Sandpiper Scoop
March 23-27
We are thrilled to announce we were able to raise $61,074! Thank you to the families and friends who donated to help support our goal of purchasing new technology items for students!
Please see the message below from the WCSD Transportation Department regarding updates to the Here Comes the Bus appication.
What’s changing
By the end of March, the updated version of the Here Comes the Bus app will be released to all users on Android and iOS. Android users may already be familiar with this version, as it has been available in the Google Play Store as a Beta release for the past few months.
Once the update is released, parents and caregivers will automatically see the new experience when they update the app.
Why this update is happening
As part of our Software Modernization Initiative, the HCTB app is being refreshed with a more modern design and improved functionality to make it easier and more intuitive for parents and caregivers to use.
What parents will notice
The updated app includes:
- A refreshed interface with bottom navigation
- Faster account creation – using a secure 4-digit code
- Optional student photo upload
- New Single Sign‑On (SSO) options, including Clever, ClassLink, Microsoft, and others
- An optional setting to limit bus visibility to a defined stop radius
What parents need to do
For most users, no action is required beyond updating the app when prompted through the App Store or Google Play. Parents will then follow the on‑screen steps to sign in and continue using HCTB.
Support and resources
The Here Comes the Bus Knowledge Base is the best place for parents to find answers to common questions about the new app experience. It includes step‑by‑step guidance and FAQs you can share with families in advance to reduce confusion and support requests.
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!
This month, the characteristic of the month is critical thinking and problem solving!
Each month, Resiliency Florida features one of the 11 key Resiliency Characteristics as the Characteristic of the 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!
For your convenience, sign up for EZ school pay https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx
LOST AND FOUND ITEMS WILL BE DONATED OVER SPRING BREAK!
Medication at school:
The front desk cannot intake medications. Prescription and OTC medications must be checked in with nurse.
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
2026 Fun Run – We are thrilled to announce we were able to raise $61,074! Thank you to the families and friends who donated to help support our goal of purchasing new laptops for students!
March Dune Lakes Dines – Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th! Visit Los Rancheros and they will donate 10% of sales back to the Boosters! Please mention Dune Lakes Elementary.
Sandpiper Boosters General Meeting and 26-27 Election - April 7, 2026 at 8am - 9am in the cafeteria. If you are interested in applying to serve on the Booster Board, please complete the application by March 31, 2026. Apply Here :: Sandpiper+Boosters+Nominating+Form_03.09.26.pdf
Spirit Shop – You can shop Sandpiper Merch year-round! Shop Here : Spirit Shop — 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 | Adrienne Seaborn, Secretary | Amity Hoch, Director | Randi Doris, Director | Ellen Gleason, Director ellaci, Director| Brittany Golden, Director | Emily Madden, Director | Ashlee Mitchell, Director | Ortal Shaya-Montoya, Director | Lindsey Rogers, Director | Kristen Sandoe, Director
- 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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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/
Have questions? Contact us via Let's Talk!
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