Dake Junior High School

Dear Families,

It has been an outstanding start to the school year! Students have memorized their schedules and are navigating around the building with no problem. After-school activities and clubs have started, which is a great way to become involved in the school community. In November, the PTSA is sponsoring grade-level activity nights, and the Yearbook Club has published this year's order form. Below is the link to order a yearbook and much more information. Please take a few minutes to read about all the great things going on here at Dake!

Sincerely,

Carol Stehm

Interim Principal: Carol Stehm | carol_stehm@westiron.monroe.edu

Asst. Principal: Joyce Akwaa - Grade 7 | joyce_akwaa@westiron.monroe.edu

Asst. Principal: Alexa Hogestyn - Grade 8 | alexa_hogestyn@westiron.monroe.edu

Secretary: Rachel Dukes - rachel_burdick@westiron.monroe.edu

Main office: 585-342-2140

Fax: 585-336-3034

Website: https://dake.westirondequoit.org/

Health Office: 585-336-2964

• Nurse: Kristina Sodeman
• Health Clerk: Kim DiMarco

Transportation: 585-336-2992 | Web page

District Office: 585-342-5500 | District website: westirondequoit.org

October:

• 5 - Helmer's Center Annual Fall Festival
• 9- DC trip Parent meeting - IHS large cafe at 6:30pm
• 10 - Go Home Early Drill (students released at 2:45 p.m.)
• 11 - NO SCHOOL - Superintendent's Conference Day
• 14 - NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples' Day
• 22 - School Picture Make-Up Day

November:

• 1 - 8th Grade Activity Night
• 8 - 7th Grade Activity Night
• 10 - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
• 13 - 8th grade Washington, DC trip fundraiser - Chipotle - E. Ridge Road (4:00-8:00 p.m.)
• 16 - Helmer Nature Center - 3rd Thursday Outdoor Skills (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
• 26 - Parent Teacher Conference Day
• 27 - 29 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Recess

December:

• 6 - Helmer Nature Center - Trim a Tree for Wildlife (10-Noon and 3:30-5:30 p.m.)
• 21 - Helmer Nature Center - 3rd Thursday Eclipse Presentation (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
• 24- Holiday Recess Begins

The state-mandated Go Home Early safety drill is for Thursday, Oct. 10th - the start of a four-day weekend. All students will be released 10 minutes earlier than usual. If you pick up your children at school, please arrive 10 minutes early. Expect students who ride buses to arrive 10 minutes early. The K-6 Extension Childcare Program will open early and remain open until 6 PM. Crossing guard schedules also will accommodate.

Note: There is no school on Friday, Oct. 11th (Superintendent’s Conference Day) and Monday, Oct. 14th (Indigenous People’s Day).

• For the District or Letter Day Calendar, click here.

• Find your school calendar (Events Calendar) at this link. Read directions at the top to filter by school.

Please remind your children that using a crosswalk is crucial for the safety walking to and from school. By using a crosswalk, accidents are significantly reduced, as drivers are more likely to expect and see pedestrians. The Irondequoit Police Department provides Crossing Guards at strategic locations throughout our district to ensure visibility to motorists. Our District strongly encourages all of our students to use crosswalks to ensure they arrive safely and return home safely as well. Thank you!

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older every year. Getting vaccinated can prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in children. The vaccine can also reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, and missed work and school days.

The New York State Department of Health: www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/child_care_and_schools/

Additional free materials about flu and flu vaccination are also available from the organizations listed below. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/index.htm

• Information specific to New York City Schools is available through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page

If you have questions about complying with PHL§ 613, please feel free to contact the State Health Department’s Bureau of Immunization at immunize@health.ny.gov or call (518) 473-4437.

Thank you for helping educate families about flu and the importance of flu vaccination

October Meeting Dates

• Culinary Club - 10/8
• Art Club - 10/8
• Robotics - 10/1
• Chess Club - 10/1
• Strategy Club - 10/8
• Student Council - 10/2
• Best Buddies - 10/2
• Culinary Club - 10/8
• World Language - 10/2
• Peace/GSA - 10/17
• Mural 10/22

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month! During the month of October, we encourage students, staff and community to strengthen their healthy habits by trying new strategies. Your family is encouraged to use the Wellness Calendar (see graphic) as a resource to start conversations and increase wellness strategies. Feel free to use the calendar in a way that makes sense for your family! A printable version is available at THIS LINK.

The West Irondequoit Central PTSA serves all 10 schools in our district. By its mission statement it unites home, school and community as advocates for the health, education and well-being of all children so that they may become productive citizens in tomorrow’s world. To find out about fundraising and events that benefit our community, see what’s going on in our schools or learn how to become a member, connect with the WICPTSA Facebook page or website.

Do you:

• Have a new cell phone number or switch carriers recently?

• Have a new email address or new work phone number?

• Need to update your emergency contacts?

• Be sure to keep us informed of any changes to your numbers or emergency contact information. Update it directly on the Infinite Campus Portal, or send in a note with your child.

• TO REACH THE PORTAL, Click here

WHY YOUR MOBILE NUMBER IS CRITICAL

You must have your mobile number in the MOBILE NUMBER field. Our system does NOT default even if you have just one field filled out (Home/Work/Mobile). If your mobile number is not in the correct field, you will NOT receive text messages from our school/district for emergencies (such as school closings in winter months).