JBD FRIDAY FOCUS
April 5, 2019 "Embrace the Adventure!"
Remembering the Military Deployed
We Remember
Dear Families,
As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, I want to share my experience. As spouse of a 30 year Navy veteran, I remember the challenges. I remember the long months of deployments, I remember moving 15 times, I remember the anxiety of starting different schools, and I remember the fear of what exactly my husband was doing and where he was at the time. I remember showing my children framed pictures of Daddy and making calendars for his return (no cell phones or much email communication back then!). I also remember the feeling of pride I had, and still have, that my husband was part of a bigger mission, defending and preserving our rights as citizens and ensuring safety.
We have been retired for about 10 years now, but my husband is still supporting the military families through the services from the Navy Exchange Commands and the DECA Commisary. When faced with retirement, he had other options to work in the civilian world, but chose to continue a life of service to the military-out of uniform.
This past weekend, we attended the Navy Supply Corps Birthday Ball in Norfolk. We have been attending these balls for the last 37 years. They are always fun and festive, but there is always the moment remember our fallen comrades and those that are serving in the field. The picture above is the symbolic POW MIA table. The speech below was read aloud to a silent crowd of 200 people. Please take a moment to read this if you haven't ever read or heard of this before. To those of you who know it well, please know, that as the principal at John B. Dey Elementary School, I understand the military challenges and appreciate the service of our over 300 military families.
Sincerely,
Beth Bianchi
POW MIA TABLE
The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony"
As you entered the banquet hall this evening, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them. This Table set for one is small ‐‐ Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors…….. Remember! The Tablecloth is white ‐‐ Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms…….. Remember! he single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades‐in‐arms who keep the faith awaiting their return Remember! The Yellow Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the yellow ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing………….. Remember! The Candle, the candle is lit ‐‐ Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit……….. Remember! A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate………. Remember! There is Salt upon the bread plate ‐‐ Symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait…….... Remember! The Glass is inverted ‐‐ They cannot toast with us this night……….. Remember! The Chair – The chair is empty. They are not here ……. Remember! All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you…………. Remember! Remember! – Until the day they come home,………Remember!......
JBD LOVES OUR MILITARY KIDS!
NEXT WEEK AT DEY
Monday, April 8:
- Report cards go home
- Operation Hero 3:00 - 5:15 (Café)
Tuesday, April 9:
- IPT Testing Grade 4
- PTA Board Meeting 9:30 a.m.
- PTA Tennis (K-2)
Wednesday, April 10:
- Purple up for military kids!
- SCA Meeting 3:00 - 3:45
- Operation Hero 3:00 - 5:15 (Café)
Thursday, April 11:
- PTA Tennis (Gr. 3-5)
April 12 - 19: Spring Break - Enjoy!
LOST AND FOUND
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
For families at the beginning of their educational journeys with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), the division is hosting the annual Kindergarten Registration and School Orientation event, which takes place at Tuesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. at all of the division's elementary schools (with the exception of Newtown and Bettie F. Williams since those schools do not have kindergarten programs).
Parents of children who will be 5-years-old on or before Sept. 30 are invited to attend this event.
While families can register their child for kindergarten any time leading up to the school year, this registration event includes an open house for future students and their parents, tours of the school and an overview of the kindergarten program. Students also will experience a school bus ride for the first time and meet with kindergarten teachers while parents fill out the necessary registration paperwork. Activities may vary by school.
Registration forms are available at www.vbschools.com. In order to register their child for kindergarten, parents need to bring the following documents:
- two proofs of address: 1) a lease agreement/mortgage statement; and 2) a current gas, electric or water bill
- a certified copy of the child's birth certificate
- a physical examination (dated within 12 months prior to starting kindergarten)
- a current immunization report
- two current emergency contact phone numbers
Parents can determine their child's zoned school for kindergarten by visiting the School Locator/Map Center on www.vbschools.com, or by calling their neighborhood school. Detailed registration information and an overview of the kindergarten program can be found on the division's kindergarten registration page, www.vbschools.com.
For more information about kindergarten registration, parents should contact their neighborhood school or the Department of School Leadership at 757-263-1088.
PTA CORNER
PTA EVENTS
April 26-Totally 80s spirit day and Lip Sinc Battle (during lunches)
April 27-Family Fun Fitness Day from 9:00-11:00
We need volunteers to help at every PTA event. To volunteer for PTA events, please register at http://www.jbdpta.my-pta.org
BOOSTERTHON REWARD
JBD reached the Boosterthon fundraising goal and the students have earned the school wide reward!!!! On Friday, April 26 the students and staff can dress in their totally 80s attire and enjoy an 80s Lip sinc battle during lunches.
Family Fun Fitness Day
Bring the whole family to join Mr. K and the JBD PE staff for a fun Spartan style run with activity stations along the run route. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m-11:00 a.m.
HARRIS TEETER is NOW OPEN!!!!!
Be sure to link your VIC Card to John B Dey (#5338-use this number when signing up).COMING SOON
May 8: Happy Nurses Day!
May 8: Spring Concert/PTA General Meeting at 5:30pm; Strings Concert 7 p.m.
CHANGE MADE TO THE 2019-2020 CALENDAR
The School Board approved a change to the 2019-2020 calendar. The staff day, originally scheduled for Monday, March 30, has been moved to Tuesday, March 3. This change was made in order to accommodate schools that serve as polling sites for the Presidential Primary. The new calendar is available on vbschools.com.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
John B. Dey Weekly Family Newsletter
Beth Bianchi
Proud Principal
Email: Elizabeth.Bianchi@vbschools.com
Location: John B Dey Elementary School, North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: 757-648-2440
Twitter: @JbdElem