DES Family News

What a wonderful first week of school it has been! The halls are once again filled with the excitement of students learning, making new friends, and settling into routines. Our teachers and staff have worked hard to create welcoming classrooms, and we are so proud of how quickly students are learning to adjust.

As we move forward, our focus remains on building strong relationships, and supporting every child’s growth. Thank you for your partnership in helping make the start of the school year such a success—we truly couldn’t do it without you.

Please continue to stay connected through our newsletters and school communication.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Crebs-Oberdorf

Arrival Procedures: We know it's exciting to see your student begin the school year, please know that we have staff positioned throughout our hallways to ensure they safely make it to class. Parents/guardians are not permitted to walk students to class-we will take care of them!

Buses: Please be patient the first few weeks of school as our buses and families adjust to the routes and times. Try to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early just in case, and know that it takes longer for us to dismiss students the first few weeks until we are all back in a routine.

Attendance Matters: Every day counts! Consistent attendance is the best way to set your child up for success. Please see our resources below.

School Supplies: Please make sure your child comes with the necessary supplies. If you need assistance, let us know—we are here to help.

Communication: Stay connected by checking email, updating information in powerschool, reading the newsletter, and following us on Thrillshare and Facebook.

PreK 4 and Kindergarten students will receive bus information via email from Powerschool.

All other students in grades 1-5 will ride the same bus unless you have moved. Walkers and car-riders are required to have a number, so please make sure you still have your assigned numbers or call the school and talk with Mrs. Amy Barnes for assistance. All car-rider and walker numbers MUST be displayed by 9/16, in order to safely pick up your student.

We are so excited for our littlest dolphins to arrive! The preK teachers will be reaching out to introduce themselves and set up a time to meet.

Orientation will occur on 9/8, at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.

Please apply and email crebs.sarah@ccpsstaff.org if you are interested in becoming a PREK tutor.

September 8th, PreK 3/4 Orientations (10:00 am or 2:00 pm)

September 9th, First Day of School for PreK 3/4

September 11th, Patriot Day

September 15th-October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th, Community School Coordinators Week

September 16th, IT Professionals Day

September 22nd, First Day of Autumn

September 30th, Student Picture Day (more information to come home with students)

We love having parents volunteer at DES! Please consider completing the volunteer paperwork to help out at events, support students in the cafeteria, read with students etc.

Caroline County Public Schools is aware of concerns regarding recent changes to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has provided guidance which reinforces our own belief that every student—regardless of immigration status—receives the support they need from our educational system. Please visit the CCPS website for complete information.

Please remember, for all notifications, parent/guardian numbers and emails are taken directly from information provided by the family in PowerSchool. Staff contact information is taken directly from the Employee Access Center.

School delays and closings are shared via:

• a phone call, text, and email through our notification system

• a message on the CCPS Mobile App the district website (carolineschools.org)

• social media: Facebook (Caroline County Public Schools and all school pages), and Instagram (carolineschoolsmd)

• some local news and radio stations

The process for making weather-related decisions is outlined on carolineschools.org.

CCPS uses an online form (no paper!) to verify or update student information through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The process typically takes less than five minutes per student, and allows families to verify that all of the student's data is correct and provide updates for any important data that has changed. This process replaces the old paper form sent home in previous years.

Please note: If the student’s address has changed, proof of residence will be required. This may be uploaded through PowerSchool or provided directly to the school.

For more information, please see the CCPS news post on this topic.

Dear DES Families,

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I want to share an important focus for our school community: student attendance.

Every day in school matters. When students attend consistently, they not only build a strong foundation in academics but also develop important social and emotional skills. Regular attendance allows students to stay connected to their teachers, peers, and learning opportunities, which directly impacts their confidence, growth, and overall success.

This year, Denton Elementary will be following the state’s attendance requirements and Caroline County Public Schools’ (CCPS) policies closely. Our goal is not to be punitive, but to ensure that every child receives the full benefit of the education they deserve. We know that strong attendance is one of the best predictors of long-term achievement, and we are committed to working together with families to support this.

We also understand that challenges can sometimes make daily attendance difficult. Please know that our team is here to partner with you. By communicating openly, we can find solutions and build the trusting relationships that help our students thrive.

Together, we can make this a bright and successful year for your child. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s education.

Beginning November 1, 2024, CCPS will start holding students accountable for damaged or missing technology equipment, including laptops, iPads, carrying cases, chargers, and charging cables. The CCPS Student Technology Obligation Program encourages responsible use of technology and curbs rising repair costs through a tiered pricing system.

For questions and program details, please visit the link below: Student Obligation information

DES is a Title I School receiving federal funds to improve instruction in math and reading.

Parents of students attending Title 1 schools may request information about the professional qualifications of their child's teachers. Parents of elementary students may request in writing to the school principal information about their child's teacher including:

* Any college or university degree or certification held.

* The subject area of the teacher's degree or certification.

* Whether the teacher is certified by the State of Maryland to teach a grade level or subject area.

* Whether the teacher holds a provisional certificate.

* Whether the child is served by paraprofessionals and, if so, parents may request their professional qualifications.

All DES dismissal changes must be made by 12:00pm each day. This allows time to ensure that the teacher, student, and dismissal staff are all aware of the changes.

Caroline County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, and in employment, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability.

Email: crebs.sarah@ccpsstaff.org
Location: 303 Sharp Road, Denton, MD, USA
Phone: 410-479-1660

Assistant Principal Mrs. Lindsay Grow

Email: grow.lindsay@ccpsstaff.org