Monday 08/19:

Tuesday 08/20: Sandpiper Boosters General meeting 8:00 AM in Cafeteria; Dune Lakes Dines Bronzinni Pizzeria 3-Close

Wednesday 08/21:

Thursday 08/22:

Friday 08/23:

FUTURE EVENTS:

08/27: 5th grade F.A.S.T. Reading, Volunteer fingerprinting @ DLE 8 AM

08/28: 4th grade F.A.S.T. Reading

08/29: 3rd grade F.A.S.T. Reading

08/30: EARLY RELEASE FOR STUDENTS

Parents, Thank you for a great first week! It has been so nice to see returning students and meet new ones!

One item I would like to emphasize early this school year is student attendance and tardies. Did you know that during the 23-24 school year over 20% of all DLE students missed more than 10 days of school? That's 1 out of every 5 enrolled students. Consistent attendance is incredibly important for students learning foundational reading and math skills. We are learning every day at Dune Lakes. We understand that things happen, so if you are absent, please remember to send a parent or professional note to excuse student absences. Parents may excuse up to 10 with a written note.

Additionally, tardies were also high last school year. 5 minutes here and there adds up. This is especially important in grades where phonics and reading are taught first thing in the day. Please make every effort to ensure your student is on time and ready for the day.

Thank you again for your partnership! We look forward to a successful school year. Sandpipers are better together!

Students will participate in PM 1 FAST testing beginning next week! Students will be test 3 times over the course of the school year. This allows schools and parents to track student growth over the year.

FAST tests are adaptive which means they scale in difficulty based on student's answers. PM 2 in December will begin at the level of the student's previous PM 1 performance, so please emphasize the importance of taking PM 1 testing seriously as it will set the bar for subsequent tests. We want all students to grow and demonstrate proficiency!

You can learn more about FAST testing through the FLDOE's website below.

View your students FAST results in ELA and Math via the FLDOE FAST Family Portal linked below. You will need your student's unique access code which is available upon request.

Dune Lakes Elementary is excited to announce approximately $90,000 in grant funds for special projects and initiatives for students this school year! Thanks the generosity of the The St. Joe Community Foundation and partnership with the Walton Education Foundation Dune Lakes will soon see expansion to its primary grades playground, the addition of a new musical theatre program, and new sensory supports for its self-contained special education students. We are so incredibly grateful to these organizations for their monetary support of our students, our teachers, our school, and our community. We look forward to a continued positive partnership and to sharing these new opportunities with all Sandpipers in the near future! Sandpipers and the community are better together!

What is a School Advisory Council? The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a school-based group intended to represent the school, the community, and those persons closest to the students. The group shares responsibility for guiding the school toward continuous improvement.

What is the role of the School Advisory Council? The School Advisory Council is responsible for final decision making at the school relating to the implementation of the provisions of the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SAC assists in the annual preparation and evaluation of both the SIP and the school’s annual budget.

Who serves on the School Advisory Council? Beginning July 1, 2008, it is a requirement that the majority of the members of the School Advisory Council are persons who are not employed by the school district. A SAC should be composed of the principal and an appropriately balanced number of teachers, education support employees, students, parents, and other business and community citizens who are representative of the ethnic, racial, and economic community served by the school. Certain members are elected by their peers, while business and community members are appointed, and the principal automatically serves.

If you would like to be a part of our School Advisory Council please contact coordinator Nicole Gil at giln@walton.k12.fl.us

Parents, please ensure that you are completing and returning first day student forms. This documents are essential to ensuring different aspects of day to day school operations. Please reach out to your student's teacher with questions. A checklist of all required student forms is shown below.

UPDATE: Thank you for a great first week of drop off/pick up! Wait times will continue to improve as parents/students become familiar with procedures. Parents are reminded to stay in their vehicle at all times.

Please see the map below for reference and familiarize yourself with these areas to ensure quick and easy transitions. REMINDER: Doors open @ 7:10 AM! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please note, drop off and pick up lines have changed since last year!

ZONE 1 (GRADES 3-5): Parents of grades 3-5 students (+older siblings) must enter/exit from the access road west of the main campus. This road is only accessible off of Hwy 98. (marked with yellow arrow) Students will enter/dismiss from E Hall.

ZONE 2 (Kindergarten): Parents of kindergarten students (+older siblings) must enter/exit campus using the first entrance from MC Davis Blvd (marked with red arrow) and loop through parking lot. Students will enter/dismiss from the cafeteria.

ZONE 3 (GRADES 1-2): Parents of grades 1-2 students (+older siblings) must enter/exit campus using the last entrance from MC Davis Blvd (marked with blue arrow) Students will enter/dismiss from the gym.

ZONE 4 (Bus Riders and Walkers): Bus riders will unload/load in this area. Walkers will meet parents at the designated pick up area (marked with a X)

Walkers are approved by the Principal and will need a walker pass.

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.

Parents must sign a permission slip for walking. If you do not live at MC Davis Road, you must provide documentation of after school arrangements or employment at a business within walking distance to DLE. For safety, parents are required to show their walker pass daily for staff to release a child. This ensures students go home with approved individual.

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.

Dune Lakes Robotics Club is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 season.

Dune Lakes is offering a Robotics Club Competitive Team serving 4th & 5th grade students. The season will run from the beginning of September until December and may extend into January depending on competition wins. Students who qualify will meet after school every Thursday from 2:30 – 4:30 pm starting Sep. 5, 2024. Families are responsible for picking up their children PROMPTLY after team meetings.

Applications are now being accepted from interested 4th & 5th grade students to participate in the 2024-2025 season – team space is limited and not all applicants will be accepted.

This program is a STEM activity of robotics, engineering, research, and presentation using Lego materials. Being on a Robotics Club team is more than just building with Legos. Each student must work closely with the team members to do a research project, prepare a presentation, build and program a robot all while having fun. Students will explore an actual problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve, develop an innovative solution to that problem, and share their findings with others. Students will work together to prepare for local and statewide competitions. Our teams will compete against other teams in three areas of judging: Core Values, Technical Knowledge, and Project Presentation.

Students selected to participate on a team are expected to:

1. Attend all meetings when student is in attendance at school

2. Participate in discussions and contribute to a team solution to the given challenge

3. Behave with courtesy and compassion for others at all times

4. Challenge Teams will participate in 2-5 Saturday team competitions where students will be evaluated on their team’s project and robot game

5. Maintain good standing in their class, as well as good citizenship

Families must contribute to the financial cost or secure sponsorship from a local business. Required fees of $40 per child covers the purchase of a team shirt and a weekly after school snack. Due by Oct 1.

Access the digital application using the link below.

Application deadline is 3:00 pm on Monday, August 25th, 2025.

Junior Robotics for grades 1-3 will begin in January.

Want to be part of the announcements crew? This school year Dune Lakes Elementary will be featuring a LIVE news broadcast staffed and produced by students. Sign up your student using the application 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 by Friday, August 30th. Team members will be announced by Tuesday, September 3rd.

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!

Stay connected with Remind! We've created a new school Remind account for the 23-24 school year. All previous school accounts have been closed. Please rejoin our DLE Remind by texting our school code @dle2425 to 81010.

Track your student's grades, attendance, and more with Focus. Sign up using the information below. The school can provide you with your student's unique PIN upon request.

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!

All students with exemplary attendance for the month of August will receive a free frozen treat courtesy of Bahama Bucks!

Parents are encouraged to either read with or encourage their student to read for 20 minutes a day! Reading daily improves student standardized testing performance, spelling, writing, grammar, and vocabulary!

1. Go to https://launchpad.classlink.com/walton
2. Click Renaissance Place
3. Log in and Test!

For additional questions please contact Ms. Carroll mailto:rachel.gonzalez@walton.k12.fl.us

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

Thank you for your patience as we get our students into their lunchtime routine. PARENT LUNCH VISITORS WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 26th.

Parents visiting on Monday and Friday are allowed to visit at the designated lunch time for their student. If you have more than one student, you are welcome to have lunch with them at their designated time. Students will not be pulled to eat with their siblings. Parents are to wait for their child's class to enter the "A" hallway, and may proceed to the cafeteria only. Visiting other classrooms is prohibited. Lunch visitors are to eat in the patio, and check out at the front office when leaving.

For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx

A La Carte items will resume on August 26th

Encourage your student to explore the new a la carte menus options in the Sandpiper Cafe! In addition to the many new healthy single options, students may also choose from fresh grab n' go salad options. See the menu below. Cash only.

Great things are cooking this month in the Sandpiper Cafe!

Please take the time to put your child's name on their backpacks, water bottles, coats, etc. Items will be collected and displayed outside cafeteria.

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 clothing. Boys and girls clothing (shorts, new underwear, shirts, etc). We appreciate your donations!

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

Our SPICE program is at capacity. Our director, Lisa Dick has a waitlist for interested families. SPICE enrollment is based on staff to student ratio. We understand that after school care is complicated for many parents, however we accept students when spaces open up. For inquiries, please contact Ms. Lisa at lisa.dick@walton.k12.fl.us

• 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.

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!

A Great First Week!

I'm thrilled to report that our first week of school has been a success! I loved seeing the excitement on the students' faces as they set out to conquer the school year!

Introducing Lunch Bunch: A Supportive Community for Students

As the School Counselor, I am excited to introduce Lunch Bunch for the 24-25 SY, a support group for students facing challenges at home or in school. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to develop coping skills, self-regulation strategies, and resiliency.

Purpose of Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch aims to support students in developing healthy coping skills and self-regulation strategies to manage various challenges, such as:

· Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed

· Difficulty with self-control or impulsivity

· Struggles with friendships or social relationships

· Coping with change, loss, or adversity

· Building resilience and confidence

How to Join

Every student will receive a Lunch Bunch permission form. Be looking for these to be sent home later this week. If you think your child would benefit from this program, please fill out and return the form, sharing specific details on why your child would benefit and any relevant information about their current challenges or concerns. This will help me understand your child's needs and prioritize those students. While I'd love to be able to have every student in LB, that just isn't feasible. It is very important to me, however, that students that could truly use the extra support are able to receive it.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions and remember "We're Better Together".

All 2023-2024 volunteer applications have expired. Please be sure to renew your application online, print the affidavit, bring to the front office for notary and admin signature. Once that is complete, Ms. Isolano will send to the district volunteer coordinator for processing.

1. Fill out a volunteer affidavit. This will need to be notarized and signed by a DLE administrator.

2. Complete online application, upload affidavit or leave with school secretary to attach.

3. Schedule background check and *fingerprints, $75 at the district office for chaperone permission.

*WCSD currently does not accept fingerprints from outside agencies. To schedule background and fingerprints, please call 850-892-1100 x1154. Background and fingerprints are good for 5 years, however steps 1 and 2 are to be renewed annually.

**You must have a background check to be a designated chaperone.

https://dle.walton.k12.fl.us/o/wcsd/page/volunteer-information

Sandpiper Boosters General Meeting – Tuesday, August 20th from 8AM – 9AM in the cafeteria. Come learn about all things Boosters and enjoy a complimentary coffee drink from Coastal Coffee Bar!

Fingerprinting – Will take place on Tuesday, August 27th from 8AM – 9AM in the Front Office. Please ensure to fill out and have notarized your Volunteer Form in advance. Visit here to access the forms: Volunteer Information | Walton County

THE COST IS $75 - CASH ONLY.

August Dune Lakes Dines – Out first Dune Lakes Dines of the year will be on Tuesday, August 20th with Brozinni Pizzeria! 10% of all sales from 3P-9P will be donated to the Boosters! You can take out, eat in or get it delivered! Make sure to mention Dune Lakes Elementary!

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

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

Stay connected with Remind! We've created a new school Remind account for the 23-24 school year. All previous school accounts have been closed. Please rejoin our DLE Remind by texting our school code @dle2324 to 81010.

If you have questions, concerns or comments, you can contact us through Let's Talk. Simply click here and reach out to us.

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/

Step 2

• The following information is required to setup a Focus Parent Portal Account.

  1. Child’s student identifier (10 digit number beginning with 66 assigned by the district).
  2. Student’s date of birth.
  3. 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/

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