Dutch Fork Elementary
Academy of Environmental Sciences - Week of June 25th
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 with our beliefs.
Staffing Update
We are pleased to share updates on our most recent hires to DFES:
- Melinda Congon, mother of two Foxcubs, will be the kindergarten assistant in K. Claytor's class.
- Anna Strickland is our new Art Teacher.
- Michelle Davis is our new Spanish Teacher. Michelle worked at DFHS and River Bluff High School but new that elementary was her true niche.
- Sara Shealy will serve as our interim media specialist. Sara is retiree of LexRich 5 and actually began her career at DFES. She brings a wealth of experience and success to this role.
- Mandy McDermott will be join our third grade team. Mandy is coming to us from Seven Oaks Elementary and is the mother of two Foxcubs.
- Kelly O'Connor will serve as our school psychologist. Kelly has spent the last 4 years in our system at multiple schools.
- Our June 25th board meeting was cancelled. We anticipate our recommended hire for 4th grade will be approved at the July 16th board meeting.
- We interviewed this past Thursday for the computer lab position. Our goal is to make a recommendation during the week of July 9th.
Close Out Conversations
We are grateful for those on our staff that completed the 6 question survey. It provided great insight into your personal celebrations, problem-solving, how you've helped others, and how you plan to re-charge this summer.
We also received feedback on challenges and ways in which our admin team can improve processes. You can expect to hear more about the feedback shared with us once we return in August.
One action that will be taken is to conduct a similar survey (3 question maximum) prior to winter break to get a pulse on what is working well and what needs our attention. Through your feedback we are and will take action that should lead to positive change and growth for our school.
DFES Open Library for families
We held our first open library last Thursday. We had two to check out books and J. Gibson joined her mother and they both check out books as well. Thanks to C. Claytor, D. Gibson, and T. Poston for volunteering.
Our next open library will be Tuesday, July 10.
Tuesday, Jul 10, 2018, 04:00 PM
Media Center
Employee Smart ID Cards
As a system we will be using SMART ID Cards for the upcoming school year and foreseeable future.
Smart ID cards may be used for the following functions:
Keyless entry/Access control – only in two locations at this time
Printing access -
Time & attendance tracking – only as applicable for staff
Library Access
Cashless payments – cafeteria
All D5 staff will be issued Smart ID cards starting the 2018-19 school year.
Smart ID cards cannot be marked on, punched with pins, altered in any way, nor can magnetic fasteners be used. The card will not work if it is altered.
If your card is lost, stolen or misplaced, report it immediately to me/S. Cope so it can be deactivated and a new one can be issued.
FYI.
Birthday wishes!
- 7/2 S. Meade
- 7/4 M. Reid
Happy Belated Birthday
- 6/16 T. Garner (Kit Klub Asst Director)
- 6/17 J. Garrett
- 6/24 B. Gantt
- 6/28 S. Sazehn
Working in Your Room
We recognize that most of you will enjoy time away from the building and wont return until August. If you happen to come up before then please notify the front office prior to your arrival as our custodial staff is in the process of cleaning rooms. A heads up will minimize any conflicts with accessing your room.
SIC/PTO Joint Summer Meeting
Wednesday, Jul 11, 2018, 06:00 PM
DFES Media Center
New Staff Orientation
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2018, 10:00 AM
DFES Conference Room
DFES New Staff Summer Institute with Dr. Heidi Mills
Over the previous four summers we have hosted a summer institute that was open for teachers and support staff led by Dr. Mills. During this time we spent time writing curriculum and planning for the upcoming school year.
With magnet funds no longer available we are offering this opportunity for faculty and staff members that have been with us two years or less. The goal being to get new-ish and new staff acclimated to life at DFES prior to the upcoming year. We look forward to learning with and from the newest members of our school community.
Monday, Jul 23, 2018, 08:00 AM
DFES Conference Room
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
Phone: 803-476-3901
Twitter: @dfes_principal