Sandpiper Scoop
WEEK OF MARCH 31-APRIL 4
THIS WEEK:
Monday 03/31: LAST DAY TO PURCHASE YEARBOOKS
Tuesday 04/01: 4th grade FAST writing testing, Musical Theatre practice, Garden Club, Girls on the Run
Wednesday 04/02: 5th grade FAST writing testing, Odyssey of the Mind
Thursday 04/03: Girls on the Run, Robotics
Friday 04/04: Field Day, Dune Lakes Dines @ Idyll Hound Proper NO PARENT LUNCHS DUE TO FIELD DAY
UPCOMING:
04/07-04/18: Book Fair
04/08: Sandpiper Boosters General Meeting 8:00 AM
04/15: Purple Up for Military Families; Family Book Fair Night 4:00-6:00 p.m.
04/22: Family Creativity Night
04/23: 5th grade visits ECMS
04/25: Special Olympics
05/22: 5th grade walkthrough
2025 SUMMER FUN NEWSLETTER IS HERE!
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN APPRECIATION DAY IS APRIL 4
Today we would like to feature our media specialist Ms. Carroll. Ms. Carroll ensures our students have access to an array of books, organizes the spring and fall book fairs, she promotes AR tests and rewards, and has also been a superstar by obtaining grants to assist with school and library needs. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Carroll!
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
PICKLE JUICE AND HOT SAUCE??????????
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
FIELD DAY IS COMING APRIL 4
**NO LUNCH VISITORS TODAY**
Kona ice provided to DLE students. Visitors may purchase Kona to enjoy as well!
FIELD DAY PRE-PRINTED VISITOR PASSES
LAST DAY TO PREREGISTER IS APRIL 3RD
To expedite check in for the upcoming FIELD DAY, we are encouraging you to pre-register for your visitor pass. Deadline to pre-register is April 3; 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 child's teacher's name. We appreciate your patience and continued support helping us ensure the safety of your children!
If you have pre-registered for a visitor pass, please park and enter through the back field. We will have your badges ready for you by teacher name.
IF YOU ARE CHECKING YOUR CHILD OUT EARLY FROM FIELD DAY, YOU MUST SEE YOUR TEACHER FOR A CHECK OUT SLIP.
USE THE LINK BELOW TO PRE PRINT YOUR VISITOR BADGE
CLASS TSHIRT REMINDER
Be sure to wear your class shirt the day of the field day If you need to purchase a new shirt, please order through the Sandpiper Booster spirit shop before Monday 03/10 https://www.sandpiperboosters.org/spiritshop
PURPLE UP! APRIL IS THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
The Month of the Military Child in Florida gives communities an opportunity to emphasize and recognize the sacrifices of military children while their parents serve our nation. Florida is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation. Dune Lakes loves its military families and its active and veteran service members. Wear purple on April 15 to show support and recognize military children.
*****DEADLINE TO ORDER IS MONDAY, 03/31**
The last day to purchase a yearbook is March 31st. We have sold 261 yearbooks out of 375. Get your copy before they're gone! Yearbooks cost $35. See the flyer and link below! Use code 21432
WE WILL ONLY HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF EXTRAS TO PURCHASE -PLEASE DO NOT WAIT!
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.
EGG YOUR YARD FOR EASTER SPONSORED BY THE SWHS SGA
Sign up using the form below.
BOOK FAIR IS COMING SOON! APRIL 7-17
Families!
Dear Sandpiper Families, Get Ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way. Reading daily not only supports student learning, but also builds their creativity, empathy, and expression. Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Book Fair Family Night April 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Family Night for those who can’t come during the day.
Come shopping during the day!
Preview our book fair at set up your ewallet using the link below
E-Wallet
Round up!
Your contribution benefits kids in your
school who need help buying a book from
the Fair. Tell a staff member at checkout that you want to round up your purchases for Share the Fair.
Se habla español
MUSICAL THEATRE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Mrs. Winder for additional details. natalie.winder@walton.k12.fl.us
2025 CONGRESSIONAL ART CONTEST
RDK Melanoma Foundation Art Contest
START THINKING ABOUT YOUR STUDENT'S FUTURE WITH FL PREPAID
It is never too early to begin thinking about the step your student takes after graduation. Florida Prepaid has plans that begin at just $29/Month.
Focused on encouraging families to save as early and affordably as possible, our partner Florida Prepaid College College Savings Plans has reduced Prepaid Plan monthly prices for newborns and infants to the lowest in more than a decade.
Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in the cost of college with fixed monthly payments. A risk-free 1-Year University Plan now starts at just $29/month for the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period from February 1 - April 30, 2025. The reduced prices result in savings of up to $850 per plan for a 1-Year University Plan – up to $3,400 in savings for four years.
Prepaid Plans are made to fit growing families:
• Use in-state or nationwide at public, private, trade and technical schools
• Complements scholarships and financial aid
• Transfer to another student or cancel anytime
• Earnings grow tax-free
Every child deserves higher education. Florida Prepaid’s goal is to make it possible for every Florida family to save simply and affordably. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3X9gYzs
ATTENTION 5TH GRADERS! ECMS DANCE TEAM & CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
For more information please contact ECMS (850) 622-5025
ECMS MUSICAL
KINDERGARTEN SCREENER SIGN UP
MARCH PERFECT ATTENDANCE SPONSORED BY BURGER KING
Students with no absences, early check-outs, or tardies will receive a treat from burger king at the end of the month of March.
AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: WHOLESOME
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!
What Parents Can Do at Home:
One way to help your child develop self-awareness is by sharing personal experiences. Talk to your child about a time when you had to compromise with someone. How did you work through the situation, and did it change how you interacted with that person? This helps children see how self-awareness impacts relationships and decision-making. Remember, we are BETTER TOGETHER!
APRIL LIBRARY PATRON OF THE MONTH
Emma Hampton, Ms. Bowen's 4th grade class
AR UPDATES
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.
MARCH 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
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/
SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS
April Dune Lakes Dines – April 4, 2025 – Idyll Hound Proper! The Sandpiper Boosters will receive 10% of sales. Please mention DLE!
2025 Spring Book Fair – Sign up to volunteer at our 2025 Spring Book Fair! We need to fill all slots, so please sign up for multiple if you can! Volunteer Here : Volunteer — Sandpiper Boosters
Boosters General Meeting and 25-26 Election – April 8, 2025, at 8AM – Join us to learn about all things Boosters and we will have our 25-26 Election.
- Apply Here by 4/1 to serve a 1-year term as Director on the Board of Directors: Apply Here
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
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — 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
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


