There are so many one-time projects and ongoing programs that are or have been supported by the fundraising efforts of the DES PTO. Here is just a sample of some of them.
In 2018-2019:
- Planning to purchase even more new Chromebooks for the school
- Cultural Arts Programs
- We’re looking at buying water fountains with a filter system and water bottle filling capabilities!
- Stay tuned for more plans for future projects as the year progresses.
In 2017-2018:
- 177 new Chromebooks for the school & 3 mobile storage carts for them
- Cultural Arts Programs
- Looking into a new sign for the school
- Art department bulletin board for display of student artwork
- A new Lost & Found rack
- Contributed to covering the cost of Fingerprinting service for AACPS
- Improved landscape and beautification projects with increased funding
- Purchased an extra document camera
- Hosted a special movie night to celebrate DES’ 15th anniversary
- Allotted extra money for front office improvements
- Implemented a lanyard system for field trip chaperones and others
In 2016-2017:
- New high resolution cameras for the Yearbook Committee
- 50 new Chromebooks w/extended warranties
- 15 board games for 2nd grade classrooms
- New custom made t-shirts for the entire staff
- New CD/Cassette players for K-2 classrooms
- Cultural Arts programs included: The U.S. Navy Band, local meteorologist Justin Berk, and two visiting authors.
- Hosted a guest speaker from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on protecting young children on the Internet
- Hosted a guest speaker on Homework Assistance for parents
- New benches and picnic tables installed
- A commemorative bench, gator statue, and plaque for our departing principal
In 2015-2016:
- We bought that huge new playground! Yay for all of our families & friends.
- Kindergarten teachers got iPads
- The cafeteria sound system was repaired & upgraded with new microphones
- A school play was introduced for the first time in years.
- New color printers and ink were purchased for teachers to use.
- New area fencing is in the works for the new playground area.
- New benches and picnic tables are also planned purchases.
- Board games were given to all classrooms for rainy day recesses.
- 5th grade classrooms got new dictionaries.
- Cultural Arts programs included The US Navy Band, a magician, an anti-bullying assembly, and a visiting author.
- The music department was provided funds for new instrument purchases.
In 2014-2015:
- We are on the move for a large investment in new playground equipment.
- 10 ChromeBooks were purchased with PTO funds to assist with PARCC testing
- A new microwave for the teacher’s lounge.
- A CD player for the band and strings program.
Ongoing Projects & Programs include:
- Each current teacher receives a gift card to help with classroom expenses on Back to School Night from the PTO and member parents.
- Gifts to our front office staff on Administrative Professional’s Day
- Gifts to our custodial Staff on Custodial Appreciation Day
- Teacher Appreciation Week – a weeklong extravaganza to show our teachers how very much we thank them for all that they do.
- Volunteer of the Month recognitions
- Ice Cream Socials
- Candy Bar Bingo
- Holiday Shoppe
- Gator Gallop 5K run
- 5th Grade Promotion celebration with gifts for departing students
- Drownproofing program for 5th graders to teach water safety and survival skills.
- I Read, You Read – a reading assistance program
- Cultural Arts programs with visiting authors and artists
- Field Day treats
- Green School club and projects to enhance the Outdoor Education Gardens
- Recess activities and supplies
- Spelling Bee competition
- Book Fairs
- The Book-It Reading Incentive program
- Teacher Elves – provides assistance to all teachers and staff for misc. work
- The School Store is staffed and supported by the PTO.
- The Box Tops for Education program is handled by the PTO with funds directly benefitting DES.
- Kids Fitness Prpgram
- Cooking Program
- Yoga Program
- Geo Bee Club
- Martial Arts Program
- Engineering Program
- Chess Club
- Various running and athletic programs and clubs
- School Supply Kit ordering
- Subsidies for teachers seeking additional training or conference registration
- Assistance with custodial supply requests
In past years, our funds have purchased:
- Smart Boards for every classroom in the school. This was a huge addition of new technology for our students and teachers.
- Lightspeed microphones for kindergarten and 1st grade teachers to improve communication within the classroom.
- Software licenses to increase the number of available workstations in the computer lab.
- The rock climbing wall in the school gym
rev date 8/29/18 (cf)
