May Newsletter
Dear Dutch Creek Community,
I cannot believe that this is the last Principal’s Pen for the 22-23 school year! I catch myself saying this every year, but wow…time goes by so fast. School years seem to come and go in the blink of an eye. There are many events and so much to celebrate in this last month of school. I know that I will see many of you in the building celebrating with your children. I have many fun updates and celebrations for you to read about in the paragraphs below. Enjoy!
First of all, I would like to show gratitude for the several volunteers from Columbine High School who came out on April 20th. High school students are able to pick volunteer projects throughout the community on this day, and the CHS Cheer team chose to come to Dutch Creek for the second year in a row. They toughed it out through the chilly weather and helped beautify the outside of our school. They gave our beloved dolphin a serious facelift, painted the ball wall, and started a large mural that our 1st-grade students will continue. I am so grateful for these wonderful role models and the connection we create between elementary school and high school.
Once again, I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Parker for bringing unique and fun learning opportunities for our students! Last week, students in 3rd-5th grade learned how to skateboard in a safe environment with eager and fun coaches. This 3-day “camp” during “Specials” time taught skateboarding to students of all skill levels. Mrs. Parker continues to help students see the many different ways to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Her gym classes are full of biking, fishing, archery, scootering, and much more…far from my childhood experiences of endless dodgeball! Thank you, Mrs. Parker, for going above and beyond for our students!
As is with every end of the school year, we have to say goodbye to some staff members who have made an incredible impact on our students this year. First, Mrs. Marino has decided to take a year off next year to be home with her children. Mrs. Marino has been a long-time teacher at Dutch Creek, spending the last couple of years making Preschool fun and engaging for our youngest learners! Secondly, Mrs. Simmons will be leaving Dutch Creek at the end of this school year. Mrs. Simmons has been in Kindergarten for the last two years. She jumped in with a smile, helping us when we were short-staffed and in need of help. We are excited that she will get to spend time with her new baby! As always, there are staffing changes that occur at the very end of the school year and over the summer. Our final staffing for the 23-24 school year will be communicated with the community when registration and beginning-of-school information is sent out.
Keep an eye out for information from classroom teachers regarding end-of-year celebrations, an author visit, Field Day, and more. Also, be sure to see PTSA’s note about the Spring Carnival on May 20th. I hope you have much to celebrate and enjoy this month…I know I sure do! I hope you all enjoy a much-deserved summer break, enjoying the things that make your heart happy.
Cheers,
Sara Oliver