CUB REPORTER
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Principal's Post
Greetings families.
Hope this finds all of you well. Currently I am reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. He makes a case for why small habits make a big difference in every aspect of our lives. Additionally he tells readers that while having goals are important, focusing on systems of improvement are even more critical.
Through reading this text I have been challenged to think about how our school can grow to be 1% better each day to better serve the needs of our Fox Cubs and their families.
We will be sending a brief survey to families that will help us gain valuable insights about your experiences and how we can make them even better. As always we thank you for your partnership and entrusting your Fox Cub(s) to our care.
Principal Scott
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY
29th - Magnet/Choice Window Closes
FEBRUARY
1st - Second Cup of Coffee 7:30am
8th- Early Release Day 11:40am13th - D5 Board Meeting @ The Cate Center 6pm
13th - 16th - DFES Kindness Week
16th - Daddy/Daughter Dance Pre-Sales End.
17th - School Holiday/NO SCHOOL
20th - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
MARCH
1st - Second Cup of Coffee 7:30am
10th - Movie Night - more details to followSECOND CUP
We will be holding the next Second Cup of Coffee on Wednesday, February 1st at 7:30 a.m. in the DFES library.
This is an opportunity for you to talk with Principal Scott, hear updates, let your voice be heard, collaborate with other parents and hear updates & news about what's happening at DFES!
DFES YEARBOOK SALES
D5 STRINGS CONCERT
The District Strings concert has be scheduled for:
When: Thursday, February 2nd @ 7:00 PM
Where: Cross Roads Intermediate School, Gym
6949 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
If your student participates in strings with Mrs. Peneva they need to wear: white tops, black bottoms, black shoes and report to Cross Roads Intermediate School Gym for rehearsal @ 6:30PM. Concert starts promptly @ 7:00PM.
TREX ANNOUNCMENT
SO WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL OF THOSE SHOPPING BAGS? RECYCLE THEM OF COURSE Did you know that only 3% of South Carolinians recycle plastic bags, wrap, and packaging? Plastic bags are a huge source of pollution in our state. We can help keep them out of our waterways and landfill by recycling them into new things.
Our TREX plastics recycling program has begun. Please check out www.trex.com for more information. Please start saving your plastic bags, wrap, packaging and much, much more. Make sure to read everything on the flyer below so you will know what is needed most.
Got a van or truck? We need volunteers to help on collection day to haul it to a nearby Food Lion. If you are willing to help with this program, please contact Amy Umberger (our resident scientist) at aumberge@lexrich5.org
AUTHOR VISIT
From the Registrar
The 2nd Quarter of the school year just ended and report cards went home on Monday, January 23, 2023. Third – Fifth grade families may find Parent Portal useful to see attendance and grade information. Rising 6th graders will use it for electives course selection. It is provided to parents or guardians who present a valid ID in the main office or by email to the registrar at saclemen@lexrich5.org. It is valid until your child graduates or leaves District Five.
Sharon Clemens, Registrar/Attendance Clerk - saclemen@lexrich5.org
Phone: 803-476-3917, Fax: 803-476-3920
KINDERGARTEN 2023 - 2024!
Do you know, as the parent/guardian of a current 4K student at DFES, you do not have to register him/her for 5K Kindergarten? You will receive an email in early summer directing you to enter updated information on the FinalForms site. Be sure to keep your email address, phone numbers and emergency contact information current in FinalForms any time!
Not already a 4K student at DFES? Don't worry! If your child will be five years old by September 1, 2023, registration for 5K will begin through FinalForms on Monday, February 6, 2023. This year, your child's legal full birth certificate (not a hospital certificate), immunization record and proof of residence documents can be uploaded to FinalForms as well. Call 803-476-3900 for more information.
If you know someone who would like their child to attend Dutch Fork Elementary School's Academy of Environmental Sciences Magnet for the 2023 - 2024 school year and is not in our attendance area (but lives in District Five), the School of Choice Lottery application window remains open until Sunday, January 29, 2023.
Find more information about the School of Choice & Magnet Application here:
The Choice & Magnet Application
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Sharon Clemens, Registrar/Attendance Clerk - saclemen@lexrich5.org
ARTS ARE ELEMENTARY
FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Hello Families!
During January we are focusing on Growth Mindset as part of our Essential Eight program. Growth Mindset is the belief that we can grow as learners, and knowing that effort and a positive attitude impact learning even when we struggle or make mistakes. However, a fixed mindset includes negative thoughts that create barriers to learning and achieving your best.
Someone with a growth mindset might think:
Even when things are difficult, I won’t give up.
I can’t do that yet, but I will soon.
I learn by making mistakes and taking risks.
Someone with a fixed mindset might believe:
I just can’t do it. I’ll never be as good as they are!
This is really hard - I must be stupid.
Why try? It won’t turn out the way I want it to be.
We can help our children develop a growth mindset by encouraging them to look at mistakes as opportunities to learn, by praising effort, and by complimenting them when they stay focused and finish a task. Help your child change the negative thoughts they say to themselves into positive words. Model this yourself, so your student can see the value of determination, effort and taking reasonable risks to try new things. Make sure your child is ready for school each day with plenty of sleep, exercise and good nutrition to ensure their brains are ready for new information.
The following questions will get your child thinking about growing as a learner and being their best self:
What did you do today that made you think hard?
Can you think of something new you tried today? What was it and how did it go?
Was there anything that made you feel stuck today? How can you problem solve to improve?
Tell me about a mistake you made today. How can you use this mistake to do better next time?
Can you think of something you could have done better today? Who can help you get better at this skill?
What would you like to learn how to do?
Our DFES family is ready to help your child achieve their maximum potential. Please reach out if you would like more information or if I can assist you in any way. There’s a lot of learning ahead in 2023. Let’s work together to make it a great year!
Sara Beckman, school counselor
803-476-3912
FROM THE NURSE
January is Radon Safety awareness month
Did you know that smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the top 3 leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer . Lung cancer secondary to Radon exposure is responsible for 21,000 deaths per year.
You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. Please click the link below for more information on radon testing in your home.
WANTED: RN/LPN SUBSTITUTES
Attention all currently licensed RN’s and LPN’s
We are currently recruiting nurses if you are interested in substitute nursing.
Please contact Joanna Stanek RN, Nursing Supervisor, at 476-8258.
Science Fair News
Dear DFES Community,
Our 5th grade students have begun their science projects and we are in need of mentors to help them out. Would you please consider being a mentor? The commitment is about an hour a week from now through Feb. You can choose the best day and time to fit your busy schedules.
If you are available to help out during the school day to mentor a group of 2-3 students,
we’d love to have you and you are much needed. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to
help, just a willing heart. Please contact Amy Umberger at aumberge@lexrich5.org as soon as possible so that we can arrange a mentor meeting with you or if you have any questions.
Technology Lab News
We have many students forgetting their chrome books or not having them charged. It is extremely important that chrome books come to school charged each day. Please remind your student to bring their charged chrome book to school each day. Students should have charged chrome books on technology day. Also, please have students keep their charger in their book bag just in case their chrome book dies during the day.
Each student was given a chrome book case, computers should be kept in the case at all times. Chromebooks that are broken and not in the school assigned case will not be covered by the District & the parent will be responsible for the expenses to get it repaired or replaced.
I look forward to working with your student and teaching them all about Technology & Computer Safety!!
UPDATES FROM THE MEDIA CENTER
The library will no longer be providing loaner Chromebooks to students who have forgotten their Chromebook at home or have not brought them to school charged.
Students who have a damaged Chromebook may bring them to the library for repairs and receive a loaner or replacement during non-library class times.
If a student has lost their Chromebook, please let the Media Center know.
PTO NEWS
DFES T-SHIRTS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
NO WORRIES!!! The link is opened back up for you to snag a few of the CUTE DFES shirts for SPIRIT FRIDAYS!!!
DON'T MISS OUT THIS TIME! THE SITE WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FEBRUARY 12TH!! Get your DFES shirt before they are GONE FOR GOOD!!
DFES DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE
We had to take a break due to COVID, but we are back this year to create lasting memories for Daddy (FATHER FIGURE) & his Princess!! This is a special time for Daddy (grandpa, uncle, father-figure) & his special girl. This is not a family event, this is an event for daddy & daughters. Stay tuned for an event to come for Mommy & Son.
In order for us to plan a SPECIAL event for all to enjoy. PTO request that you pre-register & pay for this event in advance. There will be limited tickets at the door. If you pay by February 16th your name will be entered into a SPECIAL DRAWING!! You don't want to miss out, so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get your tickets by Monday, February 16th! See flyer below for details!
SPIRIT NIGHT DATES
Spirit Nights will be held the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5pm - 8pm. Below is the schedule for each month.
Feb. 21st- Freddy's
March 21st- Moe's
April 18th- Chick-fil-a (Ballentine)
DUTCH FORK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
7900 Broad River Rd.
Irmo, SC 29063