Dieringer District News
December 21, 2022
Educating every child for confidence today and contribution tomorrow.
The Dieringer School District will provide all students with appropriate high-quality programs in a safe, challenging and inclusive school environment. This mission will be undertaken with respect for and in partnership with families and the community.
A Message from the Superintendent
We ended up starting winter break one day early in the end. It is a little sad that we’ll miss out on our sing-alongs, Santa hat days, and the other fun events that were planned for the last day before break. All the same there were plenty of great things that happened at all three schools in the days leading up to the break that gave our students a chance to not only celebrate but learn about the holiday season and how celebrations are different in countries around the world.
We also were treated to some amazing performances in celebration of the holiday season. Those included the Cougar Chorus, the North Tapps Choir, and our bands with students from fifth grade to the eighth grade. Even our preschool students took part in a performance. Thank you to our staff who work diligently to ensure the arts are alive and well in our schools. I hope you enjoy your break and have the chance to spend time with family and friends. Happy Holidays!
Volunteers
In addition to helping in the classroom, we need chaperones for field trips at various times throughout the year. We also need help running events like field day and the eighth grade celebration at the end of the school year. Between the schools and our two PTAs there are many ways to support Dieringer's teachers and students, in and out of the classroom.
If you're interested visit the volunteer page on our website and complete the volunteer application or reach out the appropriate contact at your child's school. https://www.dieringer.wednet.edu/families-community/volunteer-resources
Snow Days and the Calendar
With our two snow days so far this year from December 1st and December 21st, we will need to add two days to the end of the school year. This means the last day of school will now be on June 21st. Currently the calendar on our website does not reflect that new date. Typically we wait until the end of the winter months to amend the calendar officially with the school board since they must vote approve any changes in a business meeting. There is good news with these two snow days that need made up. We are no longer looking at single half day right after the three day weekend in June where we observe and honor Juneteenth on June 19th, which is on a Monday in 2023.
We've also received a few calls and messages about the winter break, and the timing of our last day this December and our return in January. We have a calendar formula in contract language with our teachers and classified staff that stipulates when breaks occur and how long they last. Specifically around the winter break, the language says:
Winter Break (10 consecutive weekdays beginning on the Monday before Christmas if Christmas is on a Wednesday through Saturday or 9 consecutive weekdays beginning on the Thursday before Christmas if Christmas is on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)
Originally this winter break would have been nine days long, and after our December 21st snow day it is again. On the calendar you will see that winter break was eight days. It was shortened this year by one day. We did this to avoid a day off right before the last day of the school year, after a weekend with Juneteenth on June 19, 2023 being a Monday as mentioned above.
Thank You, One More Time
New District Strategic Plan
Members of the Dieringer School District Board of Directors have been working with staff, parents, and community members for the last few months on our strategic planning committee. The committee has been working hard on a draft plan to present to the board. Our original goal was to have a plan ready at the end of November and have time for additional community input in December, with the board adopting a new plan at their December meeting.
The development of our new plan has been a unique opportunity for the Dieringer community and the school board to define what is important for our students to accomplish in our district. The new plan will also detail our goals, how we’ll monitor progress toward achieving those goals, and how we’ll determine success. This process has taken a little longer than originally planned. Even with that delay, our group has had some wonderful conversations about teaching, learning, and supporting Dieringer's students, parents, and staff.
There will be opportunities over the next two months for anyone interested to preview the new plan and provide feedback before the board makes a final decision and adopts the new plan. Be on the lookout for more communications about these opportunities.
School Board Meetings
Meeting schedule, public comment, and minutes information can be found on the website.
- Friday, January 20th : Special Board Meeting - Winter Board Retreat
- Monday, January 30th : Regular Board Meeting - 6:00
Contact Us
District Office Hours : 7:30am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri)
Fax : 253-862-8472
Superintendent : Michael Farmer, mfarmer@dieringer.wednet.edu
Email: communications@dieringer.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.dieringer.wednet.edu/
Location: Dieringer School District, 178th Avenue East, Lake Tapps, WA, USA
Phone: 253-862-2537
Facebook: facebook.com/DSD343/
Twitter: @DieringerSD343