Discovery Weekly Newsletter
Week of January 28, 2019
Mr. Brown's Beat
Greetings Trailblazer Families!
I cannot believe that soon it will be February and Spring will be fast approaching, or at least I hope that will be the case! Students and staff at Discovery Elementary have begun their third quarter studies and I know we all are seeing students making growth toward their goals!
In just over five weeks since starting at Discovery Elementary I have found that this is truly a special place! Nothing takes the place of student involvement and recognition, and here this practice is embedded in the school culture. I have been a part of watching our choir students perform holiday songs for the school, then helped celebrate our citizens of the month, and finally observed students excel academically during the geography and spelling bees. What stands out to me the most is how our students root for each other, and when needed are there to support their peers.
I also was so very proud of the Discovery community for their support in helping facilitate our annual Celebrating Differences Day. Even with a two-hour delay, students and staff (along with our parent volunteers) adjusted and made the event a success. So many things stood out to me. First, our students. I walked through every single station and no matter the grade level, our students were engaged, actively listening, and being respectful. And then you have the Discovery teachers. These folks showed how multifaceted they are as they skillfully informed students about subjects outside of their everyday academic repertoire. It was a great opportunity to see our staff inform on subjects they are passionate about. Last, the amazing volunteers. Folks, we could not have made that day so amazing without so many parents and guardians giving their time to help the event.
Most importantly, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I see going on here daily within most every classroom. We have teachers at Discovery Elementary that have shown to be:
- Thoughtful planners. Lessons are engaging and fun! Your students love the tasks our teachers create for them daily. Learning can be enjoyable and this concept shines through at Discovery.
- Responsible for working to create cultures of trust within their classrooms. Students are not afraid to make a mistake and are celebrated when they ask clarifying questions to help themselves better understand their task.
- Decision makers based on student data and reflective practices. If data shows students struggled on a specific standard, it is identified and reviewed. I’ve also seen students with notebooks that detail their own assessment data, and allow for them to take ownership of their learning.
- Holding students to high expectations. What more could you ask for? This is why so many are excelling and showing growth beyond their current grade level.
As we move through the third quarter, please feel free to stop in, send in a note, or give me a call or e-mail should you have any questions or concerns. I am always open to hearing from our Trailblazer families. I appreciate all that you do for our school community!
Steven Brown
Dean
Mark Your Calendars
Box Top Contest Continues!
We are excited to announce another Box Top contest to see if we can win another SCHOOL WIDE PJ DAY!!! The next Box Tops submission date is fast approaching - Our goal is to collect 3000 Box Tops by Feb. 25th.
And remember, each Box Top earns $.10 and goes directly back to Discovery to buy things that benefit the students.
Thank you, Trailblazers, for your help.
Be a HERO in our Hallways!
We need you to volunteer for our WATCH DOGS program!
WATCH DOGS are Fathers, Grandfathers, Step-fathers, Uncles and other father figures that volunteer at Discovery for a day. During the day, WATCH DOGS may read and work on math with students, play at recess, attend specials, eat lunch with students, patrol the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own students, but other students as well.
Questions? Contact allisonmulieri@hotmail.com
Lost & Found
Has your child lost a lunch box? Their jacket or water bottle? The Lost and Found area is located right outside of the cafeteria. All items will be donated at the end of each month to a local charity.
Please label your child’s belongings; it’s the best way to be sure it gets found or returned quickly.
Discovery's Calendar
February
- 13 - KISS - A-L Families
- 14 - KISS - M-Z Families
- 18 - Spirit Night; Chuck E. Cheese
- 25 - Box Top Submission Deadline - Contest Ends
Thank you Discovery Elementary PTO Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Contact Us
Website: https://www.lcps.org/des
Location: Discovery Elementary School, Grace Bridge Drive, Ashburn, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2370
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovery.pto.trailblazers/
Twitter: @Discovery_elem