Dragon Digest- Family Edition

Dear Dragon Parents and Guardians,

Thank you to all of the amazing speakers we had for the Great American Teach-In. This year we had over 40 speakers in our classrooms teaching our students about the different career opportunities they have as adults. Students enjoyed the presentations and learned a lot!

Important Reminders:

1. Testing in December: Please ensure your children are present throughout December as we will be conducting important tests. I have attached the testing calendar below so you know when your child will be taking FAST PM 2.
2. No Toys at School: A reminder that toys, including Pokémon cards, are not allowed at school or on the bus. They are causing disruptions in the classroom, lunchroom, and on the bus. If toys are brought to school, they will be collected from the child and given to Mrs. Wisneski.
3. Cell Phone Policy: According to Pasco County Schools' Cell Phone Policy, cell phones must be turned off and kept in backpacks during the school day. Smartwatches are not permitted at all for all students.
4. Attendance: It is crucial for ALL students to be in school all day, every day (Pre-K through 5th Grade). We have noticed an increase in students arriving late and leaving early, which results in missed instructional time. Students need to be dropped off by 9:35 am so they are not tardy for school. They need to in their classrooms with breakfast BY 9:40am when the bell rings.
5. Car Rider and Escorted Afternoon Pick-Up: We dismiss students at 3:50pm every day. We are done with the carline by about 4:05pm every day now. We have many kids not being picked up on time. Our teachers contract hours end at 4:10pm, so we need them to be able to leave on time. My staff is staying late due watch students after their paid time- I am asking that you make this a priority. Make sure you are here to pick up your child PRIOR to 4:05pm.
6. Parent Lunches: Parent lunches will resume on December 2nd- YAY!!!! Please bring your DOES Lunch Coupon and ID. Note that it is one coupon per person. Parents should sign in 5 minutes before their lunch time so that your child can meet you as they are walking to lunch. All parents lunches are on the blue picnic tables. Parents lunches are weather permitting- if it is raining we are not open for parent lunches. Lunch times for each grade level are as follows:

Our staff would like to thank the Mansouri Family for providing a lovely breakfast for the entire staff this week. Everyone enjoyed the doughnuts, croissants, breakfast bars, coffee and juices. WE are all very grateful and thankful for this special treat!

Reinforcing School Rules at Home We ask for your support in reinforcing our school rules at home. Our core values are:

• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• Be Safe

Reading at Home Reading at home every night is essential. It helps increase stamina, fluency, and comprehension. Please make reading a priority in your household.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy time together.

#everydragoneveryday

Kelly Wisneski, Principal

kwisnesk@pasco.k12.fl.us

Kori Barber, Assistant Principal

kellis@pasco.k12.fl.us

DECEMBER:

2- PTA Meeting 4:30pm

6- Student of the Month

9-13 PTA Holiday Shop

11- 2nd and 3rd Musical Performance and Winter Chorus Musical WCPAC and Severe Weather Drill

18- Sunshine State 7 Book Party

19- Reindeer Run

20- PBIS Winter Bingo, 2nd Grade Wax Museum

JANUARY:

6- Students and Staff Return to school

8- 3rd Grade Read for a Ride Celebration

10- Fire Drill

13- PTA Meeting

15- PTA Culvers Family Night

17- ATP Video, SAC Meeting, Report Cards go out on myStudent

20- NO SCHOOL

24- All Pro Dads (RSVP by 1/22), Safety Video

26-31 Celebrate Literacy Week

27- Holocaust Remembrance Day

UPDATED Upcoming Spirit Days for Students:

December 6- RAISE THE FLAG- Wear Bucs Gear or Red and Pewter

December 13- Grinch Day

December 16- Dress like a Snowman

December 17- Dress like an Elf

December 18-Wear your favorite PJ's

December 19- Wear your favorite Holiday or Winter Shirt

December 20- Wear your ugly sweater

January 10- Wear your Lightning Gear or DOES purple shirt

January 17- National Classy Day- Dress to Impress, wear your classiest outfit (students and staff)

January 24- Wear your Lightning Gear or DOES purple shirt

January 31- National Backwards Day- wear your clothes backwards today

Do you want to learn more about our school? Learn about our School Improvement Plan? Learn about our student data and our goals for growth? Do you want to help discuss ideas and help make decisions to improve different aspects of our school? Then join the School Advisory Council. The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of parents, school staff, community members and district staff who meet monthly to do just that. We would love to invite you to join us for these meetings. They are usually from 8:30-9:15am and will be on Friday mornings this year. Pre-K through 5th grade parents are welcome. If you would like to be part of this important committee, please email Mrs. Wisneski at kwisnesk@pasco.k12.fl.us by September 6th. The first meeting is on September 19th in the media center. We hope to see you there!

October 11

November 8

January 17

February 7

March 7

Meetings will be at 8:30am in the school media. We only have two parents sign up to participate and would like at least 5-10 more. Please email kwisnesk@pasco.k12.fl.us if you can join us each month.

If you have questions or classroom concerns, please use myStudent to email your child's teacher before calling the front office. The teachers are with your child all day and can help you more quickly than the front office staff who are not in the classroom. Your child's teacher is your first point of contact prior to contacting the school administration. We are here to help but will always direct you back to the teacher first. We know parent emotions can run high when there are concerns, please always be respectful and calm with our staff when calling or emailing. We have had many of our staff getting yelled at when they are trying to help- this is not acceptable. Our classroom and special area teachers are amazing and are more than willing to answer any questions or concerns you have- they want your child to have the best learning adventure this year.

Student Code of Conduct

Our goal is to work together to provide a quality education and safe environment for all students. We know that providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students is essential to student

learning. Therefore, it is important that parents and/or guardians read and discuss the Code of Student Conduct with their children. We need your support to teach and reinforce the student rules of conduct.

https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/conduct

Online Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications

This school year all meals for students are free of charge. This includes both breakfast and lunch.

You can still fill out the application for other needs.

***Applications available for the 2024-2025 school year. All members of the household should be included on the application (1 application per household). Click here to complete your application today.

We have many avenues of communication to stay connected with families. Keep an eye out!

Monthly for Parents Dragon Digest Newsletter

Denham Oaks Website https://does.pasco.k12.fl.us/

School Messenger (Phone and Email)

Denham Oaks PTA Facebook Page Denham Oaks PTA

Twitter/ X @DenhamOaks

Instagram DenhamOaksElementary

Website: https://does.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Location: 1422 Oak Grove Boulevard, Lutz, FL, USA
Phone: (813)794-1600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenhamOaksPta/
Twitter: @DenhamOaks