Dear Hopkins Elementary School Family: Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with you and your child again this year. It is the desire of the entire Hopkins Elementary Family that every child receives the very best quality education possible delivered by a highly qualified staff and the support of dedicated parents. Hard work, dedication, and cooperation will make this happen. It is my hope that every student will be ready for an exciting year of learning and applying new knowledge that will result in them experiencing many levels of success. We strive each and everyday to instill within our children a sense of pride, determination and resilience. Our number one priority at Hopkins Elementary School is for students to meet the academic expectations and rigor as outlined in the South Carolina Curriculum Standards. The learning expectations are broken down into grade-level standards in the areas of reading, language, writing, math, science, social studies, and health. Students in grades 3 – 5 will be tested on those standards through the district’s quarterly benchmark tests and the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test at the end of the school year. Students who come to school regularly and on time, pay attention in class, complete classwork and homework assignments, ask questions, communicate their needs for assistance, and become avid readers and problem solvers will be much more likely to be successful learners. The student agenda books are being provided to all students at Hopkins Elementary to assist them in becoming organized. Daily homework assignments, test dates, projects, and field trips should be recorded in this planner. Parents are asked to help their children keep the planner up-to-date. The agenda book is also designed to be a means of communication between the school and the home. There is a section labeled “School Talk” where teachers and parents can communicate on a daily basis. The plastic pouch located at the front of each agenda book should be checked daily for school letters, flyers or announcements. The information is a guide to the rules, procedures, and activities at Hopkins Elementary School. Please read all of it, and refer to it as necessary throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their children’s learning and daily school activities. Please talk positively about school every day with your child, check homework daily, sign your child's agenda book daily, read with your child everyday and maintain regular communications with your child’s teachers. Courtesy, respect, and obedience to rules are expected of all students. This will enable our school to be a pleasant and safe environment in which to teach and learn. Remember, you are always welcomed at Hopkins Elementary School. Helping hands are always needed, so feel free to volunteer whenever you can. Every week if possible!!! Together, we will make Hopkins Elementary a greater place to learn. After all, “It’s all about the children!” Angela G. Brown Principal

Angela Brown