DES Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As you have heard, our in-person instruction is now closed through the end of the school year. We will continue with Remote Learning opportunities which I explain below in greater detail below. News of Remote Learning being extended through the end of the school year was truly challenging for all of us. Believe me, they don't teach you how to respond to school closure in "principal school!" So after hearing the news, I took a long, hard walk down our hallway. I love our school because of your student and all the tremendous learning that we accomplish at DES. Our teachers and staff are incredibly dedicated and devoted to our purpose and calling, to provide the best education for each of our students. Please be assured in knowing we will continue our vision:
We are DES and our Mindset is Success!
So how does Remote Learning look for DES? Hopefully by now you have picked up your copy of A Boy Called Bat and our reading schedule. This has been somewhat confusing for families, but the book is the only physical item families need. We ask that you follow the reading schedule daily. This is Remote Learning for elementary through May 8. If you are completing online assignments, those will continue being assigned from your teachers. We ask that you continue working through the end of the school year, reading and/or completing the online assignments to ensure your student is prepared for the upcoming academic year. We hope you are enjoying reading A Boy Called Bat. I have heard from several parents already that they truly love the story and unique way we are keeping students engaged in learning. The reading schedule for the next week is:
Wed., April 22 - Chapter 6-7
Thurs., April 23 - Chapters 8 -9
Fri., April 24 - Chapters 10-11
Mon., April 27 - Chapters 12-13
Tues., April 28 - Chapters 14-15
Looking ahead, the week of May 11 - 15, we will have our last packet of paper assignments. We are devoting this week to a STE[A]M theme week and will have ONE activity per day tied to this theme for families to complete. STE[A]M stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. The final packet is under construction and will be designed for all K-4 students with teachers collaborating on the theme activities. Creating one activity for each day of the theme/week will allow us to continue our whole school approach through the final Remote Learning Days. Additionally we hope that providing one activity a day to implement with your student or students, regardless of their grade level, will be a fun family learning opportunity free from additional stress. We will have these final packets available on Mon., May 4 and Tues., May 5 with curbside pick-up. Additional details concerning final plans for the school year are being arranged and will be presented in future weeks.
This is a challenge, unlike any we've faced before. It has required everyone to work extra hard, especially our parents, to ensure that our students continue to meet the expectations that have been set. Each week please respond to an email or contact from your teacher or complete our DES Remote Check-In Form. Please stay connected with us during the closure so we can make sure your needs are being met, whether they are academic or social. Also know that I am here, and we are going to get through this time together. I will pick up the phone, and we're going to answer the emails. School is such a critical cornerstone of our community, and as the principal, know that I/we are doing all we can to learn and grow together.
With Papoose Pride,
Diana Rea
Du Quoin Elementary Principal
(618) 542-2646 - ext. 1050
Facebook: Du Quoin Elementary School
Twitter: @despapoose
Instagram: @despapoose