November Newsletter 23-24
November 2023
A Note From Dr. Hooton
Duello Family,
November is that time of year to enjoy the cool weather and gather as a community to celebrate the good things that we enjoy with a grateful heart. I'm personally grateful for such a strong Duello community that always shows up to support kids! October was busy with parties, Trunk or Treats, and conferences. We loved having a great turnout for all the events that families could be part of. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
Strong communication between parents and teachers helps set a good foundation for academic growth in our students. Please continue to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Our children are our number one priority and we want to continue to have strong relationships with our families to help our children grow and learn.
Thank you for a great start to the school year! I absolutely love having the opportunity to lead here at Duello and it is because of the amazing families, students, and staff!
Sincerely,
Dr. Hooton
Upcoming Events
- Monday-Friday, November 6-10: Coin Challenge
Tuesday, November 7: No school! PD Day for Staff
Wednesday, November 8: Picture RETAKE Day & PTA Meeting (Virtual)
Friday, November 10: Veterans Day Assembly (Click HERE to RSVP a veteran!)
Monday, November 13: Late Start - Doors open at 10:05 a.m.
Monday-Tuesday, November 13-14: Book Fair PREVIEW
Wednesday-Friday, November 15-17: Book Fair! THE 17 IS NOW THE LAST DAY!
Tuesday, November 21: Restaurant Night at Panda Express
Wednesday-Friday, November 22-24: No school- Thanksgiving Break
All for Books coin challenge: for every dollar we raise, Scholastic donates a book to a school in need. Teachers then use the change to buy books for their classroom. Win, Win! Join us in a fun theme week while we help our school and others!
- Monday, November 6 - Pennies - Wear your pajamas and dream of a good book.
- Tuesday, November 7 - NO SCHOOL
- Wednesday, November 8 - Nickels and Dimes - Wear tie-dye or a color that makes you happy to celebrate how books brighten our world.
- Thursday, November 9 - Quarters - Wear a shirt with a positive message because we positively love books.
- Friday, November 10 - Dollars - Wear workout clothes because reading is exercise for our brains!
DUELLO MIC DROPS
Mrs. Harris, 2nd Grade
Holly Harris is a rockstar leader that has embraced her new role in second grade and navigated many changes well! Not only is she a team player that continually looks for ways to simplify complex tasks for students and her teammates, she also contributes thoughtful ideas in collaborations. She's taken on the challenge of being a PD leader and a building rep, facilitating important communication between staff and admin. She puts students first by caring about their learning and helping them be good humans. You can find her jumping in the Gaga ball pit for a game at recess, or teaching a creative math lesson that has something for every learner. She has a huge heart, she's a problem solver, and I can't say it enough- It's AWESOME to have her in Grade 2!!
Mrs. Kastner, Librarian
Kastner is an incredible person who radiates joy! She always has a huge smile no matter what is going on in her life, and she always has a kind word for anyone around her. She is so welcoming and friendly, and makes you feel immediately like Duello is home. I believe Jennifer is the perfect candidate for a mic drop because she truly shines bright, and makes each person she encounters feel special.
Paul McGuire, Coach
Paul is consistently willing to support staff in Stepping Stones. He builds positive relationships with our students even on their most challenging days. Paul goes above and beyond his job requirements including giving up his plan time to help in Stepping Stones.
Mrs. Cartwright, 3rd Grade Teacher
With all the assessments that we've been needing to get done in a short amount of time, Cartwright has maintained a positive attitude and kept us all laughing. Even if we're all overwhelmed, she takes the time to check in on us and make sure we're doing alright. Thanks Cartwright! We love you!
Mrs. Harvey, Special Education Teacher
Harvey is an amazing educator who truly embodies the idea of "Our Students" vs. "My Students!" As a special educator, Harvey works with students across all grade levels and works with all staff members to make sure that our students are set up for success. She responds to questions, concerns, needs of students and staff quickly and is always there to help and support with a smile on her face! Anytime I have questions or need some extra help for a student Harvey, is responsive and so helpful!
Mrs. Miller, 3rd Grade Teacher
Miller has stepped up to be our grade chair and she has done an amazing job. Our team dynamic shifted this year and we were all a little worried about that. She has been a great leader for our team and handled all of her new responsibilities with ease. I'm thankful she's ours!
Mrs. Patti, Instructional Assistant
Patti goes above and beyond everyday!! She does research every night to try to help a more challenging student and buys educational toys that she believes will help. She jumps in 100% to help whenever and wherever she is needed. She also has supplied the health service crew with peanut M&Ms to help keep our diets healthy and full of protein. She is an amazing teammate!!
Mrs. Clamors, 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Clamors exudes positivity and sunshine! She believes in her students and always searches for ways to help them whether it is working with them one on one, providing extra love on a hard day, or celebrating successes. Each day she makes sure to say goodbye to every student and give them a hug. All of her students know they are loved and supported when they come to school!
Mrs. Smith, ELL Teacher
Lisa is amazing. She always goes above and beyond for her students and is a HUGE support when it comes to working with her colleagues. She is always so positive, fun and a wonderful addition to our Duello staff. We love working with her and appreciate her flexibility and willingness to help:)
Mrs. Heather, Division Secretary
Heather always goes above and beyond not only for the staff but for all the students as well. She is always positive and helpful. I love how she knows many students by name and develops a relationship with them. She is simply AMAZING!
🎤 Wish to celebrate or appreciate a Duello staff member? Looking to give a general shoutout highlighting DUE's bright spots? We will share our Mic Drop Moments via the monthly newsletter, our weekly staff newsletter, and social media!
Encourage your kiddo to be thankful for all they have by challenging them to complete this Gratitude Calendar!
School Donation Bins
Some of our schools have donation bins located in their parking lots. These bins are for the sole purpose of collecting the named organizations specified items. Please be sure to read the information on the donation bin to take note of the items that they are requesting, prior to dropping off your donations in the bins. For the safety of the students and staff, we ask you place all of your donated items inside the donation bin. Do not leave your donation items outside of the bin. We appreciate your help in keeping our campus clean and safe for everyone.
Reading Success Plan - Parent Communication
Mental Health
Mental health is extremely important, so we take extra care that our students have various materials available to them. Please view this link to read about our mental health resources and services.
Opt-Out Communication
Please read the attached document for more information on opting your student(s) out of presentations.
Student Misconduct and Consequences
Please read the revised and updated document at this link from our Student Services department. This can also be found on our district website.
Leader in Me
Read the document at this link to learn more about the amazing program- Leader in Me!
Late Start Information
The WSD will be providing supervision for K-5 students who need to be dropped off at the regular start time on scheduled Late Start Days this school year. This is separate from our Before Care Program through Chautauqua.
WSD Parents: to register your student, visit https://wsdr4.revtrak.net/ and select your student's Elementary School, followed by clicking "Late Start Registration" and completing the form for your student. Please register each student attending separately.
The fee is $10.36 (which includes a transaction fee) per child for each late start day you would like to register for.
Please visit our Late Start page on our District website for more information.
General Information
Morning/Afternoon Schedule
- Doors open at 8:05 a.m.
- Breakfast from 8:05 a.m.-8:20 a.m.
- Dismissal begins at 3:15 p.m.
Lunch/Recess/Specials Schedule
Reporting Absences
Regular school attendance is critical to your child’s success at school. In the event that your child should need to be absent from school, please notify the office at (636) 327-6050 and press 1 to report that absence. Please leave your name, your child’s name, and grade, the teacher's name, and the reason for absence. You may also email attendance changes to attendance.duello@wsdr4.org
Arrival and Dismissal
This is an important reminder of the drop-off and pick-up procedures that we will enforce for the safety and efficiency of the students and parents at Duello. Staff supervision and student drop-off begin at 8:05 a.m. If you arrive early, please wait with your child(ren) until 8:05 a.m. to assure that they are supervised. Parents should not drop students off in the parking lot in order to avoid the drop-off line.
Walkers- Walkers are defined as students who walk or ride their bike home. These students will be dismissed and will either travel home alone or meet their parent/guardian. The parking lot is not a designated crosswalk and is extremely dangerous for students to walk through unattended. Please do not bypass the carline for convenience and put your child and others in danger.
Car Riders- Car Riders are defined as students who will have parents/guardians who will utilize our car rider line to drive through and pick their child up. This is the most efficient way if a parent is coming to pick their child up. The line might look long but it moves quickly.
Car Rider Drop Off- Now that we are a month into school, we wanted to share and remind parents that if you are dropping off in the car rider line in the morning and your child needs assistance getting out of the car, please put your flashers on and a staff member will help assist getting your child out of the car.
A smooth and efficient procedure takes all of us working together. I appreciate and expect all parents to follow the outlined procedures.
Child Nutrition Updates
Breakfast K-12: $2.00
Elementary Lunch K-5: $3.10
Secondary Lunch 6-12: $3.15
Reduced Price Meals:
Breakfast: $0.30
Lunch: $0.40
Click here to see the breakfast and lunch menus for the 23-24 school year.
Applications for free & reduced priced meals are available here or at any school office. In an effort to assist families as we transition back to paid meals, the USDA has increased the income guidelines used to determine eligibility. Click here to see the new guidelines.
If you believe your family would qualify for this program, please fill out an application.
Applications can be returned by the following methods:
Scan and email to: marysanzottera@wsdr4.org
Fax: 636-327-3961
Mail: Child Nutrition Services, 101 Support Services Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385
Volunteer Registration Form Updates
Would you like to volunteer at your student's school? Would you like to attend field trips? Please read the information at this link for more information, and to sign up to volunteer!
Mrs. Amber Houdei | Assistant Principal
1814 Duello Road
Lake St. Louis, MO 63367
636.327.6050