Newsletter: September 13, 2024
September 13, 2024
Principal's Message
Thomas families,
Do you have any (adult) friends who tell you their job title, and you still have no idea what it is they actually do for a living? I know I do! Educators have always had it a little different–all adults attended school at some point in their lives, so they tend to assume they have a pretty good understanding of a typical “day in the life” at school. But you’d be surprised!
This school year, we’re creating a “Day in the Life” series featuring different roles within our school building. Not only is it fun to see our favorite grown-ups in a video, it helps all of us to understand a little more about the important work everyone does!
Enjoy September’s video: The Front Office.
Go Tigers,
Melissa Garris
School News
FLU SHOT CLINIC
Thomas Elementary will be hosting an optional free Flu Shot Clinic for students age 7 and older on October 24. If you are interested in your child receiving a flu shot on that day, please complete the form below and send it back in. Your child will also bring a paper copy of this form home. It asks for insurance information; please fill in as much as you’re able to. Return the form by October 1.
Flu shots will only be given to students who bring back this form. Guardians do not need to be present on October 24; students will be called down to a discreet space to receive their flu shot from Discount Drug Mart. Please look here to view the complete Flu Clinic Schedule offered by Dublin City Schools.
SUPERGAMES
Every fall, we hold a fun event that we call “Supergames”- think Field Day, but in the fall! The Thomas PTO sponsors it, and helps cover the cost of some large inflatables and field activities. We also need volunteers to help the event run smoothly- please consider signing up at this link. See the details below.
Thursday, September 26
9:30 - 12:00 AM Kindergarten, First grade, Second grade
12:30 - 3:00 PM Kindergarten, Third grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade
School Information
TIGER SPOTLIGHT
This week, we honored our first TIGER Spotlight recipients. These students are chosen for their efforts in showing one aspect of the TIGER Way: trustworthy, inclusive, growing, empathetic, or responsible. Congratulations, Tigers!
TIGER TIME ASSEMBLY: 20 SQUARE FEET
At today’s TIGER Time Assembly (when we gather as a whole school), we talked about the concept of our own “20 square feet”. We might not be able to control things that happen outside of that area, but we sure can do our best to make good choices in response to things that happen! Check out the assembly content here.
Upcoming Dates
September 18th: PTO Mum Sale Pickup, 4:00-6:30
September 20th: Thomas Read-a-Thon Kickoff
September 26th: Supergames
PTO News
THOMAS READ-A-THON FALL FUNDRAISER
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Read-a-Thon fundraiser! It’s a fun way to encourage your child’s love of reading while raising funds to support our school.
Get ready to turn pages for a great cause starting on Friday, September 20th. Let’s inspire a love for reading and make a positive impact on our school community!
More details coming soon!
MUM SALE
THANK YOU to everyone who ordered Mums from the PTO Mum sale. Mum pick-up is September 18th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm at Thomas. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Lovell at dcsgtepto@gmail.com.
We do still need volunteers to help unload and distribute the Mums. Sign up here! Thank you in advance for your time and support!
JOIN GIRL SCOUTS: Sign Up for Adventure!
Parents of 5th grade girls: Looking for a fun way to help your daughter build leadership skills, make new friends, and explore the outdoors? Sign her up for Girl Scouts! It’s an amazing opportunity for girls to grow, gain confidence, and take on exciting challenges together.
For more information, check out our 5th grade troop flier here or email Dymon at dymon_atkinson@na.honda.com!
BOY SCOUTS
Thinking about trying out Boy Scouts? You’re welcome to join Pack 679 on Wednesdays at 6:30 at Thomas Elementary. Text or call (740) 517-2415 with any questions.
KEEP IN TOUCH AND GET INVOLVED!
We hope you will considering joining the PTO this school year! Join us if you are looking to be more involved in your child's education, have fun, meet friends, and make a positive impact on our school! Check out the PTO website today for more information and join our FB Group.
Report an Absence (email)
District News
Why Teens Take Risks and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe
Last year our community faced several tragic events involving teens. It’s crucial for parents and community members to understand why teens take impulsive risks and how to intervene. On October 14, Dr. Jess Shatkin, a leading expert in child and adolescent mental health, will offer insights to help DCS parents and staff support and protect our children. Local officials and organizations will also be on hand to share information about available resources and services. Space is limited, so reserve your seat here.
New Opportunities Posted on Info Hub
Check out the Info Hub Page for more details and to learn about new opportunities such as the Dublin Sparks Jump Rope team tryouts and other fun activities.
PATHS Program Products for Sale
Our merchandise represents not only high-quality products but also a commitment to making a difference in the lives of young adults in the PATHS program. By empowering our students with essential vocational and life skills, we are fostering their personal growth, enhancing their future opportunities, and contributing to the broader educational mission of Dublin City Schools. This initiative not only directly benefits the students involved but also positively impacts the wider community. Check out the PATHS Products Online Store.
US Air Force Birthday Celebration at NVMM
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum will commemorate the U.S. Air Force Birthday with discounted admission and hands-on learning activities, September 20-22, 10 am – 5 pm. Event highlights include trivia, activity stations including a “Make Your Own Airplane” section. Admission: $5 per person (children under 5 are free). Learn more and purchase tickets.
Dublin Library After School Experience Open House
The Dublin library is your K-12 students' after school space to connect, learn and grow through fun and educational activities. There’s a lot going on! Stop in and find out more at our Open House, Saturday, September 21, 2-4 p.m.
From the City of Dublin
Kindergarten Library Contest
The “Me and My Pal” drawing contest is an opportunity for students in kindergarten through sixth grade in Franklin County to draw and submit a picture of themselves and their dog(s). The purpose of the contest is to promote responsible pet care and ownership.
Entries can be submitted in one of four ways:
1. Mail to Franklin County Auditor, Me and My Pal, 373 S High St, 21st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
2. Delivered in person to the office at the address above.
3. Emailed to dogs@license.franklincountyohio.gov as a JPG or PDF image file.
4. Submitted to the Auditor’s staff at community events.
The deadline for submission is Friday, November 1, 2024. A panel will be selected to judge the submitted entries. Thirteen finalists will be selected by the judges to have their drawings recognized and featured in the 2025 “Me and My Pal” calendar produced by the Auditor’s office.
All winners will receive a complimentary 2025 dog license, an award certificate, and a commemorative photo taken with the Auditor.
Big Weekend for Fiber
You're invited to the City of Dublin and altafiber’s STEM innovation day this Saturday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Coffman Park Pavilion. Witness STEM demonstrations, fiber splicing, Kona Ice, foam canons, DJs and more. Join us in celebrating the City of Dublin’s recent partnership with altafiber for the Fiber to Every Home project, which will have the first section turned on this week. Fun for all ages.
September Is Suicide Prevention Month
The Dublin Police Department wants to remind residents about their commitment to mental health and well-being for our community members. If you or your student is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988. View the online Dublin Suicide Prevention Resource Guide for what to do if someone is talking about suicide.
Celebrate the Moon Festival
Festivities await for the Moon Festival & Ohio Kung Fu Tai Chi Day on Saturday, Sept. 14. Enjoy world-class demonstrations, Asian cuisine and games for the whole family, plus a traditional Moon Festival celebration from noon to 9 p.m. in Riverside Crossing Park. Learn more about this free community event.