DEY FOCUS
September 23, 2016
Ready for the NEXT Sixty Years-Looking toward 2076! Brief History of JBD
Sixty years. John B. Dey Elementary has evolved over the years and has kept a standard of excellence, that is unsurpassed. Our community has embraced the school as a hub of educational prowess that has gained an international reputation. Families move to the area because of the school's high standards and high expectations for student success.
It is such an amazing privilege to be the principal at John B. Dey. So often, when I meet new people, they share a John B. Dey story. Whether they had children attend in the past, they were teachers or on staff, or they were students who actually attended JBD, it's always fun to hear about the feelings and memories that have become a part of the lives of JBD alumni. My favorite story is when my doctor told me about the Pig Pen that used to 'hold' kids until school started. The younger children stayed in the "Pig Pen" and the older children, grades 7 and 8, were allowed to walk outside of the "Pig Pen"! The other story was that principals back in the day had paddles in their desks. I can assure you that is NOT the case anymore. In my desk are stickers, pencils, and happy notes!
John B. Dey Elementary School was named after a community minded citizen who lived less than a mile from the school (the area that is now knows as Broad Bay Point Greens). Mr. John B. Dey was the Chairman of the Princess Anne County School Board for six years. At that time, (1956), the school division had a total of 3500 students beginning in 1950 and by 1956 it had grown to 14,000. "Not only has Mr. Dey been a good school man, but a fine Christian gentleman who has contributed much to the progress of Princess Anne County." John B. Dey Elementary School started it's first year as a school for grades 5-7 to alleviate the over-crowded Little Creek Elementary School. The original building was designed to hold 850 students under crowded conditions (some classes had 40-50 kids in those days!). In 1978, the gymnasium was finally added and open for students. In 1956, John B. Dey Elementary School included over 850 students in grades kindergarten through seven. Now, we have about 850 students in grades K-5.
The above information was taken from a program from the 25th Anniversary celebration in 1981. At that time, students selected the school colors of maroon and gold. Now the colors are blue and white, and maroon belongs to Great Neck Middle School, which used to be the high school.
The John B. Dey history is amazing and progress is on-going. As we are now in the 21st Century, with a school that is going to be reconstructed over the next three years, we are looking to new innovations and educational experiences for our students like no one has seen before. The link below will give you an idea of innovations to come!
Thanks to all of you for being a part of the past, present, and future of John B. Dey Elementary School. We are thrilled to be celebrating this anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 28th and hope our alumni, students, and staff will visit us that day to see the amazing lessons taking place in the John B. Dey Elementary School of 2016.
JBD's 60th Anniversary Open House
Dey's 60th Anniversary Open House
For more information and to R.S.V.P. for John B. Dey's 60th Anniversary Open House, please go to the following website:
GREAT NECK RECREATION CENTER CLOSED SEPT. 26 - 30
News from the PTA
Join PTA! Get your $5 membership at JBDPTA.com
School directory: Update your child or child's teacher in the school directory at join.myschoolanywhere.com and use join code: JBDedirectory
Reflections Student Art Contest: Deadline for entries is October 7th!
Theme is “What’s Your Story?” Categories are Visual Art, Photography, Dance Choreography, Literature, Video Production, Musical Composition & Special Artist. Student Art Entry Form and more information at http://www.jbdpta.com/reflections-art.html
Volunteer: Register on the volunteer website at http://www.jbdpta.my-pta.org There are so many opportunities to be a part of your child’s school, register on the PTA volunteer website to have access to them!
Order your Spirit Wear T-shirts now! Order form are available at: http://www.jbdpta.com/uploads/1/5/1/4/15140376/spirit_wear_order_form_2016-7_pdf.pdf
Send in a check for this year’s JBD t-shirt! Child and adult sizes available in several colors. T-shirts will be sent home with students in October.
September Calendar
September 26: Running Club Forms (Boys - Grade 2 & 3) due today
September 27: GOTR begins today
September 27: PTA Tennis (Grades 3-5) 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
September 28: John B. Dey's 60th Anniversary Open House! 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
September 28: PTA Tennis (K-2) 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
September 29: GOTR Practice
September 30: Gr. 3-5 PTA Play date at Great Neck Park
Lynnhaven Shores Service Unit of Girl Scouts - Annual Recruitment Events
Parent Information Night
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Session 1 of the JBD PIN Series: (Parent INFO Night)
The “WHY” of Technology-Presentation
Speaker: David French, Principal Tallwood ES
Please R.S.V.P. to JBDEYES@vbschools.com