We would like to welcome you and your child back to Robert E. Lee Academy. If this is your first year, we are excited that your child will be a part of this school, and we look forward to getting to know your family.

The Academic Booster Club is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the academic needs of the school and enhancing the quality of the educational experience at REL for all students. We would like to invite you to become a part of that group. Our parental involvement through parent/teacher meetings and volunteer opportunities allows parents to be informed and involved and also shows the children that parents value their education. Join the Academic Booster Club and dedicate your support to all students at REL. The Club relies on fundraisers, contributions and volunteers like you. Your help is important and greatly appreciated.

The Academic Booster Club has several fundraisers throughout the year. One is our Annual Auction which is only as successful as we are at getting donations. If you have a skill, a business, a gift certificate, vacation home, sports ticket, theater ticket or anything that someone may want, and you are willing to donate, please contact the Auction Committee - Gina Marthers (803) 425-4524. This year's auction will be held March 2006.

Last year's auction raised $29,587.55, which enabled ABC to contribute $25,000 toward new construction. We also purchased lockers and four computers. Our Cookie Dough fundraiser was also a success. We contributed the entire proceeds to Ms. Stokes, which totaled $15,867.32 for future REL academic needs.

ABC also supports the Accelerated Reader Program. This year we provided $10,042.15 toward library books, AR test, prizes and the annual FUN DAY. This program is an educational tool that REL uses to enhance the reading curriculum. The program is designed to allow students to self-select books they are interested in, and through its computerized test give teachers and parents assurance that the student is reading and comprehending the book that was read.  Once the students reach their individual goal, we reward those students in the spring with a FUN DAY. This year they enjoyed an entire day of the rock climbing, jousting arena, bungee run, radar pitching, bounce house, giant slide, Velcro wall, obstacle course and snow cones.

We operate daily the School Store, which is located across the hall from the office. The students enjoy shopping in the mornings for that cool pencil or REL shirt everyone is wearing. We offer basic school supplies, REL sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, hats, flags, tags and so much more.

REL students love to shop, especially for Christmas and Mother's Day. ABC has an annual Santa Shop, held in December, providing the students with an opportunity to buy gifts for their family members and friends. At our Mother's Day Sale, held in May, the students can find that special gift for their mother, grandmother or special person. Both are held in the Library. Gifts range from $1.00-$5.00.

We meet the 4th Friday of each month.  The only exceptions are during weeks that we are on school break.  You can always check REL's home page for the next meeting. We are looking forward to having you join our discussions. Realizing we all have hectic schedules, I am including our volunteer form. If you are willing to assist on a committee and/or volunteer for one or more of our '06-'07 events, but are unable to attend our meeting, please fill out our volunteer form. You may leave this form in the office.

Wishing you and your child many enjoyable years at Robert E. Lee Academy.

 

Tiletha Lane

ABC Chair