Principal's Message

________________________________________________

01/18/21

Destin Elementary Family,

Good day DESTIN DOLPHINS! Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope everyone had the chance to refresh over the long weekend. We are excited to get rolling again and to pick up right where we left off at the break. These first few weeks back are crucial to reengage students and to reinforce all of the expectations, goals, and processes that they learned prior to the break. This will help continue the growth that occurred from the start of school and in setting the foundation for a strong push as we move towards assessment at the end of the year! Fields trips will be in full swing but students and staff will also be working hard to maximize the instructional time on a daily basis. Thank you to all of the volunteers that we have working on campus. From the lunchroom, to the grounds upkeep, the classroom deep cleans, to the curriculum support, we appreciate you! While it is not an overnight transition, facility upgrades are occurring or in the planning stages as I type, to include: playground upgrades (replacement of sand in playground areas), technology and infrastructure upgrades (internal tech infrastructure and Smart Board purchases), Safety and Security Upgrades, and Facility Expansion to name a few. As these upgrades and changes are implemented, we plan to remain steadfast in providing the top quality instruction this community has always expected. Our data tracking has shown growth across all grade levels in both Reading and Math! Our staff is working hard to grow as professionals to address the needs of students in every area and are the right staff for the job! Please continue to communicate with your teachers any needs or concerns you may have. We are appreciative of the support that is provided at home! Please continue to help support your students growth by reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night!

Every year students and staff work to improve in all areas. Our big focus this year will be building off last year's theme of DIVE DEEP. As we continue to push our students to grow, we will be challenging them to EXPLORE THE DEEP by taking on rigorous content, having a growth mindset, and developing essential critical thinking skills! Recently implemented on campus is our new Critical Thinking Plan (CT 60) which is direct Critical Thinking Instruction in the classroom as well as implementation of, InfiniD- a Critical Thinking based program aligned to current educational standards. Please see the information below for important updates.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL UPDATES

Please be aware of the District's COVID -19 Protocol Updates that have been released and updated as of Jan. 3rd, 2022.The update protocols are currently in effect. Please CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date practices that will be implemented in Okaloosa County School District.

Calendar Update:

Jan 24 - Jan 28 Literacy Week- Launch Into Literacy
Please look out for more information from your student's teacher on the upcoming activities!

Please check out the school calendar HERE to stay up to date with student holidays and important events at Destin ES

Feedback:

We want your feedback! Please check out our Parent and Community Climate Survey HERE!

Transportation Update:

The District is using Bus Bulletin to send notifications to parents if there are unexpected delays or schedule changes involving a student's bus.If you would like to receive these notifications, please register at the Bus Bulletin website. For more information, view the Bus Bulletin flyer.

Community Reminders:

FOR FOOD FOR THOUGHT UPDATES: text OKALOOSA to 474747; email support@fftfl.org ; or call 850-714-1960

Thank you to all of our community members for being gracious neighbors and supporters. We want to send a big THANK YOU to the City of Destin for their role in helping maintain our facilities that truly enables us to be a community school. Please help us to continue to improve our facilities through proper usage and following all signage that is posted. Also, please remember to not park in our neighboring houses or on the side streets. We and they appreciate all of our families being good neighbors.

We hope that you and your family are doing well, staying safe, and healthy. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your family!

Joe Jannazo

***Por favor, comuníquese con la oficina principal para obtener asistencia con la traducción.***
***Por favor, entre em contato com o front office para suporte de tradução.***

HELP KEEP OUR CAMPUS SAFE BY CHECKING OUT THE RESOURCES AND LINKS BELOW!	WE ARE WORKING TO BECOME A PURPLE STAR CAMPUS. PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT OUR MILITARY DEPENDENT RESOURCES!