JBD FAMILY FOCUS
May 7, 2017
Request policy for the 2017-2018 School Year
At this time of year, we start thinking about the next year and wondering what is best for our children as they continue to grow and learn. As you can imagine, to take individualized and personal requests for 850 children is quite impossible. Please know that when we place your students in classes, we look at a variety of factors. Students with special needs are not clustered in one classroom so therefore, all classes can be considered inclusion classrooms. We look at academic achievement, social dynamics, and a demographic balance. Identified gifted students will automatically be placed in the gifted cluster. Otherwise, we try to rotate to allow others to have the experience of the gifted cluster. Placement in the gifted cluster one year, does not guarantee placement in the gifted cluster the next year. We also have to save spaces in those classes for students that may enroll or become identified at a later date. Please know, the curriculum and standards are the same for all students at all levels. The gifted curriculum allows for more depth and complexity in some areas. The gifted cluster is not always the best fit for every child.
However, I do realize that at times there are special circumstances that need to be addressed. Requesting a teacher by name will not be honored due to changes that happen throughout the summer such as teacher transfers and grade level changes. However, I will consider requests under the following guidelines:
- Learning Environment: No two classrooms are structured the same. We have some classrooms whose structure is more traditional and some that now have flexible seating options. With 6 and 7 classes on each grade level, with that many different environments.
- Prior history with a specific teacher-If there has been a positive or negative experience with an older child and a certain teacher, that information will be taken into consideration. Please be specific in sharing your reasons for that request.
- If for whatever reason, you definitely do not want your child in a certain class, please share. If there have been problems or you feel your child did not have a 'good year', please let me know, as I can't remedy a situation that I know nothing about. My goal is for ALL of my students to love school and want to come every day. So yes, I am anxious to hear about the challenges work through them with you.
With all of this said, I will remind you that without struggle there is no growth. School should not be 'easy' and one bad day is not the end of the world. However, relationships are important. Your child should feel comfortable and safe in the classroom environment, feel cared for, and confident when asking for help and asking any questions.
You can send your thoughts and concerns through email. However, sometimes these notes from parents are not recognized by our school system email and may go into clutter. To guarantee that I will receive your note, please send in a paper copy in a sealed envelope addressed to me.
If you have a serious concern, I am more than happy to meet with you! Otherwise, please know your child will be placed carefully as I hand place them myself. Do not tell the teachers who you want your child to have next year as they have no control over the specific teacher. They do provide data and information that assist in placements.
Thank you for all you do as you partner with us in the education of your children.
Beth Bianchi
Parking for Field Day - Friday, May 12
Parents & Friends,
The Virginia Beach Tennis & Country Club (VBTCC) has gracioulsly allowed us to utilize their parking lot on Frioay, May 12th for Field Day. They have asked that we please park on the left parking lot on Thomas Bishop Lane only. Thank you for your cooperation and thank you VBTCC for your assistance!
Field Day
Don't forget to wear your Field Day shirt if you ordered one or if you may wear a
shirt color assigned by your Grade Level:
PTA Scholarship Winners
The results are in! Congratulations to the 2017 recipients of the PTA scholarships. The winners will be awarded their certificates and checks at the general PTA meeting prior to the chorus performance on Tuesday, May 9th. The winners will also be listed on the plaques displayed in the school foyer.
Betty Anne Stephenson Scholarship
Charles Prince
Joan Melton Scholarship
Andrew Sorenson
Lee Capwell Scholarship
Cameron Bailey
Lois L. Whaley Memorial Scholarship (two recipients this year)
Tracy LoAlbo
Alyssa Crouch
Margo Winans & Emilie Templeton
Co-Chairs PTA Scholarship Committee
NEXT WEEK AT DEY
May 9:
- Newspaper Club (2:50 - 3:30 p.m.)
- Spring Concert/PTA Meeting 5:30 p.m. (Note time change from 6:30 p.m.)
May 10:
- Happy School Nurse Day! Thank you Mrs. Self & Mrs. Boothe-Mericle!
- Art Club
- JBD Spirit Night - Baker's Crust 4-8 p.m.
May 12:
- Field Day!
VBCPS GIFTED DANCE PROGRAM CELEBRATES 30 YEARS!
The Gifted Dance Education Program of Virginia Beach City Public Schools presents its annual Spring Concert in their new home. The presentation this year reflects the student’s work around the theme “Where People Dance and Why.”
In honor of our new space, we would like to extend an invitation to all Virginia Beach City Public Schools to come and see your dancers on their dance day and/or come Saturday night, May 20th for a special 30th Anniversary Celebration entitled:
“We are Family…A Celebration 30 years in the making.”
The concert will take place May 15th through 19th, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The performers will be the dancers who attend dance that particular day.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration featuring 8th graders and alumni dancers will take place Saturday, May 20th at 6 p.m. Come, feel the excitement of the new space and let our dancers inspire you with their gifts.
If you were ever a part of the Gifted Dance Education program, please contact Valerie Winborne in the dance office at 757-648-3240 to find out how you can participate.
Spring Concert 2017
Monday, May 15th through Friday, May 19th at 11 a.m.
30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, May 20, 2017 6pm
Admission is free and these events are Open to the Public
Let us know if you plan to attend. 757-648-3270
LOOKING AHEAD
- JBD Spirit Night - Buffalo Wild Wings
- Educational Bosses' Week - Thank you to Mrs. Bianchi & Dr. Sedory !
- Happy Memorial Day - School closed
May 31:
- JBD Spirit Night - Your PIE (Hilltop) 4 - 8 p.m.
- Goin' Buggy 1st Grade Musical Performance
- 9:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Rehearsals (Café)
- 5:30 performance - Baugher, Callis, Tempest,
- 6:30 performance - Linsly, Jansen, Thomson
June 16:
- Last Day of school
Adjusted Dismissal (Grades 1-5) 12:10 p.m.
AM Kindergarten 8:10 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
PM Kindergarten 10:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
5th Grade Graduation
Elizabeth Bianchi, Principal
Email: Elizabeth.Bianchi@vbschools.com
Website: www.deyes.vbschools.com
Location: John B Dey Elementary School, North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-2440
Twitter: @JbdElem