Wednesday Weekly

9/5 Middle School Volleyball Tryouts 3:30- 5pm

9/6 Middle School Volleyball Tryouts 3:30-5pm

9/9 First Full Day for Kindergarten

9/9 Volleyball Practice begins 3:30-5pm

9/11 PTO Meeting in the DCD Library @ 6:30pm

9/20 School Picture Day

9/24 Jog-a-thon

Please label jackets, lunch boxes, backpacks, water bottles, etc. So many look alike and it makes it harder to get lost items back to their owners.

The weather is predicted to be extremely hot for the end of this week. Here are a couple of reminders to help students when it is hot.

• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Dress in layers if it is chilly in the morning. Many student are wearing hoodies and running around outside.
• Sunscreen (if needed). We are not allowed to apply sunscreen to students, so this needs to be done before school.

Recess is about 15 minutes, so students will not be outside for long periods of time. PE classes will be indoors too.

We would like to draw your attention to the importance of discouraging students from consuming energy drinks while at school. While we understand the appeal of these beverages, it's crucial to recognize the potential negative impacts they can have on students' well-being and academic performance and the classroom environment. We have seen an increase in these items during lunch time and in the hallways.

Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can lead to a range of adverse effects, including restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns. These side effects can hinder students' ability to focus in class. Moreover, the excessive consumption of energy drinks may contribute to dehydration and can have implications for students' overall health and well-being.

At DCD, we prioritize the health and safety of our students. We kindly request your support in promoting healthier beverage choices for your child during school hours. Avoiding these types of items during the school day can contribute to a more conducive learning environment and foster habits that promote long-term well-being.

We will ask students to throw away energy drinks (Celsius, Redbull, Monster, Bang, Starbucks, Country Coffee, etc. These need to be consumed outside of school. Students are not allowed to drink anything other than water in classrooms & gyms to avoid spills and sticky messes.

From the Celsius Website FAQ Page

"CELSIUS is not recommended for people sensitive to caffeine, children under the age of 18, or women who are pregnant or nursing."

Volunteers Needed!

We're in urgent need of a volunteer for the Spring Fundraiser Committee Chair! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and planning begins in the fall - so we need to get started. The Board will support and provide guidance. If you have questions, reach out to dcdk8pto@gmail.com.

Jog-a-Thon Fall Fundraiser

The Annual Jog-A-Thon is less than 2 weeks away, and fundraising is underway! We have a big goal of $30,000 this year, to help fund supplemental programs and activities not funded by the district. This goal is achievable if each student can fundraise only $65 before September 24th!

You should have received your student's personal fundraising link via email. If you didn't, you can set up their page here, by clicking "add participant" in the lower left corner.

Join the Online Directory

Stay up to date with PTO events, activities, and volunteer needs by joining our online directory. You'll receive our monthly newsletter, sign-up for volunteer opportunities, and be able to connect with fellow DCD parents via the directory!

Follow the PTO on Facebook

We frequently post announcements, events and activity updates on our Facebook page. Give us a follow to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/DCDK8PTO.

Volleyball will return to DCD this fall for 6th-8th grades, not just as an OST class, but recognized now as a middle school district sport. Coach Hawes and Coach Jansen are thrilled as it will allow for more gym time to work on skills and team building. Our phenomenal season last year was our first stepping stone and we are excited to build from that foundation.

We want to invite all 6th-8th grade students to come play volleyball with us this season, whether you are new to the sport or have past experience. We have a place for you! Our priorities for DCD are learning new skills to compete with and building team unity while having fun together. Can’t wait to see you on the court!

Fast Facts

• Follow this link to fill out the DCD Sports Form for the year. LINK

• Must have a sports physical valid within the last 2 years. (May attend tryouts without one)

• Practices will be from 3:30 - 5:00 beginning Monday September 9th

• Open tryouts will be September 5th (Thurs) - 6th (Fri) 3:30 - 5:00

2. **No Food Sharing in the Cafeteria**: To promote health and safety, students are not allowed to order food for classmates (such as ordering pizza for the table) or bring food to share with others in the cafeteria. This helps us avoid potential food allergies and ensures that all students adhere to the same nutritional guidelines.

3. **Birthday and Class Parties**: For elementary students, we kindly ask that you communicate with classroom teachers in advance about any plans for birthdays or class parties. This will allow us to manage these events in a way that is safe and inclusive for all students.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines.

Are you interested in volunteering this year? You can find out more information, and fill out a volunteer application, by going to the district website, gresham.k12.or.us, and clicking on Families. Volunteer applications are good for two years. Already a volunteer? Make sure your volunteer application is up-to-date by visiting the Help Counter website. Volunteers are needed throughout the year, and not just in the classroom! Picture day, jog-a-thon, Scholastic Book Fairs, craft night, etc. Volunteer opportunities are posted on the DCD PTO website.