DISCOVERY DETAILS
April 21, 2023
Contact Information
Email: email.disco@vansd.org
Website: https://disco.vansd.org/
Location: 800 East 40th Street, Vancouver, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 313-3300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverymiddleschoolvancouver
Twitter: @discowhipple
CALENDAR DATES
4/25- 4/27 SBA Testing
4/27 Coffee with the Principal
4/28 Spring Fling Dance @ 6:00
5/9- 5/11 SBA Testing
6/20 Updated last day of school
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
Although the weather hasn't felt much like spring yet, springtime is upon us! This means our calendar is busy with track, state testing, the spring fling and end of the year planning. Thank you to all parents who attended our Spring Conferences. At this point, all students have forecasted for their classes next year. We will soon be working on assigning staff positions for next year and building our schedule. As we move closer to the end of the year, stay tuned for information about yearbooks, field days, the talent show and our 8th grade recognition ceremony.
SBA
Students will be on a testing schedule April 25-27 and May 9-11. Students will take the Smarter Balanced State Assessment in classes for the first 2 hours of the school day on these dates. All students will take assessments in Reading and Math. 8th graders will also take a Science assessment. Students will need to make sure they have their fully charged laptop with them at school on this date (and every day!). Students will need to put their cell phones, bluetooth devices, iWatches, etc. into their backpacks against a wall during testing.
COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
Our next Coffee with the Principal meeting is on April 27, 2023 from 2:30pm-3:30pm. Counselors will be there to answer parent questions. Light refreshments and coffee provided. A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be provided.
SPRING FLING DANCE
We will be hosting our next dance, “The Spring Fling” next Friday, April 28th. It will begin after school from 6:00 - 8:00. Students should leave school grounds after school and return no earlier than 6:00 to attend. Each student attending the dance must fill out a signed permission slip and bring it back to the front office. Only students who attend Discovery will be allowed in, no guests from other schools will be allowed. Students will also be required to bring their Student ID and ticket in order to get in. Small snacks and drinks will be provided. It is suggested that students dress with formal wear but is not required. We hope to see you there!
MATH PATHWAYS INFORMATION
Math builds on itself. This means future success in higher level math courses is dependent on a deep understanding of, and ability to apply beginning-math concepts. For this reason, it is important that concepts are taught in a certain order – math pathways – and that the student learns, understands and retains previous math knowledge. Please see click here for more information.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
We will be honoring our staff May 1-5 during Staff Appreciation Week. If you get a chance to send a quick email to a staff member to share your appreciation, it would mean so much to our hardworking staff!
FETANYL AWARENESS FORUM
On May 10th from 2:30- 4:00, Dr. Fischer is coming to Discovery to conduct a presentation for parents about Fentanyl. Please join us. A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be provided.
JEDI COMMUNITY NIGHT
Discovery is having a Multicultural Night on Wednesday, May 17th 5:00-7:00 PM. If you would like to perform there is a maximum of 10 minutes per group/person. If you would like to volunteer, share aspects part of your culture, or have another idea please list here. If you have questions, please contact Katie Ronning (associate principal) at Discovery. Save the date to join us! Dinner will be served.
PTO INFORMATION
Spring Fling Dance
Discovery Students are having a Spring Fling!
Our amazing leadership students are planning an all school spring dance on Friday, April 28th from 6-8pm at the school. We are looking for chaperones and volunteers to bring individually wrapped snacks for the students. Please use this link to sign up: https://signup.com/go/fxDMoMn
If you would like to volunteer is a chaperone, volunteer clearance through school district is required. Apply for clearance here: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NTY1OmVuLVVT#
Thank you for your support!
Spring Pledge Drive
The PTO has kicked off our Spring Pledge Drive and we need your help. Please use the link to visit the fundraising page, you can search for your student and make a donation on their behalf! It’s a grade level competition and the grade that raises the most money will get a party this spring in Kiggins Bowl! Please spread the word on Facebook and social media, share with family and friends, ask employers if they can contribute or match a donation - let’s work together to make this a huge success!
2023 PTO Pledge Driveapp.99pledges.com
Burgerville Fundraiser Night
Come support Discovery Middle School PTO at Burgervile! On May 3rd from 4-8pm 20% of your purchase will be donated to our PTO when you mention "Discovery PTO" when ordering. This fundraiser is only valid at the Central Park Burgervile. Please see attached flier for more information.
8th Grade Party, June 20th
Calling all 8th grade families, we need your help! We are in the process of planning the 8th grade party which will take place in Kiggins Bowl on the last day school (June 20th). We need volunteers to help both with planning and day of activities. Please email the PTO if you are interested in helping at wildcats.pto1@gmail.com.
NOTE FROM THE NURSE
Did you know that after your child turns eleven and before they enter seventh grade Washington State requires a Tdap booster to attend school? If your child has not had this done, do not wait until August to address this requirement. SeaMar clinic does not require appointments for school immunizations and you can walk in with your child’s immunization record and ask for immunization you need as a nurse visit. Don’t get caught in the summer rush! We want your child to be able to start school on time! Also, are there any changes in your child’s health this year that may impact their school day? Is there a new medical condition or medication for your child? Is the school contact on file current so we can
effectively communicate information about your child at school? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, I need to hear from you! School health plans will be updated soon for the coming school year and we want to be sure we are addressing the needs of your student accurately for a positive school experience, good attendance, and a successful academic year.
Tracey Knotts RN
Discovery School Nurse
GIRLS INC SPRING SESSION
Girls Inc. Spring Session will meet every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm from April 20th- June 4th in the FCRC Welcome Center. No transportation is provided, so students either need to be picked up or have permission to walk, bike or car-pool home. Please see the attached fliers and QR code to sign up online!
STUDENT STORE DONATIONS
The wildcat student store is a positive way that students can be recognized and awarded for demonstrating respect, responsibility, safety, and empathy to others. In classes students can earn wildcat pride tickets from teachers that they can save up and each Monday during lunch can purchase items from the student store. This is a way to incentivize positive behavior and acknowledge students' hard work. Your donation will be used to re-supply items at the student store and will make an immediate impact on students at Discovery. If you are able to donate, you can find the donation link here. Just select Discovery and put "student store" in the comments!