From the desk of Cherie Swader
October 29, 2007

Dear DES Family and Friends,

The Parent/Teacher Conference Day was wonderful and even though I don't have the exact number of how many parents attended, we know that there was a great turnout. We realize that there were some parents who for various reasons were unable to attend Thursday, but we would like for you to contact your child's teacher and schedule a meeting at a time that would be convenient for you and the teacher. Research has shown that parent/teacher communication positively impacts a child's academic success. I also want to thank our faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment to the students of DES, and their willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of all of the students.

Halloween will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 31st. STUDENTS MAY WEAR COSTUMES, BUT WE ASK THAT THEY NOT BE SCARY, FRIGHTENING, OR DISTURBING. NO WEAPONS, BLOOD, OR OTHER GRUESOME OR CRUEL ITEMS CAN BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL - EVEN IF THEY ARE PART OF THE CHILD'S COSTUME. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF ALL OF THE CHILDREN. PLEASE HELP US ENFORCE THIS POLICY.

Pre-K through 2nd grade students will trick or treat on the school grounds - the local businesses and civic groups will be giving out treats at school. All parties will take place after 1:00 pm (in compliance with the state and federal nutrition policies).

We would like to especially thank Officer Jennifer Buchanan for the planning and organization of the Red Ribbon Week and Pumpkin Carving activities. This was her first year to oversee and manage all of this and she did an excellent job. We are very fortunate to have her as our school resource officer and appreciate all of her hard work. She is truly an asset to our children and is a wonderful resource for our community.

Although our November schedule isn.t quite as full as October, we do have several activities that I would like for you to put on your calendar:

• November 5th - Parent Involvement Reading Night - 6:00pm
  Please bring a dessert, and Brenda Wheeler will order pizza when we get a count of those in attendance. Darlene Rogers will be working with teachers to plan reading activities.

• November 8th - The PTO will be kicking off a "Discount Card" Fundraiser
  We will also be having a .Ribbon Cutting. to dedicate the new Art Room, that the PTO sponsored and supplied. This was made possible through the fundraisers that the PTO organized last year. We appreciate all of our PTO officers and their hard work. We also appreciate your effort to support the PTO activities.

• November 12th - Dade Elementary School Council Meeting - 4:30pm in the Steve Ruff Room.

• November 13th - Monthly PTO meeting- 6:00pm in the Upper Gym (where the conferences took place). The Kindergarten Classes will be presenting the program.

• November 15th - Cookie Dough Delivery

• November 16th - Thanksgiving Day Lunch

• November 21st-23rd - Thanksgiving Holidays

• November 28th - Mid-term Progress Reports go home with students

• November 29th - Pre-K Parent/Teacher Conferences (more detailed information will be sent home with students concerning times).