SPRING BREAK IS APRIL 7TH THRU APRIL 11TH.

Our next Early Release Day will be Tuesday, May 13th . ALL students should be picked up by 1:15 p.m. Please make sure to make arrangements for this pick-up time.

Thanks,

DCE

School Hours and Policies

School hours will remain the same as last year, with classes beginning at 8:45 and school being dismissed at 3:15. If you would like to visit your child's class or join them for lunch, please be sure to sign in at the office and pick up a visitor's pass.
Also remember the school district's policy does not allow student's to be checked out 30 minutes before the end of the school day, unless a doctor's appointment is presented for the reason of the early check-out.
DCE's PHONE NUMBERS ARE:

Office - (706) 748-2660
Alternate Number - (706) 748-2661
Fax Number - (706) 748-2663
Be sure to make those changes in your address book and saved numbers in your cell phones.
We look forward to lots of great learning and fun this year and hope all our parents, grandparents, and friends of DCE will become a part of these wonderful times through volunteering in the classrooms, on field trips, or where ever your talents and time can be used.

TO: DCE PARENTS
FROM: Mrs. Shaw-Powell
Re: Safety Reminders
With all the news about safety issues in the schools, I thought that I would just reassure you that safety of our children is very important to us, and we are doing everything in our power to be sure that children are safe. This letter is just a reminder of policies and procedures that we must follow at Double Churches Elementary School.
1) The Black Gates � The breezeway between the cafeteria and the 5th grade hallway is enclosed with fencing. We now have the keys to those gates. These gates will be locked from 8:45 A.M. in the morning until 3:00 P.M. and again at 3:30 P.M. We will open the gates at 8:15 A.M. to allow students to enter who are dropped off in the loop or gravel areas. PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL 8:15 A.M. unless you are paying for the Parks and Recreation Before School Program that meets in our cafeteria from 7:00 A.M. until 8:15 A.M.
2) VISITOR SIGN IN � Georgia state law and Muscogee County School District policy require all visitors to a school to register at the school office. Therefore, you must come to the office and get a visitor�s badge any time you come into any building on our campus, even if you are walking your child to class in the mornings. Please be sure that your visitor�s badge is visible; if it is not visible a staff member will ask you to go to the office. Please know that this is for your children�s safety.
3) VISITOR ID � Please be aware that when you come to visit our school that you bring proper identification. You may be asked to show your ID in the office when checking students out and/or visiting to have lunch with us.
4) EMERGENCY PLANS � Our school has an emergency plan which is located in all classrooms and offices in our building.
It�s going to take a concerted effort from all of us to be sure that the children at DCE stay safe while at school. You can help by being alert for any possible situations and by following the policies and procedures we have in place. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Stevie B's Night

August

September 20th

October 18th

November 15th

December 20th

January 17th

February 21st

March 20th

April 17th

May 15th

Stevie B's Night Winners

August - Dr. Baugh's Class
September - Dr. Baugh's Class
October - Dr. Baugh's Class
November - Dr. Baugh's Class
December - Dr. Baugh's Class
January -
February -
March -
April
May

Join Our Recycle Fund Raiser
DCE is raising funds by recycling used print cartridges, cell phones, laptops, and PDA's/palm pilots. Empty cartridges of any brand, even recycled ones, are acceptable.
If you, or someone you know, owns a business and would like to help DCE save cartridges, please let us know and we will provide a box for collection. Someone from DCE will also pick up the box, or it can be delivered directly to the school. We'll do all the work from there. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at (706) 748-2660.
This is a great way to not only help raise extra money for things students and teachers may need at school, but it also helps to keep these items out of our landfills. Join in and help us "recycle to raise funds"!!

~Exciting News from Mrs. Shaw-Powell ~

Hello! I have some exciting news! DCE was one of ten non-Title I schools in Muscogee County recognized by the state of Georgia as a Distinguished School. We were recognized because we have met the requirements for making Average Yearly Progress (meeting state standards) for three years. I know that administrators, staff and students will continue the hard work necessary to be even more successful this year. We will continue to press toward accomplishing our school mission to create an environment that ensures success for every child by generating a quest for knowledge and instilling a joy of learning.

We have a goal this year of not only meeting state standards but exceeding them. We know our students can do it. Parents, you can play a vital role in helping us be even more successful. Here�s how you can help:

1. Attendance � School attendance is one of the indicators that is monitored by the state. We know that our students need to be at school in order for us to meet their needs. You can help by being sure that your babies are at school everyday unless they are ill. We also need them to be at school on time. The tardy bell rings at 8:45 A.M. each day.
2. Home Assignments � We want to stress that homework is an extension of what we are doing in the classroom. Be sure that students complete assignments given by the teachers. Assignments may not be written; the child may just need to read or be read to. Research says that children who read a million words per year do better in school and on tests because of the increase in vocabulary. If your child says he has no homework, be sure that he reads, writes, or does some math practice. If you need ideas, see your child�s teacher.
3. CRCT ONLINE PRACTICE � Third and Fifth grade parents and students know the importance of passing the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT). Third grade students must pass the Reading CRCT; fifth graders must pass both Reading and Math in order to be promoted to the next grade. Even though third and fifth grades are critical, all students in grades one through five take the CRCT and their scores are counted towards meeting standards. CRCT ONLINE is a wonderful way to practice the skills that will be on the actual tests. Each child had a special password to use. See your child�s teacher for the website and password information.
4. AFTERSCHOOL TUTORING � A free tutoring program is available for students who need extra help in grades one through five. Special invitations were given for some students to attend. First and second graders are tutored on Tuesdays (except Early Release Days), third graders are on Wednesdays, and fourth and fifth graders are on Thursdays. The students meet in the cafeteria at 3:15, have a snack and break and then are picked up by our teachers who work with them on specific areas of need until 5:00. If your child received an invitation, please return it and allow your child to attend. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to make sure our students are successful.

If you need help with ideas to help your child, please see your child�s teacher or call me. I appreciate your continuous support. Have a happy and safe holiday.