On behalf of the faculty and staff of Buist Academy, I am happy to officially welcome new and returning families to the 2020-2021 academic year! It has been exciting seeing our students during LEAP days and the first week of school. While some things may look and feel a little different, students remain our number one priority, regardless of the instructional setting.

We have started this year differently than anyone could have imagined. There have been countless hours spent planning and preparing for a safe return. We will continue to rise to the challenge and make the most of this school year. We ask that you join us in being respectful, kind, and resilient, as we work to support the academic and social-emotional success of all children.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s academic journey. We look forward to a year filled with magical moments!

Sincerely,

Shawntay White

Principal

Buist Academy will be admitting additional in-person students. We are only admitting students with an in-person preference selected by August 28.

All 1st and 2nd-grade students were given the option for in-person instruction before August 28. At this time, we will not be adding any additional students from those grade-levels.

Starting September 14, we will be adding additional students from grades 3-6. When students arrive, we will direct them to the correct location.

We will be adding additional 7th and 8th-grade students Monday, September 21. Parents will be contacted to confirm in-person preferences by Friday, September 18.

Based on our projected enrollment, we are at approximately 38% of our student population. With the increase, we will be at approximately 63% of our student population, with full class sizes.

Adjustments and instructional modifications may be needed to accommodate additional students. We will let you know when or if these modifications are needed.

This may include:

• Temporary or Permanent In-Person and Temporary Remote Teacher Changes

• Small group independent work outside of the regular classroom (small pull-out groups)

• Hybrid A/B rotations within the school setting

• Turning non-instructional locations into classrooms to accommodate large groups

• Teachers teaching in-person and at home temporary remote students at the same time

We will work to keep students safe, monitor, and adjust as needed.

Click here for more on CCSD expanding services for students.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently extended a waiver that allows every child age 18 and younger to get free school breakfast and lunch through December 31, 2020. This means children and families will have one less thing to worry about as they adjust to evolving in-school and remote learning scenarios.

Simply put, this means that ALL CCSD students can now eat breakfast and lunch for free (in every school) until the end of 2020.

Please encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity.

Masks are required in all CCPL buildings and occupancy limits for the Main building and children's (15) and teen's area (6).

We also ask patrons to limit the length of their stay to an hour. More information is available on our website at ccpl.org.

For the comfort and safety of your children, please review the policy for children visiting any Charleston County Public Library as well as the hours of operation (please note closing times on Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

The safety and well-being of children left unattended in a public building is of serious concern. Children left alone may become frightened, anxious, or bored. Older children cannot be expected to care for a younger child who is frightened, tired or ill. Library staff have many public duties and cannot serve as caregivers.

We ask your cooperation in the following areas as we strive to make the library a welcoming and accessible place for your child.

1. Children five years old and younger must always be accompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver 16 years old or older.

2. Children six to eight years old must have a parent or responsible caregiver 16 years old or older in the building at all times.

3. Children nine years old and older are responsible for their own behavior in the library and must follow library rules and regulations. Any child nine or older who is left unattended must have a means of contacting his/her parent or guardian.

4. The library staff will attempt to contact parents of children whose safety is in doubt. If parents are unavailable, the library staff and/or the security guard will contact the police department to provide custody.

5. If any child under 18 has not been picked up at closing, the Library will contact the police to provide custody.

Main Library Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 2 - 5 p.m.