I hope everyone had a good weekend and was able to escape the heat!

As the leader of Easley, I often have proud principal moments and am always amazed, touched, and in aww of all that happens within the walls of our building each and every day. This week I had the privilege, and honor, to stand with two of our talented and dedicated educators as they were recognized by the DPS Board of Education. On Thursday evening I accompanied Mary Harriss, one of our EC Resource Teachers, as she was presented with a Spark Pin at the school board meeting. Please see below to view the parent nomination that was read at the meeting.

Dana Walker, who is also an EC Resource Teacher, was selected by the Easley staff as our 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year in April. On Friday evening, we attended the Teacher of the Year banquet at the Washington Duke Inn to recognize and celebrate all the DPS Teachers of the Year. Mrs. Walker was a semi-finalist for the district TOY and I couldn't have been more proud as she was recognized by the board at the banquet.

Our EC families and the Easley staff already know Mrs. Harriss and Mrs. Walker are both exceptional educators who go above and beyond for their students day in and day out. It is always awesome to see educators recognized for the important work they do; I especially enjoyed getting to celebrate them both this week!

EOG Testing Begins This Week

Friday the 27th - 5th Grade Science

Wednesday, June 1st - 3-5 Reading

Friday, June 3rd - 3-5 Math

Yearbooks

You can still purchase the 2021-2022 yearbook online or by sending in cash or check made out to Easley Elementary. The yearbook does a great job of showcasing this crazy school year and all the fun and togetherness we managed to have despite the unique circumstances. The cost is $20.

To order online: https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB10013

Student Chromebooks and Chargers

Beginning Thursday, May 26th ALL STUDENT CHROMEBOOKS & CHARGERS will remain at school to begin End-Of-Year collection and inventory.

Next Year's School Improvement Team

We have three parent seats opening up for the 2021-2022 school year. The SIT is the governing body of the school and positions are elected. The team meets once a month in the evening from 5:30-6:30. The time commitment on this team is minimal beyond the monthly meetings. As a member of the team you will learn a great deal about the inner workings of our school and programs and become a part of the decision making process in terms of budgeting and programming. An electronic ballot will be sent out before the end of the school year. Our first meeting will be held in early August. If you are interested in serving on the SIT please complete this Google Form no later than Friday, June 3rd.

Easley Garden Days

Come out and help with Easley's gardens. . . whenever is convenient for you! Please add your name to the task/area you would like to help with over the next 2-3 weekends. Click here to view the Sign-up Genius.

• Monday, May 30th will include a flower planting event. All other slots can be done at your convenience.

SIT Meetings @ 5:30 PM

June 6

PTA Meetings @ 6:30 PM

June 6

COVID Information

Links to community testing sites

Covid -19 information and resources

PTA News: Update/Membership

To purchase PTA memberships or make a donation, please visit: https://easleypta.memberhub.com/store

I nominate Mary Harriss, EC teacher at Easley Elementary School, as a SPARK supporter! Mary is an exceptional EC teacher who embodies the ideas of embracing, empowering, and educating all students. It is not just in-classroom support but her management of many other duties that go with providing EC services. She comes to IEP meetings with thoughtful insight on how to support each child. Communication does not stop just at that meeting. She is always available to answer questions, provide perspective, or brainstorm new accommodations to help a student. These past two years have continued to be challenging for our EC teachers, who have been tasked with supporting our most vulnerable students—managing increased caseloads, referrals, and students who have experienced learning loss and trauma. Even though she may only work with a student for 30 minutes, she always finds a way to connect with them and build confidence while maintaining high expectations by taking time to understand the whole child, not just the differences that bring them to her classroom. She is more than just a teacher; she advocates for neurodivergent students, councils parents anxious about school transitions, is a smiling face who keeps carline moving, and much more.