Bear Essentials
12/11/2020
Preparing for Spring Semester
Dear Bear Families,
It is hard to believe we are close to the end of first semester! Thank you all for your continued vigilance in helping us keep our school healthy and safe.
Dyer Elementary began the first semester with 45% of students attending school in person. This number has steadily increased throughout the semester. At the 9 week mark we had 55% of students attending in person and we currently sit at 62% Based on the responses from the district survey, we expect 71% of our students attending school in person, a 9% increase, beginning January 7, 2020.
With our current face-to-face students and everyone taking responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the spread within our school has remained low. For information about COVID-19 cases, please visit the hub at: https://publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps/myhome/public/schools/learninghub
We share this information with you to be transparent, giving you the information necessary to make the best decision for your family when choosing your student's learning environment for the 2nd Semester. If you did not complete the district survey, your student will remain in the current learning environment unless you request a change. If you need to check your student’s Spring 2021 instructional status, please log in to ParentVUE on the Parent Portal. If you do not have a parent portal account, please visit https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/9999
We are prepared to serve you in the event you decide to make a change to the previously selected learning environment. If you would like to discuss a change, please contact Dyer Elementary’s Student Data Management Clerk, Mrs. Stacy Norton at Stacy.Norton@gcpsk12.org no later than Thursday, December 17, 2020.
After December 17, 2020, there will no longer be any changes made to the learning environment selected by the family. It is important to note that the chosen environment is for all of 2nd Semester. This will help prevent the fluidity and disruptions that our staff faces when students move from one environment to another and will help ensure our staffing plans are the best for all students.
As always, we will evaluate student and family needs on a case-by-case basis in the event of extenuating circumstances. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael DiFilippo
Principal
Wrapping Up First Semester
As the first semester comes to a close, we realize that some of your students may have missing assignments (NTIs). Please be aware that in order to allow time for grading before final grades are submitted to the county, the last date to turn in missing assignments will be Friday, December 18th. Any assignments turned in after this date will not be counted in your child's first semester grade.
School Calendar Changes for 2021!
Digital Learner Support and Parent Resources
Click here for information, resources, how-to's and more!
Join our Substitute Teaching Team and Make a Difference in the Lives of Students!
Click here to learn more and register for an upcoming Virtual Substitute Job Fair!
AKS at HOME
As part of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ family engagement initiative, the school district seeks to empower parents with tools that allow them to help their children at home. Our AKS at Home project provides math and language arts resources to support families so that they truly are partners in their children’s learning. This support is available for families to access in the format that fits them and their schedule best. They can attend live virtual meetings, view recorded information at a time that best fits their schedule, or gain tips and suggestions on how to best help their students through tip sheets on a wide variety of topics.
For more information, please visit the GCPS Website by clicking the link below.
Gwinnett Great Days of Service
Gwinnett County Public Schools participates in Great Days of Service to help needy families in our area. This year local families need help more than ever, but due to Covid-19 guidelines we are not able to hold the food drive in the school building. Instead we are asking our families to drop off non-perishable items at local foodbanks through November. If you need foodbank locations, please see the list below.
Please consider taking a photo of your child with the items your family is donating. You can send the photos to Mrs. Garner, one of the counselors at Dyer, at Dawn.Garner@gcpsk12.org and our media specialist Mrs. Langford will include the photos in the morning announcements sometime in the month of November or December! Your student will love seeing themselves on the news, and it will motivate other children to remember to ask their parents if they can donate as well. Thank you in advance for participating in Great Days of Service and giving your children the chance to see the importance of helping others!
Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church
1450 Pine Rd #1455, Dacula, GA 30019
Drive by anytime! There is a donation box under the portico by the front door of the worship center.
Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry
https://lawrencevilleco-op.org/donate/
The Co-Op is located in a one-story stucco building next to Lawrenceville Elementary School and across the street from Central Gwinnett High School’s football stadium. The street address is 52 Gwinnett Drive, Suite C., Lawrenceville 30046. Drop-offs: Monday: 5:00 PM -7:00 PM or Saturday 10:00-11:30am
Dyer PTO Needs You!
This year has presented us with many new challenges but we remain committed to supporting all of our Bears whether they be digital or in-person learners. While most of our in-person events have been cancelled, we are working hard to find ways to keep all of our students connected. And of course, we are always looking for opportunities to work alongside our amazing teachers, and provide financial support to the school.
Parents, in order for our PTO to be successful in reaching these goals, WE NEED YOU! If you have it on your heart to help by donating your time and/or talents, please let us know by completing this electronic form! We can tailor volunteer opportunities to play to your strengths and work with your schedule. Plus, we have a lot of FUN, even from a distance!
Dyer Parent Shout Outs!
Thank you to everyone that took the time to submit a Dyer Parent Shout Out form last week! We had such a great response, that we have decided to keep it going! If there is a Dyer staff member that you would like to recognize, send them a Shout Out! Please fill out this form to acknowledge and individual or group. Mr. DiFilippo will share your shout out at our weekly faculty meeting. Don't know the name of who you want to acknowledge? That's okay, each question is set up for a short answer response, instead of typing their name, you can type a description, (i.e. ladies that work in car- rider line each morning).
Birthday Wishes in Big Lights!
Looking to December:
16- Bruster's Blue Ice Day
18 - End of 1st Semester
21- Winter Break Begins
Dyer Elementary School
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/dyeres
Location: 1707 Hurricane Shoals Road, Dacula, GA, USA
Phone: 770-963-6214
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DyerES/