The Eagle Call
May 2016
Welcome to May!
We can officially say that we have made it to May! While many may be counting the time until the students are gone, at Degan, the idea of five weeks left of school has increased our sense of urgency in making sure that all of our Degan Eagles are proficient or advanced in Reading, Writing, and Math.
One way we have done this is through a new adventure we have called NEU Saturday. This has been a time where we have invited some students to school on Saturday to provide them with additional time to master the state required learning standards. This is not, however, about state testing. We have had PK-5th-grade students coming to school to practice communication and improve their understanding of reading and math. We have never done a STAAR practice worksheet. We just want to make sure our students have the skills they need to be successful. I love seeing how excited these students are to be at school on Saturday and I am in awe of the teachers and their commitment to our students as they give up precious downtime from their weekend. One of my proudest moments was seeing some fifth graders who continued to come to NEU Saturday even after knowing they had passed their STAAR tests. It says a lot about their growth and commitment to learning. They know it isn't about a test score. I told the teachers as we began that it was like we were going to build an airplane in flight. We didn't have an example to go by, as most schools have limited participation to 3rd-5th with a focus on STAAR. I can say that this turned out to be much more like a rocket than an airplane. I have seen student confidence and skills take off out of the atmosphere!
Please cross your fingers with me this week. Degan is a finalist for Lewisville ISD's Strategic Design in Action Award. This recognizes an individual, team or campus that effectively implements and models LISD Strategic Design Goals. http://www.lisd.net/cms/lib010/TX01918037/Centricity/Domain/103/mission_vision_goals_beliefs.pdf As you can see from the link, the goals are driven around creating lifelong, successful learners. It is a
huge honor to have our entire campus up for this award and I can say that if we win, students, staff, parents, and community can all celebrate for having a hand in this success. Below you will find a video that was included in our nomination!
Please take a minute to read carefully through this email. There is much going on in May. It is an exciting time of year. One of the characteristics of great organizations is their traditions and celebrations. We have some great traditions at Degan. Our progress this year is worthy of celebration. I hope that you will come be a part of all the greatness that comes with May.
I also hope that you will take a moment to complete our Parent Survey. (link below). Your feedback, input, and partnership our critical to our success and we use this information in our planning for our next school year to make sure we are meeting the needs of our Degan families. If you have serious concerns or a more immediate issue, I encourage you to contact the office to speak with me by phone or in person. You are certainly welcome to leave information on a survey, but since the survey is anonymous, it would be almost impossible to make sure your concern was addressed or follow up for clarification. It should only take a few minutes to complete. I would love to have each family's voice represented.
I hope you find May as exciting as I do. I look forward to celebrating your child's growth during this school year with you. As always, thank you for sharing your precious children with me and the rest of the Degan staff!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Stuart
Please take a moment to complete our 2016 Degan Parent Feedback Survey
2016-17 Class Placements
Kinder Kick Off
May 10th 5:30-7:00 (come and go)
We have a great deal for pre-packaged, prepaid school supplies. Look for information in your child's Tuesday folder. Orders due May 27th. Send in the form with your payment or order online.
The last day for charges to lunch accounts is May 7th. Please keep balances current.
New School Hours for 2016-17
Don't forget these important dates!
May 2nd-6th Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5th- Think College Thursday
May 6th- Nurses Day
Club Friday 4th/Kinder
May 9th-STAAR Testing 3rd/4th/5th Math-no visitors in building
May 10th-STAAR Testing 3rd/4th/5th Reading-no visitors in building
May 11th-STAAR Testing 5th Science -no visitors in building
May 12th-Muffins with Mom
Think College Thursday
May 13th-Club Friday 3rd/2nd
May 17th-Zoe's Fundraiser Night
May 19th-PTA Meeting and 4th Grade Program
May 20th-FIELD DAY
May 24th-Talent Show 7 p.m.
May 25th-Senior Breakfast
May 27th-Final SOAR Ceremony
Club Friday 5th/1st
May 30th-School Holiday
June 1st Award Ceremonies for PK (10am/2:30pm), 1st (8am), 2nd (9am), 3rd (1pm), and 4th (2pm) grades.
June 2nd- 5th Grade Memories Program (8:30 a.m.) and
Kindergarten Graduation (9:30 a.m.)
Final Eagle Shuffle for 2016-17 at 11:30 a.m.
Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.
June 3rd- School is OUT! Read, Istation, Think, Play, Rest!
See you in August!
A monthly calendar is sent in the 1st Newsday Tuesday of the month. Weekly updates and reminders are sent each Tuesday.
Don't forget your college shirts every Thursday and Degan spirit wear every Friday (if you don't have a Degan shirt, wear GREEN)!
Degan Office Staff
We are here to help with any needs or questions you may have. Stop by or call: 469-713-5967
Kyle Smith, Asst. Principal
Shelley Blevins, Counselor
Jill Fuller, Nurse
Chandra Ayres, Secretary
Kelly Casarez, Attendance Clerk
Megan Espinoza, Office Clerk
Kim Teamer, Data Clerk
Office Hours 7:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
For assistance/questions outside these times, please call 469-713-5967 and leave a message, someone will get back with you shortly.
See more information about NEU here!
We will be using Brainology to help teach our kids growth mindset this year in 3-5. PK-2 will use GEM (Growing Early Mindsets!)
Click here for all things Degan!
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. When schools exhibit a culture of universal achievement by believing in students, they collaborate around that belief. During collaboration, they align their standards as a team. As teams align standards, they need to assess the standards and manage the data. Then, and only then, can they pursue meaningful interventions with their students.
Degan Elementary
Email: stuartv@lisd.net
Website: http://degan.lisd.net/
Location: 1680 College Parkway, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 469-713-5967
Facebook: facebook.com/deganes
Twitter: @deganelementary