Donnelly Elementary School

Dear Families,

We are almost to the end of third quarter (March 21st) and looking forward to a strong finish to the school year. There are a lot of great things happening in the months of March and April at DES!

Reminder: If you plan on making changes to after-school transportation plans, please call Wendy at (208) 325-4433 by 2:30.

SCHEDULE:

1. March 1st Kindergarten Registration Opens
2. March 1st, 8th, and 15th (PACE)
3. March 5th Kindergarten Readiness
4. March 18th Idaho Shakespeare
5. March 21st End of 3rd Quarter
6. March 22nd Teacher Workday (No School)
7. March 25th-29th Spring Break (No School)
8. Report cards will be sent digitally the week of April 1st
9. April 4th / April 5th Parent-Teacher Conferences. A link for parents to register for a conference will be sent home the week of April 1st.
10. ISAT testing begins in the month of April.
11. April 5th Kindergarten Registration Closes
12. April 9th Kindergarten Open House (3:30-6:30)
13. April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, April PACE

Please click on the link to view and purchase Donnelly Dragon Spirit wear!!

Donnelly Elementary School Order Form

Congratulations to Dawn Kolden (Director), her staff, and the cast of the Lion King! They performed four shows over the course of three days and the reviews were outstanding!

A note from the director:

I asked the students why they thought their teachers were crying (me included) when they were watching Lion King? A second-grade student said, 'because this is the only time, they will experience this." This moment. I have taught some of these students since Kindergarten. My heart was full of such emotion and pride for their focus, self-confidence and imagination. Live theatre creates a shared experience and I am grateful for all of the support. - Ms. Dawn Kolden, Creative Arts Teacher.

If you are the parent / guardian of a 3rd-5th grade student, and are interested in signing your child up for volleyball, please click on the links below.

3rd-4th Grade

5th-6th Grade

Donnelly Dragon Families: As our dragon students transition from winter into spring, they might experience restlessness in anticipation of longer and warmer days. Here are healthy tips for kids to improve their well-being:

1. Exercise and get outside: exercise increases mood, concentration, and decreases anxiety.
2. Family time: a game, a walk, a meal at the table. Kids love being with their family.
3. Gratitude: look for the positive in situations.
4. Sleep: sleep is essential for well-being. Kids need 8-9 hours of sleep each night.
5. Limit screen time: American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screen time be limited to 1 hour a day for kids 2-12 years old.
6. Healthy diet and hydration: limit sugar and drink water. Increase fruits and vegetables.
7. Talk it out: share thoughts, feelings, and stories with a trusted adult.
8. Write about it: journaling and art decrease restlessness and improves cognitive functioning.
9. Practice deep breathing: 3 slow deep breaths allows our central nervous system to return to a relaxed state.
10. Laugh: make time for fun, connect with others, and laugh. Laughter enhances oxygen-rich air and releases endorphins.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Margaux at mcrockett@mdsd.org

During the months of January and February, Donnelly Elementary practiced each of our safety drills. This includes an Evacuation (fire drill), Hall Check, Reverse Evacuation, and Lockdown. Our staff and students did an amazing job at following procedures, and we had 100% participation. For more information on the specific drills, please see the handout below.

We have our most recent Combined District Plan on the district website. The plan addresses school climate, safety, communication, and academic achievement.

Combined District Plan

Email: dpickard@mdsd.org
Website: mdsd.org
Location: 327 East Roseberry Road, Donnelly, ID, USA
Phone: 208 325-4433