The Wildcat Weekly

February 9, 2024

*Please note that additional events may be added each week.*

Wednesday, Feb 14 Valentine's Day: activities in classrooms

Thursday, Feb 15 100th Day of School!!

Friday, Feb 16 No school: Staff Development Day

Monday, Feb 19 No school: President's Day

Tuesday, Feb 20 BOE Meeting 7pm @ Performing Arts Room

Wednesday, Feb 21 After-school enrichment begins

Thursday, Feb 29 Winter "Leap" (walk) to School (more info below)

Friday, Mar 1 Middle School Play 7pm

Wed, Mar 6 Family Reading Night 6pm-8pm

Wednesday, Mar 13 PiE Meeting 7pm @ Performing Arts Room

Friday, Mar 15 Early Dismissal: Spring Conferences

Tuesday, Mar 19 BOE Meeting 7pm @ Performing Arts Room

Thursday, Mar 28 Early Dismissal-Spring Recess

Fri, Mar 29-Sun, Apr 7 No school: Spring Recess

Monday, Apr 8 Classes Resume

We have some new and exciting things to look forward to at DTS!!

We are currently in the process of planning for our NEW playground! Thanks again to all of you who shared your thoughts about what our new playground should look like!

We still anticipate this project to be completed by the beginning of the 24-25 school year!

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We are continuing to prepare and plan for our big mural project with Mrs. Caren Olmsted in April. If you've been to the building recently, you may have seen that we've started to prime the walls that lead to the cafeteria. A volunteer sign up is below in the PiE section, and it will soon be updated to reflect the times your children will be painting. We'd love you to volunteer to help out!

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Our DTS teachers are hard at work preparing for our Family Engagement Night on March 6th! To coincide with Read Across America and the Lunar Eclipse on Apr 8, the theme this year is DTS is Out of this World! See below for more information, including a registration form!

Delaware Township School is proud to offer many athletic opportunities

for students in Grades 5-8.

Click here for more information and grade level eligibility.

Please note that physicals for spring sports are due on Friday, February 16th.

The Genesis parent portal is now open for submitting parental permission.

We have designed a parent permission slip to be used for students who wish to stay after

school and view after school athletic contests. This permission slip, once signed, will enable

students in grades 5-8 to view games or meets for the entire season. Please take the time to read

the permission slip and its requirements at the bottom of this letter and return it to the main office.

Click here for a hardcopy of the permission slip.

Click here for a printable copy.

Link to Information sheet & sign up

Come celebrate Read Across America at DTS on March 6th from 6pm-8pm! The entire family can hear some of your favorite teachers read stories in classrooms around the building, engage in fun STEM activities with DTS peers, share your creativity through crafts, and enjoy space-themed snacks to prepare the school for the lunar eclipse that is scheduled for April 8th. Middle School students can

also volunteer to help out throughout this event.

Please RSVP by Monday, February 26 so we can prepare for the night. Thank you!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!!

Click the picture below for a list of books to read this month.

We are now in the process of compiling a list of children who will be

eligible to start Kindergarten in September 2024.

If you have a child in your household who will be 5 years of age on or before October 1, 2024, please complete the survey below.

DTS Kindergarten Survey

8th Grade Parents and Guardians will have a lot of information shared with them throughout the rest of the year. To make it easier, this information will all be in one location below.

“HEALTHY HABITS FOR HEALTHY SMILES”

Dear Parents,

As tradition has it, I’m looking forward to visiting your children and their teachers this month to teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth and eating in a healthy way. My time in this workshop is always fun because your children are the best to work with!

Many parents have requested support resources to “brush up” on their oral hygiene knowledge to support their children. It is essential for parents and caregivers to establish the importance of a great care routine at a young age. Tooth decay is the NUMBER ONE chronic infectious disease affecting children in the United States and it is largely preventable. We encourage you to see your dentist regularly, and take your children with you, so they become comfortable in the office and learn that it’s a fun place to visit!

My dental team and I have put together a few great resources to answer some common questions regarding tooth care. Enjoy! In good health, and wishing you the brightest smiles in 2024!

Dr. Mark Bydalek, DMD

2023 Children's Dental Health Month Resources

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/oral-health-for-children

Elementary Chorus

First rehearsal is Wednesday, January 24th @ 8:10am.

Any interested 4th & 5th graders are welcome to attend!

Rehearsals are every Wednesday morning.

Jazz Band

Tuesdays at 8:00am

5th Grade Band

Thursdays at 8:00am

To learn more about DTS SEPAG, click here.

February 2024 Monthly Slice of Pie

Upcoming Activities

After-School Enrichment

• Our highly anticipated Enrichment Program will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting February 21st and 22nd through mid March. Registration began on January 27th and will close on February 5th.

• We have amended the grade levels for the following classes:

• Wednesday: Hunterdon County Parks K-2 (was K-1)

• Wednesday: Comic Book Writing 3-8 (was 4-8)

• Thursday: Cooking Club 4-8 (was 6-8)

• Use this link to sign up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFA92AA3F85-47506057-dtspie#/

• We need volunteers to make sure this program runs smoothly and well. Even if you are only able to do one week or two weeks, we would love to have the assistance. Please use this sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFA92AA3F85-47354952-enrichment#/

• The program is open to all enrolled DTS students from K-8. It will start right after school, running for four weeks. Pick up will be 4:30 p.m. More information on dismissal can be found in the Enrichment Packet.

Updated PiE Calendar

• We’ve added dates for a number of events to the second half of the school year – example Color Run, Paint Nights, Plant Sale! Check out the updated calendar attached!!

Muralist Residency

• At the end of last year, PiE, with support from the Administration and Board of Education, moved forward with bringing a schoolwide Muralist Residency to DTS for the current year. The muralist Caren Frost Olmsted will work with PiE, the school, and most importantly each and every student to transform the main hallways near the Main Office and Cafeteria into a work of art that will last for decades to come. Her past work at schools and elsewhere can be explored at www.olmstedmurals.com.

• The theme is to celebrate DTS and its community! Painting will take place in April with students painting during their art classes and other assigned times for those who do not have art during April. To help transform the halls, PiE needs volunteers to assist in various capacities - prep work, touch up work, helping during the student classes. Please use this sign up to volunteer your time when you can - we have a lot of slots - and remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for painting. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFA92AA3F85-47618801-dtsmuralist

Teacher Appreciation Week

• PiE is asking for parents' help in celebrating our amazing teachers & staff. We are looking for those interested in joining a Committee to plan out festivities, help decide if we should bring back “You Take the Gift Card,” and the theme for this year. Please email the Teacher's Appreciation Week Chairperson, Debbie Lubitz, at dlubitz319@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

Plant Sale

• May 10th is our annual plant sale (Go green! Send in a reusable bag with your child to help get the plants home!)

• If you are able to help volunteer with the Sale, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFA92AA3F85-47591831-mothers

Third Annual Color Run

• It's time for our Third Annual Color Run being held on Saturday, May 18th ( rain date 5/19)! Join us in coloring our community this Spring at our 5k Run / Walk event being held outdoors at DTS. This is a free event hosted by PiE. If you would like to be part of our Color Run committee, please email us as we are looking for assistance!

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFA92AA3F85-47602654-dtspies

Paint Night Sign Ups

• PiE is bringing back the Paint Party events at the School in the cafeteria. We have two dates set based on grade levels. If you are able to volunteer for the event, please email dtspie@gmail.com.

• Please use the sign up below and make sure to specify what your child would like to paint as well as any relevant personalization.

• Grades 4 to 8 - May 28th 6:30 - 8 p.m.

• https://paintpartyfarm.com/events/600-800pm-delaware-township-school-grades-paint-night/#em-event-booking-form

• Grades PK to 3rd - June 4th 6 - 7:30 p.m. Feel free to stay with your young one, we would appreciate your support!

• https://paintpartyfarm.com/events/600-800pm-delaware-township-school-grades-paint-night-2/#em-event-booking-form

Ongoing Programs

Assemblies

• March 18th - Trashaganza brings three performers with amazing instruments, fun interactive songs, cool science, and timely environmental messaging about plastic pollution and climate change. Kids love to see how to build the oil can guitar, diddley bow, water cooler drums and styrolin among other strange and weird instruments. Each show ends with an uplifting segment encouraging students to get involved in the struggle to save our planet.
• May 30th - Eyes of the Wild is a rescue facility. They will bring a variety of animals for the students to see. They will also discuss things such as: how we obtain our rescued animals; protecting wildlife and the environment; completing research before choosing a pet; and the habitats, survival techniques, communication skills, and unique behaviors of the amazing animals we are lucky enough to share the planet with! They will share many funny stories and anecdotes

Storytelling Workshop

• 2nd grade students are practicing collaborative storytelling, story mapping, and character development while enhancing their comprehension and vocabulary skills in this program led by Bronwyn Bird from Storytelling Arts (https://storytellingartsinc.org).

Author in Residence

• 3rd grade classes are again working with children’s book author/illustrator Peter Catalanotto in this writing and illustration workshop, now in its 8th year. Over the next few months, Peter will guide students through the writing and illustration process to develop and produce their own stories, which they will present at a publishing party for students and families. Peter will also follow up with 4th graders who went through last year’s program. Check out Mr. Catalanotto’s books at https://www.petercatalanotto.com.

Faculty Grants

• As we do each year, DTS PiE invites you to apply for a Faculty Grant for funds to support events, projects, etc; that enrich the education of the children of DTS. Requests should have a direct and meaningful impact on the educational experience of the students in our school. They should not only be enriching, but also memorable, lasting and enhance the academic curriculum while not conflicting with any policy procedures; as well as have a broader benefit to the school and students. They should not be for infrastructure items and the grant form needs to be completed with details.

• If you have a great idea for funding and aren’t sure how to start or if even a possible funding opportunity, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to working with you! The form can be found here.

ShopRite Gift Card Program

• Looking for a way to help PiE raise money? Check out our new form that also is being sent home to sign up, but it costs you nothing other than the amount you would already spend at ShopRite!

• PiE makes 5% on every gift card purchase so that same $100, earns PiE $5.

• How it works - you register using the form, each month, you will receive the gift card increment (for example $100), and then you write a check to PiE for the $100. Super simple and if you shop at ShopRite, it doesn’t cost you anything more or less!!

Note To School

• Tired of writing notes to the school when your child needs to stay after school or is being signed out early? PiE has just the answer - a notepad with the key data points the school needs already pre-printed and organized. Simply fill in your personal data and send it along with your child.

• Reach out to dtspie@gmail.com to order yours. One pad is $3; two pads for $5.

About PiE

DTS Partners is Education was formed in 2010, when the DTS PTA and the DT Community Education Foundation merged to become a single group. It is an all-volunteer organization supporting the School's students. Learn more by visiting our website - www.dtspie.com. As a member of the PiE community, you will be part of our listserv and get these monthly newsletters as well as periodic emails reminding you of upcoming meetings and opportunities to volunteer for different activities. We look forward to a great year!

PiE Calendar

• Check out the calendar of events for 2023-24!! We have worked hard to line up fun activities for the year and hope you are able to join. Some are family events, some are opportunities to meet other parents in your child’s community, so, please look to these newsletters and our social media for updates (including the website!)

• We plan to post online sign ups a few months ahead so you can book a slot in advance. Please see the calendar for the events we will need volunteers for between now and December.

Volunteer

• Want to volunteer some of your time for PiE events? Fill out the Google Form & be notified of any upcoming PiE events in need of volunteers.

• Check out the attached list of Current Committees with the Chairperson’s contacts in case there is something that interests you and you’d like to reach out directly to get involved.

• There are also some PiE committees in need of a chairperson. For more information or questions contact Debbie Lubitz at dlubitz319@gmail.com.

More detailed information on ALL of our events can be found on our website at www.dtspie.com, email us at dtspie@gmail.com or check out our social media pages (Instagram & Facebook)

Attention, aspiring educators! Become a Substitute Teacher NOW with just 30 college credits - Certification Fee WAIVED by the State!

Great part-time opportunity for current college students, parents looking to get back into the workforce, or retirees anxious for some time away from home. Work when your schedule permits.

Contact Valerie Wheatley, our new Curriculum Supervisor, if you are interested in helping out DTS as a new Substitute Teacher. vwheatley@dtsk8nj.org

Click here for information about YMCA program at DTS!

YMCA Gym Membership-Free for 7th Graders!

Click here for more information

February 2024 Lunch Menu

Click here for more information on a Food Allergy Management Program to create a "safe meal" for the 23-24 school year.

Visit ArtSeedStudio.com for more information

and for early enrollment discounts before February 16th!

Follow us on Instagram @dt_recreation

The Wildcat Weekly is published every Friday.

In cases where it is a shortened week, the publication date may be adjusted.

If you would like something published in the newsletter, please email your submission to slipson@dtsk8nj.org by each Tuesday at 3:30pm. Please include the length of time you'd like your information to be in the newsletter.

All submissions must be approved by the school administration

before being included in the newsletter.