ENROLLMENT

What distinguishes BVES from other elementary school in Greenville County?

Our staff, students and family support. 

What should I do before my child starts Kindergarten? 

Kindergarten enrollment starts in December for the next school year.  We recommend that you pre-enroll your rising 5K student early!  The first step is to register your student online using the Backpack application tool.  You will need to have the following to enroll:

 (1) Students’ Birth Certificate;

 (2) SC Immunization Record or Religious Exemption Certificate;

 (3) Two current Proofs of Residency: such as a lease or mortgage statement or two current (within 30 days) utility bills that list your name and residential street address; and 

 (4) Your Photo ID 

** There may be additional forms needed depending on your specific situation. **  Please visit https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=enrollment for detailed information and a tutorial video for how to register using Backpack. 

I am new to Greenville County.  How do I enroll my student(s)? 

If you are new to GCSD, you will need to  register your student(s) online using the Backpack application tool.  You will need to have the following to enroll:

(1) Students’ Birth Certificate;

(2) SC Immunization Record or Religious Exemption Certificate;

(3) Two current Proofs of Residency: such as a lease or mortgage statement or two current (within 30 days) utility bills that list your name and residential street address; and 

(4) Your Photo ID 

** There may be additional forms needed depending on your specific situation. **  Please visit https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=enrollment for detailed information and a tutorial video for how to register using Backpack.

What vaccinations are required? 

Students must meet the South Carolina DHEC vaccination requirements and provide either a SC DHEC Immunization Record or a Medical/Religious Exemption form.  Please see https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=immunization

What’s the student-teacher ratio? 

This is different for each grade level:

Kindergarten 1:25

1st 1:16

2nd-3rd 1:23

4th and 5th 1:26

How is the process of assigning the kids for the next school year?

Greenville County School District (GCSD) has a helpful tool on their front webpage that details zoning for specific addresses.  If you are already registered for Buena Vista and have not moved, you will be automatically re-enrolled for the next school year.  All new enrollments are required to submit two current Proofs of Residency (within 30 days) that list the enrolling parents’ name and the residential street address.

ATTENDANCE

What are the attendance rules for BVES? 

If your child is absent, send in a Parent Note or a Medical Excuse on the day your student returns or use the Attendance Link on the BVE website on the Parents Tab: 

https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/bvista/main.asp?titleid=attendance  

You may have (10) Parent Notes in a school year.  After (10) Parent Notes, you MUST have a Medical Excuse for each new absence. Family Travel is not excused. After (3) consecutive unexcused absences, or (5) total unexcused absences, your child is TRUANT.  You will start to receive Truancy notices from the school districts’ automated phone service. You MUST send in documentation for the absences.

What should I do when my child is going to miss school? 

Email the teacher and call the front office.  If your child goes to the doctor, please ask for a Medical Excuse. Please visit the BVE Attendance Tab and review the information.  You can also submit an excuse online. The link is highlighted on the Attendance Tab.

https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/bvista/main.asp?titleid=attendance

LUNCH

Can I eat lunch with my child?

Yes! Just check in with your driver’s license at the office and meet the class in the cafeteria.  Outside food is allowed.

Are there any rules around eating lunch with my child?

No. 

What are breakfast options? 

Breakfast is free for all students: Students can pick between breakfast pizza, different type of biscuits, cinnamon rolls, cereal, and yogurt parfait. For a menu of each day, please visit https://gcsfans.com/.

What are lunch options, and how much does it typically cost? 

Please visit https://gcsfans.com/ to see the current cost of lunch and to view/print monthly menus.

What are the “extras” my student can buy at lunch and how does that work?

There are extra snacks, desserts, and drinks that students can buy at lunch (selections vary).  Students must have money on their lunch account to purchase these.  You may check with your child’s teacher to see if they have set any restrictions on when extras are allowed.  

How can I add money to my child’s ID for lunch?

There are two options: 

(1) Create an account on www.myschoolbucks.com

**This will also allow you to see how your child is spending their money (snacks, ice cream, etc.) **

(2) Send in cash/check in a sealed envelope CLEARLY LABELED with your student’s name & teacher

Can I bring in treats for my child’s birthday?

No.  Children are recognized the last Friday of their birthday month by the PTA.  Please DO NOT bring cupcakes, cookies or any other treats to the school.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

How do the car lines work?

Here is a helpful video for our Morning Car Line: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f8cc69gRPxwQrQUNJQya_MGnAczRKLid/view?usp=drivesdk 

Here is a helpful video for our Afternoon Car Line:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQtQ_UIv1vvrCV4pxWVnUaYiKDJL6y8o/view?usp=sharing 

What time are kids dismissed? Why do I need a QR code?

School dismisses at 2:15pm.  You MUST have the car tag so that the QR code can be scanned, and your child’s name will appear on the Promethean board in their classroom.

Can I change transportation mode on a short notice? And how?

If you have a short change of notice please call the front office. You MUST also send in an email to the teacher and front office authorizing the dismissal change.  This is for the safety of your child.  The teachers’ phones do not ring during the day and they may not see their email. The front office will contact the teacher. 

What are the drop off and pick up options in Buena Vista?   What are available transportation modes? 

We have students arrive and leave school in many different ways. 

To School: Car, Bus, Walker

From School: Car, Bus, Walker, Daycare, Van, EDP (Extended Day Program)

ACADEMICS

Where do I find my child’s schedule? 

You can usually find this on the teacher’s website and on the Backpack app: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=bpenrollment

How can I tell how well my child is doing in school?

Student’s grades should come home every week in their Tuesday folder. Also, you can find their grades in Backpack. Through Backpack you can also see your child’s previous grades and standardized test scores. 

What is the Challenge Program at Buena Vista?

Challenge is an enrichment pull-out program designed to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students.                               

Challenge encourages inquiry, flexibility, creativity, and critical thinking.  Challenge integrates the arts and technology, while the curriculum meets both South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards and SC Gifted Goals. Challenge supports grade level standards and instruction, but also extends and goes beyond what students receive in the regular classroom.  If you have additional questions, please reach out to Jessica Moore (jlmoore@greenville.k12.sc.us). 

What is MLL? How does it work?

Multiple Lingual Learners:  Students are assessed on their English acquisition and then receive services based on their performance. 

How do you support children with different learning styles and needs?

Students received differentiation within their general education classroom.  Students that need more assistance can receive intervention.  

PARENT SUPPORT

What can I do at home to help my child succeed in school?

Greenville County Schools places high emphasis upon attendance.  We believe that through regular attendance your child will best benefit from the academic programs we have to offer him/her in this district. South Carolina law stipulates that after three (3) consecutive unexcused absences or five (5) cumulative unexcused absences a child is truant. 

As a parent, how can I be more actively involved with BVES?

Attending the monthly PTA meetings is a great way to learn about things going on in the school and ways to get involved. Also, you can fill out the volunteer interest form at the beginning of the year and you will be contacted about volunteer opportunities you are interested in.  You can also email ptabuenavista@gmail.com and a PTA member can point you in the right direction.

What are the volunteer options for parents?

There are MANY!  Please visit the PTA website (www.bvpta.net), subscribe to the weekly Newsflash (at the bottom of the PTA website), or reach out to the PTA by emailing ptabuenavista@gmail.com.

How can I participate/chaperone on a field trip with my child?

First, you will need to register as a Volunteer 2.  You can begin that process by going to https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=volunteers.  Teachers usually send out information for each field trip as to how many chaperones are needed and the process for selection.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Do you have an After School Program at Buena Vista?  What are the details? 

Buena Vista offers an Extended Day Program (EDP) for grades K5-5 every weekday from 2:30- 6. Please reach out to AHeitman@greenville.k12.sc.us if you need additional information regarding pricing and procedures, or if have any questions. 

What are the after-school programs/options?

The extended day program (EDP) is an option for after school. Day Cares that pick up from Buena Vista currently are: 

Greenville Martial Arts, YMCA, Primrose, Minds in Motion, Four Winds, KinderCare, Precious Jewels, Coast to Coast, Big Blue Marble, Gilmore Prep, Sunshine House, Cadence Academy, La Petite, and Giggles

MISCELLANEOUS

I signed up to paint the rock. Now how do I actually paint it?

Acrylic paint! Spray paint is usually easiest for doing the background. You will need 3-4 cans depending on your color and the color that was there before. If you’re doing a light color it’s very helpful to do a layer of white before putting on your color. Then use acrylic paint for letters/pictures. If it’s raining it’s helpful to bring a towel to dry off the rock and a tailgate tent to put over the rock while you paint and while the paint dries.  

What is the best way for my child to visit/make purchases from the school store? 

Students should ask their teacher when they arrive.  The school store is open in the mornings from 7:15am to 7:45am.