Classroom Meetings
Reflections and Realities of an Elementary School Principal
A staff norm at Dunlap Grade School is to participate in cross-curricular collaboration and communication. This was demonstrated earlier this week when 2nd grade staff partnered with music teacher, Mr. Anderson, to make some wonderful music.
In Mrs. Pitzer’s class, Mr. Anderson taught the students that a measure has 4 beats using 4/4 time. Each student was then responsible for using musical notation to fill each measure with four counts. Who knew there was math in music?! After choosing a line or space, they got to compose and listen to their music creation. You can hear what they composed by clicking on the links below:
In addition, 2Z students practiced math in a musical way! Mr. Anderson has been helping students learn that a measure has 4 beats using 4/4 time. Each student was responsible for using musical notation to fill each measure with four counts. What a great connection to math skills! After choosing a line or space, the group played their creation for the rest of the class to listen and enjoy! You can listen to their compositions by clicking on the links below:
We are so excited that Mr. Anderson found such a neat website for us to practice our learning! We can be 21st century learners wherever we go!
District Strategic Goal #4: Create Satisfying and Productive Partnerships with Families and the Community
Dunlap School District will host an informational “Parent University” on September 17th at 6:30pm in the Dunlap High School Auditorium for any families interested in learning more about the Math in Focus curriculum in grades K-5. You will learn how the program emphasizes problem solving and positive attitudes toward mathematics, while focusing on student development of skills, concepts, and processes.
Representatives from the district as well as Math in Focus staff will be in attendance to present information. Please see the flyer below or at Parent Night Flyer
Dear Families,
As Principal of Dunlap Grade School, I am eager to begin the 2013-2014 school year and welcome our staff and students back for another wonderful year of learning. Our mission at DGS is to develop lifelong learners and we have plans in place to do just that.
Ongoing Communication
My personal goal is to maintain open communication with the families of DGS. You will be able to access https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/, follow us on twitter @dgsroyals, and like us at www.facebook.com/DunlapGrade for information regarding special events and news related to DGS. You may also view the DGS webpage at http://www.dunlapcusd.net/dgs/. You may also email me at mellis@dunlapcusd.net. My door is open and I welcome you to stop by and introduce yourself.
Accomplishments
The summer has been a busy time for DGS. The office, teachers, and support staff have been busy making sure DGS is ready for the first day of school. A list of our accomplishments includes:
Faculty Spotlight
The staff at DGS is filled with educated and enthusiastic individuals that are working collaboratively to ensure the best possible educational environment for your children. Our team this year consists of:
Mandy Ellis, Principal
Lisa Kamin, Secretary
Connie Miller, Office Assistant
Britney Barackman, Kindergarten
Amy Douglas, Kindergarten
John Weaver, Classroom Aide
Courtney Erikson, First Grade
Jennifer Donavan, First Grade
Stefanie Pitzer, Second Grade
Kelsie Zarko, Second Grade
Michelle Graber, Classroom Aide
Jamie Flinn, Speech Pathologist
Natalie Lanser, Third Grade
Samantha Mahrt, Third Grade
Jennie Hatch, Student Aide
Kristen Bishop, Student Aide
Dan Eckert, Fourth Grade
Teresa (Marquis) Jarrick, Fourth Grade
Susan Piper, Fifth Grade
Rachel Wooden, Fifth Grade
Nicole Baier, Special Education
Sara Nauman, Special Education
Danyell Alger, World Language
Kelly Bailey, Counselor
Lisa Sell, Literacy Aide
Karen Conlon, School Psycologist
Alyssa Cabrera, School Social Worker
Dave Combs, Physical Education
Steve Wright, Art
Joshua Anderson, Music
Tina Holloway, Band
Chris Adams-Wenger, Orchestra
Amy Berg, Technology
Michelle Mueckler, Librarian
George Horrie, Custodian
Nancy Riekena, Night Custodian
Renee Kuykendall, Head Cook
Jean Deckard, Cafeteria
Important Back to School Dates
Dunlap Grade has several important events coming up. You will be able to view these events on our school website and will receive updates regarding additional upcoming events in the Parent Bulletin that will be sent weekly.
School Hours
We will once again follow an early dismissal schedule every Wednesday throughout the school year this year. This time allows our teacher’s to work collaboratively as Professional Learning Communities with the ultimate goal of improving teaching and learning for all students. You can find more information about Professional Learning Communities on our district website at www.dunlapcusd.net.
School / Level |
Total Minutes |
|
2013-14 School Schedule |
|||
M, T, Th, F |
Wednesday |
|||||
Start Time |
End Time |
Start Time |
End Time |
|||
Elementary School |
7 hours |
7:39 |
2:45 |
7:39 |
2:15 |
|
Middle School |
7 hours |
8:24 |
3:30 |
8:24 |
3:00 |
|
High School |
7 hours, 6 minutes |
8:18 |
3:30 |
8:18 |
3:00 |
|
HS Zero Hour |
49 minutes |
7:24 |
8:13 |
7:24 |
8:13 |
Birthday and Classroom Party Treat Guidelines
Foods that come from home for sharing among children for birthday treats or classroom celebrations must be either whole fruits or vegetables or commercially prepared foods in individually sealed packaging that do not contain nuts. This is necessary for both health and safety so we can then read the label to see the ingredients for children with allergies and special nutritional needs. Any items not individually sealed, that contain nuts or baked goods from home or from a bakery will be sent home.
Transportation
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct will be distributed to each student during the first few days of school and reviewed by the classroom teacher during the first few weeks of school. Parents will need to sign off stating they’ve read and understand the policies in the handbook and code of conduct. You will receive this information from your child’s classroom teacher.
Visitors
We welcome parents as volunteers in our building. A new security system was installed this summer. All visitors to the school will be required to buzz in at the front entrance of the building and sign in at the office. There are visitor’s badges on the sign-in table that we ask all visitors to wear while in the building. In order to maintain the integrity of the learning environment, we do not allow unannounced visits to classrooms during the instructional day. All classroom visits must be approved by the classroom teacher and/or the building principal ahead of time. This allows us to minimize disruptions to the instruction taking place in our classrooms.
School Calendar
The Dunlap School District has developed a school calendar that will allow parents to access all district events in one central location. www.dunlap323.tandemcal.com will allow families to view and subscribe to calendar updates and filter events for individual or multiple schools in the district. An additional PDF calendar will be available on the DGS website under the Parents tab. In addition, monthly calendars will be on the back of the lunch menus each month.
Parent’s Club
Dunlap Grade School has a proud history of parental support and involvement. I encourage you to stop by the Parent’s Club informational area in the cafeteria during Open House to get more information on how you can get involved. We have opportunities available for all parents that you can do at school or from home.
Next Steps
We have a lot of exciting initiatives and continued implementation of quality educational programming at Dunlap Grade this year.
Parents, teachers, support staff, and administration all have an important role to encourage and empower our children to become active learners that will excel in a global society. It is my sincere desire to provide expanded opportunities for our students to acquire the skills to become productive citizens in a vastly changing society. Through a close and collegial partnership with everyone associated with Dunlap Grade School, I am confident we can make our school an even better place for our students to learn and grow.
Respectfully,
Mandy Ellis
Dunlap Grade School Principal
Recently, Mrs. Kelly Bailey was hired as one of two new counselors to the elementary level as part of the Social, Emotional, Behavioral Learning Initiative that you can learn more about on a previous district blog post here. Dunlap Schools now has three counselors at the elementary level. Mrs. Bailey will serve students at DGS and HGES, deliver counseling services, and help to lead the implementation of the Social/Emotional/Behavioral Learning Curriculum, Second Step at all grade levels.
Seven years ago Mrs. Bailey moved from Ohio to Peoria, IL to begin her teaching career. She has served as a primary teacher in Peoria Public Schools District 150 for the past seven years. During that time she taught Pre-K and was an Encore teacher with emphasis on science. She is a 2005 graduate from Ohio University where she received her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. In May 2010 she graduated from Bradley University with a Masters in School Counseling.
Mrs. Bailey looks forward to sharing her passion for social emotional learning and working with students, staff, and families to create a safe and supportive learning environment where all students succeed. Her goal is to promote the academic, career, and personal/social development to all students, enabling them to become life-long learners, independent thinkers, and responsible individuals.
Mrs. Bailey lives in Peoria, IL with her husband Scott. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and outdoor activities. “I am so excited to be your school counselor and to become a part of Dunlap Grade School this year. I look forward to meeting you!”
Mr. Anderson is Set to Make Music at DGS
This May, The Board of Education approved the new hire of Mr. Josh Anderson as music teacher at Dunlap Grade and Hickory Grove Elementary Schools. Mr. Anderson, originally from Farmington, IL, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University. Mr. Anderson has performed in ensembles premiering pieces for 20th Century composers, participated in musicals in theater, as well as established membership in local instrumental and vocal organizations such as Prairie Winds Ensemble. In Mr. Anderson’s experience as the music teacher in a previous school district, he has implemented new music programs that cater to each individual that also promote success for the entire student population. Mr. Anderson states: “I am excited to work with my students in the Dunlap School District. It is my job to give every student a fundamental understanding of all aspects of music. I look forward to collaborating with classroom teachers providing a connection between music and common core subjects such as reading and math. Music performances throughout the year will allow students to show their true personalities. I will continue to expand my teaching knowledge by pursuing further education as well as learning from the students in daily activities.” We welcome Mr. Anderson to the team!
Miss Baier and Miss Nauman collaborate to meet the needs of all students with individualized needs at DGS. Together, they make up the Resource Team. The Resource Team has had a great 2012-2013 school year. They worked with students in every grade level and in almost every classroom. In the resource room they were able to utilize new technologies including the iPads, Learning Ally and an Apple TV. Students used these resources to supplement their interventions and enhance their learning.
In January and February, every resource student led their own IEP meeting. They prepared a PowerPoint presentation about their progress on annual goals and what they hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. They presented in front of their parents, teachers, and Mrs. Ellis. This process developed effective communication, skilled collaboration, and presentation skills.
The Resource Team already has plans for the 2013-2014 school year. A new classroom set-up and website are already in the works.
Dunlap Grade School invites all students to participate in our first Student Book Fair Exhibition. In conjunction with the Spring Book Fair, students and families will have the opportunity to create a storyboard display on a tri-fold to showcase their favorite book. See the information below. Projects are due April 15th. Winners from a variety of categories will be selected and awarded with a certificate and free book of their choice!
Cookie Sales
We have an opportunity to help the Life Skills special education class from DHS. The class has started a business selling Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. Members of the class will be traveling to all schools over a two week period on a rotation. The cookie sales will be coming to Dunlap Grade School on 4/16, 4/30, and 5/14 between 1:00-2:00pm to sell fresh cookies for .50 cents each. Support of this project that will help the high school students develop valuable job skills in a fun way.
The cookie choices are: sugar, chocolate chip or carnival
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Enriched Bleached Flour (Bleached Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Sugar, Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene), Brown Sugar, Eggs, Butter, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Baking Soda, Salt.
Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Soybeans and Milk
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies:
Enriched Bleached Flour (Bleached Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene), Eggs, Butter, Invert Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda.
Contains: Milk, Eggs and Wheat
Ingredients for Carnival Cookies:
Enriched Bleached Flour (Bleached Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Margarine (Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene), Candy (Semi-sweet Chocolate [Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Butter Oil, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin], Sugar, Coloring [Includes Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow #6, Yellow #5, Blue #1], Confectioner’s Glaze [Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Shellac], Gum Arabic, Corn Syrup), Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Eggs, Molasses, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Baking Soda, Salt.
Contains: Milk, Eggs, Soybeans, Wheat, FD&C Yellow# 5 and FD&C Yellow# 6
Kindergarten Registration