Sunday Snapshot

Dear Viking Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already one month into the school year! We have enjoyed a wonderful start filled with learning, growing, and building strong classroom communities. Thank you for your continued support and partnership—it makes such a positive difference for our students. We are excited to keep the momentum going and look forward to all the growth and achievements the next months will bring!

With Viking Pride,

Mrs. Love

shana.love@dundeeschools.org

• Monday:
• 9/29 Pie the Principals Reward
• 9/29 PTO Read-a-Thon Continues
• 9/15 PBIS prizes
• Tuesday:
• 
  
• Wednesday:
  
• 10/1 Count Day
• 10/1 TLC Banking
• 10/1 Western Day
• Thursday:
• 10/2 School Safety Drill
  
• Friday:
• First Fun Friday: Wear Fall colors or fall spirit shirts (no costumes) for $1
• Later this Month:
• 10/6 School Photo Day
• 10/13 DCS School Board Meeting 5:30 pm
• 10/17 FFA Harvest Day
• 10/20 Hearing &I Vision Screenings (all week)
• 10/27 Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraiser Kickoff
• 10/30 Half Day of School (Viking Camp Offered)
• 10/30 Halloween Parade
• 10/31 No School

Want to be on the same school schedule as your kids and looking to get paid to come to school with them? DES is looking for a reliable daily substitute! To be a substitute, the candidate must either have at least 60 college credits or possess a teaching certificate. If you are interested in learning more about this position, please reach out to Mrs. Love at shana.love@dundeeschools.org.

Viking Value of the Trimester: RESPECT
Our first Viking Value for the school year is RESPECT. We will focus on this Viking Value in all areas of the building.

With the school year in full swing, we wanted to remind our families how critical consistent attendance is during elementary school. CLICK HERE to view a handout that outlines facts and helpful tips regarding attendance.

In addition, we follow the Monroe County Truancy Protocol. When a child reaches 8 absences, you can expect a letter to be sent to you with further attendance information. Another letter may be sent when a child reaches 15 absences, which details the next steps in the Monroe County Truancy Protocol.

Please communicate with your child's teacher and our elementary school office about attendance concerns. If you have any questions or are looking for support, please contact jay.briggs@dundeeschools.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at jay.briggs@dundeeschools.org or by calling (734)-529-2350 EXT. 12005

This newsletter provides parents and families with essential information for helping elementary-aged students navigate difficult emotions and build resiliency.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and while this is a difficult topic, it’s an important time to remind our community about the value of mental health, kindness, and connection.

Our focus is on helping children build strong social-emotional skills, knowing how to talk about their feelings, and recognizing when they or someone else needs help. We encourage:

• Talking about feelings openly – Teach children that all emotions are okay and it’s safe to share them.

• Practicing kindness and empathy – Small acts of kindness help everyone feel included and cared for.

• Noticing changes – If your child seems more withdrawn, sad, or overwhelmed than usual, check in with them.

• Building connections – Strong friendships, supportive teachers, and positive family time are protective factors.

• Model healthy behavior – Children learn from what they see. When you feel stressed, model healthy ways to cope, like talking about your feelings or engaging in a relaxing activity.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health, please reach out to us. You can also find support here:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 (available 24/7)
Care Solace: www.caresolace.com
Monroe County Family Resource Guide: Click Here

The most important thing children can learn is that they are never alone. Together, as a school and family community, we can help every child feel valued, supported, and safe.

Brandy Raymer, LLMSW
General Education Social Worker
brandy.raymer@dundeeschools.org

Katie Carter, LMSW
Special Education Social Worker
katie.carter@monroeisd.us

Dundee Community Schools is seeking parents and guardians interested in joining the Wellness Committee. The committee will meet after school hours in November or December to discuss and support wellness initiatives within our district.

If you would like to participate, please contact Rachel Palmer at rachel.palmer@dundeeschools.org.

Rachel Palmer, RN

District Nurse

rachel.palmer@dundeeschools.org

Hey Dundee Families!

Did you know we have an amazing Dundee Community Schools app?

We know not all families use Facebook, so please help us spread the word. The app is a great way to:
-Get updates on what’s happening in our schools
-Follow specific building feeds for your child’s school
-Set up notifications so you never miss important news

While social media can be great, we also know that with AI and fast-moving information, it’s harder than ever to keep things accurate and reliable. That’s why we’re excited to use the app as our official source of communication—a single hub where families can trust the information we share.

Go to your app store and search for Dundee Community Schools to download today! Let’s stay connected!

To start the school year, all DES students will receive FREE breakfast and lunch through September 30th when we hope to have more information on the state's budget. More information will be shared to families as we receive it from the state.

It is still very important to complete the free and reduced application forms in your back to school paperwork, regardless of your qualification status. This application process is essential for the district as it helps secure vital funding from the state and federal sources. Regardless of your income, please fill out this application. Thank you for your help with this matter!

Our PTO has many fun events planned for our students and staff this year! We hope you'll find an opportunity to help support them in their good work!

PTO Spirit Wear Sale Link:

https://shopsli.com/dundee_schools/shop/home

Please consider volunteering for one of their upcoming events:

• PTO Read-a-Thon September 19th-October 10th
• PTO Fall Book Fair November 3rd-6th
• PTO Holiday Shop December 8th-12th
• PTO Spring Book Fair March 23rd-26th

DES Full School Day Hours:

• The school day begins at 8:35 am and ends at 3:40 pm
• Our staff begins monitoring students at 8:15 am. Please do not drop off students prior to 8:15 am as there will not be any DES staff available to supervise them. Students dropped off from 8:15-8:25 will go to the playground with our supervisors and will then be dismissed to their classrooms. Students who purchase school breakfast will go to the cafeteria when they arrive unless they are in Y5 or kindergarten (their breakfast is served in the classroom).

Elementary School Handbook:

Link

Dundee Community Schools Calendar:

Click for the District Calendar

Infinite Campus Parent Portal, Care Solace, OK2Say Links:

https://dundeemi.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/dundee.jsp

School Meal Payments:

At this time, breakfast and lunch are FREE for ALL students through September 30th, until we know plans for the state's budget. More information will come regarding next steps. We ask that all families please fill out the free/reduced meal form on our website, even if you don't normally qualify as this helps with important at-risk funding for the district.

Link to Food Service Department:

https://dundeecommunityschools.nutrislice.com/menu/dundee-elementary-school-k-5/lunch/2022-08-28

DES Facebook Page:

Dundee Elementary Facebook

For reporting a student absent:

734-529-7044 Press 1

School Nurse: Rachel Palmer

734-529-2350 ext. 11013

Vision Statement

“Students First” – Inspire, Educate, Innovate, Celebrate

Mission Statement

Dundee Community Schools is setting a course for student success. We will challenge and inspire every student, every day, in every class through innovation and dedication ‐ promoting knowledgeable, responsible, and caring citizens.

420 Ypsilanti Dr.

Dundee, MI 48131

School Phone: 734-529-7044

School Fax: 734-529-3741

Principal: Mrs. Love shana.love@dundeeschools.org

Assistant Principal: Mr. Briggs jay.briggs@dundeeschools.org