Dolphin Weekly Waves

From the Principal

West End is continuing our work with Dr. Julianne Wenner, a professor of science education at Clemson University. Earlier this year, a small group of parents met with her as a focus group for the first part of her project. The second part of her project includes an interview with one parent about science in their home. The parent who participates in the interview will receive a $100 gift card. Please see the attachment for more information and complete the Google Form if you would be willing to be drawn for the interviewed. Please let us know if you have questions!

Science in Home Project Information

Our staff has worked hard on this week's Mathquerade Ball! We hope you will be able to join us the Thursday from 5:00-7:00! (More information is included below!).

Have a wonderful week!

Angie Garrison, Ed.D.

Principal

If you need another copy of the invitation to reserve your family's spot, please ask your child's teacher for another one.

We are blown away at the generosity of the kind folks at Allen Tate Realtors today! Through their fundraising efforts, they gifted a generous check to our school and two others in the area. We thank you all so very much and plan to use it for the many wonderful, educational endeavors happening at West End! #communitysupport

#EmpowerUp update | The School District of Pickens County has partnered with Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) to bring Adult Workforce Development offerings to our residents!

You are invited to an OPEN HOUSE to learn more!
- EmpowerUp OPEN HOUSE (https://5il.co/2fzn2)
- Wed., March 6 from 9-11 a.m.
- Pickens County Career & Technology Center (990 Chastain Road, Liberty, SC)

Check out the exciting TCTC courses below and visit tctc.edu/empowerup or click here (https://5il.co/2fzn2) for more info!

Courses Offered soon:
Workzone Flagger Training + OSHA 10-Hour Construction Standards: early March
Consultative Selling: Certified Sales Professional: March 4 - April 10
Certified Logistics Technician Associate: March 4 - April 10
Pre-Highway Construction Inspector/Testing Technician - Asphalt Roadway: March 18 -28
Certified Production Technician: April 8 -19
Commercial Truck Driver Training (CDL): April 10

Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with new skills and opportunities. For more information, contact TCTC at 865-646-1700 or conted@tctc.edu.

#tctcedu #EngagingToday

Week 2- This month’s super reader strength is courage. Bravery is another word for courage. Bravery means that we do not let fear hold us back from exploring opportunities, developing our skills, and doing what is right. Think about how you can show courage or bravery today.

January 11 - The process for applying for K3 and K4 preschool and registering new K5 students (new to SDPC) opens Thursday, January 11.

A few notes:

• Students currently enrolled in an SDPC K3 or K4 program do not need to apply for K4 or K5 - you will automatically roll up in our system. See letters to current K3/K4 parents below.
• Please see the attachments below for program information and new application process (new students) for K3 and K4 programs.
• Application information for K3 and K4 is also available at this link.
• Kindergarten (K5) students who will be new to SDPC/West End for the 2024-25 school year (have not attended a district K4 program) should visit this link for K5 registration information.
  

This is a lot of information! We are available to answer any questions. Please be sure to contact us at 864-397-2500 for assistance.

If your child is absent, please remember to send in parent notes, doctor/dentist notes, etc. so that attendance can be coded correctly in PowerSchool. You can also complete the Google form at the link below with details for the absence. A message is sent to our Data Entry Clerk via email including that information as a note for the absence(s).

Each month, you have the opportunity to honor a teacher of your choosing as the "West End Teacher of the Month!" Simply complete this form telling us why the teacher you chose is deserving. You may nominate as many times as you wish. Thank you for supporting our teachers and recognizing the hard work they put in to teaching your child each day. 😍

West End families, we value your opinion on school related matters! Please use the Google form below to give us input, feedback, new ideas, or ask a question! We appreciate your time and how you make West End better! This form will be opened all school year long!

Tech fees for all students in grades K5-5th are due. They are $25 per student. Tech fees are required each year, and cover accidental damages to the device during the school day and at home. Each teacher decides when the device is needed for at home use, but will not be allowed to send it home with your child until the tech fee is paid. Our administrative team has begun contacting families that have not paid. Please reach out to us if you have questions about this.

• MySchoolBucks - Sign up for a MySchoolBucks account for online payments for tech fees, field trip fees, t-shirt sales, etc.

• All students K5-5 will be assigned a device for classroom and home use. Before sending the device home, a $25 Tech it Home user fee to cover accidental damage to the device, charging device, and carrying case should be paid. More information about the Tech It Home Fee.
• Schoology is a learning platform that allows parents to communicate with teachers, stay on top of student assignments, and monitor student progress (grades 3-5). Access Codes will come home soon. Please let us know if you need help getting connected.
• Securly is a powerful tool designed to help parents monitor and set limits on their child's school-issued device. Please let us know if we can help with the program.

Did you know that:

1. Pickens County has a highly successful adult education program which year after year is among the state’s most effective programs in a number of categories,
2. The Learning Center served over 500 residents of Pickens County during the last school year by offering GED preparation, high school diploma completion, workplace literacy, ESL and civics instruction, parenting classes, career preparation, and assessments for SC Works,
3. The Learning Center had 78 graduates last school year and a combined 339 graduates in the last four school years which includes the “Covid years,” and
4. The Learning Center partners with Tri County Tech to offer the IBEST program in healthcare, manufacturing, and College 101. Students can be concurrently enrolled seeking to complete a GED or high school diploma while earning college credit and workplace-recognized credentials – all at no cost to the student?

Interested? Contact SDPC Adult Education at 864-397-3800 or visit the Learning Center website .

Be sure to follow West End on Facebook!

West End Website

Twitter- @westendelem

Instagram- @westendelem

Phone (864)397-2500

Dr. Angie Garrison, Principal Email: angiegarrison@pickens.k12.sc.us