Dutch Fork Elementary
Academy of Environmental Sciences - Week of October 23rd -
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 wondering.
- 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 with our beliefs.
DFES 2017-2018 Goals
- Excellent customer service.
- Effective use of small group instruction.
- Building teacher capacity with environmental education.
Shout Outs
- PTO board members for scheduling a well attended fall festival. We are grateful for the many parent volunteers that help set up and break things down on Friday. Additional thanks to our faculty and staff members that assisted as well.
- C. Rhodes and C. Trevett. Both interventionists successful had their national board certification renewed this past week.
- The twenty-two students who were recognized during Friday's UnbeLEAFABLE Student Celebrations. We had a mom that shed tears of joy during and following the ceremony because of the positive actions of her child.
- Although it was shared through the office of communications I would like to personally send a shout out to Dr. Akil Ross of Chapin High School. An amazing educator and practitioner that is committed to the best interests of his students and staff.
Five Pillars of Magnet Schools
- diversity
- innovative curriculum and professional development
- academic excellence
- high quality instructional systems
- family and community partnerships
Magnet schools that were included in the Project A.C.C.E.S.S grant which recently concluded in September are embarking on a magnet certification process. This process requires magnet schools to examine our practices within the 5 pillars listed above. With input from the teachers on this team we will complete this process over the course of this year.
Additionally during our time we reviewed the D5's magnet school timeline which includes:
- District Magnet Fair Thursday, November 9 from 5:30 - 7:00 At Crossroads Middle School. This time is dedicated for magnet schools to set up booths to discuss their respective programs with prospective families. We typically have a minimum of two teachers join us for this event. S. Sazehn will represent our upper grades. We would like to have a teacher from K or 2nd to join us as well (first/4th grade will host Night Under the stars at 6:00 on this date).
- District Magnet Fair Thursday, January 4th from 5:00 - 6:30 at the CATE Center.
- DFES Magnet School Showcase Wednesday, January 10 from 6:30 - 7:30 (details forthcoming).
CogAT Testing for 2nd and 4th Graders
In an effort to make sure all teachers have planning during 2nd grade testing next week, 2nd grade and 3rd grade will switch related arts times. On Tues, Wed and Thurs (Oct 24-25-26) 3rd grade will go to related arts at 9:15-10:05, and 2nd grade will go to related arts at 1:40-2:30. Interventionists have been notified of this change and will adjust their schedules accordingly. 4K teachers share the 2nd grade slot, and will attend related arts as follows:
Gentry 1:40 - 2:05
Gould 2:05 - 2:25
Monday, Oct 23, 2017, 08:00 AM
DFES
RtI Conversations
Dr. Somerall has been in contact with teachers that are expected to participate in RtI Conversations Tuesday. Teachers just a reminder to access her email so that you are prepared for our time together.
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017, 08:00 AM
S. Somerall's Room
Data Team Tuesday
The fourth Tuesday of each month is dedicated to data teams as this is one of our district's initiatives. We will meet with all data team facilitators in the professional development room. Our goal is to build capacity for our data team facilitators. As such the topics for Tuesday include the role of facilitators and pacing of data team meeting.
Curricular conversations with A. Umberger
We will have grade level science curricular conversations this Thursday. Please bring a charged device (phones are acceptable).
Last week I mentioned the need to to connect the dots between professional development and classroom practice. Teachers will be asked to identify 1 action step as a result of discussions.
As promised we are building time to do this during our curricular conversations. Please bring a charged device (phone acceptable) as the last five minutes will be reserved for reflection and adding your 1 item action step. There will not be a need to do this outside of our time together. Thanks!
Thursday, Oct 26, 2017, 08:30 AM
Science Lab
Mammogram Van
Thursday, Oct 26, 2017, 09:00 AM
DFES
PBIS Store
- the store will be held during your respective recess times
- menu of items will be placed in your boxes and we will post menu options throughout the building
We solicit your continued input and feedback throughout this process.
Thursday, Oct 26, 2017, 10:30 AM
DFES
Learning Celebration led by Ms. A's Class
Friday, Oct 27, 2017, 01:45 PM
Mini Theater
November meeting with Heidi Mills
Dr. Mills will be with us on Thursday, November 2nd instead of Thursday, November 16th (due to attending NCTE's annual conference scheduled for that same time). There will not be any curricular conversations on November 16th (yah).
We are slightly more than a month away from hosting the Consortium meeting on December 1st. I would like to invite 2 teachers per grade level to open their classrooms for visitors on December 1st. We will follow up on this during Heidi's next visit with us.
Thursday, Nov 2, 2017, 08:15 AM
Professional Development Room
Additional Announcements
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, United States
Phone: 803-476-3901
Twitter: @dfes_principal