Sandpiper Scoop
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10 - 14
THIS WEEK:
Monday 02/10:
Tuesday 02/11: Musical Theatre practice, Garden Club
Wednesday 02/12:
Thursday 02/13: All County Chorus practice (2:15-2:30), Robotics grades 1-3 (2:30-3:30)
Friday 02/14: Valentines Day!
UPCOMING:
02/17: No school, President's Day
02/27: Second Grade Musical 5:30 p.m.
03/03: 5th grade parent night at ECMS
03/04: 5th grade parent night at ECMS
03/06: Kindergarten Registration Begins 4:30-6:00 p.m.
03/12: Fun Run Day
03/13: Early Release
03/14: Teacher Workday, Students Out
03/17-03/21: Spring Break
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
OUR YEARLY COGNIA PARENT SURVEY IS LIVE!
TOY AND ESPOY RECOGNIZED AT DISTRICT CEREMONY
Congratulations to Mrs. Michelle Isolano (ESPOY) and Mr. Drew Farris (TOY) on their selection as our 2024-2025 education support person and teacher of the year!
AR WINNER (250 POINTS FOR QUARTER 2)
Congratulations to Gray G. (Ms. Saukira's class) for accomplishing 250 AR points in Quarter 2. He was celebrated on the stage with a catered lunch with Mr. Michie. Keep up the good work Gray!
VALENTINE'S DAY REMINDERS
Per district policy, we are unable to accept flowers and balloon deliveries for students.
FEBRUARY ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE DEL TACO
Students with perfect attendance for the month of February will receive an award from Del Taco. Remind your student about the importance of being at school every day! Thank you to our friends at Del Taco for supporting our school and students.
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY
$35 -See the flyer and link below! Use code 21432
GIRLS ON THE RUN SPRING SIGN UP
Program Quick Facts
- Days and Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:15 - 4:00
- Practice Duration 10 weeks (February 27 - May 8)
- Dune Lakes' Head Coach is Sarah Stevens, sarah.stevens@walton.k12.fl.us
- Celebratory 5K: Saturday, May 10, 2024
- Attendance Policy: Participants can miss no more than four practices (GOTR policy)
- The link to register is: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/Panhandle-Spring-2025?sid=d6c09a6d1cb04bb8b1c681f13bcf597c
*Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis
Practice Dates for the Spring 2025 season
- February 27
- March 4 and 6
- March 11 *no practice the 13th due to early release
- March 25 and 27
- April 1 and 3
- April 8 and 10
- April 15 and 17
- April 22 and 24
- April 29 and May 1
- May 6 and 8
2ND GRADE MUSICAL JOURNEY INTO OUTER SPACE FEBRUARY 27TH @ 5:30
SANDPIPERS PREDICT THE SUPERBOWL
LOST AND FOUND
We have an A B U N D A N C E of items that need to find their owners again! Please have your child check the lost and found, or parents may stop and check between 8:00-1:00. All items will be donated to charity over spring break in March.
Please remember to label all personal items, we try our best to get them back to your children, but we need your help finding them.
PARENT CAR TAG REMINDER
DLE works hard to ensure that every student goes home safely with a parent or guardian. We understand that changes happen. In car line, we use car tags to verify pick up. Teachers may call for verification if the driver is not recognized and no car tag is present. This will delay pick up.
Parents, please be sure to update original emergency cards and add anyone that has permission to pick up your children. If your student is going home with a friend or have a quick change in pick up please contact our office so we can confirm. Pikmykid is the preferred method for all transportation changes.
Please contact our office if you need additional car tags or need to make a change to your student's emergency card.
FUN RUN IS COMING SOON! MARCH 12!
Dune Lakes Elementary Families!
We're excited to introduce this year's main fundraiser, the Dune Lakes Fun Run. Our goal this year is to raise $80,000 for a covered outdoor pavilion to benefit ALL students at Dune Lakes Elementary.
We’re excited for this fundraising experience because it offers 3 important things to our school community: a user-friendly fundraising platform, a character enrichment program and a fitness-focused event that includes ALL of our students.
As a family, you will work together asking friends and family to donate on your student’s Donation Page at MyBooster.com. The best part is, you can still support our school just by SHARING about the fundraiser!
Students will also experience an amazing character enrichment program called “Castle Quest”, teaching students about how to be brave and live with character
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2025-2026
Our Kindergarten team is excited to welcome your new Sandpiper to Dune Lakes Elementary School! We will be having a special Kindergarten registration event on March 6th. Come meet our teachers, admin team, and tour the school. First 50 students receive a welcome to Kindergarten bag! Registration documents will be available in the front lobby starting on Monday, March 3rd for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have any questions, please call Ms. Isolano at 850-622-5012 x2706
SUMMER KINDERGARTEN SCREENER SIGN UP
All new kindergarten students must take a screening examination. The results of this screening provide valuable information about a child’s readiness for school, help teachers plan instruction to meet each child’s individual needs and offer useful information to parents. Please be on time to ensure that we remain on schedule for all students and families. Please also ensure that all required enrollment documentation has been submitted or is ready to submit. Select one of the available time slots below on June 23-24 or July 23-24 and click on the button to sign up. We look forward to meeting both you and your student! Thank you!
SIGN UP CLICK THE LINK BELOW
CAN'T MAKE IT?
Don't worry! You can register anytime from 03/03-03/14. Stop by the front office to pick up registration forms.
NEED A DATE NIGHT? VALENTINES MOVIE NIGHT SPONSORED BY DLE SPICE
STRUGGLING WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS AT HOME?
This training is designed to be a tool to help parents and caregivers to better understand what behavior is, how behavior is handled, how to examine challenging behaviors, and how to utilize behavior strategies in your home. Sign up using the link below.
SUPERINTENDET HUGHES MONTHLY FEBRUARY UPDATE
AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: ADORE
Does your student know the AVID word of the week? Join us in promoting a robust vocabulary at home by using it with your student!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNSELOR MRS. RUDD
Welcome Sandpipers! My name is Mrs. Rudd and I am thrilled to welcome you and your child to the new school year! As the school counselor, my role is to support your child's social, emotional, and academic development. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and success. If your child is facing challenges at home or in the classroom, please know that my door is always open. I am here to listen, offer guidance, and connect you with resources to support your child's well-being. Let's work together to make this year an amazing one for our students!
February is about problem solving
Week of 2/10: Learning to Think Like Amelia
Last week, we introduced the idea of problem-solving, and this week, we’re encouraging students to take a step-by-step approach to solving challenges—just like Amelia Earhart did when she set her sights on aviation. She didn’t just wake up one day and fly across the ocean. She started small, learning how planes worked, practicing her skills, and making plans.
We can use this same strategy in our daily lives. Whether it’s completing a big school project or learning a new skill, the key is to break it down into smaller steps and ask questions along the way. At home, you can help your child practice by encouraging them to think through problems instead of giving up. Try asking, What’s one thing you could try? or What have you already learned that might help? Developing these habits will help them grow into confident, independent thinkers.
AR UPDATES
SANDPIPERS REVIEW: THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY
3rd grade student Anastasia Lukin in Mrs. MacDonald's class reviews The One and Only Family.
LUNCH VISITS
Parents visiting on Monday and Friday are allowed to visit at the designated lunch time for their student. If you have more than one student, you are welcome to have lunch with them at their designated time. Students will not be pulled to eat with their siblings. Parents are to wait for their child's class to enter the "A" hallway, and may proceed to the cafeteria only. Visiting other classrooms is prohibited. Lunch visitors are to eat in the patio, and check out at the front office when leaving. PLEASE DO NOT EXIT FROM THE PATIO.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS
For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx
A LA CARTE OPTIONS
Encourage your student to explore the a la carte menus options in the Sandpiper Cafe! See the menu below. Cash only.
Full lunch items such as salads, fruits, and yogurts can be purchased from the a la carte menu using school meal account funds.
FEBRUARY MENU
Great things are cooking this month in the Sandpiper Cafe!
LOST AND FOUND
Please take the time to put your child's name on their backpacks, water bottles, coats, etc. Items will be collected and displayed outside cafeteria.
NURSE AND CLINIC REMINDERS
Medication at school:
The front desk cannot intake medications. Please call ahead to meet with the nurse who can assist with this.
Fever Reminders:
A fever is a temperature of 100 degrees or more. Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before they can return to school.
Lice reminders:
Students showing visible signs and symptoms will be sent to nurse and parents will be notified. Any affected student must provide front office with signed proof indicating treatment. Additional information is available on the WCSD Health Services at https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/page/school-health-services
CONTINUOUS REMINDERS
- Volunteers, please be sure to check out by 1:15.
- When turning in a doctor's note for your child's absence, we ask that you please send us the original note from the physician's office. Notes should include student name, date they were seen and what days they are excused for. Doctor notes are excused absences. Altered notes will not be accepted. Notes need to be submitted within 3 days of the absence. For your convenience, notes may be emailed to mailto:dleinfo@walton.k12.fl.us
- If you would like notification that your child has checked out a library book, please log into FOCUS and make this change. This must be done each year.
- All transportation changes must be received by 1:30 p.m. through Pikmykid.
- 🚩 NO EARLY CHECK-OUTS ARE ALLOWED AFTER 1:45 P.M., please arrive prior to this for any appointments. You will be asked to go to the car line and wait for your student after this time.
- Walkers: All walkers must have a walker waiver on file at the front office. Parents picking up their walkers are required to have the walker pass issued by the front office. We will not release any student to parents at the walker exit without this pass. Please call the office for specific walker guidelines 850-622-5012.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Did you know the over 20% of Dune Lakes students missed GREATER than 10 days of school last year?
We are learning every day! Help make sure your student stays on track by encouraging consistent attendance!
BUS RIDERS AND TRANSPORTATION
UPDATE If your child is not an every day bus rider, but may ride home with a friend or use bus to reach another approved destination, WE MUST have a parent note documenting this request on file. Please send an email to dleinfo@walton.k12.fl.us. We can also add this transportation change option for you in Pikmykid, but you must first contact our office.
Students have received bus tags for the back packs which support staff in quickly identifying the correct bus and parent. Please help us keep these securely fastened to your child's backpack.
You can track your student using the Here Comes the Bus Application. The Here Comes the Bus application provides the real-time location of your child’s bus on a map and gives scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes. It also provides push and email notifications when the bus is near. Sign up using the flyers below.
PIKMYKID
Please refer to your new student packet for instructions for Pikmykid app. We will process ALL transportation changes through Pikmykid. Parents may call the office for a change in an emergency or for help with the Pikmykid platform. Please see the resources and video tutorials below. Pikmykid is also available by phone to support users and parents.
SEE SOMETHING; SAY SOMETHING
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.
.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fortifyfl-tip-reporting/id1435824190
FOCUS
FOCUS Parent Portal
The Walton County School District is now offering parents access to their children’s information. Your connection to students’ education/academic information is now available online. You will be able to view your children’s data in these areas: student grades, daily attendance, teacher email account for each class, school messages and upcoming events, and more. Use the QR code or follow the instructions below.
Step 1
- To register or reset your password for the Parent Portal please visit the following link:
https://walton.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth/
The following information is required to setup a Focus Parent Portal Account.
- Child’s student identifier (10 digit number beginning with 66 assigned by the district).
- Student’s date of birth.
- Parent Portal Registration PIN. If your child has a portal account, they can provide you with the PIN by viewing the General tab under My Information. Or you can obtain your PIN from the school office.
Once your account has been created you will have access to the Parent Portal at the following site: https://walton.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/
SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS
February Dune Lakes Dines – Pazzo Italiano on February 20th! 20% of sales from the day will be donated to the Sandpiper Boosters!
Teacher Luncheons – Is your family or business interested in sponsoring one of our Teacher and Staff Luncheons? If so, the available dates and sponsorship opportunities are located here : Sponsorships — Sandpiper Boosters
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — Sandpiper Boosters
24-25 Boosters Board of Directors - Jamie Lynn, President | Ashley Templeton, Vice President | Liz Branch, Treasurer | Jessica Standley, Secretary |Amber Archer, Director | Amity Hoch, Director | Randi Doris, Director | Brittany Golden, Director | Emily Madden, Director | Ortal Shaya-Montoya, Director | Lindsey Rogers, Director | Kristen Sandoe, Director
For all things Boosters – Make sure to visit our website here : Sandpiper Boosters
24-25 BOOSTER CALENDAR
LET'S TALK
Have questions? Contact us via Let's Talk!
REMIND
Stay connected with Remind
Dune Lakes Elementary School
Mission Statement: By living our character pledge, we will educate with passion, inspire pride of self and cultivate meaningful relationships with our students and families, staff and community.
Vision Statement: To inspire personal responsibility, civic duty and a passion for lifelong learning
Email: DLEinfo@walton.k12.fl.us
Website: https://dle.walton.k12.fl.us/
Location: 6565 U.S. 98 E, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 850-622-5012
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuneLakesSandpipers
