Dutch Fork Elementary
Academy of Environmental Sciences - Week of Sept. 4th -
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.
DFES Goals 2017-2018
- “We believe positive and integrated relationships between families and educators are crucial, and plentiful opportunities for collaboration among students, teachers, and families are essential.” - The Teacher You Want to Be
- “We believe that the way teachers approach their own learning should parallel the way children approach their learning, and school is the place where both teachers’ and students’ learning is characterized by engagement, purpose, and self-direction.” - The Teacher You want to Be
Small Group Instruction
“We believe that teachers are researchers and that instructional decisions are best when based on what teachers have learned and documented by observing and listening carefully to students throughout the day.” -The Teacher You Want To Be
Shout Outs
- Emily Perkins - Trees are known by the fruit they bear. Apple trees produce apples. Citrus trees produce citrus fruit. Hopefully you get my point. This analogy sums up Emily. She is well known for the fruit she bears. At her very core she is kind, compassionate, and has a servant's heart. For the last 13 years Emily has been committed to the well-being of our students, families, and the DFES faculty and staff. She was critical to establishing PBIS at our school and positively influenced our district PBIS efforts through her leadership. As our magnet site coordinator she had significant contributions that has allowed our program to flourish. Emily advocated on behalf of DFES and our best interests consistently. Her worth and value to Dutch Fork can not be overstated. Leaphart Elementary is gaining a treasure in Emily Perkins.
- Delores Entwistle - Delores began as a substitute at DFES and quickly became a "fan favorite" of our faculty and staff. The reason being her care and love specifically for DFES students and families. She served as the long term substitute for M. Creech two years ago in 4K. During that time my oldest child was a student in that classroom. I was able to witness first hand what others were raving about. A true professional that treated every child as her own. Delores is a class act in every since of the word. We are thankful that she was a beloved colleague and peer. We wish her overwhelming success as she transitions to H.E. Corley Elementary on Wednesday.
FOX STAR OF THE DAY
We are officially kicking off and recognizing the Fox Star of the Day beginning Tuesday. A gentle reminder to take a few minutes to complete your recommendation within the required timeline.
3 week literacy plan and Google Classroom
On August 18, Dr. Somerall met with homeroom teachers and shared our expectations for launching literacy here at DFES for this school year. All homeroom teachers are expected to join Google Classroom for Literacy.
While meeting with Robin Cox on Wednesday and Thursday each homeroom teacher should be prepared to give an update on the following:
- whether you have received an invitation from Dr. Somerall and joined the google classroom for literacy
- first round of reading conferences which included listening to students read, notes taken, and insights gained
ELA PD Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. in the cafeteria led by Dr. Somerall
2nd Cup of Coffee
2nd Cup of Coffee is designed to provide parents an opportunity to meet with school administrators. During this time we share school updates and give parents the space to discuss school matters most important to them while also getting their input on decisions about moving our school forward.
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017, 07:30 AM
DFES Media Center
Grade level Meetings with Robin Cox
We are excited about the upcoming curricular conversations with Dr. Robin Cox this Wednesday and Thursday as they are directly connected to our school goal of small group instruction.
Please refer to schedule sent by S. Cope this past Friday regarding the schedule for both days so that plans can be made accordingly.
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017, 08:30 AM
Professional Development Room
K-2 Curriculum Night
At DFES our curriculum night is designed to provide parents/families a glimpse of what curricular structures (reading workshop, writing workshop, etc.) and learning entail for their children. Our goal is that this time is less sit and get and greater engagement for students and families.
On that night parents will convene in the mini theater at 6:00 p.m. Administrators will share required Title I information with families and dismiss them to your respective classes by 6:10 p.m. Teachers should anticipate beginning at 6:15 p.m.
We will follow this schedule Thursday evening for our 3rd-5th grade curriculum night.
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017, 06:00 PM
DFES
J. Scott will be out of the office Wednesday to attend principals' meetings beginning at 12:00 p.m. See Mr. Gantt in my absence if needed.
Girls on the Run (GOTR)
We are excited about the return of Girls on the Run beginning this Wednesday. Over a period of 10 weeks, girls in the 3rd through 5th grade participate in an after-school program designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength.
The Girls on the Run lessons encourage positive, emotional, social, mental and physical development. Participants explore and discuss their own beliefs around experiences and challenges girls face at this age. They also develop important strategies and skills to help them navigate life experiences. Coaches help the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them. Then, they look at the importance of team work and healthy relationships. Finally, the girls explore how they can positively connect with and shape the world.
We are thankful for our GOTR coaches: G. Gerbaum, B. Blackwell, S. Copeland, P. Finney, V. Gustafson, K. Hill, K. Tisdale, and M. Whittaker.
Grandparents and Grand friends Day 2017
Our PTO sponsored Grandparents and Grand friends day is great example of building positive and integrated relationships between families and our school.
This is always a well attended two day event. Given the large turn out anticipated all DFES faculty and staff are expected to utilize rear parking to accommodate visiting grandparents. Please join us in making all of our guests feel valued and loved.
Thursday, Sep 7, 2017, 10:30 AM
DFES Cafeteria
Our school newsletter, The Cub Reporter, will go home electronically Thursday, September 7th
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