We have included some important "back to school" information below. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Tina Oliver

Below is the link to the Back to School Checklist. It contains links to important and helpful school information.

PK- 4:30-5:15

K-5:15-6:00

1st-6th- 6:00-6:45

This is a "come and go" event, so you are welcome to come anytime between these scheduled times. Each family will be provided with a tour of Deretchin as well as receive some school-related information.

Our "Meet the Teacher" is a "come and go" event, and it will be from 5:00-7:00 for all grade levels.

*A video will be sent to the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten parents on August 7 with important information about our school and tips for making the transition to "big kid school" a success!

Deretchin continues to experience an increase in student growth. Due to the increase, our main building is no longer able to accommodate all of our students. Many campuses have portables to help with student growth, and we are especially excited that Deretchin has received brand new portables this summer. Our fourth grade teachers and students will be in portables beginning next school year. Fourth grade was selected because they are an older grade level and have fewer transitions. We have spent a lot of time planning the logistics so that we can be fully prepared for everything in August. Our goal is to make the transition to fourth grade as smooth as possible.

Deretchin Portables Questions and Answers Document

If your child rode the bus during the 22-23 school year and received a SMART bus tag that was sent home on the last day of school and your child will be a bus rider for the 23-24 school year, we ask that you send your child with his or her SMART tag on the first day of school. Students in PK and Kindergarten will receive a SMART tag once school begins.

If your child will ride a bus during the school year, please click on the link below to learn about some important information from our CISD Transportation Department:

https://www.conroeisd.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2023-24-General-Transportation-Services-English.pdf

Dragon Parents,

Can you believe it is almost time to begin a new school year? There are a couple of days left to order your spirit wear for next school year at https://deretchin.membershiptoolkit.com/spiritwear. All orders can be picked up at Meet the Teacher. If you can't be there, we will have your orders available for pick up in the front office the first week of school. Make sure you update your information in the directory as well. Don't worry about not knowing your child's teacher. You can just choose unknown and change it once you find out. We can't wait to see everyone on August 7!

Kind regards,

Christie Conley

President, Deretchin PTO

We have shared some information about each of our administrative team members with you. Please know that we are here to serve our students, staff, and families at Deretchin. If you should need us for any reason, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I am Tina Oliver, and I am the very proud principal of Deretchin Elementary. I am beginning my 25th year in education. I was a 4th grade teacher for 11 years, assistant principal at Deretchin for 4 years, principal of Kaufman Elementary in CISD for 7 years, and I am beginning my 3rd year as principal of Deretchin.

I am married and have two daughters- one is a kindergarten teacher in CISD and one who lives in New York City. I am a big fan of dogs, and I personally have 5, yes, 5 dogs! I volunteer for several dog rescue groups and love to foster puppies before they find their forever home.

It is an honor to serve the families and staff of Deretchin. I cannot wait to see all of our Deretchin Dragons as we begin an incredible 2023-2024 school year!

Jennifer Gonzales- Assistant Principal 5th & 6th

Leah Slaughter- Assistant Principal 2nd, 3rd, 4th

I am Leah Slaughter, and I am the assistant principal for grades 2, 3, and 4. I am starting my 11th year in education and my 3rd year as assistant principal at Deretchin. I have taught grades K-3 at Hailey Elementary and Lamar Elementary in CISD. I am recently married, and I have a cute dog named Raider!

Jenna Hendon-Counselor 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Hello Dragons! My name is Jenna Hendon and I am the Counselor for 2nd to 4th grade. This is my 15th year as an educator, my 7th year as a counselor and my 4th year as a part of the Deretchin Family! I am married and I have 2 children who attend Deretchin. I am so excited to be at "The Best School in the Entire World!"

Andrew Thompson- Assistant Principal PK, K, 1st

My name is Andrew Thompson and I will be the third assistant principal at Deretchin! This is my 12th year in education, all in Conroe ISD. My first seven years were spent here at Deretchin where I taught grades 3rd through 6th. I also held the role of assistant principal during the 2015-2016 school year.

I went back to the classroom to focus on my growing family and taught 5th grade at Cox Intermediate and 4th grade at Kaufman Elementary. I am the proud father of two little girls who are 7 and 2. My wife and I moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love all things sports and music. Please swing by and introduce yourself at any time! I am so grateful to be serving the Deretchin community again!

Mary Ann Correa- Counselor 5th & 6th

My name is Mary Ann Correa. I am beginning my 13th year in education. I was a middle school teacher for a decade before transitioning into the school counselor role. This will be my 3rd year as an elementary school counselor.

I am a cat mommy to two adorable babes named Fitzgerald and Calliope. I also work as an LPC-Associate in the evenings.

Darcy Kieke- Counselor PK, K, 1st

I am very excited to start my 23rd year in education at Deretchin Elementary! This is my third year in Conroe ISD. Prior to moving to Conroe ISD, I worked in Klein ISD as a 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 5th grade classroom teacher, a reading specialist, and a school counselor at a PK-5th grade campus.. This will be my 11th year as a school counselor at the elementary level. I have a blended family with 5 children who attend Conroe ISD schools. I enjoy reading, outdoor activities, and my puppy Leia! Recently, I have worked to train my sweet and cuddly one year old labradoodle as an Assisted Activities Dog. Currently the teachers can use her as a classroom award for the whole class, small groups of students, or individual students. She loves to play fetch, visit classrooms, and read with students. She plays an important role in developing a connection between the school and students!

Deretchin is in need of one more crossing guard for the upcoming school year. If you are interested in learning more, please see the contact information below.