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Sandpiper Scoop

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24-28

Sandpiper ScoopWEEK OF FEBRUARY 24-28

THIS WEEK:

Monday 02/24:

Tuesday 02/25: Musical Theatre practice, Garden Club

Wednesday 02/26:

Thursday 02/27: Girls on the Run, Robotics grades 1-3 (2:30-3:30), Second Grade Musical 5:30 p.m.

Friday 02/28:


UPCOMING:

03/03: 5th grade parent night at ECMS

03/04: 5th grade parent night at ECMS

03/06: KINDERGARTEN SIGNING DAY 4:30

03/07: Career Day, dress as real-life professionals!

03/12: Fun Run Day

03/13: Early Release students dismiss at 10:45

03/14: Teacher Workday, Students Out

03/17-03/21: Spring break

03/31: DEADLINE TO PURCHASE YEARBOOKS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL FROM THE PRINCIPAL

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Parents! We invite you to complete our annual Cognia Parent Survey to provide feedback on our school's purpose, leadership, instruction, resources, environment, and support. This feedback is important and allows us to reflect upon our current practices. It also serves as a starting point for setting school goals and focuses for future improvement. Our goal is to collect feedback from as many stakeholders as possible in order to ensure the most accurate picture of our school’s strengths and opportunities for growth. We are asking that you take a moment to complete the brief survey available in the link below. This anonymous survey is available in both English and Spanish. Our school’s theme this year is “better together” and we truly believe that our school community thrives when we work together with families and community. Thank you for your time, feedback, and partnership.

OUR YEARLY COGNIA PARENT SURVEY IS LIVE! OUR YEARLY COGNIA PARENT SURVEY IS LIVE!

https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/274386/9210

DUNE LAKES RECOGNIZED FOR "IN THE BOAT" CHALLENGE DUNE LAKES RECOGNIZED FOR "IN THE BOAT" CHALLENGE

We met the goal! As part of our District’s “in the boat for the goal” challenge, Dune Lakes earned a boat to display as recognition for having the highest academic growth of all District elementary schools. This was based on student performance on PM2 Florida FAST testing. District leadership was on site to recognize and celebrate the hard work of students and staff.

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM WINS EMERALD COAST REGIONAL COMPETITION! ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM WINS EMERALD COAST REGIONAL COMPETITION!

Our Odyssey of the Mind team CRUSHED the competition at regionals! Their presentation and structure earned them top marks and qualified them for the upcoming state competition! Mia, Carl, Harper, Harlow, Lana, Charlie, and Vinny built their presentation and structure around Problem 4 of this year's competition which included creating a balsa wood structure capable of holding and balancing a stack of weights while getting hit, twisted, or even broken apart. Their structure supported over 150 pounds! Huge shout out to lead sponsor Meredith Flowers and sponsor DeAnna Cales for their work with the team this year.

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SINGERS PARTICIPATE IN ALL-COUNTY CHOIR! SINGERS PARTICIPATE IN ALL-COUNTY CHOIR!

CONTROLLED OPEN ENROLLMENT REAPPLICATION FOR 25-26 SY DUE BY MARCH 4 CONTROLLED OPEN ENROLLMENT REAPPLICATION FOR 25-26 SY DUE BY MARCH 4

Students currently enrolled at Dune Lakes Elementary School as part of Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) are subject to annual re-application as well as a student performance contract which includes attendance, academic, behavior components (below). This completed application for the upcoming school year MUST be received by MARCH 4, 2025. Applications received after this date will only be accepted if the requested school is not at capacity. Please contact our office at 850-622-5012 or email our data control specialist Julie Mason masonj@walton.k12.fl.us with any questions. Thank you!

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25-26 COE Zoning Exception Waiver (Application).pdf
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FEBRUARY ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE DEL TACO FEBRUARY ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE DEL TACO

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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! ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY!

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Last day to purchase yearbook 03/31

$35 -See the flyer and link below! Use code 21432


Yearbook Order Center

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READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK MARCH 3-7 READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK MARCH 3-7

Read across America Week is coming March 3 - March 7th. This year we're teaming with AVID to learn about different careers through reading. Dress up as your future career on Friday, March 7th!

"DROP SAVERS" WATER CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-5 "DROP SAVERS" WATER CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-5

UTILITIES INVITED TO HOST LOCAL "DROP SAVERS" CONTEST

Every year the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) sponsors the statewide "Drop Savers” Water Conservation Poster Contest. Students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea, in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest allows students to promote water awareness and the importance of water conservation in their daily routines.


Submission deadline is Friday, March 7, 2025.


For more information about Drop Savers please visit https://www.fsawwa.org/page/2025DropSavers

Overview of Poster Contest

South Walton Utility Company, Inc. cordially invites students to participate in our "Drop Savers" poster contest. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea, in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest teaches elementary-aged school children and reminds middle and high school-aged teens about the importance of water conservation. We feel that our best opportunity to conserve water is through a long-range education and awareness program, and what better way than to begin with our young people?


Poster Contest Guidelines

Posters will be designated under one of the following categories:

Division 1: Kindergarten and First Grade

Division 2: Second and Third Grade

Division 3: Fourth and Fifth Grade

Division 4: Middle School; Grades Six, Seven and Eight

Division 5: High School; Grades Nine, Ten, Eleven and Twelve


  • Poster shall be drawn on an 8 ½” x 11” white paper. It could be drawn vertically or horizontally.

  • Please attach to the back of the poster student's name, grade, school name, school address, teacher’s name & teacher’s email address (revise according to security protocols. At a minimum I need to know the name of the student and school)

  • Each poster must portray a Water Conservation Idea in a slogan, drawing, or both. Students may use crayons, paint, color pencils, or markers. No highlighters, photos, or computer graphics are permitted.

  • Students must work on posters individually, otherwise posters will be disqualified.

  • Only original artwork will be accepted (no trade-marked or copyrighted materials).

  • Entry form must be taped to the back of each poster


Judging

  • Select a panel of judges and rate the poster for its message, creativity, and originality (not just artistic ability).

  • Choose first place winners' poster from each grade division under participation.

  • Remember that students are to create a poster depicting a Water Conservation idea! "Don't Pollute the Water" is a good theme but is not really water conservation. Please make your judges aware of this.


Prizes

  • Receive a certificate of participation at your school

  • Display of artwork at South Walton Utility, and our Social Media accounts

  • Gift Cards

  • Other prizes to be announced later!


Winners will have an opportunity to participate in the FSAWWA statewide Drop Savers poster contest and obtain additional prizes. For more information visit http://fsawwa.org by March 7, 2025

EMERALD COAST GREEN WAVE EMERALD COAST GREEN WAVE

CAMP INVENTION SUMMER STEM CAMP GRADES K-6 CAMP INVENTION SUMMER STEM CAMP GRADES K-6

Register now for Camp Invention! Camp dates June 2-June 6, 8:00-2:30 at DLE

Dune Lakes Elementary | Camp Invention®

Dune Lakes Elementary | Camp Invention®

Help your child build confidence, learn problem-solving skills, discover inspiring role models and more at the STEM summer program in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

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LOST AND FOUND -LAST DAY TO CLAIM ITEMS MARCH 14TH LOST AND FOUND -LAST DAY TO CLAIM ITEMS MARCH 14TH

We have many 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.

FUN RUN IS COMING SOON! MARCH 12! 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, MARCH 6th KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION, MARCH 6th

KINDERGARTEN SCREENER SIGN UP 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!

DLE Kindergarten Readiness Screening 25-26 School Year

DLE Kindergarten Readiness Screening 25-26 School Year

Our Kindergarten team is excited to welcome your new Sandpiper to Dune Lakes Elementary School. All 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.

launch signupgenius.com

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4EAAAB23A4F49-48094075-kindergarten

CAN'T MAKE IT TO SIGNING DAY? REGISTER MARCH 3-14 CAN'T MAKE IT TO SIGNING DAY? REGISTER MARCH 3-14

AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: INDUSTRIOUS AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: INDUSTRIOUS

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 A MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNSELOR MRS. RUDD

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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!

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February is about problem solving

Week of 2/24: Helping Others Solve Problems

As we wrap up our month of critical thinking and problem-solving, we’re reminding students that great problem solvers don’t just help themselves—they help others, too! Amelia Earhart didn’t just achieve amazing things on her own; she also inspired and mentored other women who wanted to fly. She shared what she learned and encouraged others to push past their own challenges.


This week, encourage your child to be a problem-solving leader by helping others think through their challenges. Instead of just giving a friend the answer, they can ask, What do you think might work? or How can I help you figure this out? When students practice this skill, they not only strengthen their own problem-solving abilities but also build strong friendships and a supportive school community. Remember, we are BETTER TOGETHER!

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AR UPDATES AR UPDATES

LUNCH VISITS 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 LUNCH ACCOUNTS

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For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx

A LA CARTE OPTIONS A LA CARTE OPTIONS

Encourage your student to explore the a la carte menus options in the Sandpiper Cafe! See the menu below.


All items including salads, yogurts, fruits, juices, and snacks may be charged to a student's lunch account with the exception of ice cream. This is to discourage students from emptying their school meal accounts on ice cream.

FEBRUARY MENU FEBRUARY MENU

Great things are cooking this month in the Sandpiper Cafe!

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LOST AND FOUND LOST AND FOUND

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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 NURSE AND CLINIC REMINDERS

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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 CONTINUOUS REMINDERS

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  • 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! ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

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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!

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BUS RIDERS AND TRANSPORTATION BUS RIDERS AND TRANSPORTATION

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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.

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Infofinder i

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PIKMYKID PIKMYKID

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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.

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Welcome to Pikmykid: Parents

Welcome to Pikmykid: Parents

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SEE SOMETHING; SAY SOMETHING SEE SOMETHING; SAY SOMETHING

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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

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FOCUS FOCUS

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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/
Step 2
  • The following information is required to setup a Focus Parent Portal Account.

    1. Child’s student identifier (10 digit number beginning with 66 assigned by the district).
    2. Student’s date of birth.
    3. 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/

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SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS

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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 24-25 BOOSTER CALENDAR

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LET'S TALK LET'S TALK

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Have questions? Contact us via Let's Talk!

If you have questions, concerns or comments, you can contact us through Let's Talk. Simply click here and reach out to us.

REMIND REMIND

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Stay connected with Remind

Stay connected with Remind! We've created a new school Remind account for the 24-25 school year. All previous school accounts have been closed. Please rejoin our DLE Remind by texting our school code @dle2425 to 81010.
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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

Brian Michie, Principal
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