Our PTO would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the many parents, staff, students, and community volunteers, as well as our generous donors, who made this year's Secret Santa event a great success. Our students and families had a wonderful experience, made possible by the gift of your time and resources.

School Counseling Program Update:

Building Kindness & Empathy this Month!

Dear Families,

This month, our classroom lessons are all about kindness and empathy—skills that are especially important as we approach the holiday season. Here's a quick overview of what your child will be learning and some simple strategies for reinforcing these skills at home!

What We're Learning at School:

• Kindergarten: The Power of Kind Words with Edgar the Egg
• 1st Grade: The Golden Rule through the book Do Unto Otters
• 2nd Grade: Compliments and Compliment Mats
• 3rd Grade: Inclusion with the story The Invisible Boy
• 4th Grade: The Five Steps to Empathy and writing Thank You Notes
• 5th Grade: Inclusiveness through the Everyone’s Included activity

How You Can Support These Skills at Home:

• Model Kindness: Show your child simple acts of kindness—like saying "please" and "thank you," or complimenting others. Talk about how these small gestures make people feel happy and valued.
• Compliment Practice: Encourage your child to give genuine compliments to family members. You can even create a “Compliment Corner” in your home where everyone shares something kind each day.
• Discuss Empathy: Ask your child how they think others might feel in different situations. Use everyday moments—like reading a story or talking about a TV show—to explore how characters might feel and why.
• Be Inclusive: Invite your child to think about how they can include others, especially during family gatherings or playdates. Teach them that kindness means making sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

Holiday Season Tip:

The holidays are a perfect time to practice kindness and empathy. Encourage your child to help others, whether it's writing holiday cards, sharing a toy, or thinking about someone who may be lonely. Small, thoughtful acts can make a big difference in how we connect with others.

Let’s work together to make this season a little brighter by fostering kindness and empathy in our school and at home!

Thank you for your support!

Warmly,

Sarah Glissman

School Counselor

5th Grade Parents,

Mark your calendar!

March 11th, 6:30 PM

Dempsey Middle School

Join us to learn about scheduling and preparing for your child's upcoming 6th grade year, and transitioning to Middle School.

BRRRR!

Parents, as the weather turns colder, keep in mind that we will be going outside for fresh air and exercise on most days. Please send coats, hats, and gloves for recess. **If you are in need of a coat, please contact the school office for assistance. Thank you

SCHOOL DELAYS AND CLOSINGS

When inclement weather or other school emergencies necessitate school delays and closings, the district will use the automated calling system/ text messaging, the district website, and social media for direct contact with families. Typically, the decision to delay or close will be made by 5:45am. To receive calls and text messages from DCS, text he word "YES" to 67587. Please note that the text request must come from a number that is recognized in PowerSchool.

In addition, the following radio and TV stations will be notified of delays/closings:

Television - CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX

Radio - 97.9, & 95.1

When weather conditions necessitate a TWO - HOUR DELAY, our educational hours will be 10:30am - 3:15pm. Students will be permitted to enter the building at 10:20am.



There will be NO breakfast, and NO Compaction or Strings classes on two-hour delay days.

School Age Child Care (SACC) will also operate 2 hours later on a delay day. SACC is CLOSED when school is canceled due to inclement weather.