Each year, a DCSS audit team conducts a surprise visit twice during the year to evaluate our emergency response preparedness. They specifically look at our evacuation boxes and plans, and they conduct a lock down drill. Additionally, they question teachers and students regarding safety precautions and procedures. They check to make sure a safe facility is maintained through proper supervision, monitored transitions, use of hall passes, and secured doors.  

Our first safety audit of the year earned a perfect score of 100 points.  We are scheduled for our second visit at some point in the next two weeks. Please don't be alarmed if your children come home talking about their lock down drill that requires them to hide in the classroom. The students think the drill is fun, and they do an exceptionally good job of being really quiet! The drill usually last about 3-5 minutes and is presented in a non-threatening way. Teachers talk to the students prior to the drill so that no one is anxious or upset.  

Please remember that we have a Principal's Coffee scheduled for January 27th. We will discuss the individual GA Milestone student report (already sent home - grades 4 and 5) and the gifted eligibility processing cycle.  I hope to see you at 7:45am in the Media Center.

We had another great Spirit Night last Tuesday. Thank you to all of the DES families that participated! We also had great attendance on Friday for All Pro Dad. We have had a great turn-out for all of these events this school year, so please make sure you take advantage of all that Dunwoody Elementary School has to offer.

Thank you to our All Pro Dad chair, Chris Wilburn for organizing a morning for parents and students to learn how to be safe while using their electronic devices.  Also, thank you to Ben Halpert from Savvy Cyber Kids.  Ben spent the morning showing our parents and students how to protect our kids while being online.

Peachtree Charter Middle School invites all parents of 5th graders to our informational coffee to learn more about PCMS and what you need to know to prepare your rising 6th grader for middle school.

The informational coffees will be held in the Media Center on January 19, at 9:00am and in the cafeteria on Sunday, January 31, at 2:00pm. The informational sessions will last 1 hour and will be followed by a school tour.

You will receive information about the summer bridge program offered to 6th graders to help with the transition to PCMS, typical 6th grade schedules, band/orchestra/choral offerings, daily PE and the accelerated math program. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the

school's principal and teachers.

PCMS tours are offered to parents by appointment if you are not able to attend one of the coffees.

B. Scott Heptinstall

Principal, PCMS