Parent Pocket - November 13
Arnett Hills Elementary School
Tuesday was extremely exciting night at Arnett Hills. Each grade one of the grade levels were represented during their 1st Annual STEM Night. Families received lessons on static electricity, home made water vacuum, spaghetti and marshmallow tower abounded in the gymnasium. Following that was a short but exciting presentation by the first graders. A short song and dance number had everyone, including parents and staff dancing to "Grateful Gobblers". To cap the evening off there was a turkey giveaway presented by the PTO. Community partner Breaking Through counseling services stayed for the entire evening to talk to families about the importance of mental health at home, school, and beyond.
Park Avenue Elementary School
Park Avenue students engaged in meaningful learning activities aligned with the UFLI curriculum! Students in Mrs. White's group used hands-on manipulatives to segment words, while students in Mrs. Marvin's group practiced writing sentences tailored to their individual phonics needs.
Both groups provided focused, engaging opportunities for students to strengthen their foundational literacy skills.
Activ8 STEM Academy
Activ8 sends a HUGE thank you to Senator Tammy Mulchi for visiting Activ8 and sharing her knowledge and experiences with their 8th grade Civics and Economics students!
Students learned firsthand about Virginia's government, the legislative process, and the important responsibilities of a state senator.
Forest Hills Elementary School
Author James W. Hill, former Forest Hills Bear, visited 1st and 2nd grade students to read his book, The Bear and the Cricket. He talked about his writing process, answered student questions, and offered writing advice for future authors.
Upcoming Events & Dates to Remember
November 13 - Progress reports go home; GW Varsity Football home playoff game vs. EC Glass at 7 p.m.
November 19 & 20 - Bonner Drama Department Fall Play "Mall Madness" at 6 p.m. Tickets $10
November 19 - GW JV and Varsity Boys Basketball home games vs. Gretna, starting at 5:30 p.m.
November 20 - School Choice applications close; Galileo Boys Basketball home game vs. Appomattox Regional Governors at 6 p.m.
November 24 - GW JV and Varsity Boys Basketball home games vs. Jefferson Forest, starting at 5:30 p.m.
November 25 - November 27: Thanksgiving Break
November 25 - JV and Varsity Girls Basketball home games vs. Martinsville, starting at 5:30 p.m.
View school specific events and happenings on their website calendars.
School Choice window is now open!
DPS is now accepting applications for our choice schools and programs! The fall application window is open through November 20th. For more information and to view our school choice guide, visit our school choice website here.
Ideas to encourage families and students to celebrate:
Family Reading Time: Set aside 20 minutes each day to read together.
Reading Buddies: Pair students with siblings, parents, grandparents, or classmates.
Read Aloud Challenge: Have children read a favorite story aloud to someone at home.
Explore New Books: Encourage students to explore fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels.
Talk About the Story: Ask children questions about what they read.
Create a Reading Corner: Design a cozy reading space at home.
Visit the Library: Encourage families to visit their local or school library.
Reading in Real Life: Read recipes, signs, menus, directions, and everyday materials together.