Newsletter: March 29, 2024
![Newsletter: March 29, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/b293/ae26c3c929ea607f25c9629c35c09804.jpg)
March 29, 2024
School News
Principal's Message
Thomas Families,
Today, author and illustrator Stephen Shaskan visited Thomas Elementary. What a treat! He taught us all about his process for making illustrations–from when he was a boy and built confidence by drawing Charlie Brown, to his first character “Super Grandpa!”, to teaching kids how to draw comics with his wife, to using a computer to create the mixed media illustrations for Pizza and Taco.
Below, click on the button to check out the video of Mr. Shaskan drawing his beloved characters.
Many thanks to our media specialist, Mrs. Russell, for planning and organizing this visit. And thanks are also in order to the PTO for funding this experience for our students at Thomas!
Go Tigers,
Melissa Garris
OHIO STATE TESTING: FIFTH AND THIRD GRADE
Next week begins Ohio State Testing. Fifth grade students will take the English Language Arts test on Monday and Tuesday. Third grade students will take the English Language Arts test on Wednesday and Thursday.
These tests are over an hour long, and require quite a bit of coordination. Please set your child up for success by helping them get a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast. Try to avoid planned absences on testing days if possible. Thank you for your support during testing season!
THOMAS ELEMENTARY ART SHOW
Join us for the Art Show on Tuesday, April 2 from 5:00 - 7:00!
The show is open house style, and you can come and go as you please. Over 1,000 pieces of artwork created by Thomas artists will be on display. All 2D artwork will be framed by Artome. Artome offers frames for purchase. These can be purchased in advance through the online art gallery or on the day of the show. All artwork will be returned to students after the show. I can’t wait to see you all at the show!
Questions? Email me at stoller_zach@dublinschools.net
Interested in volunteering at the Art Show? Sign up here!
SOLAR ECLIPSE COMING APRIL 8TH
The path of totality is coming to Dublin, Ohio! We will experience a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 at 3:11. As a reminder, there is no school on that day.
Some students already have eclipse viewers, and our generous PTO is providing eclipse glasses for every student (coming home next week). While eclipse glasses provide protection against the rays of the sun, their effectiveness relies on proper usage and personal responsibility–so let’s all enjoy this rare event without putting our vision at risk! May you have a spectacular and safe viewing experience during the eclipse!
School Information
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 school year is open! Children who turn five before September 30, 2024 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for next school year. The registration process begins here on the district website. Even if you have another child already enrolled in Dublin Schools, you still must register your incoming kindergarten child.
As you prepare to register your child, it will be helpful to gather these materials:
Birth certificate
Immunization records
Two proofs of residency (i.e. utility bills, mortgage statements)
Photo ID of guardian
SPRING BOOK FAIR, COMING SOON!
The Spring Book Fair is April 9 - 18 during the school day. Mrs. Russell will offer a family shopping night on April 12 (6:00 - 9:00) and April 17 (5:00 - 7:00). See the file attached for more information.
RUNNING CLUB
Spring Running Club begins soon for fourth and fifth graders. See the information below, or reach out to Mrs. Arcaro for more information.
Dates: Wednesdays - April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8
Time: 3:35 - 4:30
Fee: $15
Please make checks payable to Thomas Elementary or cash (only paid after registration)
Registration will opens April 3 at 9:00 am and close on April 8 or whenever we reach the 60 students limit.
Registration website - bit.ly/runningclubspring2024
Upcoming Dates
April 1 & 2: Fifth Grade English Language Arts OST
April 2: Art Show, 5:00-7:00 pm
April 3 & 4: Third Grade English Language Arts OST
April 8: No School, Teacher Conference Comp Day
April 9-19: Book Fair
April 12: Tiger Family Fun Night, 6:00-8:00 pm
PTO News
TIGER FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Tiger Family Fun Night is just a few weeks away! Join us on Friday, April 12th for a fun night of BINGO, prizes, raffles, and food!!! Click here for all the event details!
Raffle presale starts today! From Kings Island and Cincinnati Reds tickets to Dos Hermanos and Woodhouse Spa, we have something for everyone! Save time and enter our Raffle today! You do not need to be present to win! Enter here!
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
During the week of May 6th, the PTO will be celebrating our amazing staff and teachers at Thomas! This year the theme will be Olympics and the committee is hard at work planning ways to spoil our teachers and staff AND fill their bellies throughout the week. Stay tuned for more information, and ways to help and donate.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE PTO!
Are you looking to be more involved in your child's education and to make a positive impact on our school community? Look no further! Check out the PTO website today for more information!
Report an Absence (email)
District News
Summer Camps, Learning Opportunities Posted on Info Hub
If you are looking for camps, classes or enrichment opportunities for your student(s), check out the Info Hub Page on the website. There are a wide variety of opportunities for students now and throughout the summer, including visual and performing arts, academic enrichment, athletics, and life skills.
Did you know that Dublin City Schools has a Parent Mentor?
The Parent Mentor is a vital part of the special education program in DCS, providing learning opportunities for parents, promoting collaboration in the special education process, and assisting the district in improving programs for students with disabilities. Learn more about the Parent Mentor program here.
Job Fair & Post Secondary Pathways
As a reminder Dublin City Schools is hosting a student job and internship fair on April 4 at Dublin Scioto High School. Students may register here. Other opportunities for students related to post-secondary pathways can be found here. These include summer camps, internships and other extended learning experiences.
Residential Services Seminar for Individuals with Disabilities & Their Families
Dublin City Schools is pleased to host a residential services seminar for individuals with disabilities and their families, at Scioto High School, Wednesday, April 3, 6-8:30 p.m. The goal is to assist individuals in the special needs community with regard to trusts, guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, benefit applications, living arrangements outside of the family home, and much more. Questions? Email yearling_kristen@dublinschools.net.
From the City of Dublin
Easter Closures
City of Dublin offices and the Dublin Community Recreation Center will be closed on Sunday, March 31.
Join the Earth Day Art Challenge
Show us how your kiddos celebrate Earth Day in Dublin! Submit their artwork by April 10 for a chance to be showcased to the community! Find all the qualifications here.
March Madness – Dublin Style
The City of Dublin needs your help to crown the community's favorite City service. Cast your votes on the City's Instagram stories! Did you know you can request more than 30 City services through the GoDublin app? Learn more about the challenge.