FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Dear Dearing Families,

February is here, and it’s shaping up to be a fun and action-packed month at Dearing Elementary! Our students continue to work hard in the classroom, and we’re excited to balance strong learning with meaningful and joyful experiences throughout the month.

We kick off February with our Kids Heart Challenge, encouraging students to build healthy habits while giving back to a great cause. We’ll also be celebrating with our Heart Dance on Friday, February 6th, which is always a student favorite and a wonderful way to build school spirit.

A big step is ahead for our 5th graders! This week they will have the opportunity to visit their future middle schools, tour the campus, and learn more about the exciting journey ahead. This is a wonderful chance for them to feel prepared and confident for the transition.

On Friday, February 13th, students will enjoy Valentine’s Day parties in their classrooms as we celebrate kindness, friendship, and community. Be on the lookout for communication from teachers with party details.

We’re also excited to share that Movin’ and Groovin’ with the Gals is back, giving families and students more opportunities to stay active and engaged. And to our fellows — we haven’t forgotten about you! Your special event is coming up in March.

To wrap up the month, we’ll bring back Friday Enrichment on February 20th, allowing students to once again explore interests, set goals, and develop their talents through fun and challenging activities.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. February is busy, but it’s also full of opportunities for our Eagles to shine!

With Eagle Pride,

Shawn Joseph

Principal

Hello Dearing Families,

DRES has partnered with the Zoo Crew. The Zoo Crew will be on campus during the day on Friday Feb 6th to fill pre-orders and day of orders. The Zoo Crew will also return in the evening during our Heart Dance for anyone that still wants their own collectible animal.

Here is my Eagle from The Zoo Crew!

We are kicking off Kids Heart Challenge with the American Heart Association on Friday Feb 6th, and we need your help!

Over the next few weeks, students will learn how to take care of their hearts, raise awareness for the fight against heart disease and stroke, and raise funds to help kids with sick hearts, like Finn.

Register today

Our impact goals for this year:

• Student Registration Goal: 100 students
• Finn’s Mission Goal: 56
• Donation to Charity Goal: $13,000

Thank you for supporting this service - learning program and helping our students learn about heart health while giving back to the community.

Together, we can make a difference!

Coach Williams

512-594-4544

Go Eagles!

As we get closer to Valentine's Day, please look for information from your child's teacher regarding classroom celebrations and directions for sending Valentines to school. Part of your child's classroom celebration may include treats. Please be aware of any food allergies of students in your child's classroom. Also, there are no balloons allowed on campus. Thank you in advance for understanding the importance of this policy.

Hello Dearing Families,

As we move through the school year, I want to share a few important reminders and updates to help keep everything running smoothly. Please take a moment to review the following:

Student Information Updates

If your contact information has changed (phone number, address, or emergency contacts), please notify the front office as soon as possible. Keeping this information up to date ensures we can reach you when needed.

Attendance Matters!
Consistent attendance is key to student success! If your child will be absent, please remember to report the absence by calling the front office or submitting a note within 48 hours of their return. If your child has a medical appointment, a doctor’s note will help excuse the absence.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!

Ms. Cheryl Rutledge

Campus Registrar

512-594-4538

Hello Dearing Families,

February Counselor’s Corner
This month, our counseling focus is Self-Management and Coping Skills. Students will learn practical strategies for managing anxiety, worry, and stress in healthy ways. Lessons will include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and guidance on when and how to ask for help. These skills support emotional well-being and help students feel more confident navigating challenges at school and beyond.

Our goal is to help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically while building a safe and supportive school environment.

If you would prefer for your child not to participate in guidance lessons, please notify the school counselor to opt out. 512-594-4526 Leslie.Atherton@pfisd.net

Middle School Visits
Middle school visits will take place on February 5th and 6th. Students zoned for KLMS will attend the visit on February 5th from 9:00–11:00, and students zoned for PCMS will attend on February 6th from 9:00–11:00. Students must attend the visit for the middle school they are zoned for based on their current address.

Middle school parent night will be held on Feb 10th at 6pm at all Middle School Campuses.

Students will receive their middle school choice sheets after the middle school visit. These choice sheets are due back to Ms. Atherton on or before Feb 26th.

Leslie Atherton

School Counselor

512-594-4526

National School Counseling Week 2026, will be celebrated from Feb. 2–6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that 131,000+ school counselors can have in helping over 50 million K-12 students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Counselors make a unique contribution within their school and this week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve social and academic success.

School Counselors are actively engaged in:
-helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents;

-working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world;

-focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development;

- working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.

School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

Dear Dearing Families,

This month is all about heart health, kindness, and staying well through the winter season. Here are some important reminders and health tips for the month:

Cold & Flu Season Continues

We are still in peak cold and flu season. Please help prevent the spread of illness by:

• Keeping children home if they have a fever over 100°F, vomiting, or other contagious symptoms.
• Teaching proper handwashing—20 seconds with soap and warm water.
• Reminding kids to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow.

Common Illnesses in February
If your child is feeling unwell, it's important to know when to keep them home. Here are a few common conditions that tend to increase during the winter months:

• Stomach bugs: If your child has vomiting or diarrhea, they should stay home for at least 24 hours after symptoms subside.
• Ear Infections: If your child has pain in the ear, fever, or trouble hearing, please contact your doctor.
• Lice: While not common, lice outbreaks can happen. Regularly check your child's hair if they are experiencing itching.

Cold Weather Safety
With the winter weather in full swing, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Layered clothing, hats, gloves, and warm jackets are essential for outdoor recess.

Valentine’s Day & Allergy Awareness

With Valentine’s Day approaching, please be mindful of food allergies. If your child is bringing treats for classmates, consider non-food items like stickers, pencils, or allergy-friendly snacks. Check with your child’s teacher if you have questions about safe options.

Thank you for helping keep our students happy and healthy! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

Stay healthy, Eagles!

Jennifer Bowers

512-594-4535

Jennifer.bowers@pfisd.net

Our spring book fair is just around the corner! It runs March 2nd-6th and we need volunteers to help it run smoothly. If you can give 1-2 hours of your time, it would be most appreciated. As a bonus- your kids will love to see you on campus! Check the flyer for more details.

To keep our campus safe while making check-in easier, the district is introducing the Raptor Safe App! Parents and visitors can now create a secure ID, called a Raptor Passport, which allows for a faster, more convenient sign-in process at our school. This will also work at all PFISD campuses.

We’ve also added a new iPad in the office for easy check-in. Creating your Raptor Passport ensures a safe campus for all students while saving you time during visits.

We have a lot of lost jackets and sweat shirts from our students! They all need a home! Please remind your children to pick up their lost clothing! We have a lot, and we want to make sure your children are warm during the cold weather. Thank you!

Email: DRES@pfisd.net
Website: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/4479
Location: 4301 Gattis School Road Round Rock, TX 78660
Phone: (512) 594-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearingES
Twitter: @DearingES_PfISD