Discovery Weekly Newsletter
Week of May 6, 2019
Principal's Corner
Good Evening,
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting Loudoun County High School to hear Gerry Brooks speak to a sold out crowd. Some of you may have seen or heard of Gerry Brooks as he has become very popular over that last several years with his online videos that focus on real-world educational experiences. This was such a great event and I truly enjoyed my afternoon with my lovely wife and several Discovery staff members. As I listened to Mr. Brooks share his advice and humor, I found myself reflecting on what an incredible school year it has been and realizing how appropriate the timing is for Discovery’s Staff Appreciation week. As you have seen our incredible PTO is planning a great week to pay a small tribute for the incredible work done each and every day by our incredible staff!
It is truly unbelievable to witness each day the passion, dedication, and commitment our staff displays for our students. Whether that’s from our custodians stopping into the classrooms to chat with a few students each day, to our bus drivers coming to Discovery outside of their work day to support “Peaceful Bus’ activities that focused on ‘Anti-bullying’ strategies, or to seeing a staff member care for an upset student by offering a positive word, high five, or a hug depending on the situation. We are truly blessed and fortunate that our staff care so deeply about every student, every day!
Just recently, we have have been honored to have a few of our staff members recognized for their extreme dedication and excellence. We are proud to announce that Barbara Lindemeyer will be recognized as Loudoun County Public Schools Elementary Substitute of the Year! Mrs. Lindemeyer is a small piece of what makes Discovery Elementary great. She is a constant professional that has a natural caring and loving demeanor that students and staff are drawn toward. She is a teacher that students do not want to disappoint. Barb has an innate ability to make any child believe they can learn and be successful. She is honest, grateful, respectful, courteous, hard-working, and compassionate; all traits that are highly regarding at Discovery. Our students truly adore her and have great respect for her as an adult they can look up to and model their behavior after.
As many of you know, Mrs. Lindemeyer took a 2nd grade position at the beginning of the year when the assigned teacher needed to remain on extended leave. This is the toughest time to find a quality replacement for any position. From the start, Mrs. Lindemeyer took her own time to work on lesson plans side by side with the grade level team to ensure that she was on the right track. She even willingly checked student work while working closely with grade level team members to ensure her corrections were aligned with the team’s. During our grade level weekly meetings you would have thought Mrs. Lindemeyer was a seasoned veteran with the knowledge of both the curriculum and her students. Mrs. Lindemeyer is a valued part of our staff and represents Discovery in everything she does!
We are also honored to recognize Ms. Megan Espinosa for winning the highly distinguished 2019 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Recognition of Excellence in Supporting Special Education Award. For many years, I was on the award selection committee and each year we reviewed 125+ nominations and only a handful of nominees receive this decorated award each year! From Discovery’s perspective, we are certain that Ms. Espinosa embodies the qualities and attributes for this distinguished award. She truly inspires and empowers our students, staff, and our community by her everyday actions. She helps all students embrace their differences, believe they can be successful, and affords everyone a sense of belonging. She selflessly shares her time, enthusiasm, and knowledge with everyone she touches as she strongly believes it is her obligation to help every student be their best and to partner together with staff and families to foster an environment where every child can succeed.
Ms. Espinosa also has worked tirelessly to contribute to our school’s philosophy and vision that inclusion students should be just that: included. Discovery Elementary students, parents, and staff owe a great deal of gratitude to Ms. Espinosa for her inspiring and empowering efforts to include every student, every day!
These two staff recognitions are truly just some of the highlights that make our school so special! You will truly find this same level dedication and commitment from all our staff at Discovery! As this level of commitment and the beliefs listed above are ingrained in our schools’ culture. As a school we believe that together each child can and will do amazing things!
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank our amazing staff for allowing me to lead such a compassionate, loving, and dedicated group of educators! Parents, I too hope you will take the opportunity this week to say, ‘Thank you’ to our dynamic staff. They truly have created an incredible school experience each and every day for your child!
Humbly,
Christopher Painter
Staff Appreciation Week
For a more detailed look at all of the specifics planned, you may click on the invites that were sent to both Staff and Students.
Monday 5/6
To find your teacher's favorite color, click here.
Tuesday 5/7
Wednesday 5/8
To search for a list of school supplies your teacher may need, click here.
Thursday 5/9
Friday 5/10
Last Minute Donations Needed
We thank you in advance!
PTO Update
Elections will take place at the final PTO meeting of the year on Tuesday, May 14th at 7pm in the Library.
Discovery Spirit Wear Sale
All items are 50% OFF! Limited quantities available so hurry while supplies last. Click this link to visit the PTO online store.
Food Drive - This week & next
Discovery Elementary is collecting food during the weeks of May 6 and May 13 to help. Please bring any of the following items in to help support Loudoun Hunger Relief.
Priority items needed:
- Cereal Boxes
- Canned Meat (Tuna or Chicken)
Other Items needed include:
- Canned Fruit & Canned Vegetables
- Macaroni and Cheese
Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce - Toiletries (Toilet Paper; Paper Towels)
We thank you in advance!
Free Basketball Clinic with Former NBA Star Gheorghe Muresan
You must register online to attend. See the flyer below for more information or click here to register online.
2019-2020 School Supply Kits Now On Sale
Believe it or not, we are already thinking about next school year! Save yourself time and aggravation by buying your school supplies online. Kits will be delivered to the school in August and waiting for you in the classroom. Order before May 1 and be entered to win a FREE supply kit! Visit this link to order and use our online code: DES005.
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
May
- 6-10, Staff Appreciation Week
- 6-17, Food Drive
- 14- PTO Meeting, 7pm
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