The Cub Reporter

Dutch Fork Elementary School.Academy of Environmental Sciences

7900 Broad River Road Irmo, SC 29063 y (803) 476-3900 FAX (803) 476-3920
www.lexrich5.org/dutchfork.cfm y Title I School
December 17, 2015

Getting Outdoors at DFESAES

Dec 18
Winter Homeroom Parties
Dec 21 Jan 3
Winter Holidays

Jan 4
Return to School
PTO Mtg. 6:00 p.m. Media Ctr
Jan 6
Second Cup of Coffee 7:30 am
Media Center
Jan 7
Magnet Open House at CATE
Center 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Jan 11
Dist. Board Mtg. 7:00pm DFMS
Jan 13
Magnet Open House 6:00-7:30
p.m. at DFESAES
Jan 15
Student Holiday/Staff
Development
Jan 18
Student and Staff Holiday
Jan 22
Report Cards go home
Tag of Honor Ceremony
8:05-3rd grade, 9:05-1st grade,
10:05-5th grade, 11:05-4th
grade, 12:20-2nd grade
Jan 25
Tag of Honor Ceremony
8:15-PreK & Hardies class
9:30-Kdg.

At DFESAES, we are not only committed to attending more

field experiences this year, but we are also committed to getting
outdoors for classroom instruction. Research shows that even
an additional 20 minutes of outdoor exposure increases brain
activity and productivity. Our teachers at DFESAES are making
every effort to get our children outdoors more during the
instructional day. Teaching outdoors is not just for science
instruction. Some of our classes even go out for a math lesson!
Our school has many outdoor areas for teaching. We recently finished
construction on our Outdoor Classroom. We now have a nature trail on our
property where students can use their investigative skills to identify animal tracks,
mushrooms, shrubs and trees. Our Secret Garden, located in our courtyard, is host
to mostly all SC native plant species, a small pond, and has 2 large seating areas
for classes to meet for a lesson. Kennys Garden is where our container garden is
located. Right now we have winter vegetables growing and are in the process of
planning our spring plantings! There are also 3 tables with umbrellas available
where students can sit during a lesson.
We have recently started a partnership with Harbison
State Forest. Their educational staff will be here once a month
to work with our Kit Klub (after school daycare program).
Students will enjoy environmental experiences and projects
around our school. The first visit was December 16.
Over the holiday season, take an opportunity to get outdoors with your
children. There are many great places to go for a winter hike. Peachtree Rock,
Congaree National Park, Harbison State Forest and Saluda Shoals Park are
wonderful areas where your family can safely walk in the woods. I hope you all
have a wonderful holiday!
Amy Umberger, Resident Scientist

We will take donations for our mitten tree

through December 18. You can donate mittens,
gloves, hats and socks. Donated items will be
taken to a local charity to be distributed to
families in need during the winter months.

Thank you to all the families

who have come out to
support our Spirit Nights!
And a HUGE Thank You to
all the restaurants who have
supported us so far! We look
forward to more Spirit
Nights throughout the rest
of the year. So far this is
what we have earned:
Chick-fil-A:
Moes:
Chipotle:

District 5 Magnet Fairs

Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Center for Advanced Technical Studies
5:30 7:00 p.m.

$135.93
$124.22
$399.20

Thanks everyone!

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Dutch Fork Elementary School
Academy of Environmental Sciences
6:00 7:30 p.m.

Come see what District 5

has to offer.you have a choice!
Parents, please make sure your
child maintains a positive
balance in his/her lunchroom
account. When an account falls
into the negative category, your
child will only be offered a
sandwich and milk for lunch and
the account will be charged for
these items. Please make it a
habit to check periodically to
make sure no accounts fall into
a negative balance!

Student Applications will be accepted January 25 through

February 5, 2016. Notification emails will be sent on
February 15 and the acceptance window will be
February 15-22.
A note from the Coach . . .
P.E. Shoes
Wearing the wrong shoes can really impact a students safety or success during PE
activities. Shoes like boots, sandals, slip-ons, and even dress shoes can get in the
way with simple activities like running, jumping and stopping. It is important for
students to wear proper footwear (i.e. tennis shoes, running shoes or sneakers) in
order to participate safely and successfully in class activities. Your cooperation in
making sure their safety and active participation is very much appreciated.
Coach Geurkink

The Faculty and Staff of DFESAES

Wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a
Happy New Year!

December 2015
Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed
1

Thu
2

Fri
3

Second Cup of
Coffee 7:30 a.m. in
the Media Center

Sat
4

Interims Go Home

MAP Testing
Grades 1-5

Map Testing
Grades 1-5

13

14
District Board Mtg.
7:00 CATE Center

20

10

15

16

17

DFES Spirit Night

at Blimpie 5-8 p.m.

12

18

19

21

Winter Homeroom
Parties

22

23

24

Winter Holidays
27

11

SIC/PTO Joint Mtg.

6:00pm Media Ctr.
Holiday Concert 5th
Gr. Chorus &
Strings 6:00 p.m.

28

29

30

Winter Holidays
Return to school on Monday, January 4

31

25

26