Dutch Fork Elementary
Academy of Environmental Sciences - Week of April 24th -
DFES Beliefs
- We believe all people deserve to feel safe, valued, and loved.
- We believe all children are naturally curious about the world around them.
- We believe learning is a social process.
- We believe inquiry fosters an environment of noticing and questioning.
- We believe in learning from multiple perspectives.
- We believe in learning from authentic primary and secondary sources.
- We believe in encouraging learners to be risk takers.
- We believe reflection should lead to change and growth.
- We believe learning should lead to social action.
- We believe our actions should be aligned with our beliefs.
Shout Outs
- DFES Mentor Jane Pierce was selected as the Most Outstanding Mentor 2017 (elementary level) during our district's Community Involvement Celebration that was held Tuesday. Mrs. Pierce is a longtime DFES mentor who is absolutely committed to a life of service and giving back.
- M. Drayton, N. Jefferson, K. Hill, T. Randolph, J. Goforth, and K. Donald for serving as cooperating teachers for our USC interns this spring. We are thankful that they made space for these educators and to learn with and from them. Friday was the last day for our USC interns.
- A. Umberger for her leadership in planning and executing Envirofest 2017. Additional thanks to A. Newman. S. Cope, M. Creech, E. Perkins, K. Tisdale, S. Gentry, J. Garrett, N. Jefferson, H. Reit, M. Whittaker, our PTO board members, and our many business partners.
- Professor Clara Jones, mother of N. Riley, a 2nd grader in S. Copeland's class. Professor Jones brought along 25 of her biology majors to complete a service learning project with the entire second grade class. Together students explored owl pellets.
- B. Blackwell, K. Donald, J. Goforth and Amanda White (former 3rd grade teacher here) for joining me as we shared DFES' story of creating a culture of inquiry at our school.
Kindergarten and 5th Grade Field Studies Cancelled Monday
Additionally due to stormy weather here in Columbia tomorrow kindergarten's field study to the zoo has also been cancelled.
Cafeteria staff and related areas please plan accordingly.
Staffing Update
- B. Poore will remain on medical leave for the next six weeks. Pleae continue to keep her in you thoughts. Dr. Lempesis will close out the year in Beth's stead.
- A. Snipe is scheduled to see his phyisican this week. At that time he will get feedback on his return to work. We will keep you posted.
- After 28 years of outstanding service at DFES Connie Prichard will retire at the conclusion of this school year. She is a true historian of DFES that will leave a lasting legacy.
Scott Out of Office
PD Tuesday, April 25th
April 25th is also the 4th Tuesday of the month which is designated for data teams. As a result we will not meet after school as that time will be reserved for teams to meet as necessary.
Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Annual Conference
MSA's annual conference will be held April 26th - April 29 in Los Angeles. The national conference will be hosted by the Los Angeles Unified School District. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the country. It enrolls more than 557,000 students. Currently over 70,000 students attend one of the districts 214 magnet programs.
During the conference, in addtion to visiting LAUSD's award winning magnets schools, there will be numerous professional development sessions that will cater to all magnet school professionals and grade levels. The conference will also feature keynote presentations (one of which will include Manny Scott), and vendor exhibitions. The session strands will focus on the five pillars of magnet schools which includes: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic exellence, high quality instructional systems, and family/community partnerships.
Representing DFES this year will be S. Copeland, T. Randolph, A. Umberger, M. Whittaker, and J. Scott. Attendance to this conference was written into the MSAP grant (federal funds) four years ago for DFES, IMS, IHS, SHHS, and SOES. We look forward to sharing insights gained from this conference.
Learning Celebrations
V. Gustafson's class will lead the 3rd-5th celebration from 1:45-2:00. We look forward to learning from both classes.
Friday, Apr 28, 2017, 08:15 AM
DFES Mini Theater
PTO Bingo Night 2017
Bingo night has traditionally been one of our most well attended school events and we anticipate this year being no different. Our PTO board has been working extremely hard to ensure that this will be a great family event.
Friday, Apr 28, 2017, 06:30 PM
DFES Gym
DFES Volunteer Celebration
Family and community partnerships are critical to the success of our magnet school. We have designated the above mentioned date and time to recognize and thank the volunteers that have impacted our school this year. This will include SIC, PTO, mentors, and our many business partners. We are grateful for those who give of themselves to serve our students and families.
Friday, May 5, 2017, 09:00 AM
DFES Cafeteria
We develop students who care about the world we live in and express critical thinking through natural curiosity and wonder.
Email: jscott@lexrich5.org
Website: www.lexrich5.org/dutchfork/cfm/
Location: 7900 Broad River Road, Irmo, SC, United States
Phone: 803-476-3901
Twitter: @dfes_principal