We did it!  We finished off the 2021-22 school year this week!  There are lots of great pictures to share in this week's newsletter.

Yesterday, I was thinking.  We all wish for, sometimes looooong for the last day of school.  And then when it arrives, many of us are a blubbering mess.  (Or at least I am.)  The end of the year is the cumulation of so much hard work and means the separation of our class families.  However, there is excitement in thinking about a time to recharge and rest (and possibly catch up on some personal projects).

A HUGE shout out to our amazing Swifty staff for all their perseverance this year.  The beginning of the year proved to be quite a challenge with guideline changing literally by the day.  We appreciate your ability to adapt and to put your students first.  While student tears on the last day break our hearts, it also shows how our staff is able to build strong, meaningful relationships with our kids and these relationships are so vital to student success!

Thank you to all the families who provided endless support this year -- both with their time and their donations.  You are the glue that holds our community together.

I also want to give a special thanks to this year's PTA officers and committee chairs.  These officers have navigated the challenges of COVID for the past two years, and I know it hasn't been easy for them.  They have given up countless hours with their families and personal time to help Swift Creek achieve more.  Many of our events couldn't be held in the traditional way, so our committee chairs had to adapt to meet COVID guidelines.  Their hard work, creativity, and perseverance made these events possible and often with fun new twists!  We simply cannot say Thank you enough for all you've done.

We hope everyone has a change to have some fun, relax, and recharge this summer!  Next year will start off with a BANG and we begin the year with our Swift Creek 90th anniversary, followed by the Fun Run in October.  So refill those batteries!

Thank you for all YOU do to make a difference in our community!

​​Marie Dexter president.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Deborah Killion deborah.killion@gmail.com
Sarah Wohldmann swohldmann@hotmail.com
Dana Boyer treasurer.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Lauren Nicholls lauren.nicholls1@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who attended our June PTA meeting.  Congratulations to these officers for the 2022-23 school year.

• President - Marie Dexter
• Vice President 1 - Sarah Wohldmann
• Vice President 2 - Jessi Andricks
• Treasurer - Rebecca Simpson
• Secretary - Tina Chadwick

We are so excited to have so many new voices as part of our PTA board.

We also approved our summer budget, so that the PTA can pay for these items before the full budget is approved at our first PTA meeting in Sept.

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Mr. Hines did an OUTSTANDING job with his very first Field Day!  The kids had an absolute BLAST!
Thank you so much Mr. Hines for all your hard work planning and setting up this event.

Also thank you so much to:

• All the families who donated water bottles, cuties, and bubbles.  They were a HUGE hit.
• All the volunteers who came out and brave the heat!  We couldn't have done it without you.
• All the parents and family members who came out and cheered on our kiddos.  We hope you had fun too!

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Wow!  What an emotional 5th grade awards ceremony.  Lots of joy, smiles, and some tears of good-bye. 

In addition to each student walking across the stage to be recognized, here are some of the highlights of the event:

• Dr Barr led the students in an unbelievable performance of "Wave that Flag".  We had drummers, ukulele players, singers, and tambourine shakers.  You can check out the video on YouTube.
• Former Swift Creek principal, Cliff Feather, recognized 9 students for their character, leadership, and hard work.  Each of these students received a $500 scholarship.
• Sgt McDuffy, who had been working with the 5th graders for 10 weeks on the DARE program, honored 2 students for their essays.
• Students who were part of Student Ambassadors (Student Council, Service Club, and Safety Patrol) for their hard work and leadership this year.
• And of course, the ceremony ended with our 5th graders singing the school song.

At the end of the ceremony, the PTA's 5th grade celebration committee (Annie Pilz, Erin Galloway, Anju Jain, Nytasha Tobias) had cupcakes and goody bags for each student.  Thank you so much to these ladies for all their hard work in making the graduation successful!!!

We are so proud of our 5th graders and know they will do great things in middle school!

With the ups and downs of this school year, it has been difficult to keep our recycling programs going.  However, Recycling chair Megan Holler persisted and was instrumental in keeping these programs going.  Her efforts have paid off. 

Here are our final numbers for the year.

NexTrex Plastic Film collection - 47lbs
TerraCycle's GoGoSqueez - 19lbs
TerraCycle's snack wrapper - 25lbs

Thank you, Megan, for all you have done!!!  We are so thankful for all your efforts and for teaching us about the wide variety of resources available in our area for recycling and composting.

Construction has been very popular activity in the art room.  To help with next year, Mrs. McIntyre asks that you collect these items over the summer.

• paper tubes (toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls)
• tissue boxes
• clean egg cartons

​Thank you so much for your help!

As we prepare for the 90th anniversary celebration (on Sept 24), we are uncovering some amazing stories!  

Over the years, Swift Creek has had numerous traditions and activities.  As we research the history of Swift Creek, we see some things that we are considering bringing back next year.

For example, in 1993, Swift Creek had Chalk Day.  Students at all grade levels lined our sidewalks and recreated one of their art projects around the school.

1. Share your story or memory at https://tinyurl.com/sces90
2. Share this link with your Swift Creek friends, family, community members,  every where! If someone has memorabilia, yearbooks, pictures, school spirit wear, etc that we can display at the anniversary party, ask them to contact Marie Dexter at mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993.

If you know someone who I should reach out to, please let me know ASAP!  Marie Dexter mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993

Please share this fun opportunity with our incoming kindergarten families!

After 34 years of teaching, Ms. Lipe ended her teaching career at Swift Creek with a HUGE clap out.  What a display of love for an incredible educator who has shaped the lives of so many students and families.  We wish you the very best in retirement, Ms. Lipe!  Thank you for all you have done for us.

It wouldn't truly be the end of the year without the traditional Cha Cha slide.  Check out the video!

We made it!  The last week of school for the 2021-22 school year is here!
We have lots of excitement this week.  We hope you can join us in all the fun.  There will be one last email next weekend hopefully including lots of pictures of all the fun!

If you are leaving the Creek and will not be returning next school year, please send an email to mariecdexter@gmail.com, so she can remove you from the distribution list.

Have a great last week!

If you have any questions, please let us know.  

​​Marie Dexter president.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Deborah Killion deborah.killion@gmail.com
Sarah Wohldmann swohldmann@hotmail.com
Dana Boyer treasurer.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Lauren Nicholls lauren.nicholls1@gmail.com

Join us Tuesday at 6:30pm in the media center for our last PTA meeting of the year.  We need your vote as we elect officers for next year and review our summer expenses.

Here are our nominees for officers for next school year:

• President - Marie Dexter
• Vice President 1 - Sarah Wohldmann
• Vice President 2 - Jessi Andricks
• Treasurer - Rebecca Simpson
• Secretary -- Tina Chadwick

Nominations will also be taken from the floor.

After a brief PTA meeting, we will celebrate the career of Ms. Bobbie Lipe, who has taught at Swift Creek for 34 years.  This will be a casual event where families and community members can come and say Best Wishes to one amazing teacher.

Mr. Hines is planning his very first Field Day at Swift Creek on June 8.  We will have two sessions:

• 10-12:  K-2
• 12:30-2:30:  3-5

We are looking for volunteers to help!  We also need a few water bottles and a bunch of cuties for each grade level.  Sign Up Now!

Even if you cannot volunteer but want to stop by, you are welcome to cheer on your kiddo!  When you arrive, please sign in at the table under the blue tent near the basketball court.

It is the time of year when we look back and reflect at all we've accomplished over the past year.

We couldn't do all this work without YOUR support!  Thank you so much!

As we prepare for the 90th anniversary celebration (on Sept 24), we are uncovering some amazing stories!  For example:

Have you ever wondered why Swift Creek has an official US Postal Service mailbox in the hallway?

In 1995, elementary schools in WCPSS were encouraged to participate in Wee Deliver, a national program started by SS Postal Service in the mid80s to get children excited about reading and writing.

Miniature post offices have popped all over schools in Wake County including the one at Swift Creek.

Students and teachers create mock street addresses for each classroom and fictitious cities to go along with the school’s themes. Th mail was picked up once a month and mailed to different schools.

Today, we use the mailbox as our Big Ideas box!  I'd love to hear the stories this box could tell.  Maybe you or someone you know sent a letter.  We'd love to hear about it!

1. Share your story or memory at https://tinyurl.com/sces90
2. Share this link with your Swift Creek friends, family, community members,  every where! If someone has memorabilia, yearbooks, pictures, school spirit wear, etc that we can display at the anniversary party, ask them to contact Marie Dexter at mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993.

If you know someone who I should reach out to, please let me know ASAP!  Marie Dexter mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993

Macedonia United Methodist Church, who delivers to several Swifty families, needs to restock its food pantry for June.  Can you help?

Sign up at UMC Food Pantry.

The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year isn't until Aug 29.  That's a long time to go without seeing your Swifty friends!  Or maybe you know a family who will be new to the Creek next year?  This is a great way for them to make some friends before school starts!

Join us for one (or all) of our Swift Creek playdates!  All events will take place in the park and playground behind the school.

• Saturday, July 16 12:00 -- Picnic in the park
• August 20  -- theme TBD
• August 27 -- Wet and Wild (water balloons)

​RSVP today!

EOGS are stressful for everyone -- students, staff, and parents.  Our Swift Creek community did a stellar job reminding our students that it is just a test and it doesn't measure who they really are.

Students in the lower grades wrote notes of encouragement to students in the upper grades.  In addition, the specialists had a note with a cute, little duck for every student.  These notes were on each student's desk when they arrived Tuesday morning.

In addition, students created posters in the hallway!  Just another example of the love and support we have in our terrific community!

The fairy garden got a few additions this week -- a fairy-sized bench and a sign that points to Melody's favorite places. Thank you to our Girl Scout Sami Deaton (an 8th grader at Dillard and Swift Creek alum) for all the work she has done this year to help Melody move in to this special space.

The Monarch butterflies are here!  Remember how we saw caterpillars in the pollinator garden.  The butterflies have emerged from their chrysalis and we now have butterflies.

Missing your Swifty friends?  Or do you know someone who will be new to our Swift Creek community next year?

Invite them to one of our summer playdates on the playground!  Please RSVP.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

We hope everyone is enjoying the extra time with their families this weekend.  Remember there is no school tomorrow (Monday) for Memorial Day.  Thank you to all the families who have sacrificed to keep us safe.

On Tuesday, 3-5 grades will begin End of Grade Testing.  Hopefully, we will have perfect attendance this week so we won't need to schedule any make ups next week.

There is quite a lot going on the next two weeks!  The time is going to fly by! Check out all the excitement below.

If you have any questions, please let us know.  Stay safe this weekend!

​​Marie Dexter president.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Deborah Killion deborah.killion@gmail.com
Sarah Wohldmann swohldmann@hotmail.com
Dana Boyer treasurer.swiftcreek@gmail.com
Lauren Nicholls lauren.nicholls1@gmail.com

Good afternoon! As our year rapidly draws to a close, here at SCES we are preparing for End-of-Grade Tests. Our students have grown so much this year and we are confident they are well-prepared for success. Below are some important tips and information for you about testing.  

First of all, participation in this year's assessment is NOT optional. Last year, participation was left to the discretion of families due to the pandemic. This year, it is expected that all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders including VA students will be assessed. Please make sure that there are no appointments, plans, or trips that would keep your child out of school on test days. 

With that being said, please encourage your child to relax. We are simply looking at these scores to learn something about them and how we can make school even better and more individualized for them next year. 

On the day of a test, make sure your child has had a good night's sleep, has eaten a healthy breakfast (don't forget we serve breakfast here!), and is on time and in the classroom by 9:15. 

All assessments are online, so beginning tomorrow (May 26) all student devices will remain at school to ensure they work correctly and are fully charged before the tests. Students in Virtual Academy will bring their devices fully charged (bring chargers also) each day of testing. 

Another note for VA parents - please let Sharon Hizer, testing coordinator, know if your child will stay with us all day on test days or leave when their testing is complete. Her email address is shizer@wcpss.net. 
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Thank you all for everything you've done this year to ensure your child's success and to support Swift Creek Elementary. 
Yours,
Darrell Propst, Principal

Once again, thank you to everyone who donated to our cereal drive.  We took all 490 boxes to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina this week.  Believe me it was ALOT of boxes.

The final numbers were:

• 503 pounds of food
• 418 meals for families

Currently, the Food Bank is distributing 2 MILLION pounds of food a week to families across our area, so they were VERY grateful for our donation.  Also, cereal isn't donated very often, so these boxes will certainly fly off their shelves.

Mr. Hines is planning his very first Field Day at Swift Creek on June 8.  We will have two sessions:

• 10-12:  K-2
• 12:30-2:30:  3-5

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a change from the previous announcement.  The younger grades will go in the morning.  The older grades in the afternoon.

We are looking for volunteers to help!  We also need a few water bottles and a bunch of cuties for each grade level.  Sign Up Now!

Even if you cannot volunteer but want to stop by, you are welcome to cheer on your kiddo!  When you arrive, please sign in at the table under the blue tent near the basketball court.

At our June 7 PTA meeting, we will be electing officers for next school year.  Last week's newsletter listed the wrong name for the Treasurer nominee.

Here is the correct list.

• President - Marie Dexter
  
• Vice President 1 - Sarah Wohldmann
  
• Vice President 2 - Jessi Andricks
  
• Treasurer - Rebecca Simpson
  
• Secretary -- vacant

If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact Nominating chair Sarah Lewis sarahlynnlewis@gmail.com.  

We won't have our 90th anniversary party until Saturday, Sept 24, but now is the time to submit your stories and memories of the Creek.  Our goal is to gather 90 stories for 90 years!

We ask you to share this request with others as well.  

Here is how you can help:

1. Submit a story or memory at https://tinyurl.com/sces90
2. Share this link with your Swift Creek friends, family, community members,  every where! If someone has memorabilia, yearbooks, pictures, school spirit wear, etc that we can display at the anniversary party, ask them to contact Marie Dexter at mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993.

If you know someone who I should reach out to, please let me know ASAP!  Marie Dexter mariecdexter@gmail.com or 919-602-9993

Students CRUSHED the teachers in this week's Rock, Paper, Scissors challenge (outside Dr. Barr's music room).  Only one more competition before the end of the school year.  I wonder who will win this week.  I'm not even sure who I'm supposed to root for?????