DES Back to School-Family News

We are excited to share important back-to-school information with you in this newsletter as we prepare to launch another wonderful year at DES. Below you will find key details to help your family get ready for a smooth and successful start to 25-26. Please take a moment to review the updates and if you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming school year please feel free to reach out to the office for information.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Crebs-Oberdorf

Last week we sent notifications to parent/guardian emails regarding class placement. If you did not receive an email, please call the school and be sure to update your powerschool information.

I understand how important your child's experience is, and I truly value your trust in our school. Our placement process is thoughtful and thorough, taking into account each child's academic needs, social-emotional growth, and the overall balance of the classroom community. While I know if can be disappointing when a preferred teacher or friend isn't part of your child's placement changes. Thank you for supporting your child and our decisions as they build new relationships and grow in this year's class. I'm confident it will be a great year at DES!

We are so excited for our littlest dolphins to arrive! The preK teachers will be reaching out to introduce themselves and set up a time to meet.

Orientation will occur on 9/8, at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.

Please apply and email crebs.sarah@ccpsstaff.org if you are interested in becoming a PREK tutor.

August 28th, Back to School/Meet the Teacher Event, 4:30-6:00pm

September 1st, Labor Day

September 2nd, First Day of School for K-5

September 2nd, Board of Education Meeting, 6:00 pm

September 7th, Arts in Education Week

September 8th, PreK 3/4 Orientations (10:00 am or 2:00 pm)

September 9th, First Day of School for PreK 3/4

September 11th, Patriot Day

September 15th-October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th, Community School Coordinators Week

September 16th, IT Professionals Day

September 22nd, First Day of Autumn

DES Back to School Night is for grades K-5. PreK teachers will reach out to inform you of orientation information!

We love having parents volunteer at DES! Please consider completing the volunteer paperwork to help out at events, support students in the cafeteria, read with students etc.

Caroline County Public Schools is aware of concerns regarding recent changes to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has provided guidance which reinforces our own belief that every student—regardless of immigration status—receives the support they need from our educational system. Please visit the CCPS website for complete information.

Please remember, for all notifications, parent/guardian numbers and emails are taken directly from information provided by the family in PowerSchool. Staff contact information is taken directly from the Employee Access Center.

School delays and closings are shared via:

• a phone call, text, and email through our notification system

• a message on the CCPS Mobile App the district website (carolineschools.org)

• social media: Facebook (Caroline County Public Schools and all school pages), and Instagram (carolineschoolsmd)

• some local news and radio stations

The process for making weather-related decisions is outlined on carolineschools.org.

CCPS uses an online form (no paper!) to verify or update student information through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The process typically takes less than five minutes per student, and allows families to verify that all of the student's data is correct and provide updates for any important data that has changed. This process replaces the old paper form sent home in previous years.

Please note: If the student’s address has changed, proof of residence will be required. This may be uploaded through PowerSchool or provided directly to the school.

For more information, please see the CCPS news post on this topic.

Beginning November 1, 2024, CCPS will start holding students accountable for damaged or missing technology equipment, including laptops, iPads, carrying cases, chargers, and charging cables. The CCPS Student Technology Obligation Program encourages responsible use of technology and curbs rising repair costs through a tiered pricing system.

For questions and program details, please visit the link below: Student Obligation information

DES is a Title I School receiving federal funds to improve instruction in math and reading.

Parents of students attending Title 1 schools may request information about the professional qualifications of their child's teachers. Parents of elementary students may request in writing to the school principal information about their child's teacher including:

* Any college or university degree or certification held.

* The subject area of the teacher's degree or certification.

* Whether the teacher is certified by the State of Maryland to teach a grade level or subject area.

* Whether the teacher holds a provisional certificate.

* Whether the child is served by paraprofessionals and, if so, parents may request their professional qualifications.

All DES dismissal changes must be made by 12:00pm each day. This allows time to ensure that the teacher, student, and dismissal staff are all aware of the changes.

Caroline County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, and in employment, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability.

Email: crebs.sarah@ccpsstaff.org
Location: 303 Sharp Road, Denton, MD, USA
Phone: 410-479-1660

Assistant Principal Mrs. Lindsay Grow

Email: grow.lindsay@ccpsstaff.org