Dolphin Tales
2019-2020 School Year
First Quarter Connections at Disney Elementary
Dolphin Tales is an end of the quarter e-newsletter for us to share some of the wonderful events that took place during the quarter. TEAM DISNEY believes that positive partnering with parents is truly the only way to make our team stronger.
Positive Partnering Tip:
By the time you read this newsletter our first quarter will already be over, and parent-teacher conferences will be underway. Teachers will review student progress, individual strengths, and opportunities for improvement. Your involvement in your child’s education will be a strong driving force in their success.
When you think of parent involvement, do you picture moms and dads volunteering at your child's school events? That is one way to help – but research shows that supporting your child’s education at home is even more important. Here are conversation starters that will help you stay involved no matter how busy your lives are day-to-day.
“Let’s see what you brought home.” Look at completed work to find out what your student is learning and how well they’re doing. You could comment on their math work or social studies project, for instance. (“You know a lot about our state’s history!”) Also respond to notes from their teacher, and sign the weekly folder or planner, if required.
“Show me what you have for homework.” It’s your child’s job to do their homework, but you play a role as well. Make sure they know what they’re supposed to do by having them explain the assignment to you. After they finish their homework, glance over the work to see that it’s complete.
“Describe a book you enjoyed today.” This gives you an idea of what your child prefers to read. Then, build a daily reading habit by asking what they would like to read tonight. Encourage their reading and listening skills by reading aloud to them and letting them read to you.
“Tell me what you learned that you’d like to know more about.” Use your child’s interests as jumping-off points for activities to share. If they like geometry, you might hunt for shapes together. If they’re fascinated by how animals adapt to winter, take them to the library to research the subject, or to the zoo to see live animals.
Source: Home and School Connection
SNAPSHOTS from First Quarter
Kindergarten Orientation Our newest class of Disney Dolphins was shown around the school by some of our 5th graders during Kindergarten Orientation. | Open House Parents and families were welcomed during Open House - a time to see a glimpse into what students have been working on during the first few weeks of school, as well as to shop at the Fall Book Fair. | KHS Future Chiefs NightThe Disney Dynamics joined other Kickapoo feeder schools to perform "The National Anthem" at the KHS Future Chiefs Night. |
Kindergarten Orientation
Open House
StuCo at the Hall of Fame Disney Student Council served as escorts at the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. | Gray-Campbell Field Trips 5th grade learned about life in the late 1800's/early 1900's as they toured Gray-Campbell Farmstead at Nathanael Greene Park. | Fall Cross Country Meet Students in grades 1-5 had the opportunity to participate in the Fall Cross Country Meet. This is always a popular event with our Disney kiddos. |
StuCo at the Hall of Fame
Gray-Campbell Field Trips
Springfield PTA Council Meeting Disney hosted the Springfield PTA Council Meeting, joining with students from Wanda Gray Elementary to provide decorations made through the art classes, and an awesome musical performance by the Disney Dynamics and Wanda Gray Singers. | Disney Donation Drive Kickoff Our students had a little bit of fun "Surfing to Success" during the PTA's Annual Donation drive kick-off. Who was that surfing dolphin? | Disney's Clubs STEAM Club is one of the after school opportunities for students at Disney. STEAM Club meets once a week and dives into the world of science and math. |
Springfield PTA Council Meeting
Disney Donation Drive Kickoff

This year, students are putting into practice "How Dolphins Roll," Disney's new Code of Conduct. Assemblies will be held throughout the year to cover important character words within our Code of Conduct to teach them how to be the best Dolphin they can be. The first assembly was held in September to introduce our Code of Conduct to students, and they have been working hard to learn each line. Be sure to ask your child "How Dolphins Roll!"