Sandpiper Scoop
September 15-19
WEEK B
Monday 09/15: Sinfonia Strings
Tuesday 09/16: 1st grade FAST, Garden Club, Sandpiper Singers, Dune Lakes Dine @ Los Rancheros
Wednesday 09/17: STAR Early Literacy Kinder, Odyssey of the Mind
Thursday 09/18: Star Math Kinder, Robotics, Sinfonia Strings
Friday 09/19: Make-up testing 3-5 FAST/STAR
Coming Soon:
10/10: No school (teacher work day)
10/13-10/24: Fall Book Fair
10/15: OPEN HOUSE
10/16: Report cards go home
10/24: Fall Festival
10/30: School Advisory Council Meeting
10/27 Make up pictures
10/31: Early Release
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
FAST TESTING
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring system that is administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout this school year. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that your student will participate in the first administration (PM1) of the Grade 3, 4 and 5 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) ELA Reading Reading and Mathematics on the schedule below. Your student’s results from PM1 are for informational purposes only, and you will be provided with information about how to access the results after testing is completed.
FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank.
CHECK OUT SAMPLE FAST ITEMS AND TIPS FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS BELOW
HOW TO READ THE FAST REPORT?
The digital reports available to all parents provide valuable insights into specific test questions, test categories, progress, and supporting resources. See the images below for a visual guide to interacting with your student's PM 1 score reports.
They show you student achievement level, scale score, percentile rank (compared with all tested students in state), and standards breakdown.
Review your student's results to create a plan to help support their improvement and growth. Speak with your teacher about the best ways to work with your student at home. Set and monitor goals for your student.
For students identified as showing deficiencies in either reading or math, please see our at-home reading and math plans for additional support.
All parents are encouraged to speak with your teacher about the variety of digital resources such as Lexia, Reflex, and CPALMS students that can be accessed at home.
Thank you again for your partnership! Please let our staff know how we can assist in supporting your student.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ART AND ESSAY CONTESTS
5TH GRADE STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE EVENTS BEHIND PATRIOTS DAY
This Patriot’s Day 5th grade students at Dune Lakes had the honor of meeting a true hero, Andy Islolano, a New York firefighter who bravely served during the September 11, 2001 attacks. He shared his powerful, personal story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience before taking questions from students. It was an important lesson in history, service, and what it means to never forget. Andy’s wife Michelle is a member of our Sandpiper staff and we are proud to have them as a part of our school family.
SANDPIPER NEWS TEAM IS BACK IN ACTION!
The Sandpiper news team is BACK IN ACTION! 4th and 5th grade students produce the entire show for the school LIVE each morning. They man the news desk, run the lights and sound, click the teleprompter, manage the stream, and complete other important production features and transitions. Thank you Mrs. Winder for your work to help get the students and show ready!
2025-2026 AR INCENTIVES
WHAT'S NEW IN THE LIBRARY!
WCSD SEPTEMBER UPDATE FROM SUPERINTENDENT A. RUSSELL HUGHES
AVID WORD OF THE WEEK: CONTRAST
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!
FROM THE COUNSELOR
Hello and welcome Sandpipers! My name is Meghan Turner, and I am your School Counselor at Dune Lakes Elementary. My role is to provide support to students, families, and teachers to ensure student success by promoting positive changes in student behavior, perceptions and learning.
Parents, please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding your child’s social, emotional, or academic needs.
850-622-5012 X 2712 or Meghan.turner@walton.k12.fl.us
Here’s to a great year!
RESILIENCY
September is Citizenship Month! Resiliency Florida is proud to provide resources for parents and teachers to start the conversation about overcoming life's inevitable challenges with their students. Help your student become resilient, go to BuildResiliency.org today!
What is citizenship? Citizenship means making good choices that help my community and nation. As your child gets older, he or she will have opportunities to make choices that impact the school, community and nation. Encourage your child to identify ways you can demonstrate good citizenship together. Some examples include following laws and rules, volunteering in the community and respecting others.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS
For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx
A LA CARTE OPTIONS
SEPTEMBER MENU
Great things are cooking this month in the Sandpiper Cafe! https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/DuneLakesElementary
LOST AND FOUND -PLEASE LABEL ALL WATER BOTTLES, COATS, ETC.
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
SANDPIPER BOOSTER NEWS
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — Sandpiper Boosters
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
Follow Us on Social Media – Instagram and Facebook
For all things Boosters – Make sure to visit our website here : Sandpiper Boosters
25-26 Boosters Board of Directors - Jamie Lynn, President | Jessica Standley, Vice President | Liz Branch, Treasurer | Tasha Faellaci, Secretary | Amity Hoch, Director | Randi Doris, Director | Ellen Gleason, Director | Brittany Golden, Director | Emily Madden, Director | Ashlee Mitchell, Director | Ortal Shaya-Montoya, Director | Lindsey Rogers, Director | Kristen Sandoe, Director | Adrienne Seaborn, Director
SERVING FOR SANDPIPERS TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Serving for Sandpipers – Game. Set. Sandpipers! Serving for Sandpipers - Registration is now open!
Saturday, September 27th at Rosemary Beach Racquet Club!
Mixed Doubles/Ladies Doubles Tennis Tournament. One Day Only. Non-Sanctioned. USTA Membership NOT required. Open to the public. Spots are limited! Must be 21+.
Cost includes snacks, lunch, and drinks! Awards will be provided to the Champions in each division.
Match Format: Minimum of two (2) matches. Divisions: Ladies Doubles - 2.5, 3.0, 3,5; Mixed Doubles - 6.0, 7.0, 8.0. Players can only register for one division and team only.
Assignments: Check-In begins at 8:00am. Play begins at 8:30am. Flight times will be distributed via email on Wednesday, September 24th.
In the event of inclement weather, the Sandpiper Boosters reserve the right to shorten the match format if there are long rain delays and to extend the tournament play into the evening.
Registration :: http://eventbrite.com/.../serving-for-sandpipers-a-tennis...
Sponsorship Opportunities :: https://www.sandpiperboosters.org/sponsorships
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.
VOLUNTEERS WITH US
We love parent volunteers and chaperones! Volunteers are approved annually.
Please be sure to renew your online application, affidavit and review the online orientation.
APPLICATION LINK: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NTA2OmVuLVVT
AFFIDAVIT LINK: https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/page/volunteer-information
*Front office available to notarize affidavits between 8:00-1:00 pm.
ORIENTATIONPOWER POINT: https://5il.co/39wsp
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/
LET'S TALK
Have questions? Contact us via Let's Talk!
WCSD APP
Stay connected with Rooms
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