CENTER CONNECTIONS

Center for Inquiry Volume 15 Issue 8

www. richland2/cfi.org October 8, 2010

Celebrations, Connections, & Challenges

by Dr. Lyn Mueller
Last night I carried out my recyclables and my trash. It was dark and hard to see. As always, I
tried to make sure to separate everything before I went out but that doesn’t always happen.
During the process, I have a tendency to talk to myself and give myself directions . . . “O.K. Card-
board goes in this bin. Cereal boxes and tag board goes in this one because Richland County does-
n’t take it but I can carry that to the Blythewood Recycling Center. Cans and plastic bottles go in
this one; but only if they’re no. 1 or no. 2; otherwise, they go in a different container. Richland
County doesn’t do glass either but I can separate the clear from the green and brown glass when
I get up there. Wait. . There’s a fip top on that can. Pull that off and put it in your pocket to go to CFI. Don’t
forget that it’s in your pocket. Hmm, somebody put cans in the bin with tops still on them. Don’t they know
better? Don’t worry about which one is a Coke point and which one is not right now, just pull them all off and take
them all inside. I wonder if I remembered to cut out the Box Top for Education label before my husband threw
away the wrapper from the package of toilet paper? Agghhh! Even taking the trash out is getting complicated.”

Does that sound familiar? The other day one of our grandparents said to me, “I wasn’t sure what ya’ll collected
so I just brought it all.” What a great idea! Allow us to simplify recycling just a little bit for you. Have one jar,
box, or baggie with everything that CFI collects in it, bring it to school when it’s full, drop it off, and we’ll sepa-
rate everything for you. If you’re not sure, put it in there anyway. We’ll see that it gets recycled if possible or
thrown away if not. We can’t help with glass versus plastic or cardboard versus tag board but we can make bring-
ing those things that you collect for CFI easy for you. Thanks for taking the time to collect them!
We Collect. . .
Box Tops for Education
Flip tops from cans
Grocery bags for Harvest Hope
Bottle caps from Coke products with Coke points
All other bottle caps for cancer treatments

THOUGHT For The WEEK:

The World is Our Classroom

NOTES & REMINDERS

Oct. 14 Curriculum Night 6:30 until 7:30 PM
Oct. 21 Fall Pictures (info to come)
Oct. 22 Teacher In-service
Oct. 29 Fall Festival starts at 1:15
Oct. 29 4th & 5th grade overnight lock-in (info to come)
Nov. 13 CFI Yard Sale

Richland School District 2 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, handicap or disability in admission to access to treatment in or employment
in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies should be made to: Director of Human Resources, 6831 Brookfield Rd, Columbia, SC, 29206, 738-3284.
 MENU for THIS WEEK:

Mon: Taco Pie w/Spanish Rice

Tues: BBQ Sandwich
Wed: Chicken Stir-Fry w/”not” Fried Rice & Eggroll
Thurs: Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce & Breadsticks
Fri: Dunker Duos—Chicken Fries & Cheese-filled Breadsticks

*Please note that the menu for CFI’s lunches are selections from the middle school lunch menu.
Only one of the two entrées is listed above. We are working to Sodexo to publish a CFI menu on
the district website or for our distribution that is accurate for your to use at home. Thank you
for being patient as we try to work out the details.

Notes from Health Screening

We appreciate all of the volunteers who helped us with Health Screening
this week. Two notes to pass along: Many of the students remembered the
last time that the district nurses came to CFI and were afraid that they
were getting flu shots so they weren’t real anxious to step up to have their
eyes examined or their hearing tested. Also, one kindergartener after lis-
tening to the morning announcements proudly proclaimed that beginning at
8:30 we were all to be sure to “help screaming“. So, thanks to everyone
who helped with screaming!

Mark Your Calendar for CFI’s Fall Yard Sale

Last spring CFI’s family yard sale was such a success that many families have asked us to hold
a fall and a spring yard sale. It’s simple. You bring your stuff and CFI supplies the tables and
chairs. Reserve a table for a $20 donation to the Annual Fund and then you keep the proceeds!
The Yard Sale will take place on Sat. Nov. 13th from 7:30 AM until 11:00 AM in the parking
lot in front of the school with set-up beginning at 6:30 AM. We’ll bring out the tables at 6:30
and keep the parking lot open until 7:30 so that you can pull up your car or truck near your table.
You’ll have plenty of space around your table for larger items that you wish to
place directly on the ground. While you are welcome to sell baked goods, we
request that you not sell beverages. The CFI Annual Fund table will sell bottled
water, coffee, and hot chocolate.
At our Yard Sale last spring, we raised $440 for our Annual Fund and eve-
ryone who purchased a table came away with a profit! We also had a lot of fun.
 CFI and BEYOND. . .
For additional information about happenings in the
Northeast area be sure to watch R2TV.

CONSERVATION STATION WORKSHOP

Friday, October 22, 3:30-4:30 pm
Wildlife: Animal Spoor What is "spoor" and what does it tell us about local wildlife? Make-and-
take craft included. $2 per child; recommended for children ages 6-12. Space is limited; register
in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 803-459-3212, e-mail carolinachil-
drensgarden@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.carolinachildrensgarden.org.

CAROLINA CHILDREN'S GARDEN WORKSHOP

Saturday, October 23, 9-11 am
Garden Chemistry Quick! What does pH mean? Explore the concept of pH with a fun chemistry
experiment and discover what pH has to do with gardening. $2 per child; recommended for chil-
dren ages 6-12. Space is limited; register in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Call 803-459-3212, e-mail carolinachildrensgarden@gmail.com, or visit our website at
www.carolinachildrensgarden.org

View the full fall schedule at www.carolinachildrensgarden.org and find details about scheduling a
special program for your class or small group. Please read the information in the "About" section
carefully before attending a program.
 Trick or Trunk!!!
Mark your calendar! On Sunday, Oct. 24, from 4 - 6 p.m., Richland Northeast High School will
host its annual TRICK OR TRUNK festival. Come dressed in your favorite costume and get treats
from the trunks of cars decorated in Disney movie themes. THIS PART IS FREE!

A festival will have bounce houses, mask painting, a cupcake walk, carnival games, carriage rides,
cotton candy and more! Tickets will be needed to participate in each of these activities. The cost
of each ticket is two canned goods. Bring plenty of canned goods and plan to spend the afternoon
with us! All canned goods will go to God's Storehouse to help our community! Questions? Call
Janet Bush at 699-2800 ext 79812 or email: jbush@richland2.org

'Beauty and the Beast' Oct. 14-17*

The Palmetto Center for the Arts Theatre Department will kick off its 2010 - 11 season with the
Disney musical "Beauty and the Beast." Performances will take place on October 14 - 16 at 7:30
p.m. and on October 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students (school ID required) and $7 for
adults. Tickets are also available online at www.districtauditorium.org and the door.

Sunday’s matinee will be followed by Mrs. Potts’ Tea Party in the Richland Northeast High School
Science Atrium. The event will include pastries and desserts and, of course, tea; attendees will be
able to have their picture made with the cast. Tickets for the Tea Party are $15 each and include
admission to the show as well as to the tea party.
For information, contact Donna Wilson 699.2800 ext. 79833. PCA is one of Richland Northeast
High School's four magnet programs and focuses on professional-level training in the arts.
*Events will be held at the District Auditorium on the campus of Richland Northeast High School
at 7500 Brookfield Road.
 Adult Education Classes Now Enrolling
The Adult Education Program of Richland School District Two is enrolling for Fall
2010. Interested residents need to register for classes at the W. R. Rogers Adult,
Continuing, and Technology Education Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. For more
information, call (803) 736-8787, ext.317 or visit the center’s Web site: http://
www2.richland2.org/tech/RogersCenter/

Classes offered this session:

Classes to complete High School diploma requirements
Students may take classes to complete their high school diploma requirements
8:30-10:30 a.m., 10:35 a.m. -12:35 p.m. or 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday through
Thursday and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

GED Test Preparation

This course prepares students to take the GED test. Students 17 years of age
and older that have earned 16 credits towards a high school diploma may com-
plete their diploma requirements. Classes meet Monday – Thursday from 8:30 -
10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thurs-
day. The course fee is $50 for 10 weeks/ $65 for 15 weeks.

Adult Basic Education

Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:35 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

WorkKeys Career Readiness

This course evaluates and prepares students for jobs that use Workkeys assess-
ment for employment. Classes meet on Thursdays, 10:35 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. or
Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. There is no charge for this course.

English as a Second Language

Classes are for non-English speaking adults and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 6-8 p.m.

Introduction to Computers
The beginner course is the perfect starting point with a personal computer. Learn
basic computer skills such as how to use a mouse to navigate around the desk-
top. The class allows plenty of practice time to build confidence. Classes will
meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:20 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Nov. 3 - Dec. 26. The
cost is $75 and $40 for seniors 60 years of age and over. Class size is limited to
10 people.

Introduction to Computers II
This class is for persons who have completed the Introduction to Computer Class
and would like to further their training. It will address special concerns and build
confidence and skills. To enroll, applicants must have completed Introduction to
Computers. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., Nov. 4- Dec. 9.
The cost is $75 and $40 for seniors 60 years of age and over. Class size is limited
to 10 people.
 Richland County Sheriff’s Department
“The mission of the Richland County Sheriff's Department is to
improve the quality of life for all citizens by maintaining a high
standard of professional accountability and reducing the fear of
crime.

As your Sheriff, my primary objective is to include, not exclude, all citizens in creating
safer communities. We have enjoyed success in achieving this goal, simply because of the
willingness of the community to be involved and the proactive community policing pro-
grams the Department has. Education, awareness, and aggressive enforcement of the law
all represent the cornerstone of the Sheriff’s Department’s mission. With your continued
help, we will maintain our ultimate objective of “Building Unity in the Community. This
is why I am asking for your help.

October is National Crime Prevention Month -- We need citizens of all ages to become
educated, become more aware, and become more involved in preventing crime and cap-
turing criminals. The Sheriff’s Department has FREE tools, tips, and services that can
help you reduce your chances of becoming a victim. In communities across the nation,
individuals, neighborhoods, and organizations will be celebrating crime prevention all
month long. If you or your neighborhood hasn’t been actively involved with crime pre-
vention, now is the time to get started. However, if you have initiated those efforts, I
would like to congratulate you on taking the first step. Now it is time to show your stuff
and attract new partners in this fight against crime. We want to send the message to the
criminals that we are united and will not tolerate crime in our neighborhoods.

National Crime Prevention Month is a reminder that it is never too late to get in-
volved. The more involved you are the safer our communities will be. At a bare mini-
mum be a nosey neighbor 365 days a year. At a maximum report all suspicious activity,
start a crime watch, and be a community leader in fighting crime. Please contact the
Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Action Team to receive FREE
crime prevention tips and training classes that can be held for businesses or community
groups. Please contact us to receive FREE services at 803-576-3118 or go to
www.rcsd.net .

Whatever manner you choose to get involved in crime prevention, always remember that
what you’re doing helps keep your neighborhood safe. After all, crime prevention is eve-
ryone’s business!”