The Sunday Snapshot from Mrs. Love

Viking families,

We are excited to get the 2023/2024 school year started! You will notice on our staff flyers posted below that we have some new faces who joined our staff this year and we ask that you join us in welcoming them to our Viking Team. We also have several familiar faces who have shifted to new roles in the building.

Another update for this year is the the many construction projects in progress. All summer the construction crew has been working to install the air quality units on the first floor which will bring cooler temperatures to our classrooms. As they finish each unit, our amazing custodial crew follows behind to clean up for our teachers. If you've been around our campus recently, you may have noticed the beginning of the construction behind the elementary school. The next phase of the project is the addition of the new wing of classrooms and the expansion of our cafeteria. Due to the location of the expansions, most of the playground is currently a construction site. We still have our blacktop area with basketball hoops, gaga ball and swings from the existing playground. We have also purchased additional athletic equipment, lawn games and sidewalk chalk for students to use during recess. Our recess supervisors will also implement a running/walking club this year where students can earn charms for the number of laps they complete during recess. With the expansion of the cafeteria, our All Purpose Room will be used as the temporary cafeteria this year. Take a look at the photos below for a sneak peek of the work!

As you can see, there are many exciting things in progress at DES this school year. Naturally, with the excitement comes challenges. We are prepared to be flexible and make the best out of these changes while we anticipate the benefits of the finished product next summer. Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate being under construction!

This week at a glance:

Wednesday, August 23rd: 1st-4th Grade Open House 4:00-6:00 pm (Y5 & Kindergarten families who cannot make it to their private Open House are welcome to attend)

This year let's ROW Like Vikings: Respect, Ownership & Wise Choices

Have a great week! Go Vikings!

*Bus drivers, Cafeteria staff and ISD staff coming soon!

There's a lot of work being done behind the elementary school this summer! Sitework prep is underway for both the addition of classrooms and the expansion of the elementary cafeteria. Both projects are projected to be done in time for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

Our elementary team has worked hard to plan for the upcoming school year, which has been no easy task!

• 8/28 Y5 & Kindergarten Open House (Please check your email to sign up for your family's private 10 minute appointment with the teacher)
• 8/28 First Day of School for 1st-4th Graders
• 8/29 First Day of School for Y5 & Kindergarten
• 9/1 No School-Labor Day Observance
• 9/4 No School-Labor Day
• 9/10 PTO Meeting 1:00 pm at Wolverine Park
• 9/11 DCS School Board Meeting
• 9/13 Fire Drill
• 9/25 PTO Read a Thon Begins
• 9/27 Fire Drill

Link to view supply lists by grade level

• Plan to check out the food trucks our PTO has scheduled at Open House and leave the dinner plans up to them!
• The first PTO meeting will be held at Wolverine Park on Sunday, September 10th at 1:00 pm.
• Watch for a link in the near future for a spirit wear sale!

If you are not already receiving phone, text and/or email alerts, please contact our DES office to be sure we have your correct contact information listed within our system. These alerts can be for regular weekly communication, but can also be for building or district emergencies or updates.

If you are on social media, please consider following our Dundee Elementary Facebook Page. Photos, updates and weekly newsletters are posted there.

Lastly, if you haven't already connected with your student's teacher on Bloomz, please consider doing so. Bloomz is the main form of communication that teachers use to interact with families. If you aren't sure how to get connected, please contact your student's teacher or the office and we'd be happy to help!

Handle with Care is a system in which our staff can be aware that your child or family may be experiencing a hardship outside of school that may impact their day at school. By notifying the school principal, we can be sure that those who come in contact with your child throughout the day handles them with extra understanding and TLC. You do not have to provide us with any details at all unless you wish to do so. You can simply send an email that states: Handle with Care with your child's name. Information can be sent to Mrs. Love or Mr. Briggs on Bloomz or via school email at Shana.love@dundeeschools.org or jaybriggs@dundeeschools.org.

Did you know that Dundee Elementary School is a participant and supporter of the OK2SAY program? See more information below.

Not all heroes wear a cape and tights. A real hero speaks up for what's right. Be a real hero. If you see or hear something that threatens student or school safety, submit a confidential tip to OK2SAY.

Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.

Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say

DES Full School Day Hours:

• The school day begins at 8:35 am and ends at 3:40 pm
• Our staff begins monitoring students at 8:15 am. Please do not drop off students prior to 8:15 am as there will not be any DES staff available to supervise them. Students dropped off from 8:15-8:25 will go to the playground with our supervisors and will then be dismissed to their classrooms. Students who purchase school breakfast will go to the cafeteria when they arrive unless they are in Y5 or kindergarten (their breakfast is served in the classroom).

Elementary School Handbook:

Link

Dundee Community Schools Calendar:

Click for the 2023-2024 District Calendar

Infinite Campus Parent Portal:

https://dundeemi.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/dundee.jsp

School Meal Payments:

Breakfast and lunch are FREE for ALL students for the 2023/2024 school year! We ask that all families please fill out the free/reduced meal form on our website, even if you don't normally qualify.

Link for Food Service Forms & Payments

School Menus:

https://dundeecommunityschools.nutrislice.com/menu/dundee-elementary-school-k-5/lunch/2022-08-28

DES Facebook Page:

Dundee Elementary Facebook

For reporting a student absent:

734-529-7044 Press 1

School Nurse: Rachel Palmer

734-529-2350 ext. 11013

Show your Viking pride at the athletic events taking place this week.

Use the link below to checkout the Dundee Athletics Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/dundeeathletics

Vision Statement

“Students First” – Inspire, Educate, Innovate, Celebrate

Mission Statement

Dundee Community Schools is setting a course for student success. We will challenge and inspire every student, every day, in every class through innovation and dedication ‐ promoting knowledgeable, responsible, and caring citizens.

420 Ypsilanti Dr.

Dundee, MI 48131

School Phone: 734-529-7044

School Fax: 734-529-3741

Principal: Mrs. Love shana.love@dundeeschools.org

Assistant Principal: Mr. Briggs jay.briggs@dundeeschools.org