The Dolphin Update

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is focused on providing high-quality education to scholars, especially in underserved communities. Our mission is to ensure that students meet high academic and social standards, thriving as leaders at home, in their communities, and globally. The goal is to help students succeed academically while nurturing their character and leadership skills.

PLA’s vision is for scholars to master key academic skills and demonstrate strong character traits such as honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong belief in their futures .

Dear Parents,

Gratitude is one of our core values at DES and we want to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you—our wonderful parents and community members. Your unwavering support and partnership are the foundations that help our school thrive. Whether it's attending school events, volunteering, or simply being there to encourage our students at home, your involvement makes a tremendous difference. Together, we’re building a nurturing and inspiring environment where our children can grow, learn, and succeed. As we reflect on all we are grateful for this month, please know how much we appreciate you and your commitment to our school community. Thank you for being such an integral part of our school family.

Academic Progress

Our instructional team is excited to share that students have been engaged in meaningful learning experiences, developing their skills and knowledge across subjects. We encourage you to check in with your child about their favorite topics and projects.

Important Dates

December

17- Family Engagement Event: Mommy & Me Cookie Party 8:30a

23- PBIS Store (3-5)

Tips for Home

As we continue to reach our school-wide goals, here are a few tips to help your child succeed:

1. Review Goals: Talk with your child about their goals for the year and how they are progressing.

2. Stay Organized: Help them keep track of assignments and upcoming assessments.

3. Encourage Reading: Daily reading is a fantastic way to reinforce skills.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for parents to help with various activities and events. If you’re interested, please contact the office or visit our volunteer page on the school website.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Together, we can make this a wonderful month for our students!

Reminders

• School Supplies: Please ensure your child is prepared with the necessary school supplies.

• Uniforms: Please check the uniform policy and ensure your child is dressed accordingly.

• Arrival / Dismissal: Arrival 7:30 am and Dismissal 3:30 pm.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office at (334) 269-3662. We are here to support you and your child throughout the school year.

Our DES Homecoming Court shined bright as they proudly represented our school in the Montgomery Christmas Parade! Dressed to impress and full of holiday cheer, they brought joy and smiles to everyone in attendance. We are so proud of these students for showcasing their school spirit and spreading the magic of the season throughout our community. Thank you to all who supported and cheered them on! #DESPride #HomecomingCourt #ChristmasParadeMagic

Ms. Oliver’s class enjoyed a sweet ending to a fun-filled day of learning with a special treat—s’mores! What a delicious way to celebrate their hard work!

Counselor Williams leading an engaging SEL lesson with our scholars! Building strong minds, fostering empathy, and creating a positive school community. #SEL #DESPride #FutureLeaders

At DES, our commitment to providing top-notch education means continually enhancing our tools and methods to support student growth. This month, our dedicated teachers have been diving deeper into the i-Ready platform, a cutting-edge educational tool that provides insights into each scholar’s unique learning needs. By using i-Ready, our teachers can assess student progress, identify strengths and areas for growth, and tailor instruction to maximize each child’s potential