Parent Newsletter
January 2024
Brrrrrrrr!!!
A few years ago I was at a conference and sat next to a principal from Minnesota. I asked him what his students do for recess during the winter. I told him that we keep our kids inside when the temperature dips below 35. He looked at me like I was crazy, started laughing, and said, "Our kids are still playing outside when it is -12!"
Our desert-raised children get cold easily. My own daughters are the same way. Any time it is below 60 degrees they act like there are snowbanks outside and they are freezing to death. Suddenly they are wearing every sweatshirt they own and all of the blankets in the house are out.
We need your help to make sure your student is coming to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Please make sure your child is wearing a jacket, pants, and socks while it is cold. It is not uncommon to see kids come to school in shorts, a t-shirt, and no jacket even if it is below freezing outside. We do put a cold day schedule in place when it is below 35 outside. Kids stay in the cafeteria before school and during lunch recess when it is too cold to go outside.
If you need a jacket for your child, please contact Whitney, our family liaison. She will be able to help you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Chandler
Tax Credit Donations
- Did you know that Arizona families can donate to their local schools and receive a tax credit? Those who are married and file jointly can receive credit for up to $400, while those who file individually can receive credit for up to $200. Donation money can be used for things such as equipment, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and field trips. Donations can be made at the link below.
January Character Strong Focus
Perseverance is working toward a goal even if it is difficult or there are obstacles.
It is the ability to try hard things without giving up.
PE News
I am super excited to announce that Dunham Elementary School will be participating in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. The program is from January 22 to March 7. This year we will end the program with a Kids Heart Challenge event, which will take place on March 7, at the end of the day before dismal. This is always a fun and exciting program for our entire school as we work together to raise awareness of our nation's #1 cause of death--heart disease.
This year will only be online donations. I have found this to be an easier way for us to monitor donations more safely and accurately and no money will be left in classrooms. Parents, you will still be able to scan donation checks from the mobile app: Kids Heart Challenge.
Students may earn immediate thank-you gifts. Immediate earned thank-you gifts will be passed out the next day. I will be passing out Heart Hero wristbands to those who just simply register online. It is totally free and is a way that every student can receive something from the program. The rest of the thank you gifts will be delivered about 4 weeks after our KHC event week.
The class with the most participation will receive a pizza party. The top fundraising student will be able to dump an ice-cold bucket on Coach Jones. Any student who brings in money will be able to throw a pie at a teacher. I would love it if Dunham could achieve the goal of $2,000.
~Coach Jones
Our Health Office Cares
It is the time of year when students get sick. Please keep your child home if they are not feeling well. This includes if they were vomiting the night before at home. Please notify the health office if you have given your child any over-the-counter medicine for fever, sore throat, vomiting, etc. before coming to school. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without the help of any medication before returning to school. Thank you.
Wish List
- Hand soap
- Weekly Prizes--Small prizes to be used for our weekly PBIS drawing for students who earn Panther Paws. We will accept anything! Past donations have included party favors, markers, stickers, coupons for free items/food at local businesses, and dollar store items.
- Books--New and gently used books for our Sharing Library in the office. This year five names will be called every month at our assembly. These students will get to pick a book of their very own to keep.
- Bags--Plastic grocery bags for the Health Office.
2024-2025 Registration
Coming Events
1/22 @ 5:00--PTO Meeting
1/26 @ 1:00--January Assembly
2/8-2/9--Parent-Teacher Conferences--Dismissal at 10:55 both days
Join Our Facebook Page
The latest and greatest information can always be found on our Dunham Facebook page. Emergency information would also be posted on this site.
Panthers Make Good Choices!
Important Links
Dunham Elementary School
Mission Statement
Our mission is to be an all inclusive community engaged in a positive and enriched learning environment where we focus on student success.
Vision Statement
All students will be prepared for life-long learning and future endeavors.
School Email
School Website
Location: 9850 East 29th Street, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-731-4200
Dunham's Facebook