Deer Canyon Echoes

Good evening, Deer Canyon Families:

Well, our short week sure flew by! Campus was abuzz from start to finish, Tuesday through Friday. On Wednesday at lunch, our students clamored to meet eight Westview Student Ambassadors who joined us for a playground playdate. The visitors organized games of soccer, helped open a zillion milk cartons, handed out their Westview student cards, and engaged in many conversations (some in Spanish!) with our starstruck students. We are excited to continue this experience for our students each month.

We had a blast at our first FUNky Friday. Thank you to our DC staff songbirds for the lovely tune to wrap up our celebration. It was wonderful to see parents join us for the fun. We look forward to welcoming you again at our next FUNky Friday on October 6.

Next week, we are excited to begin Mileage Club! Each day as recess begins, 1st grade feet will travel at least one time around our running track, while 2nd-5th graders will complete two laps. Students are welcome to walk or run as many laps as they choose during their recess times; prizes will be earned for each level completed. We love to see the excitement of our students as they come to the office after completing the next level. Watch for your child’s name on the posters in the office and celebrate their success in running from one level to the next. Thank you to our donors and the DCPSO for supporting this program with materials and prizes!

On Monday, September 11, we will observe Patriot Day, as we remember the attacks on our country that changed the world forever. On that day and the days that followed, Americans put aside their differences and united behind those who fell victim to tragedy. Our country came together and put empathy and compassion before all else. In honor of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and those who supported the search and rescue efforts in the days and weeks that followed, we will be flying our flag at half mast and taking time to acknowledge this important day in American history.

Additional upcoming events:

• Makeup Picture Day is Tuesday, September 12.

• Monday, September 18 is a NON STUDENT DAY; Deer Canyon staff will be engaged in Professional Growth and development on this day. School and ESS are closed to students.

• Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month (September 15-October 15): We are collaborating to create opportunities for students to learn about and celebrate Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month at Deer Canyon. If you are interested in discussing ideas, participating on campus, or sharing treasures, talents, or other resources, please contact Ms. Bendix.

• Our next FUNky Friday is October 6 (9-9:10am). Our 5th graders will lead our time together, focused on the Character Counts pillar of Trustworthiness.

More Than a Meal: While breakfast and lunch are available at no charge, families are still encouraged to submit a school meal application for free and reduced-priced meal benefits because this information may be used for other programs such as Federal and State funding, reduced registration fees for academic tests, free or discounted fees for bus passes, ESS childcare, athletic programs, discounted rates for internet service and many more. Visit the PUSD Nutrition Services website for more details.

Remaining opportunities for parent involvement on campus committees:

• School Site Council (SSC): The role of the SSC is to be a vehicle for parent and community input in the process of needs assessment and the setting and monitoring of goals and objectives. The SSC is composed of staff and community members and reviews and recommends the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) and Comprehensive Site Safety Plan.

• Members serve a 2-year term and can expect to participate in 4 meetings this school year

• Please email nominations for parent representatives to mastanley@powayusd.com by Monday, Sept 11.

• Returning members still actively serving their term will receive communication in the coming weeks, scheduling our first meeting in September.

PUSD has some amazing new parent education courses coming up! Visit the PUSD website at to enroll.

October 2023 Parent Education Courses:

• Early Childhood Development: Shaping the Mindset TK-3rd Grade

• Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK-5th Grade

• Using your Strengths to Navigate Life Storms – All Grades

• Developing an Effective Individualized Education Program – All Grades

• Empowering Parents with Consequences that Work – TK-5th Grade

I am proud to be a part of this incredible community. Our staff and I have been having a blast this school year learning and growing with your students.

Enjoy the weekend!

Katie Bendix

Principal

We are rapidly underway with planning for this school year and still have a few open positions. Reach out to hello@deercanyonfoundation.org for more information/details.

Voting will take place during our September Board meeting on Sept. 21 at 1:45 pm in Room 14 or on Zoom.

Board Positions

• Secretary (Records meeting minutes, agendas per session – Monthly)

Chair Leads

• Promotion - 5th Grade Promotion Set Up/Take Down/Flyers/Coordinate with Principal – May/June hours
• STEAM Night - Coordinate with Mrs. Harris and assist with communications/set up/ take down – timing TBD
• Deer Dash - Lead a committee to plan and run event/generate communications/coordinate with Principal for day of schedule – November/December
• DC Dining - Partner with local restaurants to plan evenings where a portion of their sales goes back to Deer Canyon – requires a few hours a month

Co-Chairs

• Monster Mash - Help to plan and run event – End of Sept/October hours
• Family Fun Night - Help to plan and run event – March through May hours

DCPSO invites ALL families to contribute their “Dollar A Day” ($280 per student suggested) to not only provide teachers and staff with resources they need to educate our children, but to also maintain STEAM Lab, Art Adventures, Performing Arts, and PE, which offer many emotional benefits and life skills that will last a lifetime.

Some of our events like Talent Show, STEAM Night, and Family Heritage Night also offer invaluable growth opportunities for all students. Every experience we provide in and out of the classroom opens their hearts and minds to new ways of thinking and behaving in the world around them.

Did you know…?

• STEAM Lab enhances teamwork, inventive thinking, adaptability, problem-solving and resilience.
• ART ADVENTURES improves self- expression, visual thinking, confidence, and emotional well-being.
• PE (Physical Education) augments physical fitness & health, gross motor skill development, self-discipline, respect (for self and others) and stress reduction.
• PERFORMING ARTS (includes CHOIR) promotes self-expression, a sense of belonging, social skills, and emotional well- being.
• STUDENT AND FAMILY EVENTS foster fun, friendship, new perspectives, and stronger connections among our community.

Your contributions are the ONLY source of funding for the above programs and many other resources that fuel your students’ foundation for life. What could be a more important investment?

We have approximately 400 students here at DC. Only 83 are represented thus far. We’d love to receive 100% participation from all families in any way possible. Let’s go, Deer Canyon — one more week to go!

Please register to donate HERE.

Want to see if you can double your impact with a corporate matching gift? Search HERE and, when you apply, make sure to request the gift for “Deer Canyon Elementary Foundation” (not PTA).

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Please join us for our next Deer Canyon Parent Staff Organization (PSO) meeting.

Thursday, Sept. 21: 1:45 pm

In person (Room 14) or via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9346429820?pwd=NXlpQjRsRFgzZ1kyUlhLcnFuRWl2Zz09
Meeting ID: 934 642 9820
Passcode: Deer2023

Are you interested in running one of our clubs? We're looking for coaches for the following clubs:

• Jr. First Lego League
• Math Club
• Chess Club
• Choir Volunteer Liaison
• Musical Theater Liaison

We cannot run clubs this year without volunteer coaches. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please reach out to Eve Lanham, DCPSO President, at hello@deercanyonfoundation.org. She will collect interest and let you know next steps to get your club going for the 2023-2024 school year.

***If we do not have a coach by September 12, we will not be able to run the club this year. Please step up to help us run these wonderful clubs!****

Calling all 2nd-5th grade singers!

Deer Canyon Choir is a free before-school program sponsored by the DCPSO. Rehearsals are every Tuesday, 8-8:40 am, starting September 26.

If your child is interested, please fill out this Google Form.

Fall Musical Theater Workshops

Our DCPSO is sponsoring after-school Musical Theatre workshops taught by Angie Serrano and Leasa Thernes. Details and registration forms are attached. If you’d like to register, please turn in your form and payment to the box in the office, starting September 5. Registration is limited and first come first serve, so don't delay!

Email Angie Serrano with any questions at jserrano@me.com.

Attention 1st grade girls and parents! Please join us for an informational Zoom session on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 pm. A representative from Girl Scouts will tell us about the Girl Scouts experience so you can determine if it's right for your daughter and you.

Melissa Davis is forming a co-op style troop and hopes you'll join in the fun! If you're interested but can't make the session, please contact Melissa at mcherin62@gmail.com to catch up on the details.