Denton Dolphin News
October 3, 2021
Message from Dr. Simmons
Dear Families,
There are currently various social media challenges affecting school campuses across the
nation. In September, a viral trend called “Devious Licks” encouraged students to steal or
damage items on school property and then post photos or videos online. This behavior
impacted several schools in Caroline, resulting in a significant cost to replace damaged or stolen
property and maintenance and custodial staff time to repair or replace equipment.
It has recently come to our attention that there are more challenges posted on social media
that span the remainder of this school year, and we are reaching out to our families to enlist
your help. These are not harmless pranks; most, if not all of the challenges, have the potential
to result in serious consequences including suspension, expulsion, police involvement and
monetary fines.
Please talk with your children about these challenges, and how harmful and destructive they
can be to other people and property. Also stress with them how much is at stake for students
considering participation. If you or your child feel the need to report a potential violation
connected to a social media trend, contact your school administrator.
We appreciate your support in this matter and look forward to working with you to encourage
a positive school culture.
Dr. Derek L. Simmons
Interim Superintendent
Please Keep Students with Symptoms of Illness at Home
Please Keep Students with Symptoms of Illness at Home
We are doing our very best to keep students in school but we need the help of our families. We are finding that some students who come to school with symptoms of illness are then testing positive for COVID-19. This leads to having to identify close contacts who then must be quarantined, meaning more students are missing school.
PLEASE help us keep students safe and in school as much as possible. Keep your child at home if they have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
Meals During Quarantine
Students who are not in school due to being quarantined as still eligible for free meals. Families interested in receiving meals may complete a form attached below.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Caroline County Public Schools Food Services, 410-479-3261.
The form also has information about Caroline Helping Hands which is a volunteer-based organization in partnership with Caroline County Public Schools, serving the children of Caroline County with holiday & weekend food bags.
If requested on the form, this program will provide children in need with a nutritious care pack of food to have as a supplement for weekend meals. This program is provided by generous donations and will continue to serve the community as long as funding is available. This program is absolutely FREE, there is no cost to the family.
Afterschool Tutoring Available for Quarantined Students
Quarantined students in need of help with assignments may now connect with a tutor at their school.
Elementary School: 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, beginning Thursday, September 23
Middle school hours: 3:00 to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, beginning Thursday, September 23
High school hours: information coming soon – check the next Principal’s Newsletter
Zoom links for tutors may be found on student’s Google Classroom.
Updates!
Also, check out the DES Facebook page for Dolphins of the Week! We are so proud of these students who consistently SWIM for success!
October:
Mid-term: October 4
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment: Continues through October 10
Grade 4 ELA MCAP: October 6 -7
Grade 5 ELA MCAP: October 8 and 11
PTA Meeting: Tuesday, October 12
Interims Home: October 13
No School: October 15
Half-Day: October 29
November
End of Quarter 1: November 5
Half-Day: November 5
Denton Elementary is a Title I School
Vision of Excellence:
The Denton Elementary School family will promote the core values of S.W.I.M. by supporting a challending curriculum, honoring individuality, and working collaboratively.
Email: mccandless.susan@ccpsstaff.org
Website: dentones.org
Location: 303 Sharp Road, Denton MD 21629
Phone: 410-479-1660
Facebook: facebook.com/dentondolphins
Twitter: @SusMcCand