We've been back in school for three weeks since the two-week winter break, and I want to commend our students! They are working so hard, and playing hard too. They are following the Covid guidelines of keeping their masks on all day. Luckily they can take them off while they eat and when they are outside. It's hard to wear a mask all day, and they are doing a great job with it. None of the adults like to wear a mask all day either, and the staff is pushing through it as well. Thank you for your support as we implement Covid requirements.

This week we have access to Taproot Theater's virtual performance of "Allies From Outer Space." It's a production that focuses on anti-bullying. Taproot Theater performs for our elementary schools every year, but for the last two years, it has had to be virtual performances. Thank you to our PTA for funding this fun and engaging performance for us once again.

Vaccination Clinic Update--The time of the vaccination clinic scheduled for January 27 needs to be changed. Originally it was scheduled to take place from 4:00-7:00pm. That time needs to change to 5:00-8:00pm. Please mark your calendars if you are planning on participating in the vaccination clinic.

Sincerely,

Pat Webster--Head Learner

Remember to Vote

Election Day is February 8th and Dieringer has three propositions on the ballot. Proposition 1 is a replacement of our existing Educational Programs and Operations Levy. Proposition 2 is also a replacement levy for our current Technology Levy. Proposition 3 is a new Capital Levy to make much needed upgrades to all three schools, including turf fields, important HVAC replacements and upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and more. While Proposition 3 is a new levy, it replaces an expiring bond that comes off the books at the end of 2022. Overall the tax rate for Dieringer citizens would stay the same in 2023 when collection on these three levies would begin. More information is available at https://www.dieringer.wednet.edu/our-district/vote.

Levy Information Night

Did you miss our Community Forum with information on Propositions 1, 2, and 3 on the February 8th ballot? Visit https://www.dieringer.wednet.edu/our-district/vote to watch the recording and access additional information and documents from the event.

Dieringer Pride

Enjoy the final video in our We Are Dieringer series.

https://youtu.be/S7_XgY-0-2A

Amy Bateman has been an educator for 24 years and has spent half her career in Dieringer, most recently as one of the technology coaches. Technology in the district has been key to its success, especially during the pandemic. Despite closures and hybrid models and extended absences, students continue to have access to learning and teachers. Every student in Dieringer has a device, which allows teachers to meet them where they are—academically AND physically! When first shut down, Dieringer didn’t have to scramble to create a new system. The students had the devices, and the teachers had the skills and support. For years, students and their families, as well as the teachers, utilized digital tools regularly, including Schoology, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and Screencastify. Online learning made them necessary. These past three school years have been challenging, but the challenges accelerated great changes. The technology has allowed Dieringer students, families, and staff to stay productive and connected.

Each and every January we get to recognize our school board for their service and dedication to the students, staff, and community in the Dieringer School District. Thank you Megan Bearor, Chelsea Steiner, Scott Reisnouer, Greg Johnson, and Mike Skagen.

School board members are ordinary people who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to our public schools. January marks School Board Recognition Month and is the perfect time to thank our school board members for their untiring efforts.

Too often we forget about the personal sacrifices school board members routinely make. Too often we forget about the important role school board members play in assuring local control over our public schools, control that is in the hands of people we know - people who are our neighbors. Too often we forget that, in the tradition of a representative democracy, school board members are our connection to influencing how our public schools are governed. Too often we are quick to criticize school board members without really knowing all the details that went into any given decision. Too often the efforts of school board members go unrecognized and unrewarded.

This month we take a moment to recognize the value of their work to our students and our communities. This is a time to show our appreciation and to begin to better understand how school board members work together to provide leadership for our schools.

The school board works closely with parents, education professionals and community members to create the educational vision we want for our students. It then formulates goals, defines results and sets the course for an adequate and equitable educational program for all students. The school board is accountable to the public. It is responsible for assuring the public that the money allocated to the public schools is providing a good return on the investment. Thus, the board oversees regular assessment of the district’s students, staff, and programs. The school board also is a strong advocate for public schools and is responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district.

In January, join with others from throughout our district and state to salute the board members who provide grassroots governance of public schools. Make a special effort to tell each school board member his or her hard work has been noticed and is very much appreciated.

This month we will be learning about the character trait Honesty. We are focusing on living truthfully with our words, actions and thoughts. Students participate in conversations in class, watch videos of their peers sharing examples of honesty, and have mini-lessons and activities to reinforce the importance of honesty.

A home activity to try:

Positively Telling: Every day this week, when you and your child see each other for the first time, practice sharing something specific, honest, and positive about your day and/or what you think about them. Remind them that Honesty is sometimes about connecting positive thoughts to positive words! (from Character Strong).

NO appointment is needed at this time.

"That's right, no appointment needed and no identification needed. Just show up and shop like any grocery store... and we'll take care of the rest. We serve all... EVERY address, EVERY city, EVERY zip code."

Food Distribution Hours:

• Mon-Fri : 10:00am-1:00pm
• Thurs: 5:00pm-7:00pm

Client Information Link: 253-863-3793

Food Bank Address: 15625 Maine Street E. Sumner, WA

253-862-6600

If you walk to school from a nearby neighborhood to pick up your child early, please be sure to call ahead. Our playground supervisors always keep an eye out for strangers on the campus, particularly on the playground. If you call the office ahead of time, we can notify the playground supervisor that you are on the way, and it's safe to let you cut through the playground from the neighborhood behind the school.

Jade Hughes

Human Resources Technician

jhughes@dieringer.wednet.edu

253-862-2537

Mrs. Leslie

kleslie@dieringer.wednet.edu

253-862-6600

If your student has been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, please turn in proof of vaccination.

You may bring a copy to the office, or email it to Mary Aspelund, RN: maspelund@dieringer.wednet.edu

Fully vaccinated students do not have to quarantine or participate in Test to Stay if they have been in close contact with someone Covid positive! Fully vaccinated means at least 14 days have passed since receiving the second Covid vaccine in a two-dose series (or 14 days after receiving a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine-not available for those under age 18).

Students should be monitored for symptoms for a full 14 days after last exposure. If any Covid-like symptoms develop, they must stay home and get a PCR Covid test (not an antigen test or rapid antigen test). It is recommended to get a Covid test on day 5-7 after exposure if no symptoms are present (may be either a PCR or antigen test without symptoms). If your student has tested positive for Covid in the past 90 days and develops symptoms, please call the school for testing guidance.