Pride Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This semester, our students will be exploring the science and engineering behind the technology we use every day. As part of this unit, students will take apart old cell phones to examine the components inside and learn about the elements, materials, and science that make them work.

To make this project possible, we are asking for donations of old or unused cell phones. The phones do not need to be in working condition, but we do ask that all personal data be removed before sending them in. While we do not plan on turning them on, we want to ensure our privacy as best as possible. If you’re unsure how to reset or clear your device, please feel free to reach out and I can provide guidance.

Donated phones will not be returned, as they will be fully disassembled for learning purposes.

If you are able to contribute, please send phones to school with your student by Friday, September 5th, or drop them off at the main office. Your support will help give our students a hands-on, engaging opportunity to connect science to real-world technology.

Thank you for your generosity and partnership in supporting our students’ learning.

Warmly,
Kylie MacDonald
PoDs Everyday Science Teacher

7th & 8th Grade Students and Families

Welcome to MIDDLE SCHOOL!! Time to try new things and discover your hidden talents! Students are INVITED and ENCOURAGED to participate in the PJ Jacobs 7th Grade Band or 7th Grade Orchestra. You can learn a new musical instrument or develop existing skills and abilities. You can choose any of these instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. PoDS owns a wonderful supply of instruments and would be happy to supply you with one to use.

Mr. Dahlseng co-teaches the 7th Grade Band at PJ Jacobs, and many of you may know the other teachers already:

Mrs. Nowinski teaches the 7th Grade Band and also the elementary bands at Madison, Bannach, Jefferson, and Washington. She also previously taught at PoDS and very strongly supports the students here!

Mr. Van Tiem teaches the 7th Grade Orchestra.

(Fun Fact: Mrs. Nowinski attended the former Jackson Elementary School and Mr. Van Tiem taught at Jackson Elementary "way back in the day" before this building became Point of Discovery School).

The logistics of this process are very simple - Students simply report to PJ Jacobs in the morning to have BAND or ORCHESTRA for their first class. There are 4 bus routes that travel from SPASH to PJ Jacobs every morning. Then, a dedicated bus will bring students from PJ Jacobs to PoDS for the remainder of the day.

If you are interested in learning more about this, or signing up for the class, or exploring some instruments with Mr. Dahlseng, please contact him at: jdahlsen@pointschools.net.

We look forward to seeing you in the music room!

Mr. Dahlseng

Grandparents Needed for Foster Students

Seal-A-Smile is Coming to Our School!

Seal-A-Smile is a free dental program coming to our school!

Students can get cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and a toothbrush kit—all during the school day at no cost to families. After each visit, you’ll get a note about the care your child received.

The first visit is November 24 at 7:45am—a perfect time to get teeth cleaned before Thanksgiving break.

(A permission form must be filled out before any child can participate. All procedures will follow recommendations from the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for school-based dental programs)