MES Events

McBee Elementary hosts literacy night

McBee Elementary School held a Family Literacy Night Monday, March 23. Teachers coordinated and facilitated workshops for parents and students. The youngest children were treated to storytelling provided by guest storyteller, Cheraw Primary Media Specialist Gayle Davis.
Parents of kindergarten and first grade students were instructed by first grade teacher Angie Smith and Kindergarten teacher Melissa Winburn in reading strategies that they can use to help their children read at home. Parents and students in second and third grades were led by Shannon Outlaw, third grade ELA teacher, in participating in literature circles around fictional text. Curriculum Coach Janice Kiser instructed the students and parents of grades four through six in comprehension strategies with informational text. Teacher Cadets from McBee High School assisted the teachers in setting up and helping supervise the kindergarten and first grade children.

After the workshops, everyone reconvened in the cafeteria and played Bingo for Books. Refreshments were provided by the McBee Elementary School PTA, and every child present went home with at least one new book.
Pictured is third grade student Rayonte McDougal and his father.

On Tuesday (2/18), McBee Elementary School kicked off their Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program. Watch D.O.G.S is a national program designed to get men involved in schools. A Watch DOG is a father, grandfather, uncle, business owner, or community member who offers to volunteer one day of their time to help out at the school. These volunteers will be visible in the school as they wear a Watch D.O.G.S. uniform and assist with morning / afternoon car duty, read to students, assist with school security by making sure exterior and interior doors are locked, play with the kids at recess, and do other things around the school.

McBee Elementary says they want their students and in particular their boys to see and interact with positive male role models. They also want what they predict will be a very positive experience for the men to be a tool by witch the school can use these volunteers to spread the word of good things going on in the school. They also hope these men will recruit others men to get involved.

McBee Elementary hopes to have a Watch Dog in place for each school day from March 2^nd through the end of the year. At the informational meeting, nearly 70 men went ahead and chose a day for which they will volunteer.

The speaker at the meeting was Costal Carolina head football coach David Bennett. Coach Bennett talked to the men about the importance of living their lives with character, being a father, leading by example, and ending the cycle of men who are to often not involved in the educational and home lives of children.

Kaytlynn Simmons was recognized at half-time of the USC Lady Gamecocks basketball game Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. She participated in the "Reading with the Gamecocks" program and was the school winner for McBee Elementary School. Kaytlynn read 1130 pages over the Christmas holidays. Kaytlynn received a gift bag containing a towel, t-shirt, Reading with the Gamecocks comic book, poster, and a book. Congratulations to Kaytlynn and all of the students who participated in this reading program.

McBee student wins district Spelling Bee
by Ken Buck
Public Information Officer, CCSD
McBee Elementary School's Catherine Wayne won the annual Chesterfield County School District Spelling Bee on Jan. 26 in a competition that featured students from all throughout the county.
Wayne, a sixth grader, took first place while Maeghan Morris, an eighth grader at Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School was the runner-up. Saagar Patel, a Long Middle School seventh grader, finished third.
Wayne will now represent the district at the Regional Spelling Bee in Charlotte on Feb. 2.

McCoy recognized as district's Support Staff Employee of the Month
by Ken Buck
Public Information Officer, CCSD
McBee Elementary School's Melissa McCoy has been selected the Chesterfield County School District Support Staff Employee of the Month for December.
McCoy was nominated by Principal Dr. David Nutt.
McCoy is a student assistant.
"She is excellent at balancing professionalism with love and compassion," says Nutt.
In addition to doing the duties of her job, McCoy also helps around the school in other ways as well.
"Her attitude and heart serve as a perfect example for anyone who works with children," adds Nutt. "We are very lucky to have her."

Junior Beta Members Attend Convention

     Mrs. Rita Huggins and Mrs. Vickie Lucas, sponsors of the McBee Elementary Junior Beta Club, and sixteen of the nineteen Junior Beta members attended the South Carolina Junior Beta Convention December 11-12 at Myrtle Beach. After spending many months preparing for the state convention, the students were eager to compete in the many competitions over the two day event. Catherine Wayne won the Division I Spelling Bee and the club's tee shirt design placed second. Ryne Mangum, Chloe Tiller, Briana Gainey, Jeremy Johnson and Frankie Cuellar were on the tee shirt committee.
     Since the club won on the state level, they received invitations to compete in the spelling and tee shirt competitions on the national level. The National Junior Beta Convention will be held on June 13-16, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. With the help of the school and community, Mrs. Huggins and Mrs. Lucas hope to be able to take Junior Betas to The National Convention to compete in these events.
     Mrs. Huggins and Mrs. Lucas would also like to thank all of the parents who put in so many hours working with the Junior Beta members on the different committees and for chaperoning the Junior Beta students during the trip. A special thanks goes out to Thomas Middleton and Mrs. Bonnie Middleton for helping prepare the Tower Power students.

CHALLENGE FOR MCBEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENTS & STAFF

Lauren Kirkley, a 3rd grader here at our school, is working on a Christmas Project for the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

She has put together an "Arts & Craft" bag consisting of about 10 items that she would like to deliver to the hospital for each child that is there over the Christmas holiday. Lauren is accepting bag sponsorships for $10.00 each and would like to challenge her school to sponsor at least 20 bags.

Lauren will purchase the bag contents, decorate the bags, and deliver them to the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital a couple of days before Christmas.

If you would like to help, please return your money, along with any special note or card you may want to include in your bag, in an envelope with Lauren's name on it.

The deadline for bag sponsorships is December 17th!!

Thank you!!

Miss South Carolina, Anna Perry, visited McBee Elementary School on 11/25/08. She spoke to 3^rd-6^th grade students about the Palmetto Pride program. Palmetto Pride is dedicated to keeping our highways and roads free of litter. The focus of this program is to educate students on why littering is bad for the environment. Along with this program, some goodies (i.e. pencils, stickers, fun workbooks, bracelets, etc.) were distributed to serve as reminders to keep our state beautiful.

After speaking with and posing for pictures with the 3^rd-6^th grade classes, she also made the time to visit each 1^st and 2^nd grade classroom.

On 11/24/08, all McBee Elementary School kindergarten through sixth grade students walked two blocks to the High School stadium. There, they watched a 4^th vs 5^th grade flag football game. The grades rotated eleven new players each quarter. Fourth and 5^th grade students not playing in the game served as cheerleaders and worked hard to fire up the crowd. Fourth grade teacher, Mr. Jon Starling, played quarterback for the 4^th grade team. Principal, Dr. David Nutt, played quarterback for the 5^th grade team. Although the 5^th grade team squeaked out an overtime victory, everyone was a winner as the students made memories they shall not soon forget. As the teams played, students in the stands cheered and sang to their favorite songs. At half time and in between quarters, students all came down to the field and danced to music that was piped in through the stadium’s speaker system.

Proceeds from the $1 admission, concessions, and “Pictures With the Panther” all went towards the 4^th grade’s upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.

Monday, 11/3/08, all kindergarten through sixth grade students at McBee Elementary participated in a mock Presidential election. During the week prior, all students had to register to vote. On 11/3/08, all students came to the polls with their voter registration card in hand. Students entered private voter booths to cast their ballots and then received an “I voted today” sticker. Voting booths were made by the Student Council. Student Council also ran the voter registration and voting polls.

In addition, all 3^rd through sixth grade students went to the computer lab to vote online using a program sponsored by “Voters Weekly”. Four million students across the country voted using this program. Throughout the school day, classes were able to pull up a map of the U.S. on their interactive Promethean boards. States would turn red or blue depending on how students across the country had voted.

McBee Elementary Food Service Manager Judy Leidig has been selected as an area finalist for the "School Nutrition Star of the Year" Award by the South Carolina School Nutrition Association.
Leidig will be recognized at the annual conference on Oct. 25 in Columbia as an area finalist. She is now also eligible to win the statewide "Star" of the year award. The winner of the state prize will receive a plaque and a $300 prize.
Meriel Gordon, the Chesterfield County School District Supervisor of School Food Services, congratulated Leidig on the honor.
"She is to be congratulated for all of her hard work and dedication to the food service program and the students of this school district," said Gordon.

McBee Elementary School Secretary Sue Gainey has been selected the Chesterfield County School District Support Staff Employee of the Month for August.

Gainey was nominated by Principal Dr. David Nutt, who spoke of her hard work and caring attitude.

"I don't think that I have ever worked with anyone who cares more for their school and works harder than Sue Gainey," Nutt says. "Sue works hard because she truly loves our school and wants everything to be just right for our parents, teachers, and students."

Gainey, who is a Parent-Teacher Association board member, often voluntarily works long hours beyond her regularly scheduled day, says Nutt.

"Without her, McBee Elementary would not be the outstanding school it is today."

Bonnie Middleton, media specialist at McBee Elementary School, hosted a Read-A-Thon Friday, September 5^th, for third and fourth graders. Forty-five students attended the event. Mrs. Kit Gering read The Tub People by Pam Conrad to the students. Afterwards, Nigel Pryor and Shantina Jowers, student volunteers from McBee High School, helped Mrs. Gering lead the students in an activity related to the story. The students threw soapy sponges at a bull’s eye target and blew soap bubbles on the playground. Later, Bobbi McKenzie read Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey. This read aloud was followed by a game of beanbag baseball. Physical education teacher, Donna McCaskill, provided the equipment and the rules for the game. The final read aloud was presented by Jessi McKenzie, who read The Paper Crane by Molly Bang. Afterwards, Jessi taught the students to create a water lily using the art of origami. In addition to listening to three read alouds and participating in related activities for each, the students also spent a total of 80 minutes reading silently from books of their choice. At the close of the event, there was a drawing for door prizes. The students enjoyed the event and hope to attend another Read-A-Thon soon. Community volunteers played a vital role in the success of the event. Stephanie Phillips and Mandie Haynes helped readers select books, and MHS students Thomas Middleton and Analisia Phillips assisted with snacks.

State Education Superintendent Dr. Jim Rex visited McBee Elementary School Friday (4/18/08). Following a student led tour of the school, he watched two classes perform poetry renditions that were created through the collaboration of students, classroom teachers, and the school Literacy Coach Janice Kiser. Ms. Heather Oliver’s 2^nd grade class performed “Mean Jean the Recess Queen” in the format of a Reader’s Theatre. Ms. Laura Stasenko’s 5^th grade class presented a PowerPoint presentation they created that included haikus, concrete poems, and limericks. After school, Dr. Rex stayed for a faculty meeting with all McBee Elementary teachers, District Superintendent Dr. John Williams, CCSD school board chairman Jerry Holley, and South Carolina State House Representative Ted Vick. Dr. Rex answered questions and talked to teacher concerns such as state PACT testing.

In honor of The Week of the Young Child, McBee Elementary School held its first ever Young Child and Parent Fair. The event was held on Tuesday evening, April 15, at the school for students in Child Development through second grade. Representatives from Chesterfield County First Steps, Sandhills Bank of McBee, Hartsville YMCA, McBee Depot Library, and the Morphis Pediatric Group of Hartsville were present to greet the guests, distributing pertinent information to the parents and giving away treats and surprises to the children. Everyone enjoyed a free pizza supper.

After eating, the children were entertained by Cheraw storyteller and retired teacher, Mrs. Pal Moore. Mrs. Moore shared some Uncle Remus’ Stories with the boys and girls, including everyone’s favorite, “Tar Baby.” During this time, the parents and many of the other guests were involved in a reading workshop led by the school’s literacy coach, Janice Kiser. Mrs. Kiser provided the parents with information and “tools” to use as they work at home helping their children read.

Door prizes for the event were donated by McLeod Farms and The Company Store Restaurant, both of McBee. The teachers responsible for planning the fair were Shauna Newell, Pat Conway, Melissa Winburn, and Janice Kiser, literacy coach. Mrs. Gail Terry, second grade teacher, and Dr. David Nutt, principal, were also on hand to assist. A good time was had by all!

Aril 10, 2008

April 2nd - 4th

4th Grade Field Trip

Earthshine

April 2^nd-4th, McBee Elementary School took its’ 4^th grade on a field trip to Earthshine Mountain lodge hear Brevard, NC. The kids participated one of Earthshine’s programs called Destination 1840. The kids were divided into two groups where half were Cherokee Indians and half were Pioneers. They spent one day living the life of an Indian and the next living the life of a Pioneer. With the Indians, the kids spent the day in the woods cleaning fish, making clay jewelry, grinding corn, cleaning animal skins, cooking meals, making trails, and even throwing tomahawks. With the Pioneers, students went to the Pioneer village where they prepared meals, pressed apple cider, made candles, fed animals, worked in a blacksmith shop, spun wool, and mined for gems. On the first night, the kids went to a mountain top camp fire. On the second night, students participated in a square dance.

Principal and trip chaperone Dr. David Nutt said, “It was so exciting to sit back and watch our kids. Many of our kids had never been to the mountains before. It was exciting to see our students stare with amazement at what they were seeing.

In addition to having fun, seeing things they had never seen before, and learning about the Pioneer/Indian culture of 1840, the kids left with a better appreciation for how good they have it today as well as life lessons such as: the importance of working together, an appreciation for other cultures, hard work pays off, not being wasteful with food, and a respect for nature.

Dr. Nutt said, “4^th grade teachers Jon Starling, Susan Sullivan and Brenda Whitley are to be commended for putting this trip together. It was a lot of hard work, but seeing our kids have the time they had, made it all worth it. You can't be rewarded much more than hearing so many of the students make comments like: This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, I don't want to go home, This is the best time I’ve ever had, etc. Our kids were well prepared and well behaved! The trip certainly exceeded our expectations. I do not think it could have gone any better.”

The 100^th day of school typically falls somewhere at the end of January, though it may differ depending on the location and date of the first day of school. Here at McBee Elementary, McBee SC, we celebrated our 100^th day of school on January 28, 2008. Students in Child Development, Kindergarten and first grade conducted many activities that consisted of l00 things or doing something 100 times. Activities such as: clapping, jumping, measuring, reading books, making hats, sunglasses, writing words and 100 day projects were done by the children. The highlight of our day was the releasing of 100 plus balloons. Each class a total of six released a balloon containing child’s name and school address. If the balloon was found it could be mailed back to school, plotted and measured for the distance it traveled.

September 7, 2007

More than 200 grandparents came to McBee Elementary School on Friday, September 7, 2007 to celebrate Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents were escorted to their grandchild’s classroom by members of the school’s Junior BETA Club where they joined their grandchild for breakfast. After breakfast a program was shown through the school’s televised closed circuit system. The program featured selected students reading essays about their grandparents. The show ended with CCSD Board Chairman and grandparent, Mr. Jerry Holley, sharing some thoughts about being a grandparent. Following the program, students took their grandparents on a tour of the school. During the tour grandparents were able to read essays on display that many of McBee Elementary School’s students had written and submitted to the South Carolina State Fair for the Greatest Grandparents of South Carolina Essay Contest. Students all over South Carolina participate in the essay contest with winners being announced at the 2007 South Carolina State Fair on October 14^th.

There was a large crowd for the "Back to School" Dance! Everyone enjoyed the new music provided by Mrs. Tiller.

Mrs. Byrd's 5th grade class will be treated to a skating party! Her class received this treat because they had the largest percent of parents present at the last PTA meeting. Thanks to all the parents for attending the meeting and congratulations to Mrs. Byrd's class.