Gator Blast Archive, January 2020

DES PTO Gator Blast e-mail
Week of January 27-31, 2020

Early dismissal Tues & Wed., no school Thurs.
We are halfway through the school year…

 Calendar:                       

This Week:
Monday, January 27: AACPS Public Budget Meeting at Old Mill HS, 6:30 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29: 2 Hour Early Dismissal both days
Tuesday, January 28: County Council Dist. 7 Town Hall, 6-7:30 at SHS, details below
Thursday, January 30: NO SCHOOL, professional development
Friday, January 31: Start of the third marking period

A Look Ahead:
Monday, February 10: Report Cards distributed
Wednesday, February 12: 2 Hour Early Dismissal, professional development
Wednesday, February 12: Skate Zone fun night for DES, details to come
Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Class Parties
Monday, February 17: NO SCHOOL, President’s Day
Friday, February 21: Ident-A-Kid, info. will be sent home to parents
Friday, March 13: Gator Gamble-Family Edition, auction & dinner night, info. to come

News:                              

Thanks for Family Fitness Fun night
Thank you to everyone who came out to participate in our first Family Fitness Night at DES. Thanks also to the activity providers and businesses that helped us to make the event happen. Our biggest thanks to the PTO Social Committee and the Event Chairperson who came up with the idea and made the plan come alive – Jodi Doney, you are fantastic.

Golden Ticket Essay Contest for play tickets
“Willy Wonka, Jr.” is the DES school play this year and the show date is getting closer. The play leaders want to share the excitement by offering a fun contest to give away tickets to the show. Each grade level has its own theme to write about in an essay, and Kindergartners will draw a picture. If you have any questions, contact Nora at: nkadkins@gmail.com. Please bring all submissions to Ms. Isett by the end of the school day on Friday, February 7th.
See the Golden Ticket Essay Contest form here

Openings in the afternoon SACC program at DES
The Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Park’s sponsored Child Care program has openings for the after school program. The program operates from the end of the school day until 6:00 pm every day that school is open for students. Interested parents should visit the website at this link, or contact the Child Care office at 410-222-7856, ext. 0 for registration information.
See the AACPS SAAC flyer here

Chess Club kicks off mid-February
Chess Club will begin registering students in all grades this week for a 12-week session that begins on Feb. 12th. We will be sending that information and registration forms out in a mid-week Blast on Wednesday.

Yoga is looking for a few more 3rd-5th graders
Whole Kids Yoga returns for 3rd thru 5th graders at DES. The yoga folks want to remind everyone that this is about more than just yoga. The 6-week session will be held after school on Wednesdays, Feb. 5th – March 18th. Cost is $99. Registration form and waiver must be turned in with payment (checks to DES PTO) marked Whole Kids Yoga.
See the DES Winter Yoga flyer here

Best Wishes to a school community partner
The DES PTO would like to express our best wishes to the Principal of Central Middle School, Mrs. Millie Beall, who will be retiring on Friday, January 31st from her 50 year career with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Many DES parents know her and will miss her role in the education of our children as they move forward. The PTO would just like to share our gratitude and respect with Mrs. Beall for all she has accomplished.

Running help wanted
The PTO would like to put out a help wanted sign for the Spring Running Club that is still in the planning stages. We need someone to step up and take on a leadership role. We don’t want to do it, but if we can’t find a parent or two willing to help, the club may not happen this year. If you are in, contact Volunteer Chairperson Jenn Keefer at: jennkeefer215@gmail.com.

Reminders:       

Martial Arts program accepting registrations
DES and East Coast Martial Arts (ECMA) are offering the Gracie Bullyproof classes (for info. visit this link) on February 4, 6, 11 & 13th. Classes will be after school and cost $40.  Kids in all grades will learn the basics of conflict avoidance and bullyproofing techniques. Parents can participate as well. Send in payment marked “Martial Arts.” Contact Mike Schneider at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com.
See flyer online

Save the date & sign up for the Gallop
Just a reminder, all families are reminded to sign up for this spring’s Gator Gallop on Saturday, May 9th at Davidsonville Park. The event includes the 5K, the 1 mile for kids, and the 100 yard Gallop for kids as well as pre-race warm-ups, post-race refreshments, a Mascot chase and more! Visit the registration site to find out more about this fun, annual event. Register at this link. Registration is open through April 23rd.

Public Service Announcements:

County Council meeting Tuesday night
The DES PTO would like to remind everyone that there is a County Council Town Hall event being hosted this Tuesday, January 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at Southern High School in the auditorium. This is the District 7 event that includes areas where most DES families reside. If you’d like to come and listen or express opinions about the upcoming budget issues for the county and AACPS, you are welcome to attend. We urge you to stay informed if you care about education in Anne Arundel County. Click here to get more information or here to read a summary of the proposed AACPS budget for 2021.

DES PTO Gator Blast e-mail
Week of January 21-24, 2020

Concerts Wednesday & Thursday.
Family Fitness Fun this Friday! 

Calendar:                       

This Week:
Wednesday, January 22: Strings Concert, 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 23: Band & Chorus Concert, 6:30 pm
Friday, January 24: Family Fitness Fun Night event, 6-8 pm, details below

A Look Ahead:
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29: 2 Hour Early Dismissal both days
Thursday, January 30: NO SCHOOL, professional development
Friday, January 31: Start of the third marking period
Monday, February 10: Report Cards distributed
Wednesday, February 12: 2 Hour Early Dismissal, professional development
Wednesday, February 12: Skate Zone fun night for DES, details to come
Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Class Parties
Monday, February 17: NO SCHOOL, President’s Day

News:                              

Strong Minds, Strong Bodies!
Come celebrate good health at
Family Fitness Fun Night Friday
Everyone is invited to join us for DES Family Fitness Fun Night! Try a couple of new exercise programs and see how it feels. It’s a rare opportunity and we hope you all come to show your support for this PTO effort to host a healthy and positive event for our school community. Healthy snacks and drinks are also being provided to help fuel that mind and body! Join us for a fun and informational night at DES on Friday, January 24th from 6-8 pm – wear your comfy clothes and join the fun!  Signups for classes are not required but our class providers would love for you to RSVP at this link.
See the Family Fitness Fun Night flyer here

    Some of the local organizations coming out for Family Fitness:    

Music Concerts this week at DES
If you have a student in chorus, band, or strings, you know that performances for each group are set for this week. Strings will be on Wednesday at 6:30 pm, Band & Chorus will be on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Students have been asked to arrive earlier than concert time and are expected to wear the suggested concert attire. If parents have questions, contact the school. Note that parking can be crowded, please consider carpooling if possible. We have police helping us with traffic assistance.

Can you help?
A few volunteers are needed for Friday
Who can help set-up and/or runs station for our DES Fitness Night??? This event is going to be huge and we need a few more helpers to make it run smoothly!! E-mail Jodi at jodidoney@gmail.com if you can help us out that night….please!

Book-It Calendars are online
We remind you that students should join the Book-It reading program that runs from October to March. Students follow the reading guidelines of the program, fill in the monthly calendar and turn it into their teachers. You can find the calendars online at the DES PTO website at this link. Get busy reading, get a pizza coupon, and enjoy a special treat at the end of the year only if you turn in a calendar every month.
See calendars here

Break out the baby pictures…
Attention 5th grade families
You are being invited to submit special memories and photos for inclusion in this year’s yearbook. The book features a special section just for the families of 5th graders to share sentiments and includes baby photos, special pictures, and more. Check the flyer for all the details. So, collect your photographs, create your special wishes for the journey ahead, and e-mail it all to: desgatorsyearbook@gmail.com.
See flyer attached

Time to send in those Box Tops!
Or download the app and scan your receipt. This is new and super easy. The last few years, we have celebrated and said thank you to students by handing out freezer pops at Field Day. Thank you to the parents, grandparents, neighbors, etc. for sending them in and keeping this program successful at DES.  Please keep in mind the following when sending in your box tops:

· Box Tops must include valid expiration date and must say “Official Box Top” on them

Thanks again to everyone in advance for your full cooperation. If you have any questions please contact the program chair at: jinnap@yahoo.com.

In Recognition
Volunteer of the month for November:
Julie Weber
The DES PTO has selected Julie Weber as the Volunteer of the Month for November. Julie is mom to two students here at DES, Cori in 3rd grade and Amy  in the 1st grade. She enjoys reading to her students’ classes and attending all of the holiday parties. This year she organized the Fall Social event with lots of assistance from other parents. She is also involved in the School Play this year and likes to help at some of the many practices.

The PTO would like to recognize Julie for stepping up to take on the Social, which is never an easy job. We want you to know that this spirit of volunteerism is appreciated by everyone and we look forward to working with you in future years at DES. Congratulations!

Reminders:                        

Yoga sign-up still open for 3rd-5th graders
Whole Kids Yoga returns for 3rd thru 5th graders at DES. This program is more than just yoga, with fun activities included. The 6-week session will be held after school on Wednesdays, Feb. 5th – March 18th. Cost is $99. Registration form and waiver must be turned in with payment (checks to DES PTO) marked Whole Kids Yoga.
See flyer online

Martial Arts program is for all grades
DES and East Coast Martial Arts (ECMA) are teaming up again. ECMA will offer Gracie Bullyproof classes (for info. visit this link) on February 4, 6, 11 & 13th. Classes will be after school and cost $40.  Kids will learn the basics of conflict avoidance and bullyproofing techniques. Parents can participate as well. Send in payment marked “Martial Arts.” Contact Mike Schneider at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com.
See flyer online

Still accepting last-minute sports gear donations
WANTED: Any and all used sports equipment!!! You’ve got old cleats, lacrosse sticks, shin guards, etc… that you aren’t using anymore? Then donate them to the Gator Gear Swap at the DES Family Fitness Night so they may be passed along to other DES families.  Please drop your items in the box in the hallway. Any items that are not “adopted” at the DES Family Fitness Night will be donated to others.

DES PTO Gator Blast e-mail
Week of January 13-17, 2020

Send in your sports gear donations
for the upcoming Gator Gear Swap by Friday.

 Calendar:                   

This Week:
Tuesday, January 14: Board of Education Budget Workshop, 6pm, details in last week’s Blast
Friday, January 17: Yearbook Club & Group photo day
Friday, January 17: Sports Equipment drop-off morning at DES, details below
Friday, January 17: Optional Science Fair Help Session, 8:15 am, details in last week’s Blast

A Look Ahead:
Monday, January 20: NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
Wednesday, January 22: Strings Concert, 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 23: Band & Chorus Concert, 6:30 pm
Friday, January 24: Family Fitness Fun Night event, 6-8 pm, details below
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29: 2 Hour Early Dismissal both days
Thursday, January 30: NO SCHOOL, professional development
Friday, January 31: Start of the third marking period
Monday, February 10: Report Cards distributed
Wednesday, February 12: 2 Hour Early Dismissal, professional development
Wednesday, February 12: Skate Zone fun night for DES, details to come
Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Class Parties

News:                            

Share another season…
Donate used sports equipment – final call this week
WANTED: Any and all used sports equipment!!! You’ve got old cleats, lacrosse sticks, shin guards, etc… that you aren’t using anymore? Then donate them to the Gator Gear Swap at the DES Family Fitness Night so they may be passed along to other DES families.  Please bring your items to the DES office on or before January 17th  and we will take care of the rest.  Any items that are not “adopted” at the DES Family Fitness Night will be donated to another school within our area. This is a GREAT opportunity to help area youth, to be environmentally friendly, and to get some items you CAN use!
See the Sports Gear Donation flyer here

Sign-ups still open, sessions start today!
Winter Coding Program for grades 2-5
Registration is now open for students in grades 2-5 for another Coding Club session at DES. The program will be led by the Silver Knights Enrichment crew that hosted the fall session and will meet on Mondays before school, from Jan. 13 through March 16. Cost is $196 for 8 sessions. Fill in the registration form and submit with payment (checks to DES PTO) marked for Coding Club. Given the late date, anyone wishing to register their student for tomorrow’s session should contact the program chair, John Ellinwood, tonight, e-mail here.
See the DES 2020 Winter Coding Program flyer here

Get Fit with DES!! 
Family Fitness Fun Night is January 24th
Bring the whole family! We believe in healthy minds and healthy bodies at DES.  So, join us for our first annual DES Family Fitness Fun Night! Try a Zumba class or Jazzercise, or even a Martial Arts class for FREE at DES! Snacks and drinks are also being provided to help fuel that mind and body! We’ve even got a representative from Pathways coming to discuss the dangerous new trends our teenagers are facing. Join us for a fun and informational night at DES on Friday, January 24th from 6-8 pm – wear your comfy clothes and join the fun!
All are welcome to participate! Please RSVP for the event so we know you are coming.

** Got a fitness or healthy lifestyle business to share and/or want to help support the event? Contact Jodi at jodidoney@gmail.com.  
See the Family Fitness Fun Night 2020 flyer here

Yoga returns for 3rd thru 5th graders
Whole Kids Yoga returns for 3rd thru 5th graders at DES. This program is more than just yoga, with fun kid-oriented activities also included. The 6-week session will be held after school on Wednesdays, February 5th – March 18th. Cost is $99. Registration form and waiver must be turned in with payment (checks to DES PTO) in an envelope marked for Whole Kids Yoga. Limited enrollment, so turn in your registrations soon.
See the Winter 2020 Yoga flyer here

Martial Arts program begins in February for all grades
DES and East Coast Martial Arts (ECMA) are teaming up for the 2020 Martial Arts Enrichment program! ECMA will offer Gracie Bullyproof classes (for info. visit this link) on February 4, 6, 11 & 13th. Classes will be after school at DES for students of all ages and cost $40. All profits will be donated to the DES PTO. Kids will learn the basics of conflict avoidance and bullyproofing techniques. This will be a much different program than past classes. Kids with martial arts experience are welcome and parents can participate as well!  Space is limited.

Students will hear more about it in gym classes or you can follow the link in the attached flyer to register. Sign up now!  Send in your payment in an envelope marked “Martial Arts” or bring it to the front office. Contact Chair Mike Schneider with questions at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com. If students need financial help, contact Mrs. Isett (school counselor) at this e-mail address.
See the Winter 2020 Martial Arts flyer here

DES’ Gator Gallop Registration is now OPEN!
Join in the family fun at this spring’s Gator Gallop on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Davidsonville Park. The event includes the 5K, the 1 mile for kids, and the 100 yard Gallop for kids as well as pre-race warm-ups, post-race refreshments, a Mascot chase and more! Visit the registration site to find out more about this fun, annual event. Register at this link. Registration is open through April 23rd.

It’s an all-new experience…
Committee Planning meeting for this year’s Gator Gamble
This is the big event of the year and this time, the whole family is invited to The Gator Gamble – Family Edition, set for Friday, March 13th. The Gator Gamble Committee will be holding an event planning discussion this Sunday, Jan. 19th at 5:30 pm (time & location will be confirmed with all who RSVP). We could use some help making this year’s Gator Gamble come to life with a new look, a new feel, and a new location – join us to find out more. If you think you’d like to attend, reach out to PTO Fundraising Chair Lisa Gebbia by e-mail. Thanks to all who can help.

DES PTO Gator Blast e-mail
Week of January 6-10, 2020

Welcome Back to The Blast, where we’re still
getting used to writing 2020!

 Calendar:                   

This Week:
Thursday, January 9: Registration deadline for Science & Engineering Fair projects
Thursday, January 9: Board of Educ. public budget hearing, 6:30pm, Parham Bldg.
Thursday, January 9: PTO Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Media Center

 A Look Ahead:
Friday, January 17: Yearbook Club & Group photo day
Friday, January 17: Sports Equipment drop-off morning at DES
Friday, January 17: Optional Science Fair Help Session, 8:15 am, details below
Monday, January 20: NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
Wednesday, January 22: Strings Concert, 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 23: Band & Chorus Concert, 6:30 pm
Friday, January 24: Family Fitness Fun Night event
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29: 2 Hour Early Dismissal both days
Thursday, January 30:NO SCHOOL, professional development
Friday, January 31: Start of the third marking period
Monday, February 10: Report Cards distributed
Wednesday, February 12: 2 Hour Early Dismissal, professional development
Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Class Parties

News:         

Sign-up quickly for this one!
Winter Coding Program starts next week for grades 2-5
Registration is now open for students in grades 2-5 for another Coding Club session at DES. The program will be led by the Silver Knights Enrichment crew that hosted the fall session and will meet on Mondays before school, from Jan. 13 through March 16. Cost is $196 for 8 sessions. Fill in the registration form and submit with payment (checks to DES PTO) marked for Coding Club. Better move quickly as the club is slated to begin next week and there are limited spots available. For info., e-mail here.
See flyer attached

Science Fair Registration due this week
If your student intends to take part in this year’s Science & Engineering Fair, they must send in forms by this Thursday, January 9th. Register by filling out Form 1A for science projects or Form 1B for engineering projects, and return to your science teacher. You can find more information online at this link. The fair will be held on March 6th.

Note that the next optional Help Session will be held on Friday, Jan. 17th at 8:15 am before school with a focus on running experiments and logging data. All students are welcome to attend these drop-in sessions at any point. The next will be on Tuesday, Jan. 21st after school. RSVP’s are encouraged for all help sessions. Send an e-mail today.

Another chance to try Martial Arts
DES and East Coast Martial Arts are teaming up for the 2020 Martial Arts Enrichment program! ECMA will offer at least 5 introductory Gracie Bullyproof classes (Click here for more background) later in January. Classes will be immediately after school at DES for students of all ages and only cost $40. All profits will be donated to the DES PTO.  Kids will learn the basics of conflict avoidance and bullyproofing techniques. The class schedule will be announced soon.  This will be a much different program than our past classes, and as usual, kids with experience are welcome and parents can participate as well! Space is limited. Children will hear more about the program in their gym classes next week and you can follow this link to register now if you know you’d like to sign up. Contact Program Chair, Mike Schneider with any questions at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com. 

Yearbook still wants your photo contributions
The yearbook creators are actively seeking all photos of all students this year. This is a huge project and if you’d like to see your student represented in this special book, you should probably help the designers with content. If you have event photos or anything school-related to submit to the DES PTO Yearbook Committee, send them to this email address: desgatorsyearbook@gmail.com. Please try to include any information you can to help them place the picture in the proper category. Subject lines should include names and events if known. Thanks for your help with this year’s book of memories!

PTO seeks feedback from parents
DES PTO representatives have been asked by the Parent Involvement Advisory Council to seek the input of parents regarding some upcoming issues of interest. If you have any thoughts you’d like to share on how AACPS or your school handles school security, equity, bullying policy, or communication, please come to the next PTO meeting to discuss them, or you can e-mail any board member at the addresses below to share as well. You can always jump on the PTO’s Facebook page and send messages there also.

Coming Soon:
Chess Program will return in mid-February, look for info. soon
Family Fitness Fun Night is set for January 24th, put it on your calendar!
Sports Equipment Drop-off is Jan. 17th, mark donations with your name for credit
Candy Bar Bingo is set for March 6th, the same evening as Science Fair
Gator Gamble – Family Edition Stay tuned for details on the big auction event
School Play is happening in March, get ready for Willy Wonka!

 Public Service Announcements: 

Documentary on teenage anxiety at SRHS next week
Join other parents from the South River school cluster area for the documentary Angst, sponsored by CMS PTSA, on Tuesday January 14th, 6:30 pm, at South River High School Auditorium. This film is designed to raise awareness of teenage anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. The film seeks to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety, as well as provide tools, resources, and above all, hope. A discussion panel with community mental health professionals will follow the film. To find out more about it, visit this link.

Stay informed & involved!
AACPS and County Council discussing billion-dollar budget
It’s that time of year again. Everyone is busy planning budgets for Fiscal Year 2021. Superintendent Arlotto presented his plan to the Board of Education in December. The BOE now gets to listen to opinions and tweak things as needed until a target date of Feb. 19th. They must present their final version to the County Exec office by March 1st, who then sends it to the County Council by May 1st for inclusion in the county budget.

The DES PTO would like to inform everyone of the many opportunities to take part in the process. You can attend any session that is open to the public of either the Board of Education or the County Council. You can attend to just listen, or you can plan to speak your opinion on topics. Whatever you choose, please stay informed if you care about education in Anne Arundel County. Click here to get more information or here to read a summary. You can also contact members of the AACPS Board of Education by phone or by e-mail. Visit this link for that info.

Here is a list of upcoming dates and locations:

Board of Education meetings/budget hearings:
(Please review new rules to sign-up to speak)
January 7, 6:30 p.m. at Old Mill HS (Budget Hearing)
January 8, 10 a.m. at Board of Education (BOE Meeting public session)
January 9, 6:30 p.m. at BOE Board Room (Budget Hearing)
January 14, 6:00 p.m. at BOE Board Room (Budget Workshop – no public testimony)
January 22, 7 p.m. at BOE Board Room (BOE Meeting public session)

County Executive/County Council Town Halls:
January 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Lindale MS Auditorium- District 1
January 9, 6:30-8 p.m. Annapolis MS Cafeteria- District 6
January 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Old Mill HS Media Center – District 2
January 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Northeast HS Auditorium – District 3
January 23, 6-7:30 p.m. Arundel HS Cafeteria – District 4
January 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Southern HS Auditorium – District 7 (most DES families)
January 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Severna Park MS Cafeteria – District 5

You do not have to attend the County Town Hall only in your district. You can attend/speak at any of them to share what you would like funded in this year’s budget.
See info. on the county Town Hall meetings here.

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