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and now our Facebook Page, for updates on school activities and events. |
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Upcoming Important Dates |
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Monday, October 1 - 8am-11:30am - Cultural Arts Assembly (Havana Son)
Monday, October 1 - 4pm-9pm - Mad Italian Spirit Night
Monday, October 1 through Friday, October 5 - Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 3 - International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, October 3 - Photo Retakes
Tuesday, October 9 through Friday, October 12 - Book Fair
Tuesday, October 9 - 3pm-5pm - School Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 9 - 5pm-8pm - Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
Wednesday, October 10 - 10am - PCMS Informational Meeting
Thursday, October 11 - 6pm-8pm - Fall Family Dinner
See all these events and more on the Dunwoody Elementary PTO Gmail Calendar | |
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From our Principal
September was a busy month for Dunwoody Elementary! We interviewed and
hired three new staff members. Two familiar faces to the DES community, Tara Sinigalli and Michael Thomas, were hired to serve as Pre-K paraprofessionals, and Mr. David Bellknapp was hired as our new Interrelated Special Education Teacher. Additionally, we moved Ms. Sherrell Glenn, Pre-K teacher, to a new kindergarten class. We are currently interviewing to fill the vacancy left by Ms. Glenn.
The most recent accolades for Dunwoody Elementary School belong to our Health Department and our Cafeteria. Mrs. Jeanne Johnson, DES nurse, recently received 100% on her immunization records. We appreciate all parents who responded to Mrs. Johnson's request for updated records in a timely manner and helped us attain our 100%. Ms. Cassandra Battle, Cafeteria Assistant Manager, and her staff earned a heath rating of 100 when the county inspection team visited Dunwoody this past week. Ms. Battle has done an exceptional job of managing the cafeteria in the absence of the manager. We have been informed that our new manager, Erica Burd, will begin this week. She also serves Peachtree Middle.
We continue to work on our school safety, and I appreciate when parents notify me of potential problems. During the month of September, students participated in a fire drill, a lock down drill, and a tornado drill. We will review these drills periodically throughout the year to make certain that our children are clear regarding procedures in an emergency. I appreciate the cooperation of parents who are in the building during the drills, and I appreciate all parents who follow the sign-in process in the front office. A special thank you to the PTO and our Social Worker, Ms. Julie Mann, for providing the Mandatory Reporting training for all our school volunteers.
Our Positive Paw Program is off to a great start as well. At the end of September, our top ticket earners were Mrs. Dyer's first grade with 318 tickets, Mrs. Blair's class with 258 tickets, and Ms. Harrison's class with 251 tickets. On October 15, classes that have earned at least 6 Big Daddy Paws will be able to play on the 18 ft. blow-up slide during recess. Each 9 week period we will have an incentive to help classes earn their paws. Students who were able to participate in August's Principal's Lunch were Miles Gumbrill, Katie Hull, Mason Marks, Shina Resenson, Evelyn Williams, Hunter Olive, and Sarah Rudder.
October arrives with a bang! Students will begin by taking the DCSD benchmark assessment which is given every 9 weeks. This is the first experience students will have with on-line assessments. DeKalb County School District is hoping to move all students toward electronic testing in the near future. Students in Grades 1, 3, 5 will also take the ITBS and CogAT this month. Scores are generally returned to a school approximately 6 weeks following the end of the assessment window. We will be sure to let you know when results are returned.
Jennifer P. Sanders
Principal
Dunwoody Elementary School
1923 Womack Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone (678) 875-4002
Fax (678)-875-4010
JENNIFER_P_SANDERS@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us |
| From the PTO Co-Presidents
Don't miss out on this week's Dunwoody Elementary School events. We have great opportunities for you to show your support of the school and to socialize with other DES families. We have so much to be proud of at our school, come out and see what we mean.
See you at the school,
Shari Wassell and Amy LeVasseur
DES PTO co-presidents |
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Benchmark Assessments
New this year, DeKalb County School District is requiring all schools to
administer a benchmark assessment to students in grades K-5. During the
window of October 3-17, students will take a brief, computerized test
that will assess the pace of instruction for the first 9 weeks of school.
The test is non-graded and is simply a tool for informing instruction in
the classroom. Administration of benchmark testing will occur at 9 week
intervals throughout the year. |
Training on Child Abuse Reporting
Mandatory Volunteer Training:
As of July 1, 2012, Georgia law states that all school volunteers are now MANDATED REPORTERS and are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Therefore, DES volunteers must be trained in the procedures for reporting. All DES parent volunteers are asked to attend one of two available brief training sessions to learn more about this very important responsibility. You will be logged for your attendance and besides getting your required training, you will get a full hour toward your volunteer hours. Please plan to attend.
Wednesday, October 10, 1:45 - 2:15pm (NOTE: New time)
Please RSVP at the following sign up genius link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0E4DA4AB2DA75-mandated
Parents are also able to get their required training by attending any DeKalb County School session. We will continue to advise you of these other school sessions as we are informed.
Chamblee Middle School
Tuesday, Oct 9th 8:00 - 8:30am in the CMS media center
Tuesday, Oct 16th 8:45 - 9:15am in office conference room |
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Upcoming Ballot Question
At it's September meeting, the School Council reviewed and discussed an important constitutional amendment which will appear on our November 6th ballot concerning charter schools. A charter school is a public school that has been given organizational and curriculum flexibility to meet state education expectations.
If approved, the measure would allow a special state charter school commission to approve and fund charter schools. The commission would be appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House. Presently, local school boards and the state school board approve charter schools. Georgia presently has 103 locally approved charter schools.
The ballot question is as follows:
"Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?"
School Council believes this is an issue of importance for our families and community and urges parents to educate themselves on this ballot question.
Opposing viewpoints can be found below:
YES: http://www.georgiahope2012.com/
NO: http://www.votesmartgeorgia.com/
The Dunwoody Chamblee Parents' Council (DCPC) and State Representative Tom Taylor are sponsoring a Discussion Panel on the Charter School Amendment.
When: Thursday, October 4, 9:15am Meet and Greet; 9:30am Program Starts
Where: Dunwoody Public Library
What: Legislative Panel to discuss Pros and Cons of the Charter School Amendment (Ballot issue on November 6th Election) |
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Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Arts Celebration
Did you know that September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month? On Monday, October 1st, DES will host the musical duo, Havana Son, as we mark this occasion. Havana Son will conduct assemblies for the entire school focused on a "Musical Tour through Latin America". Along with music, the students will be exposed to social studies and geography. Ask them about it when they get home! |
Red Ribbon Week 
Red Ribbon Week Schedule 2012
(Please note the new dates below)
Monday, October 1st - WDES student presentation on the history & purpose of Red Ribbon Week. Everyone wears red & students wear "We Are a Bully & Drug Free School" ribbons.
Tuesday, October 2nd - "Put a Lid on Drugs" - Wear your favorite hat today!
Wednesday, October 3rd - "Stand Against Bullying" Day - All students wear "Paws-itively Bully Free" stickers. Anti-Bullying poster drawing contest, all grades. Top 3 winners from each class will receive a prize.
Thursday, October 4th - "Sock It to Drugs - Wear Crazy Socks Day. "Doctor Mixwell and the Drug Scene" Northside Hospital presentation: 3rd Grade assembly - 1:30pm in the gymnasium.
Friday, October 5th - "Team up Against Drugs" - Wear your favorite team Jersey Day
Mrs. Lowe & Dr. Childs will be visiting classes all week to talk with students about Bullying and Drug Awareness.
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Mad Italian Spirit Night
 BON APPETIT! MAD ITALIAN SPIRIT NIGHT is here! MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 from 4pm-9pm. Dine in, or call in your pick-up order to:
(770) 451-8048.
The fun includes great food, face painting, prize drawings and special treats provided by the Frosty Caboose! Share your spaghetti noodles with 2nd Grade Teachers Birell and Holbrook, 3rd Grade Mendel and Librarian Gurin!
The Mad Italian restaurant is located at 2197 Savoy Drive, next to the Atlanta 300 Bowling Alley.
Print the attached flyer and bring it to the restaurant for DES to receive credit for your purchase - pick up orders are included.
Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming DES Spirit Nights during the Fall Semester:
Tuesday, October 9 Chick-Fil-A @ Perimeter Pointe, 5p-8p
Tuesday, November 6 Sandy Springs Funhouse, 10a-6p
Tuesday, November 13 Chick-Fil-A @ Perimeter Pointe, 5p-8p
Thursday, November 29 Shane's Rib Shack @ Perimeter, 5p-8p
Saturday, December 1 Great American Cookie @ Perimeter Mall, 2p-6p
Tuesday, December 4 My Froyo @ Dunwoody Village Publix, 5p-9p
Tuesday, December 11 Chick-Fil-A @ Perimeter Pointe, 5p-8p
All funds raised during Spirit Nights benefit the DES PTO. Thank you for your support!
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DES Ski Club
Calling all Snow bunnies and Shredders! Are you ready for the "Coolest" Club at Dunwoody Elementary?
Mrs. Mattison's Ski and Snowboard Club is back for the 2012-2013 school year!
Ski and Snowboard Skills and Safety Program for NEW 4th and 5th Grade Skiers or Snowboarders will take place after school the week of November 5th - 9th from 2:30-4:10pm. (NO Classes on Election Day November 6th)
Join us on the 8th DES trip to Cataloochee, Saturday, December 15th. Open to ALL DES Families! Students in Grades PreK-3rd may attend with a parent. Space is limited for on campus program and day trip. Registration begins October 1st! www.southernschoolofsnowsports.com We will be offering private and semi-private ski or snowboard lessons on November 6th, Election Day at DES slope. You must book directly through the Southern School of Snow Sports at 770-401-3314 or snowmuchfun@bellsouth.net.  Southern School of Snow Sports offers discount lift passes, equipment rentals and lessons at Cataloochee ALL WINTER LONG for DES families! For all the details please contact 770-401-3314 or email snowmuchfun@bellsouth.net. See you on the Slopes! Jenn Mattison Jennifer_S_Mattison@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us www.lovingwhatido.org
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Picture Day Proofs and Retakes
To order pictures:
- Fill out form and keep the top half.
- Return the proof with payment to your child's teacher.
- Or, drop the proof and payment in the blue and white PTO mailbox (on the right side of entrance after passing thru both sets of doors).
- If you don't want to order pictures, simply discard the proof.
 If your child was absent for Picture Day on September 12th, retakes will be on Wednesday, October 3.
Please check this week's TIP for your proofs. If you are unhappy with the first pictures, retakes will be offered for free if you turn in your first proof on retake day.
*** All packages ordered before the deadline from the first shoot are guaranteed to arrive before Thanksgiving. |
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International Walk to School Day
Dunwoody Elementary will be participating in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 3rd. Put on your walking shoes and walk to school (or ride your bike)! Dunwoody High School's Pep Band will greet you at the Crossing Guard Entrance! You may either walk/bike your own route to school or meet us at one of the following places and join one of our "walking school buses" to walk to school as a group. Please note that these are not drop off walking school buses. It is necessary for parents to walk with their children or make arrangements with another adult to do so. We will leave from the following locations:  Kingswood United Methodist Church
5015 Tilly Mill Road Please meet at 7:05am
Parents should start walking at 7:15am promptly Vermack Swim & Tennis Club 4756 Vermack Road
Please meet at 7:05 am
Parents should start walking at 7:15am promptly A Dunwoody Police Officer will be accompanying this group. Walk to school with a policeman!! Both of these routes will take approximately 20 mins. Due to safety concerns and a lack of a sidewalk on the route, we will again not be having a walking school bus from Village Mill Swim/Tennis Club. GPC's parking lot is not available this morning. Please be courteous when parking on the streets near DES. Parking on these streets creates a safety hazard and restricts access for the residents living on them and for emergency vehicles. Dunwoody Police will be monitoring this. There will be extra pedestrians on the sidewalk in the morning. Remember pedestrians should always have the right of way. All children who walk will receive a small reward that morning. We will tally walkers in the classrooms. The classroom with the most walkers will receive the Golden Sneaker Award. The event will be held rain or shine! Please consider helping out on the morning by handing out incentives. Your children can help and previous volunteers comment about how much fun they have! Please email Rosemary Gorham at rosemary_gorham@hotmail.com if you are able to help out or if you need more information. |
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Book Fair Coming Soon
Dunwoody Elementary's Fall Scholastic Book Fair is Wednesday, October 10 - Friday, October 12th.
We are excited about the book fair and all the great activities that surround it. We will be open mornings before school and afternoons after school. Join us at Family Night on Thursday, October 11th for reading and crafts at the event. Be a Reading All Star!
My Favorite Book Trophies Contest
Is your favorite book an All Star? Create a trophy that celebrates your favorite book and bring it to the library the week of the book fair. All entries will be displayed in the library and we'll vote on our favorites on Friday, October 12th. Use your imagination, any art supplies you have at home and create something fun that tells us why your book is #1! Make sure you have turned it in by 2:00 on Friday, October 12.
Book Fair Hours
Wednesday: 7:00 - 7:30 am & 2-5 pm
Thursday: 7:00 - 7:30 am & 2-8 pm ** Family Night
Friday: 7:00 - 7:30 am & 2-5 pm
 Book Fair is a great opportunity to encourage your children to read with the fabulous selection of books available from Scholastic. Your child should have received a flyer with book titles and information on the great selection that is available this year. Proceeds from the book fair are used to fund school events, add to classroom libraries and to provide reading instruction for the entire school.
Volunteer to help at the Book Fair
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to work as helpers and cashiers for 1 hour shifts in the morning (Thursday and Friday 7:00 - 8:00 am), or 2 hour shifts after school (between 2:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as well as 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Family Night). Interested? Please contact Katie Frame (katie.frame@mindspring.com) or Jennifer Seitz (carlyandcoltrane@gmail.com) with your preference. Thank you!! |
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PCMS Informational Meeting
Rising 6th grade parents are invited to an informational meeting at Peachtree Charter Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 10 AM in the PCMS Media Center. There will be a Q&A session with a panel of parents, teachers, counselors, and the Principal. Topics of discussion include academic placement, Gifted/High Achiever/General definitions, bullying, Accelerated Math, and other important topics. |
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Fall Family Dinner
Thursday, OCTOBER 11, 2012
6:00-8:00p.m.
Parents, take the night off and join us for our 2nd annual Fall Family Dinner at DES!
Dinners $2.00 per person
Children 5 and under eat free
Dinner provided by The Mad Italian
Menu: garlic bread, salad, pasta with meat sauce, pasta with
tomato sauce, pasta in butter sauce, chocolate chip
or sugar cookies, lemonade or iced tea
RSVP via our Signup Genius and bring payment to the event, or please complete the attached form (also available to print from the PTO website) and return it with your payment to the PTO mailbox at the front entry of the school. Or, you may email the Family Events chair, Maria Jacobs at stephensneeden@comcast.net.
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DCSD Roundtable Meetings
Throughout the month of October, DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson will host a series of roundtable meetings for parents. At these meetings, parents can learn more about the status of current issues faced by the district, as well as hear about new initiatives launching in the 2012-13 school year. DCSD families also will
have the opportunity to ask questions.
These are open forums for all DeKalb County parents, and they replace the previous parent advisory committees. Parents are encouraged to submit their questions in advance to lillian_m_govus@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us.
The meetings will take place from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
* Monday, Oct. 15 - McNair High
* Tuesday, Oct. 16 - Tucker High
* Tuesday, Oct. 23 - Redan High
* Thursday, Oct. 25 - Lithonia High
* Monday, Oct. 29 - Dunwoody High |
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2nd Annual DES Fall Food Drive
 Dunwoody Elementary will once again collect canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to the Atlanta Food Bank, Hosea Feed the Hungry and other area food donation centers.
Your PTO Community Care Committee is teaming up with the DES PE Department for this drive. Cans may be brought to the school entrance anytime beginning October 1. The last day to bring in your cans will be October 29. Plastic Bags were sent home in TIPs last week to assist with getting the cans to school. Our goal is 10,000 cans. With 950 students, that's 10-11 cans donated per student. We hope you will participate in this worthy cause! |
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Calling all Box Tops!
Save your Box Tops from Juicy Juice and all the products below. Clip them, send them to school, and earn cash for DES! Place all Box Tops in the collection box in the lobby.
All Box Tops should be turned in by October 15th. Send in completed collection sheets or place your Box Tops in baggies, writing your child's name, grade, and # of Box Tops on the outside. Keep them coming! |
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Nancy's Hallmark Coupon
Nancy's Hallmark Coupon Expiration Extended to October 31!
Shop Nancy's Hallmark in the Georgetown Kroger Shopping Center (corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Rd and I-285) now through October 31 and receive $5 off purchase of $20 or more.
To receive the discount, you must turn in the postcard-size coupon titled "Thank you for supporting the DES PTO" at checkout. The coupon was distributed at PTO registration and Curriculum Nights, to all teachers and parents who joined the PTO. Nancy's Hallmark has great gifts, cards and decorations, especially now for the upcoming holidays. Let's show Nancy's Hallmark our patronage for partnering with our school! |
| Graphic Designer Needed
Your PTO is looking for a graphic designer that can help us with historical Dunwoody Elementary school photos. If this is something you would be willing to do gratis, please contact Shariwassell@gmail.com. The time you spend on this project will add to your volunteer hours for the semester. |
 Tour De Dunwoody
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
2nd Annual Tour De Dunwoody
Saturday, October 20
Registration at 7:30 am; ride begins at 8:30 a.m.
This is a fun family bicycle ride through Dunwoody. Please plan to join us!
Wanted: Corporate Sponsors!!
Business and Corporate sponsorships are available for $100-$1,000. To get involved, complete the sponsor application form, return completed form and payment in a sealed envelope to the large blue PTO mailbox in the lobby.
Sponsorship payment can also be made online by clicking below, or from the Fundraising page on the PTO Website.
The TdD is a great way to promote your business in our DES community and beyond!
A BIG Thank You to our TdD Sponsors-To-Date:
Kaplan Orthodontics
Primrose Schools
Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta
RMZ Properties
Chandler, Britt, Jay, Beck, Zwald, LLC Attorneys at Law For Ride information or to be a Business or Corporate sponsor, email Christine Hilgert: chilgert@meetingexpectations.com. |
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Dunwoody Wildcat Football Pancake Breakfast
2 Great Events to benefit the Dunwoody High School football program on Saturday, October 13!
Dunwoody Wildcat Football Pancake Breakfast:
8am-11am in the Dunwoody High School cafeteria
$6 for all you can eat pancakes
Children 5 and under are free
Tickets are on sale now from all Dunwoody Wildcat football players and will also be sold at the door. Join us for this great community event where you will be served by your favorite Wildcat football player and hear the DHS marching band drum line!
Dunwoody High School Second Annual Blue vs. Red Alumni Flag Football Game:
1PM DHS football field
Concessions will be available
CLASSES 2001-PRESENT WEAR RED
CLASSES 1988-2000 WEAR BLUE
CLASSES 1971-1988 WEAR MAROON |
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CV Classic 5k Fun Run Fundraiser
CV Classic 5K Fun Run Sat. Oct. 20 at 8 am (1 mile at 8:30)
Register to run/walk in the CV Classic 5K. $20, includes a t-shirt. It's not too late to "get on the shirt." Family sponsorships available for $100 and includes 2 race registrations and family name printed on the back of the race shirt. Download the CV Classic Family Sponsor Form.
All for a great cause - a new running track at the middle school.
Download the CV Classic Registration Form, or pick one up at the PCMS front office, or email Meri Miller merimiller@mindspring.com.
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Tiger Talk Newsletters Archived Ever need to find an old newsletter to get an announcement? Tired of searching through your thousands of emails for it? All newsletters are archived on www.dunwoodypto.com. Look for "Tiger Talk" under the "news" menu, or click HERE. |
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How to Send an Announcement Using Tiger Talk
Tiger Talk is the weekly e-newsletter of the Dunwoody Elementary School PTO. Every Sunday, we publish information that is pertinent to the students and parents of DES. The submission deadline for each issue is 10 p.m. on Tuesday. All announcements must be brief and sent in writing as an email to Dunwoody.TigerTalk@gmail.com. Announcements will run for two weeks prior to the event or as applicable. If you have any questions about Tiger Talk, please contact the editors at Dunwoody.TigerTalk@gmail.com.
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LIKE us on Facebook
If you are a Facebook user, please "Like" Dunwoody Elementary School. Our school's new page will be used to promote upcoming school events and communications. We will also allow comments from our DES community but through daily monitoring we will remove anything that is not appropriate. We're excited about this new opportunity to share all the good things happening at our school.
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