DES OCTOBER READING CHALLENGE!
The October reading challenge has began, forms were sent home on October 1st with all students. The goal of the challenge is for you and your child/children to read together for at least 20 minutes a day. Each child can read to parents/family members/friends or you can read to your child. If the child is reading the book it can count for both the reading challenge and their AR book goal (Grades 2-5). If a parent does a read aloud, it will count for just the Home Reading Challenge.
Daily reading has many benefits for children. Reading boosts cognitive skills, expands vocabulary, enhances critical thinking, and helps develop concentration and memory.
To participate you can either enter your daily reading digitally online through the link below, or you may fill out the paper log that was sent home and return it on Monday November 2nd, 2026. You may enter once a day online PER DES STUDENT or you may turn in one log for each student (example - if you have two students at DES you would do two online entries a day or turn in two reading logs).
Please choose only one option during the month, either submit digitally or track on the paper log, but not both.
At the end of the challenge we will have a drawing for a Family Fun Basket with a book, the corresponding movie and more!
Students who read a minimum of 12 times for the month will get to attend a snow cone party. The top 3 classes for the month will earn a popcorn & coke party!
If you have any questions call DES at 870-946-4651.
HAPPY READING!!!
Reading Challenge Daily Submission Online Form Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdb88boHj-aLOpJptb3tk0wzw0vGZLsHFDnfwsr80st_c57xA/viewform
October 6th - 5th Grade Farm Safety Day
October 6th - Camp Dragon Parent Meeting - 6:00 pm (just for those 5th grade families attending Camp Dragon)
October 9th - Pink Out Day
October 13th - Water Safety Day - DES Activity Classes
October 14th - DES School Pictures
October 15th - Early Dismissal
Car Riders 1:05 PM
Bus Riders 1:22 PM
October 15th - Parent Teacher Conferences - 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
October 16th - NO SCHOOL - Fall Break
October 19th - Teacher Work Day - No School for Students K-5
Pre-School IN SESSION
October 21st - 1st Grade Field Trip
October 23rd & 24th - Camp Dragon
October 26th - 30th - Red Ribbon Week
October 29th - Lemonade on the Lawn - Grandparents & Grandfriends Day
October 30th - Fall Parties - Times TBD
Congratulations to our September 2026 Dragons of Greatness at DES! The students selected each month for Dragons of Greatness exhibit these characteristics:
D - Dependable
R - Responsible
A - Acts of Kindness
G - Good Friend
O - Outstanding Work
N - Nice to Others
S - Star Student
Congratulations to our September Dragons of Greatness!
Our 1st graders were so excited to begin checking out their very own library books after the Labor Day holiday!
Before choosing their first books, our young readers learned an important lesson about taking care of library books.
They listened to the fun story What Happened to Marion’s Book, read by Mrs. Heather, DES Library Media Specialist.
Through Marion’s story, students learned why it is so important to treat library books with care and respect so that everyone can enjoy them. And then came the best part… choosing their very own books to take home!
We loved seeing the smiles, excitement, and enthusiasm as our 1st graders became official library book borrowers!
Happy Reading, First Grade!
DES 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Students will take their first Atlas Interim exams September 28th - October 1st, 2026.
To help our students perform their very best, help them go to bed on time to get a good night of rest. Ensure they have a good breakfast at home or at school and make sure your student is on time for school.
Helping our students to be rested, fed, on time and not rushed will give each and every one the best opportunity they can have to do their very best!
Through hands-on exploration, students practiced collaboration, problem-solving, observation, and scientific thinking while learning that pushes and pulls can make objects move. It was wonderful to see young scientists working together, asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from each other!
To help our students perform their very best, help them go to bed on time to get a good night of rest. Ensure they have a good breakfast at home or at school and make sure your student is on time for school.
Helping our students to be rested, fed, on time and not rushed will give each and every one the best opportunity they can have to do their very best!
Don't forget, all Camp Dragon applications are due to Mrs. Lindsay by tomorrow, Monday September 21st, 2026.
Completed packets need to be returned to DES by Friday September 25th to assure your student will receive their flu vaccination.
If your child would like the opportunity to attend the camp out, they need to fill out the application form, both the student and the parent/guardian need to sign it and then the student will return the application to Mrs. Lindsay Beaton at DES. The application form is attached to the information letter.
Please remember, both the student and the parent/guardian need to sign the form. If your student has lost their form, Mrs. Alli will have extra copies, or they can get one in the DES office.
All applications are due to Mrs. Lindsay by Monday September 21st, 2026.
If you have any questions, email Mrs. Lindsay Beaton at lbeaton@dewittdragons.net
We will have early release, tomorrow, September 17th for the Arkansas County Fair Parade:
Car Riders - 1:05 pm
Bus Riders - 1:22 pm
The students have been using white boards, tile boards, and decodable passages. They have been building words, reading words, and applying what they have learned while reading connected text.
It has been great seeing the students become more confident as they use their phonic skills to decode unfamiliar words and become stronger readers.
More details coming soon!
Our students have officially begun rehearsals for our upcoming school musicals! They are highly engaged, working hard, and excited to master their new repertoire.
Please save the dates for our upcoming performances:
🎖️ November 11: Veterans Day Musical – Performed by 4th Grade
🍪 December 4: "Christmas Cookies" Musical – Performed by 2nd Grade
In addition to our program rehearsals, students in grades K-5 have started a global journey learning about music all over the world! Throughout the year, we will explore the unique music, instruments, and traditions from each continent, expanding our cultural awareness through song and dance.
We look forward to sharing our musical journey and showcasing our students' dedication and talent with you soon!
No School.
Starting school is one of the first big steps children take toward becoming more independent. Along the way, they learn so many important skills—not just academic skills, but everyday skills that help them feel confident and capable.
One of those skills? Tying their own shoelaces! 👟
It may seem like a small thing, but learning to tie shoes teaches children to:
💪 Try something on their own
🧠 Follow steps and solve problems
🙌 Practice patience and perseverance
🌟 Build confidence in what they can do
🐰 Try the “Bunny Ears” Method!
1️⃣ Cross the laces and make an X.
2️⃣ Pull one lace underneath and tighten.
3️⃣ Make two “bunny ears” with the laces. 🐰🐰
4️⃣ Cross the bunny ears.
5️⃣ Tuck one ear through the opening.
6️⃣ Pull tight—and you’ve tied your shoes! 🎉
🎥 Practice at home with these kid-friendly videos:
▶️ Twinkl USA – How to Tie Your Shoelaces: Bunny Ears Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3OWntNxos8
▶️ Tying Shoes Using the Bunny Ear Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2KcPbhSfBo
❤️ Families, remember: Learning takes time! Encourage your child to try before stepping in to help. A little patience and practice can go a long way toward building independence.
Small skills. Big confidence. BIG steps toward independence! 👟🌟
#GrowingIndependence #LifeSkills #ShoeTying #ElementarySchool #SchoolReady #KidsCanDoIt #BuildingConfidence
