Dix Street Weekly Garden Walk
Rooted in Kindness, Growing in Excellence

Dix Street West General Information
School Information
Address:
2950 Center Street, Allegan, MI 49010
Phone/Attendance Line:
269-694-7780
Schedule:
8:40AM - Doors open
8:50AM - 3:50PM - School Day
*Note that delayed starts are every Wednesday, and school begins 90 minutes after the usual start time. Buses also arrive 90 minutes after their usual arrival.*
Transportation
If your child previously walked or was dropped off, but now needs busing to Dix Street West, please complete our Transportation Request Form.
All NEW RIDERS/WALKERS will be picked-up at the Dix Street Elementary Car Loop in Otsego. Parents must arrange drop-off and pick-up to the old DSE location at the following times:
Pick-Up: 8:15AM at 503 Dix Street, Otsego, MI
Drop-Off: 4:12PM at 503 Dix Street, Otsego, MI
There will not be permanent staff supervision at the group bus stop at 503 Dix Street. It is essential that parents and guardians arrive on time to pick up your students.
WMU Game
We have an AMAZING opportunity from Western Michigan University! For the home game on October 31 at 12 noon (Halloween!) students can get a free ticket to the game, and family members can get a discounted ticket! This is an exclusive offer for our Dix Street families! It is family weekend, so there will be plenty of family fun that day!
The offer was originally sent the day of the fire, and as you can imagine, we weren't able to get information out for that game earlier in the season. Being a Bronco Alumni myself, I reached out to see if we could offer this for another game and WMU was kind enough to extend the offer for the Family Weekend game! I would love to see lots of our families take advantage of this offer and enjoy all the Western Michigan University has to offer! Go Broncos!
Upcoming Events
October
- 26 - 30: Red Ribbon Week
- 26: Standards Based Grading Parent Meeting, WSE Media Center, 9 am
- 27: Picture Retake Day
- 30: Trunk or Treat & Halloween Parade
November
- 10: 1/2 Day, Conferences
- 11: 1/2 Day, Conferences
- 12: 1/2 Day
- 13: No School
- 25-27: Thanksgiving Break, No School
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is October 26–30! Join us as we celebrate healthy choices and living a drug-free life with fun spirit days! Wear red on Monday, sweats on Tuesday, superhero attire on Wednesday, and a hat on Thursday. On Friday, students can wear their Halloween costumes during the parade! See the flyer below for details. Together, we can make a difference!
Toys, Stuffies, and Squishies
As a reminder, please leave toys, stuffed animals, and "squishies" at home unless it is a designated special day to bring them. These can cause a distraction in the classroom and quarrels between friends. It is better to leave them at home and play with them when students return home! Thank you for your cooperation with this!
A Glimpse Into Our Week at DSW
PTO Updates
Raffle Winners from Fall Fest!
The following prizes from the raffle and ticket numbers can be collected in the DSW office! Prizes not claimed by the end of the school day Monday will be redrawn.
Lego Hamster #1 - 969018
Brown Turkey - 969038
Pumpkin Pancakes - 969201
Bear - 969005
Sponsor a Staff Member for Conference Meal
The PTO organizes a meal for the hard working teachers on the long Wednesday of conferences. If you would like to contribute to this effort through a donation, please click below!
Popcorn and Party Donations
If you would like to donate for classroom parties and popcorn Fridays online, just click the link below!
Halloween Costumes and Festivities
Halloween is around the corner and we are excited for our Halloween Parade & Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 30 at 2:30! The costume parade and trunk or treat will take place in the bus loop at 2:30 pm (weather permitting). Please send your student with a bag to collect candy and treats.
Students should bring their costumes to school and will change prior to the parade. Remember, your child's costume should be non-violent and school appropriate. Weapons and scary masks will not be allowed.
Dix Street Annual Trunk or Treat!
The annual Trunk or Treat is still happening in our new Dix Street West location! See the flyer below for information and the button below that to sign up to participate!
P.R.I.D.E. Ticket winners for the Week!
Congratulations to the following students for being selected as their classroom PRIDE winner for the week!
P - Positive Attitude
R - Responsible Actions
I - Integrity Within
D - Determination to Succeed
E - Expect Excellence
Y5/K- Gunnar Storm in Mrs. Ryan’s class
1st- Lucius Mather in Mrs. Morrow’s class
2nd- Alejandro Castillo in Mrs. Vogt’s class
3rd- Lincoln Knight in Mrs. Ravencraft’s class
4th- Jameson Ohlson in Mrs. Kloster-Larkey’s class
5th- Bryson Young in Mrs. Maturen’s class
Standards Based Grading
Otsego Public Schools is implementing Standards-Based Grading in Young 5’s–5th grade to give families a clearer picture of their child’s learning. This approach shows progress toward grade-level learning standards, highlights strengths and areas for growth, and helps students understand their next steps. Clear, meaningful feedback helps families support learning at home!
For more information, visit our website: https://www.otsegops.org/departments/curriculum/standardsbasedgrading
Breakfast and Lunch Menus for October
Recess Dress Code
As the weather cools down, please send your child with appropriate layers for outdoor recess! Review our Recess Dress Code below, which is based on the “real feel” temperature. Snow gear is required whenever there is snow, regardless of temperature. Thank you for helping our kids stay warm and ready to play!
Background Check Reminder
New this year: A copy of your driver’s license must be included with all background check forms.
If you already submitted a form without a copy, please provide one to the DSE office. You may bring in a copy or take a picture and email it to:
Joy Sausaman: jsausaman@otsegops.org
or
Ronda Thomson: rthomson@otsegops.org
Help Your Child Understand What Bullying Is . . . and Isn’t
Bullying is a common concern for parents, but not all hurtful behavior is bullying. Children are still learning how to manage emotions, navigate friendships, and resolve conflicts. Sometimes disagreements or unkind behaviors happen, and these moments provide opportunities for learning and growth.
Bullying generally involves three key elements: intent to harm, a power imbalance, and repeated aggressive behavior. Understanding the difference between conflict, mean behavior, and bullying can help children know how to respond and when to ask for help.
As parents, you can encourage kindness, empathy, and respectful communication while reminding your child to tell a trusted adult if they or someone else is being hurt. If concerns arise, listen calmly and partner with the school to find a solution.
Together, we can help children build healthy friendships and create a safe, welcoming school community for everyone!
Katie Glosson, School Social Worker
Thanksgiving Meal Baskets
Friendship Wesleyan Church is offering Thanksgiving baskets with an uncooked turkey, sides, and dessert to families needing support. Baskets will be available November 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Please complete the form below to request one.
HOOPSTERS!
Junior Cheer!
⚽Little Kickers 1/2 Grade Soccer⚽
Little Kickers will use fun, imaginative games to introduce boys and girls 1st-2nd grade athletes to soccer fundamentals such as dribbling and shooting while also building important life skills.
Sessions are age-appropriate, coach-led, and focus on individual skill development! Program runs Saturday mornings starting November 7th. Register by October 16th!
https://www.otsegops.org/departments/communityed/youthsports
As always, feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or myself with any questions or concerns!
It's a great day to be a Bulldog!
Mrs. Ayotte
Dix Street Elementary
Office Phone: 269-694-7700
Attendance Line: 269-694-7780
Email: bayotte@otsegops.org
Website: dse.otsegops.org
Address: 503 Dix Street, Otsego, MI 49078