Sandlapper's Vision
Sandlapper will prepare every student academically, socially, and emotionally to be creative leaders in a global society.
Dr. Whitney Prowell
We will have a new principal when classes resume after winter break. Dr. Whitney Prowell will become the new principal effective January 2, 2023. She will replace the amazing Connie May, who has accepted a position in the Georgetown County School District.
“For the past 14 years, Dr. Prowell has been honing her skills as an educator developing stellar students, teachers and administrators,” Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis said. “As an assistant principal, she has served in numerous roles and taken advantage of professional development opportunities that have helped prepare her to be an outstanding principal.”
Dr. Prowell began her career in 2008 as an educator at Armstrong Elementary School in Greenville County. She joined the Richland Two family a year later as a Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School teacher. Since 2013 Dr. Prowell has served as an Assistant Principal first at Bridge Creek and then at Joseph Keels elementary schools.
Dr. Prowell said, “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve as principal of Sandlapper Elementary. I will work to ensure all Sandlapper Stars continue to thrive in a premier learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I am looking forward to working alongside faculty, staff, families and the community as we encourage our students to reach for the stars.”
Dr. Prowell is the 2022 South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year. In 2012-2013 she was named the Lonnie B. Nelson Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Prowell earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Furman University. She earned a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration, an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.
When you see her at Sandlapper in January, join us in giving her a premier welcome!
One Book, One School
When we return to school in January 2023, our 2nd - 5th graders will begin reading a fictional novel titled The Wild Robot. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is a charming tale of a robot who is washed ashore on an island inhabited only by animals. ROZZUM unit 7134, or Roz, is not designed for the wilderness, but she is programmed with survival instincts and the ability to learn. At first, the other animals call her a monster, but after she adopts an orphaned gosling, she gradually becomes part of the animal community and makes the wilderness her home. The content is very rich and covers many topics, including positive mindsets, stereotypes, acceptance, and violence. Feel free to check this book out from your local library to pre-read it or read along with your child as we progress through the chapters in January.
- Publication Date: April 5, 2016
- Reading Level: Lexile Measure 740L, Scholastic Guided Reading Level R
- Interest Level: Grades 2-5
- Major Awards: The Kirkus Prize 2016 Nominee, Young Readers * ALA Notable Books for Children Nominee–Summer 2016, Fiction * NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children 2017, Honor * New York Public Library 2016 Best Books for Kids, Fiction * Goodreads Choice Awards 2016, Middle Grade & Children’s * Booklist 2016 Editors’ Choice, Books for Youth, Middle Readers, Fiction * ALSC Notable Children’s Books 2017
Directory Information in Parent Portal
Some of you may have received an email from Richland Two regarding your student's directory information. If you initially chose the option to not allow Richland Two to share certain information, such as name and/or photo this means that we at Sandlapper are also not able to include your child in any publications including but not limited to our yearbook, award/promotion programs, Family Night celebrations, honor rolls, etc. If you would like to change your student's choice so we can include your child(ren) in publications, such as the yearbook, watch the video below.
Middle School Magnets/Choice Opportunities
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Richland School District Two has many learning opportunities for students through the Magnet and Choice Program.
If you were unable to attend our virtual Middle School Magnet Assembly, you can access the full recording of the assembly on all the magnet choices from link in the ParentSquare post sent on Wednesday, December 7th.
The magnet/choice application window opened on Monday, December 12th and closes Friday, January 25th at 5pm. For more information including frequently asked questions and a a schedule of school information nights, please visit the Choice Program page. Using the online Choice Application, parents may apply each January and May for placement that will take effect the following school year.
Thanks.
Megan Allen
Sandlapper School Counselor
22-23 Middle School Magnet Program Information.
Click HERE for more information.
Middle School Magnets Shadowing Days and Tours.
Click HERE for more information.
If you have a change of transportation for your child(ren), please complete the 2022-2023 Transportation Change Form prior to 2pm on the requested day. Changes in transportation will not be received after 2pm. If you would like to check your student out early, please be sure to complete the form prior to 2pm.
Richland Two has provided resources about Free/Reduced Lunch.
* For detailed information about the program including instructions for how to apply: https://www.smore.com/
* If no information is needed, but families simply wish to create an account and apply online: https://family.titank12.com/
* To apply using a paper application: Paper applications must be sent to
Richland 2 Support Service Center
ATTN: Nicole Holley-Burns
124 Risdon Way
Columbia, SC 29223
ParentSquare is our new unified communications platform that will replace Blackboard. It offers a whole host of tools that allows district, school administrators, and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.
Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:
- Receive messages from the school via email, text, or app notification
- Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 pm
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Direct message teachers and staff
- Participate in group messages
- Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
If you have questions or need assistance with ParentSquare, please contact Ms. Dinkins at kdinkins@richland2.org. She is happy to help!
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If you haven't joined our awesome PTO yet, no worries. Click here!
While the Holiday season is a time for joy, community, and, connection, this time of year can also bring an increased sense of stress and grief. Join Richland Two's Restorative Practices Trainers to talk about matters of the heart and ways we can navigate holiday stressors as we prepare for the New Year. Childcare will be provided for the first 15 families to sign up. If you have any questions, please email: ditaylor@richland2.org.
