The purpose of this website is to keep you up to date with all that is going on at Brennen Elementary School and to keep you informed about all the ways you can get involved in the Parent Teacher Organization.
From Principal Shea
Dear Brennen Parents and Guardians,
Where did the summer go? I certainly hope all of you took advantage of the family time this summer. We are looking forward to what will be a new and exciting year for all at Brennen. I look forward to working with your family to continue Brennen Elementary’s success.
Please make sure you have completed the Returning Student Verification through PowerSchool. If you need assistance with your PowerSchool login and password, please contact Ms. Wilson at 803.738.7208. If you have not completed the Returning Student Verification form, a teacher has not been assigned to your child. This task will need to be completed along with providing your up-to-date residency during the Back to School Bash in the library. Make sure you sign up for the PTO Brennen Blast email newsletter by going to www.brennenpto.org. You may also follow PTO news on Twitter @BrennenElemPTO or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/brennenelementarypto Instagram @brennenbulldogs.
When your family arrives back to Brennen this year, you will notice our entire school was painted. In addition, you will notice some new faces. We welcome the following new staff members to the Brennen Family.
• Caroline McManus-5th Grade Teacher
• Laura Hudson-3rd Grade Teacher
• Katherine Ketaner-4th Grade Teacher
• Tiffany Lide-ID Moderate Teacher
• Alvena Lawton-ID Moderate Instructional Assistant
• Julia Harris-Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Our doors open daily at 7:00 AM for students. We will shut and secure all exterior doors at 7:30 AM daily. Any student who arrives after 7:30 AM will be considered tardy and a parent/guardian MUST sign them in with Ms. Wilson, our database clerk. Her office is to the right once you enter the second set of double doors. Her direct line is (803)738-7208 if you have any questions regarding attendance. Dismissal will begin at 2:30 PM each day. There will be NO EARLY DISMISSAL AFTER 1:45. All dismissals prior to 1:45 will be handled in Ms. Wilson’s office. The front office must be notified of any changes to a student’s dismissal. The office will pass the change information to the classroom teacher.
Car rider tags will NEED to be displayed on the rearview mirror during pick-up each afternoon. This will help speed up the efficiency of the car rider lines. If you have your car tag from last year, you may use it again this year!
In addition, the back gate to Datura Road will be open each morning at 7:15 AM and again for dismissal. The gate will be locked during the day.
The YMCA will again be offering after-care at Brennen. Click https://columbiaymca.org/afterschool
Please scroll down and click on Brennen. If you have any questions about/for the YMCA, please contact Natalie Woods at 803-799-9187.
Walkers will be dismissed similarly to last school year. Ms. Wilson will walk students across Devereaux Road to be signed out. If your child intends to be a walker this year, please complete the Walk Home
Permission Form. Your child is not allowed to walk without this completed form. Parents will not be allowed to park their cars to pick up car riders.
I am looking forward to having all new and veteran parents and guardians at Brennen. Remember it takes a village to educate our students. If there is anything I can do to help you and/or your child, please let me know. We are going to have a great year!
Sincerely,
Mark Shea
From the Presidents
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Brennen Elementary! We are excited to be the Presidents of the Parent Teacher Organization this year and look forward to working with you so we can continue to serve our amazing teachers, students, and administrators.
Our teachers and administrators went above and beyond last year, leading our children through unprecedented times. They are excited and ready to start a new year, and we need to support them with the educational materials, resources, and supplies they need. By joining the PTO and being supportive of our efforts, you are making this possible. PTO funds were recently used to install two new Pre-K and Kindergarten playgrounds that were very much needed. This year will still look different, and there is still uncertainty in terms of volunteers inside the school building, special events, and fundraising, which means will need your involvement, flexibility, and creative thinking more than ever before.
The best way to stay in touch is by signing up for our email newsletters. You can do so by using the sign-up form at the bottom of this page. Our PTO website, Facebook page, and Twitter as well as Brennen’s Instagram will also feature information about our efforts and activities throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out to us or board members at any time. We cannot wait to work with you to make this a wonderful year for our children and teachers!
Marianna Cartin and Katie Atkinson
2021-2021 PTO Presidents
Join the PTO
We encourage all parents and teachers to join the Brennen PTO. All contributions go toward funding extra items for the school to make it a better place for your children.
Become a Business Sponsor
Brennen’s business sponsors offer a way for Brennen parents and local community members to support the school through their businesses. With more than 850 children, numerous committed parents and many dedicated teachers and staff, we truly value and need your financial support.