link. These appointments will be held between 1pm and 3pm on February 12.

Thank you for your flexibility as we have had to reschedule these photos multiple times this year.

Wateree Community Actions, Inc. provides a variety of resources, including utility bill assistance, rental assistance and weatherization. Please see the link below for further information.

Please notify Nurse Larck if your child is on quarantine, isolation or a close contact for COVID-19. This applies to our elearning students as well.

Remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and socially distance.

Important Details:

Lottery opened December 14th

Lottery closes January 27th

Montessori's Virtual Information Session - Tuesday, January 19th at 6:30 pm

Complete this link if you are interested in attending!

Parents Notified if Selected on March 15th

More information? Contact Magnet Lead, Molly Robbins at 699.2700

If your child is experiencing technical issues with their Chromebook, there are a few simple things you can try at home to help troubleshoot the problem. Some common issues that students may experience include internal microphone issues, sound issues, and websites not loading. More often than not, these issues can be resolved by completing a simple heath check of your child's device. Watch this video for some troubleshooting tips that may help resolve many of your child's device issues.

Richland Library and Richland Two have partnered to provide a library card for every student in the district. This project is part of the nationwide initiative: Leaders Library Card Challenge.

• For students under 13, parents/guardians can complete an online form at www.richlandlibrary.com/librarycard.

• Teachers who live in Richland County and/or work in a Richland County school can apply for a free Education card. Contact Richland Library to learn more.

• For any questions about the ConnectED program and these library accounts, contact Richland Library by phone: 803.799.9084 or by email: Ask a Librarian.

January 18 - School Holiday - No Classes

January 19 - Students and Teachers Return to Building for Face to Face instruction; virtual learners continue elearning

January 19 - Montessori Virtual Parent Meeting 6:30 pm

January 21 - Deadline to Change Instructional Model - Form must be in by 9:00 am

January 22 - Early Dismissal 11:30 am

January 25 - Student Holiday - No Classes

January 29 - College Colors Day

January 29 - Early Dismissal 11:30 am

Please be sure to follow us on our social media platforms for up to date information as well as a glimpse into our school! We are so excited to welcome your family to our school family!

Website: https://www.richland2.org/pe/
Location: 500 Spears Creek Church Road, Elgin, SC, USA
Phone: 803 699-2700
Facebook: facebook.com/Pontiac
Twitter: @PontiacElem