Admin Newsletter

Parents and Guardians,

We know this week has been tough with MAP testing and technology not working exactly as we would have liked, but we greatly appreciate your patience as the system works through the glitches. As we work together through these trying times I want to also take a minute to thank you for being mindful of when your children are on Zoom and having them dressed ready to learn. It is also important that you remember that when you are assisting your child, you can also be seen and heard by everyone in the meeting. We know that as long as we work as a team with you, our teachers and our students, we can find a way to succeed. Thank you for all that you do everyday in support of Bluffton Elementary and our amazing students.

IF you have not picked up your child's device you will need to do so ASAP on Tuesday, September 8th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm so your child can access the virtual school environment.

Please don't hesitate to email if you have questions. I will attempt to answer them all but understand this is a fluid situation and I may not have an answer yet or the answer may change over time. My email is paula.brown@beaufort.k12.sc.us

Here are a few links for you to check out regarding K/12 Learning Solutions. Soon you will be receiving more information from the district about connecting to your child's account.

http://engage.getfueledservices.com/ - Parent help area

https://getfueledservices.com/client/OLS/StudentOverview/Home/ - K/12 tutorial for parents

Your School Counselors, Mrs. Yates (grades 2-5) and Ms. Lyon (grades PK – 1), have created new websites for parents and students to utilize during virtual instruction. Each site has a link to parent resources, social emotional lessons (that will be added to weekly) and a check-in form for students to let the counselors know how they are doing. We encourage students to reach out regularly to the counselors with these forms during this transitional period. Our contact information is also listed for parents. Please remember we are here to support our families any way we can! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Our Website Links:

Mrs. Yates

https://sites.google.com/beaufortschools.org/mrsyatescounselingcorner/home

Ms. Lyon

https://sites.google.com/beaufortschools.org/mslyonscounselingsite/home

Parents and Guardians:

As we begin the year virtually, we know the adjustment is not easy and we want to help any way we can. Students will need access to internet as well as a device provided by the school district to begin the school year on September 8th. For students and families that are struggling, we are able to offer a few options for helping with technology fees as well as internet access.

Technology Fee Waivers - This form is designed to waive the required $20 fee for the student device. Approval is dependent on circumstance and requires admin approval.

Mobile Hot Spots- Some families may qualify for a mobile hotspot, provided by District in the place of traditional wi-fi for students to complete their school work. This is based on income and circumstance eligibility and is subject to admin and District approval.

Hargray Jumpstart Program- Some families who do not meet criteria for a mobile hotspot can take advantage of the Jumpstart program from Hargray, which offers 12 months of Wi-Fi for $15/month.

If your child or family needs assistance with obtaining internet access or a technology fee waiver please reach out to our school social worker ASAP to ensure your student is all set for the first day of school using the contact information below:

Kaleigh Mackay, LMSW

School Social Worker

Bluffton Elementary School & ECC

Kaleigh.Mackay@beaufort.k12.sc.us

(843-706-8500)

Dear Parents,

While we are virtual, feel free to stop by Nurse P’s or Nurse Kylie's “Virtual Health Office!” Grab some forms, get the latest guidelines from DHEC... and you can even learn some fun facts about a certain long-necked mammal.

Nurse P -https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Zd6_JJB9rUIwfAzUMfpsmWvVKGPGA7x63btpUQN6-LI/edit?usp=sharing

Nurse Kylie -

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BJT7UjNcPneSI41PIETFnlJn6hdLP0fqnyOc7YbDmfA/edit?usp=sharing

No matter the distance, we are #BLESSTRONG

Dani Pennell, RN BSN NCSN

Bluffton Elementary School

160 H.E. McCracken Circle

Bluffton SC 29910

843.706.8500

843.706.8544 (fax)

Phone:

ECC- 843-707-0900

Main Building - 843-706-8500

Fax - 843-706-8542

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAZCHhIYxNJjI6944-0Pp3g

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/BLESECCWildcats/

Email: paula.brown@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Website: https://bles.beaufortschools.net/
Phone: 843-706-8500