Panda PressDistrict Heights Elementary School December 2016

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1 Principal’s Message

1 Main Office

2 Reading Nook

2 Math Corner

2 Health and Wellness

2 Testing and Technology

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Mission of DHES

At District Heights Elementary School we are committed to establishing a safe and orderly professional learning environment. Stakeholders will partner to provide students with rigorous instruction to ensure their academic success and to become productive citizens.

From the Main Office

Parents are advised that students are not permitted in the building before 7:30 a.m.  District Heights Elementary School personnel are not responsible for students left on the premises before this time.  Please make sure that your students are wearing the proper uniform as our school has a Uniform Policy that must be followed. Students may wear navy blue cardigan or V-neck sweaters over his/her uniform shirt.  Girls may wear navy blue, white or black tights under uniform skirts and jumpers.  

A message from our Principal…

Season’s greetings! As we go through this time of thanks and good will, I would like to thank the parents and community of District Heights for your support and encouragement of our school community. It truly takes a village and I am thankful for those of you who volunteer, support, and work with us. As a parent/family member, if you have not gotten involved with your school community, the beginning of a new year is a great time to get involved! Our students and staff have many needs and we are always looking for results-minded adults to join with us in support of our students. You can chaperone a trip, help out in a classroom, or support us in making sure students get to and from school safely. Whatever you can contribute, we appreciate.

During the winter holiday, make sure students get some rest, enjoy time with family but also read, read, read. Reading comprehension is the key to success in primary and intermediate grades. Students should read 20 to 30 minutes each day and complete their reading log. Happy holidays and see you Wednesday, January 3rd.

At District Heights Elementary School, we are committed to 100% attendance of students.  Our school-wide goal is 95%.  Shout out to Ms. Hiles' first grade class and Ms. Waller's fifth grade class for the highest class attendance for the month of November. They will receive an incentive treat.  Our school-wide attendance percentage for November was 92.7%.  Please ensure all students arrive on time each day for school.

WHERE WE ARE…P = PREPAREDR = RESPECTFUL INDIVIDUALS

WITHI = INTEGRITYD = DETERMINED TOE = EXCEL

Dates to Remember Wednesday, December 21st - Holiday Concert Thursday, December 22nd - Last day before

Winter Break Tuesday, January 3rd – Students return to school

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Math Corner Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 6-8pm, the Mathematics Committee will host Numeracy Night at District Heights.  We will share resources, strategies, and have make-and-take sessions that will help parents support their scholars.  There will also be food and prizes!

Monthly Math Riddle:  Why did the coach go to the bank?  Bring your correct answer to Dr. Reid for a free homework pass.

Lisa Reid, Ph. D.Math Instructional Lead Teacher

Notes from the Nurse ……

With flu and cold season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our children healthy. Viruses spread easily among children in schools, and families with school-age children have more infections than others. Please keep your child home if they are sick. Common symptoms of flu include high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion, and dry cough. Additionally, children often exhibit other flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If interested in receiving a flu shot, you can obtain your flu shot at the following places:

1. Primary Physician

2. Prince George’s County Health Dept. 301-883-7879

3. Pharmacies

4. Local Clinics

Students in Pre- Kindergarten and 6th grades may have noticed letters going home alerting them to the immunizations that will be required before the first day of kindergarten and 7th grades. These letters will continue monthly for the remainder of the school year. Please update the schools records with those vaccinations needed before the end of the school year. If records are not received, an exclusion letter will be issued in June for the first day of school.

Vision and hearing screenings have been completed for Pre K, K, 1st grade and 4th grade. If you receive a referral for follow up with a doctor for hearing or vision and need assistance in making these arrangements, please contact me.

Please feel free to call me with any question you may have. I can be reached at 240-455-3637.

Keep Healthy and Happy,

Heather Vance, R.N. B.S.N.

In physical education class we have spent the past few weeks on throwing and catching skills theme. Now that we finished that, we continued our learning by exploring the skills of volleying and striking. This consists of using badminton rackets, volleying objects to keep them off the ground, and eventually working our way into playing volleyball. I hope everyone has a happy holiday!

Ryan Afifi, Physical Education Department

READING Nook

Dear DHES Families,

Book-It – October 1st- March 31st

Book It is a reading program sponsored by Pizza Hut in which students have the opportunity to receive pizza rewards after reaching their reading goals. There is a reading log for each grade level that our students will complete nightly. We will also participate in grade level competitions. Reading Goals by Grade Level

Grade Number of Books

Number of Minutes

Kindergarten 15 201st – 2nd 20 20

3rd-5th 30 306th 30 30

Crystal McCann, M. Ed Reading Specialist

From the Technology Department:

 Happy Holidays!

Our students will need headphones for the mobile computer labs this year. For sanitary reasons, we are requesting that each student bring their own headphones to school. The headphones need not be expensive.

If you haven’t sent headphones or ear buds to school for your child’s in-school use, please do so. They should be in a bag with your child’s name clearly marked on it. 

Thank you for your support!

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