The first two weeks have been very busy! We got off to a successful and very smooth start to what is sure to be a great school year. We have spent the first two weeks practicing daily procedures and routines, assessing students, and reviewing previously taught concepts. Now that the teachers and students have settled into their routines, we are ready to let the learning begin!

The recent incident at McNair Discovery Learning Academy has once again brought to our attention concern regarding the safety of our schools. I want to reassure you that we take these matters very seriously. Each year, we review our emergency protocols and make adjustments as deemed necessary. Our Safe School Plan includes comprehensive faculty and staff training in Emergency Response Procedures and Protocols for the following:

• Emergency Kit for Evacuation/Reunification
• Accident, Illness, Injury
• Bomb Threat/ Suspicious Packages
• Closing of School- Weather and/or Shelter-In-Place
• Death of a Staff Member/Student or Suicide or Threat at the School
• Fire
• Hazardous Material
• Intruder/Suspicious Person/Hostage
• Student Disruption/Civil Disturbance
• Student Runaway/Abduction/ Missing
• Report of a Weapon/Gunshots Heard
• Weather ( ex. Thunderstorm, Tornado, Earthquake)
• Utility Emergency ( electrical power failure, gas line break or leak, water main or sewer break)
• Bacteria or Microorganism Threat

We are in the process of reviewing our emergency protocols and procedures and will be communicating some changes to parents very soon. My position is never to overreact, but to be very deliberate in getting stakeholder input while considering the safety needs of the school.

Modular/ Trailer Updates

Our 4th and 5th grade modulars are almost ready for students! The classrooms are larger, completely renovated and equipped with updated fire and security systems, phones in each room, internet and a complete technology package that includes an ActivBoard, teacher work station and student computer workstations. As a result of the loss of the two modulars next to the playground, our students have gained more green space to run and play. In an effort to ensure student safety and to be in compliance with DeKalb County Fire Codes, there will no longer be vehicle access to the modular area and playground. The gate will remain locked at all times only accessible by vehicle in a fire emergency. Teachers will now be required to park on Vanderlyn Drive, parallel to the modulars and have been granted designated reserved parking. We respectfully ask that parents do not park in these marked spaces. The playground will remain open to the community after school hours, but we encourage parents to walk around pass the gym to gain entrance.

The final touches are being executed this weekend, and teachers will be provided subs on Monday so they can prepare for the transition into their new classes on Tuesday, August 27. Although the security fencing has been removed, parents and students will not be allowed to enter into the modular/ playground area until students report on Tuesday because there will still be several contractors on site working on last minute details. We appreciate all your flexibility and patience as we have worked to provide our students with a new and improved learning environment.

Again, thanks for your support in making the start of the school year a very successful one in spite of all the transition. We look forward to seeing you on Curriculum Night!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Crenshaw

The Dunwoody Chamblee Parent Council (DCPC) has rescheduled the September 4 meeting to September 11.  Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond will address the audience as originally planned.  The meeting will take place at Dunwoody High School with refreshments at 8:45 a.m., and the speaker will begin at 9:15 a.m. Come early to get a parking place.

If you are looking for a great way to volunteer in the school and really get to know the kids in their element (eating!), then Lunch Bunch is for you!

We are in great need of volunteers to work 45 minute shifts to help the kids during lunch. This gives our wonderful teachers their much-needed break time during lunch and is part of the reason why Vanderlyn is a great school for teachers...parent commitment!

Volunteers can sign up at their convenience for whatever fits best with their schedule. Volunteer weekly, monthly, or even be on our list as a substitute only! If you are interested, please contact Susan Bolte or sign up for your preferred shifts now on SignUp Genius.   

Thanks for helping Vanderlyn and the kids in this important area of service!

Susan Bolte and Michelle Moore 

Lunch Bunch Co-Chairs,

The PTA is looking for one volunteer to fill one last open committee chair position.

The Organics Garden committee currently has one experienced committee chair, but also seeks an additional chair to oversee this important initiative at Vanderlyn. The Organic Gardens committee works with teachers at each grade level to incorporate the organic garden into the existing curricula for Social Studies, Math, Science, and Health. Most volunteer work is done during the school day, working directly with students and teachers during March through November. The aim is to help the teachers achieve the academic goals they already have by providing hands-on learning opportunities that bring lessons to life. No prior gardening experience required, just a willingness to play in the dirt!

Please contact Christine Kelemen to volunteer or make inquiries.

Please remember our teachers and students are only just beginning to get used to their daily routine. We ask that parents and other visitors wait until AFTER Labor Day before scheduling a lunch visit.

The theme for this year's Reflections Contest is "Believe, Dream, Inspire".  Students are encouraged to create original works of art to reflect that theme. Entries can be submitted for as many of the following categories as desired: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. More details will be coming shortly. Please contact jlboss@bellsouth.net or Camilyn Germann with any questions.

Be sure to check out Vanderlynpta.com website to discover opportunities in the area for summer fun and camps! These items are posted regularly to our website as we reserve Viking Views for school-specific news.