Principal Hartman's Monthly Updates

Dear DCES Families,

As we head into the final three weeks before our winter break, I’m excited to share some of the wonderful events and celebrations happening in our school community. This time of year is always special, and I’m grateful for the energy, joy, and generosity that make our school such an incredible place for children to learn and grow. We are grateful for all of the donations families have provided our DCES Giving Tree.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our amazing PTA Board. Their continued support is felt daily—from purchasing new recess equipment, to surprising our staff with fizzy drinks, to organizing desserts for everyone on the last day before break. Their commitment to our students and staff is truly unmatched, and we are so thankful.

Over the next few weeks, we have a lineup of events that will bring our community together and highlight the talents and spirit of our students:

• Evening Chorus Concert

• Daytime Band Concert for staff and students

• PTA Games and Lunch

• Schoolwide Sing-Along

• Inclusive Spirit Week & DCES Holiday Spirit Week!

These moments of joy, connection, and celebration are what make DCES so remarkable.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to enjoying these upcoming events with you and our students as we close out 2025 with gratitude and excitement.

Your Proud Principal,

Destinie Hartman

Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is up and running. Choosing gifts is completely virtual again this year. Please see the sign up link below. Check back often because new families are being added as they come in.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49AFA62AA1F94-60614352-dces

All gifts are due unwrapped to DCES by Dec. 12th

Small Group Sessions:

We will begin our small-group counseling sessions in January and February 2026. As we plan for these groups, we welcome your input if you believe your child would benefit from participating in any of the groups listed below.

Our counseling team works to accommodate as many students as possible, and your request will be added to the group of your choice. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee placement, as groups are formed based on student need, academic impact, and scheduling availability. We will do our best to support as many students as possible. Please reach out if you have any questions.

School Counselor Contacts:

• Stacey Mitchell, Primary School Counselor (PreK–2) – stacey.mitchell@fcps.org
  
  

• Deena Michael, Intermediate School Counselor (Grades 3–5) – deena.michael@fcps.org
  
  

Counseling Groups Offered

Patient Pirates (K–2 only)
For students who would benefit from improving listening skills, communication, friendship-building, and impulse control.

Social Skills (K–2 only)
For students who have difficulty making or keeping friends. Students learn how to communicate respectfully and calmly with peers.

Worries (K–5)
For students experiencing anxiety or frequent worries. The group focuses on strategies to manage worry at school and at home.

Zones of Regulation (3–5 only)
For students needing support with understanding and managing their emotions. This may include strategies for calming down, coping with frustration, handling transitions, and responding to change.

Family Changes (3–5 only)
For students experiencing family transitions such as divorce, separation, remarriage, or other changes within the family structure.

• Thursday, December 4- Make-Up Picture Retakes
• Thursday, December 4- DCES Chorus Concert
• Friday, December 12- In-School 5th grade Winter Band Concert