May 2026 Dragon Digest

Dear Desana Families,

It's hard to believe the school year has flown by and that May is already here! We will soon be saying goodbye to our 8th graders, which is always a bittersweet moment for all of us. To our 8th-grade families, thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gifts. We wish our Dragons the best regardless of their next destination.

As is typical, the beginning and end of the school year are the busiest times. Our May newsletter contains a lot of information, and it may feel like a lot to take in at once. Please know that we will also be sending out weekly updates to ensure you are well-informed about all upcoming events and activities.

Let’s work together to finish the school year strong!

Sincerely,

Principal Sargent

• 5/4 - 5/7- 6th Grade JA Field Trip
• 5/4 -5/8- 26-27 Course Recommendations posted in Parent Portal
• 5/4 -5/8- Course Recommendation 2nd look form available on our website
• 5/12 - 6th Grade Field Day
• 5/13 - 7th Grade Field Day
• 5/14 - 8th Grade Picnic and Field Day
• 5/18 - 5/20- Final Exams

• 5/22 - Early Release Last Day of School
• 5/22 - 8th Grade Walk

May 4 - May 8 beginning at 9:00am, you will be able to view your student's course recommendations for the 26-27 school year on Parent Portal. If you would like the DeSana administration to take a 2nd look at your student's recommendations, please fill out the form below. You will receive an answer to your request by July 31, 2026. Please reach out to Mrs. Jamie Bui with any questions: f27191@forsyth.k12.ga.us

This form will be available May 4 - May 8.

26-27 Rising 6th grade 2nd look form

26-27 Rising 7th grade 2nd look form

26-27 Rising 8th grade 2nd look form

Final exams will take place between May 18th through May 20th. The table below shows which exams students will take each day. We will operate on a block schedule, but times will be slightly different for each grade level. Students will be eating lunch in the classroom all three days. We strongly encourage families to prioritize student attendance during the exam window, as these assessments are an important part of each student’s learning experience and course grade.

In the event of an unforeseen absence, the following makeup opportunities will be available.

• May 20 (afternoon), May 21, and May 22
• July 20 and July 21

After July 21, final exam makeup opportunities will no longer be available. Any exam marked as missing will remain a zero.

As we approach the end of the school year, we are proud to celebrate the enthusiasm our students have shown in participating in our Thunder Token program and weekly Treat Trolley. Their continued engagement has contributed to a positive and rewarding school environment.

We are especially excited to share that we have met our grade-level goals for two consecutive quarters, and most grade levels are on track to achieve their Quarter 4 goals as well. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the collective support of our administrative team, dedicated teachers, and hardworking students.

Students, we encourage you to continue demonstrating the Dragon Way as we finish the year strong!

Please be aware that all 8th grade students must return their school-issued Chromebook and charger to their Connect & Thrive teacher on Wednesday, May 20th after completing their final exam.

6th and 7th grade students will keep their Chromebooks over summer break to use when they return to DeSana. If your child will not be returning to DeSana, they will return their Chromebook and charger to their Connect & Thrive teacher as well.

When the Chromebook is turned in, it will be checked for the following:

• Is the device that is turned in the same device that is checked out to that particular student?
• Is the original case on the device?
• Was the charger (both the charging cable and charging block) turned in?
• Is there any damage to the charger?
• Is there visible damage to the Chromebook screen?
• Is there damage to the keyboard?
• Is there any physical damage to the Chromebook, including things like gouges, scratches, paint, drawings, and adhesive stickers?

Damage to the Chromebook or charger may result in a fine issued on SchoolPay. To see the cost of specific repairs, please visit our district website for the cost summary.

Please remind your child to bring both their Chromebook AND charger with them to school on Wednesday, May 20th. Students will not be issued their yearbook until these items are returned and fines will be issued on SchoolPay.

6th grade students will be going on a field trip to JA Biztown with their social studies class on the following dates.

May 4 - Ms. Yarber, Mrs. Cilluffo and Ms. C. Crawford's social studies classes

May 5 - Ms. Whitley's social studies classes

May 6 - Ms. Bacon's social studies classes (except 3rd period)

May 7 - Ms. Ostrowski's social studies classes and Ms. Bacon's 3rd period social studies class

While there, students will have an opportunity to interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of starting and running a business. Buses will leave around 9:00am and return at 3:00pm.

Students have a choice to either bring their lunch or buy their lunch from the DeSana cafeteria.

The two purchase options are below. They will make their choice on the day of the field trip.

• PBJ, fruit, veggie, milk (they will choose on the day)

• Turkey/Cheese sandwich, fruit, veggie, milk (they will choose on the day)

Please direct any questions regarding this trip to your student's social studies teacher.

This is a reminder about a few end of the year events for our 8th grade students. More details were included in the messenger sent last week.

• Thursday, May 14th: 8th Grade Field Day & Picnic
• Dress for participation in athletic and outdoor events (school appropriate attire still required), wear sunscreen, and bring a water bottle.
• The cost for the picnic is $10 and can be purchased on SchoolPay. If you purchased a Dragon Pack at the beginning of the school year, the picnic has already been paid for.

• Friday, May 22nd: 8th Grade Walk & Early Checkout Opportunity
• Students will take a “final walk” through the halls of Desana. Families are invited to attend and celebrate with their students. More specific details will be shared in another messenger next week.

The Birthday Book Club!

Does your student like to celebrate their birthday?

We’d like to celebrate with them!

Join the Birthday Book Club and we will make sure that your student’s birthday month is one to remember 😍

Please pay on School Pay and Complete the Google Form located in the description for the item.

YES! You may sign up for the 2026-27 school year now!

Make their birthday even better AND help the MLC!

Dates to Know!

• May 1st - Final day to return books to the MLC! But as lost books are found, please return them. Remember that fines will show in SchoolPay, but will disappear when the book is returned! Feel free to wait to pay until after lockers have been cleared.

Things to Know!

• Fines for lost books should be paid on SCHOOLPAY. If you have not set up your account, please do so HERE. All books not returned by mid-May will be marked as lost, and fines will show up in your student’s SchoolPay account.

• Our final Breakfast with Books will be held Friday, May 8. We will do our final Beanstack count as of Friday, May 1.

• Remind your student to visit us in the MLC before school. There is so much to do - and so many books to read. We are open every day except Thursday from 8:15am. Students pick up a pass from the teacher on duty. We even have a 3-D printer available for students to use.

The PTO donated one set of these wonderful new book shelves to the MLC, and the other set was purchased with profits from the World Famous Lollipop Board! If you have supported the PTO, had your student purchase a donut, lollipop or book from the Book Fair… we are very grateful!

Let's Shout Out the Amazing DeSana Staff!

Want to celebrate one of our amazing teachers/staff members? Use this link button below to give a shout-out! Your kind words go a long way in spreading positivity and showing appreciation for the hard work our staff puts in every day.

May Shout Out Link

Attention Rising 7th Grade Students & Families

GA STATE REQUIREMENT OF MENINGOCOCCAL (MCV4) AND TDAP (TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, AND PERTUSSIS) IMMUNIZATIONS

Your child will need these updated immunizations prior to the first day of the new school year.

Don't wait, schedule your child's appointment as soon as possible!

FRIENDLY MEDICATION REMINDER

Medications & medical equipment checked into the school clinic must be picked up by a parent or guardian by 12:00pm on May 22nd. Medications & medical equipment are not stored in the clinic over summer break and will be properly discarded if not picked up. Our school nurses must abide by these guidelines as outlined by Forsyth County Schools' Policy.

AMISTOSO MEDICAMENTO RECORDATORIO

Los medicamentos y equipos médicos registrados en la clínica escolar deben ser retirados por un padre o tutor antes de las 12:00 pm del 22 de mayo. Los medicamentos y equipos médicos no se almacenan en la clínica durante las vacaciones de verano y serán desechados adecuadamente si no son retirados. Nuestros enfermeros escolares deben cumplir con estas pautas, tal como lo establece la política de las Escuelas del Condado de Forsyth.

Sponsorship
Do you have a business or organization that can sponsor an event, activity, or monthly teacher treat for our school? Corporate and small business donations and sponsorships are a fantastic way to advertise your business, while giving back to our school. If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at desanadragonspto@gmail.com.

Lunch Duty – Volunteers Needed!

FRIDAY 5/15/26. Parents, here’s another fun way to be part of the school day! Once a month, you can sign up to help during lunch, keeping an eye on students and supporting our staff. It’s an easy, rewarding way to get involved and see the kids in action while making a big difference.

Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4CAAAC23A0FF2-60598258-lunch

8th Grade Yard sign🎓
If you ordered an 8th Grade Graduation Yard Sign, your sign has arrived and is ready for pickup in the front lobby of the school!
If you have any questions or are unable to pick up your sign during office hours, please let us know and we will do our best to arrange an alternate pickup option. 🐉

If you haven’t ordered and still want to order, store is closed but you can place an individual order to be delivered to your home
For Official DeSana Middle School 8th Grade Grad Sign 2026 yard sign order here: https://spirithero.com/collections/desana-middle-school-8th-grade-grad-signs-2026

Field Day Fun is Almost Here! 🎉
Field Day is almost here, and we can’t wait for one of the most exciting traditions of the year! 🎉 Students will enjoy a full day of games, fun, and friendly competition—with a special Field Day planned for each grade level. It’s always a highlight of the school year and a day our students look forward to all year long!

To make this event a success, we need amazing volunteers like you. Field Day is only possible with the help of our incredible school community, and we’d love for you to join in the fun and help make this day unforgettable for our Dragons! 🐉https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B044AAFAF29A2F94-63790349-6thgrade?useFullSite=false

🐉 Join the DeSana Dragons PTO Team!
Interested in serving as a DeSana Dragons PTO Chairperson for the 2026–2027 school year? Now is the perfect time to get involved! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement makes a big difference in supporting our students, teachers, and school community.

Interested in learning more about the roles?

Please email us at desanadragonspto@gmail.com with your interests and contact information.

Come be part of something great—we’d love to have you on the team!

We are so excited about Field Day! Please sign up using the link below if you would like to help!

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B044AAFAF29A2F94-63790349-6thgrade?useFullSite=false

DeSana Summer Basketball Camp

Dates: June 15-18

Times: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Registration Link: https://secure.rec1.com/GA/forsyth-county-ga/catalog

Directions to register:

1 - Click on "Sports"

2 - Click on "Youth Basketball Camps"

3 - Click on "DeSana Middle School Basketball Skills Camp"

4 - Create an account

To access our website, please click this link: Home - DeSana Middle

To send a message to your student, please click this link: 2025-2026 DeSana Student Communication Form