Sandpiper Scoop
WEEK OF APRIL 21-APRIL 25
Monday 04/21:
Tuesday 04/22: Girls on the Run, Musical Theatre practice, Garden Club, Family Creativity Night 4:00-5:30 pm, Kindergarten ELA FAST testing,
Wednesday 04/23: 2nd grade math FAST, 5th grade to ECMS, Administrative Professionals Day
Thursday 04/24: 1st grade ELA FAST testing, 2nd grade ELA FAST testing
Friday 04/25: 1st grade Math FAST, Special Olympics
UPCOMING:
04/29: Class group photo re-takes
05/08-05/09: Lion King Musical 5:00 PM
05/22: 5th grade walkthrough
2025 SUMMER FUN NEWSLETTER IS HERE!
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This is a critical period for students and teachers as they review the year's content and help students with specific review items.
We have some exciting and education-themed incentives to help motivate and encourage student attendance. Every student in attendance for 100% of the days with NO TARDIES and NO EARLY CHECKOUTS during the two week challenge window will be entered into a drawing for one of the incentives below.
Grades K-1 Tonies read and sing aloud audio systems (2)
Grades 2-3 3 box STEM kit subscription (2)
Grades 4-5 Chromebook (2)
GRAND PRIZE Nintendo Switch Lite
PM3 TESTING INFO
Final administrations of FAST tests begin in April. See how your student has grown from the beginning of the year! Please review the testing schedule and documents below. Attendance leading up to these testing dates is critical. Results will be available in the Family Portal following the assessment. For more information visit https://flfast.org
THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS!
We love you Mrs. Cales! Thank you for all you do for our students and school!
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL TEAM!
LION KING THE MUSICAL MAY 8 AND MAY 9 TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tickets are on sale now! General admission tickets are 15$ each. Don't miss the exciting show featuring Dune Lakes students!
DUNE LAKES STUDENTS PURPLE UP FOR MILITARY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM COMPETES IN STATE COMPETITION
Dune Lakes Elementary's Odyssey of the Mind team is competing at the state level in Orlando. Their balsa wood tower held 165 lbs! This is an improvement from their regional competition where they supported 150 lbs. Students also worked on a persuasive presentation for judges. Congratulations to Mia, Carl, Harper, Harlow, Lana, Charlie, and Vinny! Thank you to Mrs. Flowers, Mrs. Meadows, and Mrs. Cales for their work with the team this year.
CLASS GROUP PHOTOS RETAKE
Somebody blinked! Retake class pictures will be on Tuesday, April 29th. Wear your bright colors and say cheese again!
FIFTH GRADE VISITS CAMP HELEN STATE PARK
As part of a Guy Harvey grant 5th grade students were able to spend a beautiful day at Camp Helen state park with Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures! They explored the local environment and wildlife in Lake Powell, one of Walton County's coastal dune lakes.
SANDDOLLAR CLASS REWARDS!
All classrooms are eligible to collect "Sand Dollars" throughout the year for good behavior and redeem for special prizes. Ms. Greene's class enjoyed a popsicle party with Mr. Michie this week after collecting 150 total sanddollars as a class!
FAMILY CREATIVITY NIGHT APRIL 22 FROM 4:00-5:30 PM
Family Creativity Night featuring Peter H. Reynolds and "The Dot" connected activities will kickoff with a short film festival and then will be followed by 12 literacy/creativity stations. Don't miss this amazing opportunity for you and your student.
BOOK FAIR THANK YOU!
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE BAND STUDENTS
BOOK FEST PRESENTED BY LEER PARA CRECER
Community fiesta event to present book giving project to families of South Walton County. They will have entertainment, book readings, literacy circles and a book for every child in attendance!
PRE-ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Take out the chore of back to school shopping and simply order here! Boxes will be delivered to your child's classroom for the 1st day of school. This is also a great fundraiser for DLE!
Class supply lists and teacher "wish" lists are posted on the DLE website.
Last day to order is July 1st.
KINDERGARTEN SCREENER SIGN UP
APRIL PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Congratulations to our 172 March Perfect Attendance Winners!
Students with no absences, early check-outs, or tardies for the month of April will receive a free soft serve cone from Burger King!
AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: EMPHASIZE
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!
SUPERINTENDENT HUGHES APRIL MONTHLY UPDATE
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!
Gaming and chatting online! What Parents Need to Know
WEEK OF 4/21
This month, we’re focusing on self-management—the ability to control our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. Self-management helps students stay focused, work toward goals, and handle challenges in a positive way.
With testing season approaching, self-management is an important skill for students to practice. Managing stress, staying organized, and using strategies like deep breathing and positive self-talk can help students feel more prepared and confident.
Help your child develop self-management skills by practicing calming strategies together. Try taking slow, deep breaths before starting a task, setting small goals to stay on track, or using positive affirmations like “I can do this!” or “I am prepared!” Encouraging these habits now will help students feel more in control during test time.
AR DEADLINE IS MAY 2
APRIL LIBRARY PATRON OF THE MONTH
Emma Hampton, Ms. Bowen's 4th grade class
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.
APRIL MENU
Great things are cooking this month in the Sandpiper Cafe!
LOST AND FOUND
All items collected the week before spring break have been donated. Please help us by putting your childs name on clothing, water bottles, etc. so that we can return items when found.
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
SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS
Sandpiper Booster's News
Teacher Appreciation Week – Help the Boosters host an amazing week for our teachers and staff. Sponsor Here : Sponsorships — Sandpiper Boosters
Mother’s Day Mingle – Join us on May 12th from 8A-10A at The Citizen in Alys Beach! We will have light bites, drinks and a raffle! This is for current Dune Lakes moms only. Tickets much be purchased in advance. Purchase there here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-mothers-day-mingle-tickets-1328923007489
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — 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
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
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/
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




