Dear Parents,
Welcome to Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts (HHIESCA)! Whether you are a returning family, or new to the school it is a pleasure to work alongside of you as we together make decisions that will benefit all students. It is a great honor and privilege for me to serve as the new building principal of this amazing school community. Although we are entering the 2020-21 school year under unprecedented circumstances, please know that the staff of HHIESCA is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, academically engaging, and arts-infused learning environment to all children. Regardless of the unknowns that we may face in the upcoming months, we will do so together as a community of shareholders, with a positive mindset and goal of meeting the needs of all learners.
Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, we will be operating under the guidance of the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of our “normal” daily operational practices that have been in effect in past years may look a bit different entering the new school year. As you are aware, we will begin the school year virtually using the K12 Learning Solutions instructional platform. It is our goal as a staff to start the 2020-21 academic term by providing your child a world class virtual learning experience. As we move ahead, information will be regularly communicated with parents and shareholders regarding changes that may occur in this continually fluid situation.
Your collaboration with us is paramount in ensuring a successful school environment for all. I encourage parents to become involved in the school. We have an outstanding Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), currently lead by PTO President Alana Adams. Parents are invited to participate in monthly meetings and scheduled events, which will be offered in virtual format during 2020-21, with face to face options as allowed under our circumstances. You are also encouraged to take part in the School Improvement Council (SIC), a group that is dedicated to monitoring the progress of our school’s five-year renewal plan. The SIC is currently lead by President Mike Quigley and will this year focus heavily on the development of school health and safety plan/protocols; steering of the school renewal plan for our Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) South Carolina program; and monitoring of our academic achievement plan pertaining to overall student progress and achievement gaps noted by assessment data.
Thank you for choosing Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts as your child’s school. We are here to support you during this time of Covid-19, and beyond. Please do not hesitate to contact the school at 843-342-4380 for your individual needs or questions. I look forward to a wonderful year with each of you, where we will empower our children to overcome, grow, and joyfully flourish even in the most trying of times.
Educationally Yours,
Pamela (Nikki) Lucas
Principal, Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts