From the desk of Cherie Swader
October 15, 2007

Dear DES Family and Friends,

We hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable Fall Break. Remember that Monday, October 15th will be a professional learning day for faculty and staff, and students will return to school on Tuesday, October 16th. Professional learning is an important piece of the academic growth and educational development for our faculty, which will in turn positively impact student learning. Tuesday, October 16th will mark the beginning of the 2nd 9 week grading period. Thursday, October 25th is designated as the first scheduled parent/teacher conference day - this will also be an early release day for students. Students will be released at 1:00 (please make arrangements). You will receive a note from your child's teacher asking you to select a time to schedule a conference. Please complete this form and return to your child's teacher immediately. During this conference you will receive your child's 1st 9 week report card and a copy of the CRCT scores from last spring. You will also be asked to sign a compact (which is part of the Title I program) and is an educational agreement between the school, parent, and student. Your child's teacher will share with you the progress that your child has made and will also offer ideas and strategies on ways you can help your child at home. This is a very important conference and we encourage each of you to make a special effort to attend. By attending parent/teacher conferences you are confirming to your child that you value education and support his or her efforts to become academically successful.

The fall is a very busy time at Dade Elementary School. In addition to the parent/teacher conferences, Brenda Wheeler, our Parent Involvement Coordinator has been working with our faculty and students to plan a Parent and Student Math Night. This event is scheduled for this coming Tuesday night (October 16th) at 6:00 pm. Teachers from each grade level have worked with students to plan fun math activities in which everyone can participate. Davis hosted a similar event two weeks ago, and it was a great success, with more that 70 people attending. We hope that you will be able to work this into your busy schedule. It is another great opportunity to demonstrate to your children how much you value education and want to be a part of their school. There will be activities for all grades - so come on out, bring a covered dish (or stop by the deli on your way home from work) and join the fun.

October 16th-19th is Fire Safety Week, and DES will be observing it, with several activities planned for the students.

Fifth grade students will have an opportunity to participate in a C.H.A.M.P.S. field trip, on Saturday, October 20th. Your fifth grade student will be bringing home an information/permission form.

October 22nd-26th we will be observing Red Ribbon Week. This is a week that has been set aside nationally to focus awareness on the danger of drugs. School systems across the country will be participating in activities to help students realize the danger of drugs and commit to a drug free life style. In addition to placing red ribbons on the trees on our school campus, the students will be taking part in several other activities during the week long observance (you will be receiving an information sheet concerning the activities that are planned for the week).

Pumpkin carving - which has been an annual event at DES and Davis for several years will take place on Thursday, October 25th and Friday, October 26th. This is a fun time for the students and is also part of a community project that will be on display at the gazebo in downtown Trenton. The students love to go and find their pumpkins and show them off to family members.

I would like to thank Jennifer Buchanan, our DES Resource Officer for all of the preparation and organization that she has invested in the planning of these activities. She is truly an asset to our school community and we appreciate her efforts to bring positive educational activities to our students. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, please contact Jennifer Buchanan at Dade Elementary School - we can use any and all volunteers.

As we begin the 2nd nine week grading period, I would like to encourage all parents, grandparents, and other family members to take an active role in the educational development of your children. Support your child's educational growth by reading to and or with your child, promoting vocabulary growth by talking with your child about many different topics, and creating a sense of numbers by playing simple number games (use beans, toothpicks, dice, cards, measuring cups, and other common household items). You are your child's greatest teacher. Children are sponges that absorb what they see and hear - make it worthwhile and productive.

REMEMBER OUR SCHOOL DAY IS 8:10-2:50 - PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO HAVE YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL ON TIME AND LEAVE HIM OR HER FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY. ARRIVING AT SCHOOL LATE AND LEAVING EARLY ROBS YOUR CHILD OF VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL TIME. EVERY MINUTE IS ESSENTIAL.

Have a great week and remember you are welcome at DES - we look forward to seeing you soon.

Cherie Swader
Principal
Dade Elementary School
"Hand In Hand - We Learn Together"