Pontiac School News

February 22, 2018

Barber Bulletin

Congratulations to one of our Pontiac parents, Mrs. Evangelina Hemphill, who is being recognized next week at the Black History Reception, hosted by our District Office.

Mrs. Hemphill has three children attending Pontiac Elementary and is an avid supported of our school, serving as the chair of our School Improvement Council. Mrs. Hemphill has been selected by Richland School District Two for recognition during our 2018 Black History Month celebration. This year, the district sought nominations of employees, graduates or community members who have contributed to black history and culture in the areas of Art and Music; Education and Military; Health and Science; and Technology and Engineering. Our goal is to shine light on Richland Two partners who, through their work and volunteerism, are making a difference for our families, schools, and communities.

Mrs. Hemphill was selected from the group of nominees to represent the category of Technology and Engineering. She will be featured on the district’s website during the week of February 26-28 and in other district media outlets during Black History Month. We are very excited for our entire school community to know about the great work she is doing and to see how one person can make a difference in the lives of many.

Please consider attending this reception to honor Mrs. Hemphill as well as the other nominees.

A reception and short program will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our district office located in the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2) located at 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC 29229. Event registration is available beginning February 1 via https://r2blackhistorymonth.eventbrite.com

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Cooking Contest

Parents,

The Richland Two Future Chefs Competition is March 14th from 4pm - 7pm. The event is for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. If your child is interested in submitting a recipe, have them pick up an application in our cafeteria. The theme this year is Healthy Asian Fusion. Recipes are due Friday, February 23rd.

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Mission Statement

February: Defining the outcome:

Defining the outcome means starting a project or goal with the end in mind; in this case, it is creating a family mission statement. For example, a fun way to demonstrate this principle to your children, before starting this project, is by asking them to put together a puzzle without seeing the picture on the box.

Find a puzzle with at least 24 pieces. You may have to purchase a new one that your family has not put together before.
Ask each family member to put it together in 30 seconds without looking at the picture of the puzzle. Give each person an opportunity to try to finish it in 30 seconds.
After they each have tried, ask them what would make this task easier for them. They will likely say that if they had a picture of the puzzle or more time they would be more successful.
Now give them another 30 seconds and the picture of the puzzle. Ask them, “Why was it easier this time?” This is a great object lesson to show how important it is to have a vision, or plan—in this case, a picture of the puzzle—in order to be successful in completing something.

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Cafeteria News

Parents,

Beginning Monday March 5th, students with a lunch balance over $10.00 will receive an alternative lunch. The alternative lunches will consist of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a cheese sandwich with sides and a milk. This is standard district practice at the elementary level. If you need to apply for the free/reduced lunch program, please click on the link below. We also have paper copies of the application available upon request. Our cafeteria staff is able to print a balance sheet for you. If you have questions about your child’s lunch balance, please contact Joanna Willing, our cafeteria manager, by phone 803.699.2700 (ext. 81030) or email jwilling@richland2.org.

Free/Reduced Lunch Application

Fireflies Reading Incentive

Columbia Fireflies Reading Incentive which begins February 12 and runs until April 13th, 2018.

Students are challenged to read 16 books during the three-month period. Those completing the challenge will receive a free ticket to a Columbia Fireflies game...Pontiac's game night is Sunday, May 27 @ 2:05pm. On our game night, the participating students will also receive a free hot dog, chips, drink, and a surprise gift! (Additional tickets may be purchased for family members for $9/ea.)

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

It's that time of year again - Jump Rope for Heart! We are currently taking donations through March 2nd for the American Heart Association. Your child received a JRFH packet which provides all the information! We hope that you will consider donating to such a wonderful cause! Next Wednesday, February 28th, is Jump Rope for Heart Day where we have special activities planned and encourage your child to wear red! If you have any questions, please contact our PE teacher, Lauren Fink, at lfink@richland2.org

Scholarship Opportunity

Greetings,

Please find attached scholarship applications for elementary and middle school students. These scholarships are made available by the Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Applications are due Saturday March 17, 2018. Please contact Mary Ann Smith with questions or concerns at 803.206.8885 or dst56mas@aol.com

Sincerely,

Brenda B. Branic

President

HYDROCEPHALUS WALK

Dear Parents & Students:

Thank you all for your support in helping us raise Awareness and funds for research, support and education of Hydrocephalus. As we sent home papers last Thursday, we have to make a slight change, we had issues with our web address to sign up on-line. It has been fixed and this is the new Web address

http://support.hydroassoc.org/2018PontiacWALK

The Hydrocephalus Association’s mission is to “eliminate the challenges of hydrocephalus” through the support of innovative research, support, education and advocacy. That’s why our school is proud to participate in the Hydrocephalus Association Kids to Cure Hydrocephalus WALK. In addition to learning about hydrocephalus students will learn about helping others. We encourage children to ask family and friends for donations (donations may be made online using a credit card for those children registering online.) Participants collecting $10 or more will qualify for WALK prizes. More information on how to register online is please use the address http://support.hydroassoc.org/2018PontiacWALK

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, March 24, 2018 beginning at 9am on the playground / track field, we will enjoy a fun silly run and celebrate our success. We invite your whole family to participate. We will be starting March, 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018.

The money raised with the Kids to Cure Hydrocephalus WALK will be used wisely and well – to fund HA program services and research aimed at finding a cure. HA is the largest, nonprofit non-governmental funder of hydrocephalus research in the U.S. and the largest organization focused on improving the quality of life for those living with hydrocephalus.

Thank you for your support of this worthy cause. For more information contact:

Jessica Caulder

803-730-4703

pontiacwalk@hydroassoc.org

http://support.hydroassoc.org/2018PontiacWALK

Students registering online and raising money will receive a HA bracelet!

Prize List:

For On-line Sign-up – Kids 2 Cure Hydrocephalus Bracelet

Kids 2 Cure Hydrocephalus Notebook – Raise $10

Kids 2 Cure Hydrocephalus Earbuds – Raise $25

Kids 2 Cure Hydrocephalus 2018 Pontiac Shirt– Raise $50

Kids 2 Cure Hydrocephalus Water Bottle Raise $75