Dutch Fork Elementary
Faculty/Staff Newsletter Week of November 4th
Superintendent's Priorities
- Focus our work decisions on/around our district strategic plan.
- Identify areas of achievement to improve.
- Provide Chick-Fil-A and Moe's like customer service for internal and external community.
- Strengthen the structure and quality of communication both internally and externally.
- Promote a work and learning environment where students and staff feel safe physically, emotionally and socially.
DFES Beliefs
- We believe all people deserve to feel safe, valued, and loved.
- We believe all children are naturally curious about the world around them.
- We believe learning is a social process.
- We believe inquiry fosters an environment of noticing and questioning.
- We believe in learning from multiple perspectives.
- We believe in learning from authentic primary and secondary sources.
- We believe in encouraging learners to be risk takers.
- We believe reflection should lead to change and growth.
- We believe learning should lead to social action.
- We believe our actions should be aligned to our beliefs.
Shout Outs
- A shout out to all who participated in Halloween Bag Buddies for their efforts in building community amongst our staff - S. Beckman
- N. Williams, 5th grader, was recognized during Friday's Tag Ceremony for earning the highest possible score on the SCPASS Science test in the Spring of 2019 as a 4th grader. Her picture is below. Please join me in celebrating this great accomplishment.
- Our tag ceremonies require contributions from several of our colleagues. A huge thanks to A. Newman, S. Cope, C. Graham, K. Morris, homeroom teachers, our custodial staff and Mr. Gantt.
- Our first grade character book parade was a hit. Exciting to have students identify their favorite book characters and why. Additional shout out to M. Creech and C. Walker for hosting writing celebrations. Their students shared work they've authored and illustrated with families and their peers.
Staffing Update
After 29 years as a classroom teacher Paula McWhirter (4K) informed me last week of her decision to join the ranks of those who enjoy the retired life effective November 4th. Paula began her career in NC where she taught seven years. She spent several years as a stay at home mom folloiwng her time in NC.
Did you know that Paula actually served as a substitute at Dutch Fork prior to joining the district? She began her 22 year career in our system at Seven Oaks Elementary (1 year) and the remaining time at our school.
An avid Clemson Tiger fan Paula is best known for her work as a kindergarten teacher. With the implementation of our magnet program Paula was "All In" with our work as an environmental sciences magnet school. In fact she played a critical role with our kindergartners raising trout as a yearly experience.
Her love for students/families and compassion for her colleagues/peers is a testimony to her character and will be sorely missed. Please join me in thanking Paula for her work and wishing her well in retirement.
Vivian Dawkins will serve as the long term sub unitl the position is filled.
Scott Out of Office
4K/5K Tag Ceremonies
- 4K @ 8:15 a.m.
- 5K @ 9:15 a.m.
Monday, Nov 4, 2019, 08:15 AM
DFES Mini Theater
Voting Princinct at DFES
DFES will serve as a voting princinct for local elections in Irmo this coming Tuesday. We will need to leave all parking spaces on the first grade side open to accommodate visitors. For thos who park along that side will should utilize another lot. Thanks!
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019, 07:00 AM
DFES Science Lab Hallway
Professional inquiry into poverty with Dr. Tammy Pawloski
Gantt Out of building Tuesday
2nd Cup of Coffee
2nd Cup of Coffee is designed to provide parents/families school information while also giving them space to bring school matters to our attention that is most important to them.
We've made shifts to ensure that time during 2nd Cup can be dedicated to offering information that would be helpful for families to support their children. Our focus this month will feature Exact Path online personalized learning program that can be accessed at home.
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019, 07:30 AM
DFES Professional Development Room
Scott Out of Office Wednesday
Response to Intervention (RtI) Consultant Visit
Our district's office of instruction is evaluating the effectiveness of RtI across the system with the assistance of consultant Kate Anderson Foley. She began visits with D5 schools this past Friday and will continue through next week. The schedule for Kate Foley was set for all schools as she is visiting two school each day.
Kate is observing to see what we are doing well with our RTI program and help us with the next steps to grow our efforts of supporting our fragile readers. Her schedule with us will be as follows:
- Tier 3a 11:50am for Tier 3A
- Tier 1/WIN: 12:45-1:15 Kindergarten Classrooms
- 1:20-1:50 First Grade Classrooms
- 1:55 RtI Meeting
We look forward to having to the visit and feedback.
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019, 11:45 AM
DFES
Fidelity of Small Group Instruction During WIN time
The first nine weeks of school provides space for us learn about readers/mathematicians though a variety of sources.
Now that we are in our second nine weeks it is high time that we address the needs of students through fidelity of small group instruction during WIN time.
It is my expectation that all classes K-5 plan for and implement small group instruction with fidelity during scheduled WIN times. Fidelity includes:
- Adherence to the procedures of this practice
- Frequency of this practice
- Quality of delivery regarding this practice
Over this month you can expect Mr. Gantt and I to vist all K-5 classrooms during WIN time to examine small group instruction in action.
We are fortunate to have Sally Somerall and Julanda Sparkman ready and available to think up with you to plan for and implement small group instruction either invividually or with your team. Access these resources if needed to support the needs of your learners.
Professional development for November 11 will be dedicated to vertical conversations around small group instruction led by Dr. Somerall.
Data Teams Meet Thursday
Math Push In
K-2 Learning Celebration
Friday, Nov 8, 2019, 08:15 AM
DFES Mini Theater
We develop students who care about the world we live in and express critical thinking through natural curiosity and wonder.
Email: jscott@lexrich5.org
Website: www.lexrich5.org/dutchfork/cfm/
Location: 7900 Broad River Road, Irmo, SC, USA
Phone: 803-479-9544
Twitter: @dfes_principal