You 🦦 Know
News from the Dothan Brook School
Moving this summer?
2026/2027 School Year
We have started to create class lists for the 2026/2027 school year. If your child is not returning to DBS next year, please let the office (dbsoffice@hartfordschools.net) know as soon as possible. We work hard to create balanced class lists. We also want to be sure they get a proper DBS send off.
Thank you for your help.
Save the date/upcoming events
6/9 - No PTO Meeting
6/11-Final Walk and Ride day
6/12-Color Run -9:00 AM
6/12 - Field Day - 12:00 PM
6/15 - Field Day rain Date
6/16 - Ice Cream Social-5th grade Art exhibit 5:00-pm-6:30pm
6/17 - Last Day of School: Early Release at 12:35
Assembly and 5th grade celebration at 9:15
Happy Friday!
At DBS, we believe that learning is about much more than reading, writing, and math. It is also about helping students develop the character, empathy, and habits that will help them be successful in school and beyond.
One example of this commitment was the participation of our DBS Rainbow Club in the Hartford School District Pride Parade. Students had the opportunity to come together and celebrate the values of belonging, inclusion, and respect that help make our school community strong.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the importance of belonging, respect, and inclusion in our communities. At its heart, Pride Month is about recognizing that every person is unique and deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Every day at DBS provides an opportunity to reinforce the values we strive to teach: being a good friend, showing empathy, celebrating differences, and making sure everyone feels welcome. Our students come from many different backgrounds, experiences, and family structures, and these differences help make our school community stronger.
Throughout the year, we encourage students to be themselves, treat others with respect, and stand up for kindness. Participating in events, like the HSD PRIDE parade, serves as an important reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and accepted for who they are.
As we close out the school year, we remain committed to creating a learning environment where every student knows they belong and where kindness, respect, and inclusion guide our actions. These are values that benefit all children and help build a stronger school community for everyone.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to teach and model respect, compassion, and acceptance each day.
Patrick Peters
Interim Principal
Dothan Brook School
Spring Walk and Ride
This week’s Walk and Ride event was a great success! The beautiful weather, smiling faces, and positive energy made for a wonderful morning enjoyed by all.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible. Your support and participation are greatly appreciated.
We are already looking forward to next week’s Walk and Ride! Walk and Ride events will continue every Thursday through June 11.
DBS PTO Color Run! Friday, June 12th
Color Run *Date Change to June 12 before Field Day*
We are excited to announce the launch of our 2026 DBS Color Run Fundraiser! We are currently seeking donations and community support to help fund important programs and events for our school.
Funds raised through this event help support:
- Teacher Appreciation initiatives
- Family Movie Nights
- Student Enrichment Programs
- And other special activities for our DBS community
Our Color Run will take place on Friday, June 12th from 9:00-11:00 am before Field Day on the DBS athletic fields.
*Please consider volunteering to help with this super fun event!! Please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/uCKKSoT
Please add your student using the link below and start fundraising today!
The PTO is seeking a few volunteers to bring in toppings and help scoop the ice cream. Please sign up here:
Please sign up to volunteer to help on Field Day!
LAST CALL!!
Field day is Friday, June 12th -The weather looks great!! If you would like to help volunteer and oversee a station please reach out to Jim Hewitt to get your name on the list.
Thanks in advance
Curiosity Corner from Julia
Week 35: Modeling Inclusivity For Our Kids (Part 4)
Raising inclusive children isn't about delivering big lectures; it is built in the small, everyday moments. Our kids watch how we interact with the world, and they mirror our actions. It is essential that we intentionally foster empathy, encourage bravery and model true inclusivity for our children.
Empathy is the foundation of all inclusive behavior. When children learn to understand others' feelings, inclusion becomes second nature.
Ask "How would you feel?": Use storybooks, movies, or real-life playground situations to build reflection. If you see a child sitting alone, ask your child, "How do you think they feel right now? What would make them feel better?"
Focus on Shared Humanity: It is wonderful to celebrate differences, but don't forget to highlight common ground. If your child points out a difference, you might say: "She might use a wheelchair to get around, but look—she loves drawing just like you do!"
Build Emotional Intelligence: Children who understand and feel secure in their own emotions are naturally better equipped to respect the emotions and identities of others. Name their feelings early and often ("I see you're feeling frustrated, and that's okay").
Modeling inclusivity also means showing kids how to move from being passive bystanders to active "upstanders" who look out for others.
Role-Play Playground Scripts: Kids often want to help, but they simply don't know what to say. Give them the exact words. Practice simple, low-pressure scripts at home:
"Hey, do you want to come play trucks with us?"
"There's space next to me if you want to sit here."
Connect Kindness to Justice: Help your child see that being inclusive isn't just a "nice" thing to do—it is about fairness. Teach them that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Ultimately, by weaving these small actions into our daily routines, we don’t just teach our children how to live in a diverse world—we empower them to make it a kinder, fairer place for everyone.
Resources:
How to Promote Inclusive Thinking in School-Age Kids
7 Key Steps to Raising Inclusive Kids
Important Tips for Raising Inclusive Children – Youth First
