Buena Vista Elementary School
Learning Opens Doors to a World of Possibilities!
2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06,2008-13 Palmetto Gold Award Winner
2001-2002 South Carolina Exemplary Writing Award Winner
2003-2004,2008-2009 National PTA Certified School of Excellence
2002-2003,2009-2010 South Carolina Red Carpet School
This page will provide you with a description of all the events and activities that make our school so special and unique.
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Accelerated Reader - This reading incentive program allows students to read great books, take comprehensive tests on the computer, and earn AR points. Competition is kept to a minimum while emphasizing a student’s best and school wide enrichment.
Annual School-Wide Themes - Each year a school wide theme is chosen to help motivate and unite students and staff, “Learning Opens Doors to a World of Possibilities!”.
Artist-in-Residence – Each year enrichment opportunities are offered to students through drama, art, dance, or music.
Assembly Programs– The entire student body comes together for assembly programs that have included visiting authors and illustrators, classroom productions, and visiting theatre production companies.
Author and Illustrator Visits – Each year a visiting author and/or illustrator speaks to our students and parents about the writing process.
Bobcat H.E.R.O.s – Buena Vista Bobcats are respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. Students who repeatedly exemplify the character traits of the month and the value words of the week are named H.E.R.O.s : Helping Encourage Responsibility, Respect, and Readiness Ourselves.
Book Buddies – Students in the upper grades pair up with students in the lower grades to form a yearlong reading partnership.
Buena Vista Ambassadors – This group of selected students represent the student body as greeters to special guests and as school tour guides. They are selected through an intensive application process including a quiz over school facts and teacher recommendation.
BVTV News – This school morning news program is written, produced, and anchored by the fifth grade Journalism club. The news is presented each morning at 8:05. Students recite the Pledge to the Flag of the United Stated, participate in a moment of silence, recite the school mission statement, report on sports, weather, current events, the Bobcat Value Word of the Week , lunch menu, announcements, and host special guests.
Carnival – The annual carnival brings parents, students, and the community together for an afternoon and evening of fun. Games, entertainment, a silent auction, and prizes await everyone.
Character Education – Students participate in guidance lessons from our guidance counselor that focus on the district values of honor, integrity, selfless service, courage, responsibility, and duty. Wise Wanda makes weekly appearances to share stories and encourage good character.
Chorus – Fourth and fifth grade students participate in chorus. The chorus presents a Holiday Concert and Spring Concert as well as participating in community events.
Computer Lab – We are fortunate to have 2 thirty station computer labs, six rolling laptop carts, and one rolling iPad cart. All students go to the Computer Lab at least once a week and laptop/iPad carts can be checked out by teachers for students to use. Students are involved in word processing, research using the Internet, practicing math skills with Larson’s Mathematics, Powerpoint, and Compass Odyssey.
Cultural Awareness Month – In February, our school takes a look at the many varied cultures represented in the student body. During this month-long emphasis students learn about different cultures and how to value the differences of others.
Early Risers’ Club – Students who arrive on the early bus and selected other students work on Math and Language skills from 7:30-8:00 each morning in the computer lab.
Early Morning Library – Students who arrive early may go to the library to check out books, work on special projects, take Accelerated Reader tests, or to simply read a good book.
Extended Day Program – Every day, students in grades K-5 are eligible to attend the extended day program. More than 100 students currently participate in tutoring, arts and crafts, enrichment classes and homework.
Field Studies – Each grade level participates in field studies to add a first hand experience to classroom instruction. Such field studies include trips to the State House, Pumpkin Patch, and Charleston.
Guidance Counselor – Our two guidance counselors provide comprehensive services to students through classroom guidance, small group counseling, and individual counseling.
Health Screening – Our nurse provides comprehensive vision and hearing screenings for students. She also provides daily assistance for students who are on medication, require special health assistance, or just need a band-aid.
Honor Roll – Students who maintain an A/B grade average each quarter are named to the A/B Honor Roll.
Learning Lab –A resource teacher is provided for students with special learning needs. Students go to the resource teacher during the day for individualized help and instruction.
Media Center Services – Our media center coordinates many special opportunities for students. In addition to regularly scheduled classes for grades K-5, our media center provides opportunities for students to check out books before, during, and after school. Special reading incentive programs are coordinated by the PTA through the library such as Accelerated Reader and the 15-15-15 program.
Mentor Program –The guidance counselor coordinates an extensive mentoring program. Sidekicks, an affiliate program of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, is coordinated using Riverside High School Service Learning Students.
New Parent Orientation – On the first student attendance day, new parents are invited to the school to enjoy light refreshments and to meet staff from all areas of the school. The guidance counselor and the administrators are introduced. Information about the school is provided, and parents get the opportunity to meet other new parents.
Open House – The beginning of each school year begins with Open House. Parents visit classrooms and learn about the curriculum and class activities for the new year.
Principal’s Pride – Each quarter, one student from each classroom is chosen for Citizenship Award. This student has exemplified the value words and exhibited good citizenship in the classroom. Each student’s picture is displayed on the bulletin board in the front lobby.
Red Ribbon Week – During the month of October, the PTA and the staff make an effort to emphasize making good choices and not using drugs or alcohol. Students are involved in different activities including collecting soap to “wash out drugs” for the homeless and pledging to stay drug free.
Reflections – This PTA sponsored program encourages the integration of the arts. Students participate in various areas including visual arts, music, and writing. Recognition at the school, district, and state levels is offered.
Safety Patrol – Selected fifth grade students perform many valuable safety duties. Students load and unload cars each morning and take care of flag duties.
School Improvement Council – Our SIC is made up of teachers, parents, and administrators who meet monthly to discuss ways to improve the school.
Skating Night – Fifth grade students participate in a fun skate once a month. Families and friends are invited to come out and enjoy a night of fun and exercise.
Speech Therapist – A speech therapist is available to assist students with speech/language issues. Our therapist meets with students in small groups to provide assistance with articulation and language development.
Spring Swap Day – In the spring, students in kindergarten through fifth grades “swap” classes. This allows students to see “what to expect next year”.
Student Council – Our students have a voice in the decisions of their school through the Student Council. Classrooms elect a classroom representative as their voice in student government. Student Council meets once a month.