Week of October 27-31, 2025
Good Morning Cavalier Families,
It’s been a busy and productive week at DCES! Our Cavaliers have had a strong start to the second quarter, diving into learning, leadership, and exciting activities across the school.
Our 3rd graders mesmerized the audience with their fly-tastic musical, “Wing It!” They did a hum-mazing job inspiring us to take risks, spread our wings, and soar! It was a night full of energy and joy, and our students truly shined on stage. Thank you so much to all the families who came to support the program, and a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Luce for directing such a lovely music program!
1st Quarter Report Cards were sent home on Friday, October 24. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school if you have any questions. Take a moment to celebrate your student’s progress and the effort they’ve invested in Quarter 1!
As we begin the second quarter, we encourage families to continue empowering students to lead their learning by setting goals for growth. Whether it’s a continuation of goals in their Leader in Me binders or new goals they’re ready to take action on, discuss the daily commitments that will help them succeed (e.g. reading or practicing math facts for 10 minutes each day). Together, let’s continue to build a community of learners who are empowered to lead and leaders who truly "begin with the end in mind."
Important Dates
Week of Oct 27-31, 2025: Red Ribbon Spirit Week
A Fire Safety Drill will be conducted this week.
Monday, Oct 27:
World Occupational Therapy Day- Thank you so much to our amazing OT team, Mrs. Lexy Sanders and Mrs. Rachel Schramm, for the incredible ways they support our Cavaliers in building confidence and independence every day!
Wednesday, Oct 29:
PLC Day (1 HR Late Start)
Thursday, Oct 30:
School Picture Retake Day
PTO Trunk or Treat in the K-2 parking lot (6:00-8:00 PM)
Friday, Oct 31
Class Fall/Halloween Parties & Costume Parade
Class Fall/Halloween Parties & Costume Parade
We’re excited to celebrate our Fall Parties and Costume Parade! Please take note of the following reminders and details to help the day run smoothly:
Costumes:
Students will NOT wear costumes to school. They will change into them before their class party.
Play weapons, blood, or gore in costumes will not be allowed.
Treats:
Nurse Mischelle must check all treats for class parties. Please feel free to send treats ahead of time to provide ample time for this review.
Classroom Party Volunteers:
Volunteers should have an active district volunteer registration. Please check in at the office to get a special volunteer badge.
Volunteers may arrive at 1:45 PM to set up for the class party.
Costume Parade Information:
Parents and family members are welcome to observe the costume parade in the gym.
All guests must sign in at the front office and wear a visitor sticker.
Guests may begin entering the gym at 2:30 PM.
The parade will begin promptly at 2:50 PM in the gym and will include all staff and students.
Students will sit in the center of the gym surrounded by the cones (Kindergarten in front and 5th Grade toward the back).
The parade procession will begin with 5th Grade and continue through Kindergarten. Students will walk one lap around the gym before returning to their classrooms for dismissal.
Schedule Overview:
2:00 PM – Fall classroom parties begin.
2:35 PM – The office will start calling grade levels down to the gym starting with 5th Grade.
2:50–3:05 PM – Costume Parade in the gym.
3:05–3:10 PM – Classes return to their rooms for dismissal.
Dismissal Procedures:
Dismissal will take place as usual. After the parade, visitors and parent volunteers will wait outside for student pick-up. We will continue using our normal dismissal system to ensure a safe and orderly release of students after the school event. Car riders will be released once their name turns purple on the dismissal sheet. If your child is usually a bus rider but will be a car rider on this day, please notify both the classroom teacher and the front office in advance.
Safety Reminder:
We anticipate increased foot traffic during dismissal due to parent volunteers and visitors. If you are in the car line, please slow down and do not pass other vehicles unless signaled by a staff member. If you are walking, please use the crosswalk at all times.
Thank you so much for helping us ensure a safe, organized, and fun Fall celebration for all Cavaliers!
Please save the dates for the upcoming events:
Nov 5: PTO Fundraiser Item Pick Up (4:30-8:30 PM)
Nov 7: 2nd Grade Field Trip - Science City
Nov 7: 4th Grade Field Trip - KC Symphony
Nov 7: PTO Movie Night (6 - 8 PM)
Nov 11: Veterans Day Program (8:00-8:30 AM, Gym)
Nov13: 5th Grade Music Program (6:30 - 7:30)
Nov 14: 2nd Annual DCES Family Multicultural Night
Nov 24: No School - Professional Development Day
Nov 25: No School - Professional Development Day
Nov 26-28 No School - Thanksgiving Break
Dec 4: 2nd Grade Music Program (6:30 - 7:30)
Dec 8-12: Book Fair
Dec 12: PTO Winterfest (6-8 PM)
November 14 (6-8 PM):
2nd Annual DCES Family Multicultural Night:
To make this event a success, we would love your input and participation. Please fill out the form: https://forms.gle/ZrPs62pasKDqDEAR7
Handbook Highlights
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
Students are encouraged to make use of the library media center. A student must have permission from his/her teacher to use the library during the school day. That may be communicated in the form of a pass or email. Each student is to follow standards of behavior that will allow other students to pursue their academic or recreational reading free from distractions. A student may be suspended from the library for unacceptable behavior upon the recommendation of library personnel and approval of administration.
Guidelines for borrowing materials are established by the library media specialist. The student borrowing materials will be responsible for returning it on time and in good condition. Students with overdue materials may have their borrowing privileges restricted or revoked.
For lost or damaged library materials, the replacement cost will be charged to the borrower. The loss/damage should be reported to library staff immediately.
Standing Ovation for Staff
Recognize a DCES staff going above and beyond to serve our students, staff, and school community by completing the short USD 230 Standing Ovation Awards. The district will select Core Value Award recipients from this pool of nominations.
All employees nominated will be recognized with a certificate and three of the nominees (Administration, Certified, Classified) will be chosen as the monthly USD 230 & Price Chopper Standing Ovation honorees.
Important Links
Sign-up Form: Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) & M.O.M.S. (Moms of Marvelous Students)
1st Quarter DCES Community Feedback Form: We value your feedback so please share your thoughts on how we're doing through this form.
October PTO Newsletter & UPDATES
Fundraiser Item Pick Up: November 5th from 4:30-8:30.
Everything needs to be picked up at this time because we don’t have the ability to store frozen items.
Fundraiser Prizes:
October 24- Prize 1: Ice Cream Party
November 7- Prize 2: Movie Night (See list of Prize 2 Winners here)
April 17- Prize 3: Foam Party (See Prize 3 Winners)