page background
page background

Himlie Hello

December 10, 2024

Himlie HelloDecember 10, 2024

Dunn families,


Happy December - We are in the final stretch before the new year! If I do not see you in person, please consider this my virtual hug and huge THANK YOU for being a part of this incredible community. I am grateful for you and the gift of your children...


You Belong,

Abby

Important Upcoming Dates

We celebrate a variety of holidays at Dunn! See the list below to learn more!

Diwali (November 1)

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day festival celebrated by millions across Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Its key themes—light triumphing over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil—make Diwali a celebration of joy, unity, and renewal.

The National Museum of Asian Art has a variety of virtual opportunities for learning about and celebrating the cultures that observe Diwali.


Día de Muertos (November 1 - 2)

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd, is a vibrant cultural holiday honoring loved ones who have passed. Families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods to invite the spirits of the departed back to the living world. UNESCO recognizes Día de Muertos as an intangible cultural heritage, celebrating the enduring connection between generations. For teaching resources on Día de Muertos, click here.


Thanksgiving (November 28)

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and community, but it also has significant implications for Indigenous communities. The traditional narrative often overlooks Native perspectives and perpetuates misconceptions. This year, consider incorporating Indigenous viewpoints into your teaching. Many lessons, experiences, and activities are available to help teach about Thanksgiving in a culturally responsive and sustaining way.


Chanukah/Hanukkah (December 25 - January 2)

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the triumph of the Maccabees. It is a time for joy, hope, and gatherings with loved ones. The Hebrew greeting “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holiday) is often exchanged during this season.


Christmas (December 25: Gregorian Calendar, January 7: Julian Calendar)

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is both a religious and cultural holiday. While it honors the birth of Jesus Christ, it also embodies universal themes of love, generosity, and community, making it a cherished tradition worldwide. Orthodox Christians observe Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, adding to the diversity of celebrations. This holiday provides an opportunity for reflection, joy, and unity across cultures.


Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1)

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture and heritage observed from December 26th to January 1st. Its seven core principles—Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)—guide the week-long festivities. Families light candles on the kinara and participate in traditional storytelling, music, and feasts, reinforcing the values of community, pride, and resilience. The link in the title will take you to a plethora of resources for all ages.


English PSD 2024-2025 Calendar HERE

Arabic PSD 2024-2025 Calendar HERE

Spanish PSD 2024-2025 Calendar HERE

  • Mon, Dec 2: Kindergarten Information Night, 5:30-6:30pm
  • Tues, Dec 3: Prospective Student Tours, 9-11am
  • Wed, Dec 4: Prospective Student Tours, 9-11am
  • Wed, Dec 4: Principal Listening Session at Aggie Village Apartments, 5-6p
  • Thurs, Dec 5: Principal Listening Session at University Village Apartments, 5-6pm
  • Fri, Dec 6: Prospective Student Tours, 1-3pm
  • Tues, Dec 10: Fire Drill
  • Tues, Dec 10: 3rd Field Trip to Butterfly Pavillion
  • Tues, Dec 10: Equity Inquiry Team Meeting, 5-6pm in Library, all are welcome
  • Wed, Dec 11: PTO Meeting at Mugs on College Ave, 5:30-7pm
  • Thurs, Dec 12: December 5th International Citizens Assembly
  • Fri, Dec 13: December K-4th International Citizens Assembly
  • Fri, Dec 13: 5th Grade to Lesher MS for Music Performance
  • Mon, Dec 16-Fri, Dec 20: Student Council Spirit Week, Details Below
  • Fri, Dec 20: All School Sing-a-long
  • Fri, Dec 20: Classroom Winter Parties (details will come from homeroom teachers)
  • Mon Dec 23-Mon, Jan 6: NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
  • Tues, Jan 7: Students back at school

SPREAD THE WORD!

Student Council Spirit Week!

Monday, December 16th – Festive Socks/Hats

Tuesday, December 17th – Twinkle Tuesday

Wednesday, December 18th – White Out Wednesday

Thursday, December 19th – Festive Sweaters

Friday, December 20th – Pajama Day

Holiday Gifts and Donations

Each year, families ask me what teachers would like for the holidays. Below you will find a list of all of our staff's favorite things! Some of our staff also has Amazon Wish Lists for items they would love for their job, if you are interesting in finding ways to donate. Happy Holidays! 💙

Holiday Resources

Dunn has a variety of supports for families all year, and certainly during the holidays. We hope you picked up a turkey if you needed one in November. We have weekly bags of food we can discreetly send home with your student (or you can pick up) if that will help, and we have coats and boots for children who need them.


We also have gift cards and wrapping supplies in the front office that our PTO has collected, if that would help your family this holiday season. Please email Mrs. Jones at tjones@psdschools.org if any of these supports would help your family.

Apply HERE to Substitute Teach at Dunn Elementary School!

Dunn After School Clubs

We realize that it has been more difficult to find information on after-school club registration. There is a new policy that we can only send out the packet of information with the links to clubs in the beginning of the year. We have found a way to have this information more accessible to families while following guidelines. Please click on our website at any time to see the information to sign up for clubs!

Club information CLICK HERE

More Information on Facebook Event Page:

Dunn Family Businesses

We love to support our local businesses - CHECK OUT DUNN FAMILY BUSINESSES HERE.


Do you have a local business? Please enter your business information in the LINK HERE to share your information, so we can spread the word!

Join your 2024-2025 Dunn PTO!

  • *WHAT: Your Dunn PTO keeps our community connected by hosting free events (Fall Carnival, End of Year Movie Night at The Lyric, Valentine's Family Dance), and provide funding and support for Dunn activities and staff (Breakfast with Buddies, Teacher Appreciation) just to name a few! Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at Dunn? Want to help support teachers with mini grants? Your Dunn PTO is a wonderful way to learn more about the Dunn community while donating a small piece of your time.
  • *WHO: This fun group of engaged parents is a great way to build relationships with other caregivers, amazing teachers, and our dedicated principal, while finding creative ways to support this wonderful school.
  • *HOW: Simply show up to our next meeting at Mugs Old Town! For questions please email: dunnelementarypto@gmail.com or call/text Jacquelyn Eisenberg-Nelson at 303-921-3600.
  • *WHEN: Monthly Wednesday meetings, 5:30-7pm (8/21, 9/18, 11/6, 12/11, 1/15, 2/19, 3/26, 4/23, 5/21). Can't commit to a monthly meeting? No problem! Just email us and we'll let you know about one off events that you can get involved with.

Stay in touch with Dunn!

Follow us on facebook, twitter and instagram!

Instagram: Click Here

Email: ahimlie@psdschools.org
Website: https://dun.psdschools.org/
Location: 501 South Washington Avenue
Phone: 970-488-4825
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dunn-IB-World-School-833838369983073/
Twitter: @dunn_ib

Abby Himlie
Abby is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters