The BIG News: November 2024
Hello Bigs and Families! Get ready for the 🎁 holiday season❄️ with two festive events just for you! Join us for the FREE BBBSL Holiday Party at the Festival of Lights on November 15—register now to reserve your spot for an enchanting evening! Then, don’t miss the BIG Lowcountry Boil on December 7 at Holy City Brewing, ft. delicious food, crisp brews, outdoor fun for all ages, and an exciting silent auction. We can’t wait to see you!
Register: November/December Match Activities And Events
We are delighted to invite you and your family to join us for holiday festivities! Registration is free and simple – ensure that EACH person attending the party registers. We will take care of the rest!
REGISTER FOR OUR FREE HOLIDAY PARTY!
WHEN: Friday, November 15, from 6-9 PM
WHERE: The Wappoo Shelter at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
WHAT TO EXPECT: pizza, hot cocoa, s’mores, games, holiday crafts
WHAT TO WEAR: Your favorite holiday outfit!
The Festival of Lights is FREE to access for anyone who attends the party.
GET YOUR BIG LOWCOUNTRY BOIL TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT! ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!
Enjoy a fun-filled day with the whole family! We’ll have a DJ, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and a fantastic silent auction. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping us serve more kids in our community!
An Update from The Big Beyond
The BIG Beyond Scholars at James Island Charter High School are well into their second quarter and making significant strides — both in academics and outside of school. Check out some of the BIG Beyond program highlights from the 2024-2025 school year:
- 👩🎓 54 Scholars enrolled
- 🎓 Test Prep Speaker Series led by Dr. Kerise Broome of the JICHS English Department helped prepare students for the types of questions on the SAT, ACT, and similar college entrance exams.
- 🏛️ 1st BIG Beyond College Tour Experience! 17 Scholars participated, gaining insights into HBCU culture and exploring college and career options post-graduation. They visited the SC State House, the University of South Carolina, and Benedict College.
- 🎭 Moja Arts Septima Performance Scholars attended Septima, a powerful play about Mrs. Septima Poinsette Clark. Clark was honored as “The Mother of the Movement” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The play chronicled her life and dedication to educational equality, especially for Black teachers and students in Charleston and Johns Island, SC.
These experiences foster excitement and readiness among Scholars for college and future careers!
November Safety Focus
It’s essential for Bigs to help Littles feel confident and safe in the online world. If your Little ever mentions that a stranger has reached out to them online, encourage them to speak openly about the interaction with you or another trusted adult. Reassure them that it’s okay to be cautious online and that talking about any messages or interactions that make them feel uncomfortable is the right thing to do.
To start a conversation, ask gentle questions, such as “Have you ever had anyone reach out online that you didn’t know?” or “What would you do if you saw something online that felt ‘off’?” This can open the door to an honest discussion and help Littles understand that asking for help is a strong choice.
Remind them of trusted adults they can turn to if they ever feel uneasy about online encounters, including family members, school counselors, or mentors like yourself. Remember that you can always reach out to your Match Coordinator for support navigating sensitive topics.