Newsletter: December 1, 2023
![Newsletter: December 1, 2023](https://cdn.smore.com/u/b293/ae26c3c929ea607f25c9629c35c09804.jpg)
December 1, 2023
School News
Principal's Message
Dear Thomas Families,
Happy December! As we move into the last month of the semester (and the year 2023!) and into cold weather season, I’ve included some items in this newsletter that you may find helpful. Don’t forget to scroll down to the PTO updates; there is timely information included there, too.
As always, please contact us at school if you have any questions!
Go Tigers,
Melissa Garris
CUP STACKING WORLD RECORD
A new world record has been set for “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations”, and our third, fourth, and fifth graders were a part of it!
746,698 people around the world, including at Thomas Elementary, were cup-stacking and contributing to the world record. See the official announcement here.
MID-YEAR GRADE CARDS
Mid-year grade cards will be available to view in Infinite Campus on January 13.
NOMINATE A COMMUNITY CHAMPION
The Community Champion Awards program honors students and staff in our District who exemplify the best of volunteerism, character, leadership, and a sense of caring and responsibility for others. Nominate a student or staff member here before the February 19 deadline.
School Information
RECESS DURING COLD WEATHER MONTHS
We know how important it is for students to have time outside, and we try to hold outdoor recess as much as possible. In Dublin schools, recess is outdoors as long as the “feels like” temperature is above 25 degrees. That’s still pretty chilly! Please send your child in warm clothing so they are comfortable at outdoor recess.
If the temperature drops to 25 degrees or lower, recess will be indoors. We have many games and materials for students to play with during indoor recess.
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
‘Tis the season of illness! If your child will be absent for any reason, please email our attendance office at gtes_attendance@dublinschools.net. Include your child's name, grade, and reason for the absence. If your child visits a doctor or dentist, ask for an excusal note. We will be able to mark the absence as medically excused if we have a note!
Upcoming Dates
December 20: Winter Parties
December 21 - January 3: No School (Winter Break)
January 4: School resumes
January 13: Report Cards available on Infinite Campus
PTO News
WINTER PARTIES
The Winter Classroom Parties will be led by parent volunteers with teacher assistance on December 20. Party activities and snacks will be provided.
10:55 - 11:40 AM: AM Kindergarten
2:45 - 3:30 PM: 1st - 5th Grade and PM Kindergarten
There are many ways to be involved with and support the Winter Parties!
Sign up to volunteer at the party:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080844ACAD2CA7FE3-46270958-gtewinter
Donate supplies:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/34OWZIFVE3ITH?ref_=wl_share
Donate money for supplies:
https://www.thomaselementarypto.com/home/ways-to-give
Help assemble party boxes on Dec. 18th:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48ADAE29A7FD0-46199686-winter
Allergy Information for Winter Party
The snack will include mini powdered donuts "a snowy treat" and pretzels. The mini powdered donuts are from Walmart, Great Value Powdered Sugar Mini Donuts (contains: milk, eggs, wheat and soy). One bag of pretzels is from Target, Favorite Day Holiday Pretzels (snowflake look) (contains: wheat) and another is from Amazon, Happy Belly Pretzel Sticks (contains: wheat).
If your student needs a substitute food item due to allergies, please contact our office.
STAFF APPRECIATION & FAVORITE THINGS
Before Thanksgiving break, staff were treated to Columbus Coffee Company. We are grateful for the teachers and staff at Thomas everyday and wanted to show them during the season of thankfulness! The PTO will also be providing breakfast for the staff leading up to Winter Break. We wouldn't be able to convey our families appreciation for the staff without all of your generous donations throughout the year. THANK YOU Thomas families!
Recently, the PTO asked the staff for a list of their favorite items to help better support (and treat) them! You can see the Staff Favorite Things list here.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE PTO!
Get involved & stay connected! Please join our PTO Facebook page, and check the PTO website for all event details, volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to our amazing school.
Report an Absence (email)
District News
Follow Us on Social Media
Every school in the district is on at least one social media channel. Stay up to date on all the latest fun and information by following the district and your child’s school(s) on social media. Here are links to all the schools’ channels.
Community Champions Scholarship
A Community Champion Award scholarship is awarded to DCS high school seniors who engage society through leadership and service, and honor those who exemplify the best of volunteerism, character, leadership, and a sense of caring and responsibility for others. Applications are being accepted through February 19. Apply here.
Winter Weather Procedures
As we near the winter months, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the District’s Winter Weather procedures.
Info Hub Page
Chess Tournament this weekend benefitting the James Cancer Hospital
The Jerome Chess club is hosting a chess tournament this Sunday, December 3 starting at 10:00 a.m. at Jerome. Open to all Dublin students but limited to the first 100 to register. Only players with a USCF rating less than 800 can participate. Proceeds benefit the James Cancer Hospital. Learn more and Register here.
Prizes: The top 3 players will earn gift cards (you can mix and match)
First Place: $100 in gift cards
Second Place: $50 in gift cards
Third Place: $25 in gift cards
FROM THE CITY OF DUBLIN
Where to Care – Looking for ways to spread volunteer cheer this holiday season and throughout 2024? Check out our Where to Care Guide to Volunteering. Perfect for teens and families! https://bit.ly/VolunteerInDublin