Sandpiper Scoop
WEEK 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
OUR YEARLY COGNIA PARENT SURVEY IS LIVE!
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!
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.
SINGERS PARTICIPATE IN ALL-COUNTY CHOIR!
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!
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!
Last day to purchase yearbook 03/31
$35 -See the flyer and link below! Use code 21432
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
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
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
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!
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 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!
CAN'T MAKE IT TO SIGNING DAY? REGISTER MARCH 3-14
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
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 2/24: 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!
AR UPDATES
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.
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
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

