Parents,
September is attendance awareness month. Research shows that student's love and enthusiasm for school dwindles as they get older. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit early so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.
What can you do at home?
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Talk about the importance of showing up to school each day.
• Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider for advice.
• If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.
We love having your students in class and at school each day. Thank you for your partnership.
To commemorate the service and sacrifice of the heroes of 9/11 and honor the victims Dune Lakes' 5th graders heard from Andy Isolano, a FDNY member at ground zero on 9/11. Dune Lakes students and staff understand and appreciate the service and sacrifice of 9/11 heroes like Mr. Isolano. We thank him for sharing important lessons on service, respect, patriotism, kindness, and gratitude with our students to help them understand the bigger context of the events of that day.
Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)! Each huddle will be in the music room from 7:10-7:30 a.m. before school. Huddles will be the third Wednesday of every month. This is only for third, fourth, and fifth graders.
Wednesday, September 18
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, November 20
Wednesday, December 18
Wednesday, January 15
Wednesday, February 19
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, April 16
Wednesday, May 21
Join our Remind! Text @a366k37 to 81010
HUGE thank you to our friends and neighbors at Walmart 8861! They donated boxes of school supplies for students and classrooms at Dune Lakes! The TRUCKLOAD of paper, crayons, paper, markers, and more will go a long way in making sure all students have the tools they need to be successful this school year! We love our community partners!
Dune Lakes is offering a gardening club serving 3rd, 4th & 5th grade students.
The 2024-2025 Garden Club is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the art of gardening, agriculture, and how to cultivate healthy lifestyle choices. Students learn social and team building skills while creating a beautiful learning space for all grade levels to enjoy during the school year. Students will have the opportunity to learn from members in the community on different skills and careers associated with garden activities.
Students will meet every Tuesday from 2:15-3:45 p.m. beginning September 24, 2024. Families are responsible for picking up their children PROMPTLY after each club meeting.
Space is limited and not all applicants may be accepted. Students not accepted will be put on a waitlist until an opening is available. Parents will be notified by email if their student is accepted for the 2024-2025 Garden Club.
Apply using the link below!
Do you love to build things? Can you think quickly on your feet? Are you a little dramatic? Then Dune Lakes Elementary needs you as a member of our after school Odyssey of the Mind team to represent our school in the 2025 Emerald Coast Regional Tournament. Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program which promotes lifelong friendships as you develop your skills. Each week you will work with your fellow team members to learn how to become a spontaneous problem solver as you have fun building your skills.
If selected, you will work with your team to choose a long-term problem to prepare for presentation during the tournaments. You must be willing to work hard and share your creative ideas with others to be successful. At the tournaments, you will be expected to present your long-term project to the judges and participate in the solution of a top-secret spontaneous problem for scoring to move on to the state competition. Each team will include 5 to 7 creative minds working together towards their selected goal.
If you are in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and would like to join this exciting team, please complete the application at https://forms.gle/PvshLtJJ42gN7sHh9
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.
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.
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
For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx
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.
Donations needed:
Our clinic is always in the need for spare boys and girls clothing. Currently our biggest need is:
- XS shirts, shorts and pants
- Small pants
- Medium shorts and pants
- Large shirts, shorts, pants
- Donations of new boys and girls underwear XS, S, M
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
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!
This week, we will begin STAR testing for math in grades K-2. As with last week's ELA testing, it's important to encourage your children to get plenty of rest and to give their best effort during the test. Testing can sometimes cause nerves, but with positive reinforcement and preparation, they can approach it with confidence. Remind them to take their time, think carefully, and simply try their best!
We are also continuing our focus on Perseverance. Perseverance isn’t just for big challenges—it’s something we can practice every day. This week, talk to your child about how they can show perseverance in their daily life. Whether it’s finishing a difficult homework assignment, sticking with a sport or activity, or even helping out with chores, these are all opportunities to practice perseverance.
Here are a few ways to encourage perseverance at home:
- Praise their efforts, not just their achievements.
- Set small, achievable goals that help build their confidence.
- Remind them that it’s okay to struggle as long as they keep trying.
By practicing these habits daily, your child will start to understand that perseverance is a valuable skill they can use throughout life—not just for big moments, but in everyday tasks and challenges.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students grow and succeed both academically and emotionally! Remember we're BETTER TOGETHER!
Sandpiper Boosters Room Parent Meeting - September 10 – 8-9AM in the cafeteria. This is only for Parents who were selected to be room parents. Please visit our website to check for your name here : Room Parents — Sandpiper Boosters
SWHS Homecoming Float – Help the Boosters Sink the Seminoles and decorate our float. Sponsor Here : Sponsorships — Sandpiper Boosters
September Dune Lakes Dines – September 26 – Idyll Hound Proper! The Sandpiper Boosters will receive 10% of sales from the day!
Moms and Monsters – SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, October 12 from 5-7P. Stay tuned for ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities.
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
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
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! We will have more sweatshirts and new t-shirts coming soon as well! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — Sandpiper Boosters
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/
Have questions? Contact us via Let's Talk!
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