Sandpiper Scoop
WEEK OF APRIL 28 - MAY 2
WEEK A
Monday 04/28: Make up FAST tests
Tuesday 04/29: Class group picture re-takes ,Make up FAST tests, Girls on the Run, Musical Theatre practice, Garden Club.
Wednesday 04/30:
Thursday 05/01: 3rd grade ELA FAST, Girls on the Run, National Principals Day
Friday 05/02: 2nd grade field trip, 3rd math FAST, School Lunch Heroes Day
UPCOMING:
05/08-05/09: Lion King Musical 5:30 PM
05/14: School Advisory Council Meeting (Parents invited)
05/22: Kindergarten end of year ceremony; 5th grade Fun Day and hall walkthrough
05/23: 5th grade end of year ceremony
05/28: 3rd and 4th grade awards
2025 SUMMER FUN NEWSLETTER IS HERE!
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
How can you help your get ready for FAST testing in the next weeks? Your student's Classlink includes a variety of digital platforms in reading, math, and science. 15 minutes a night can go a long way to helping your student practice an area of need. Check out the platforms below. Login through Classlink or speak with your teacher about ways to access.
LEXIA
Lexia is a literacy program for all students that targets them at their ability level to accelerate learning. No matter where your student is in their reading, Lexia targets their needs and helps them grow and improve. Challenge your student to meet their weekly goal and move to the next level.
STUDY ISLAND
Study Island can help your 5th grade student review science content with lessons, tutorials, practice questions, and flashcards.
EXACTPATH
Students in grades 3-5 have both assigned and adapted paths to help them with review items for FAST. Adaptive path items are aligned with their performance from PM2. Assigned items come from their teacher.
CPALMS STUDENT TUTORIALS
Your student has access through Classlink and at floridastudents.org to original tutorials in math, reading, and science. These interactive video tutorials can help your student review content and be successful on the upcoming FAST exams in May.
THIS IS OUR THE LAST WEEK OF OUR 2 WEEK ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE!
SUMMER BRIDGE IS COMING SOON! INVITATIONS WILL BE MAILED IN MAY
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14
We need you! Join Dune Lakes Elementary’s School Advisory Council (SAC) to work together with administration, teachers, and other community stakeholders to evaluate school goals and priorities. Voice you opinion in collaboration to improve our school for the future!
MAY 1ST IS NATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS DAY
MAY 2ND IS NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY!
Thank you to all of the ladies in the Sandpiper Cafe who keep our students fed every breakfast and lunch! Mrs. Saronda, Mrs. Felicia, Mrs. Natalie, and Mrs. Deanna are our School Lunch Heroes!
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
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!
GET READY FOR FOR KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION, 5TH GRADE GRADUATION AND 3-4 AWARDS!
PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR VISTOR BADGE! SKIP THE LINE!
To expedite check in for the upcoming ceremonies, we are encouraging you to pre-register for your visitor pass. Deadline to pre-register is May 27; survey will close at that time. ONLY parents who have already been scanned into the Raptor system previously with an ID will be able to do this. If you have not been scanned into our system, we will do that the day you visit. Once you arrive, we will have your badge ready, filed by your last name. We appreciate your patience and continued support helping us ensure the safety of your children!
PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR BADGE USING THE LINK BELOW
CLASS GROUP PHOTOS RETAKE
Somebody blinked! Retake class pictures will be on Tuesday, April 29th. Wear your bright colors and say cheese again!
MAY 2 IS THE LAST DAY FOR READ TO FEED AR TESTING
FAMILY CREATIVITY NIGHT RECAP
Sandpiper students had a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with award-winning author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. Known for his works The Dot and Ish as well as his illustrations in the Judy Moody series, Reynolds shared with students about the importance of creativity, imagination, self-belief, and resilience. After a read aloud and draw together activity, he took questions from students.
Students and parents also participated in Create Bravely Family Night!
SANDPIPERS PARTICIPATE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS
THANK YOU TO OUR ESE TEAM FOR ALL THEY DO TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE BAND STUDENTS
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
Students with no absences, early check-outs, or tardies for the month of April will receive a free soft serve cone from Burger King!
DADS IN EDUCATION: FROM SIDELINES TO FRONTLINES
AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: INFER
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!
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




