At Dunlap Grade School, we were excited to welcome our students to the 2012-2013 school year. Students spent the morning unpacking school supplies, developing classroom ground rules, and defining the words “quality” and “greatness.” We hosted an Opening Ceremony this morning that included a “Parade of Classrooms” with teachers as flag bearers, singing of the National Anthem, welcome address by Mrs. Ellis, and introduction of all staff to the students. Teachers and students defined greatness to set the tone for our work ahead this year. Definitions of greatness included quality, hard work, risk-taking, creativity, innovation, perseverance, determination, and trying our best. Classrooms will continue to define greatness as they develop classroom mission statements and set classroom SMART goals as part of each Classroom Learning Community throughout the first week of school.
Our path to greatness this year will focus on the tenants of our mission. The mission of the Dunlap School District is to “empower all students to excel in a global society.” We define this as 21st century learning where students are:
- Self-motivated learners
- Critical thinkers
- Effective communicators
- Skilled collaborators
- Responsible and culturally aware citizens
- Technologically capable creators
Students were also introduced to a new classroom incentive from Mr. Horrie, our custodian. Classrooms that maintain the cleanest classroom learning environment will earn a traveling trophy as well as extra recess with Mr. Horrie! We know our students will take as much pride in our building as our staff does!
Finally, students were introduced to the new morning routine. In an effort to increase instructional time, minimize transition, maintain consistency with other district elementary building routines, and develop a satisfying and productive school learning and teaching environment, students will enter the gym each morning to participate in morning announcements. Morning announcements will begin promptly at 7:35 with students returning to classrooms ready to learn by 7:39am. During announcements, we will celebrate successes towards school goals, share important announcements, recognize birthdays, and develop our learning community.
Welcome Back for a year of creativity, innovation and learning at DGS!