First Day of School: Music & the Mascot

 As staff and students arrived to school on Monday, August 23, they were welcomed in our A+ Magnet Schools style and theme.  From the car parking lot to the bus lot, balloons were flying and waving while signs, tiger paws, and tigers sent messages of "welcome back." Taz the Tiger wandered around giving waves and a few photo ops while ArtistCorp Musicians from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts played violins and even a piano to fill the hallways with happy, upbeat music.  

Welcome Back Tigers to Tigerland in Tiger Nation! Let's show our Tiger Pride in this 2021-2022 Year of Learning!

Open House 2021

Open House was an exciting time for teachers, students, and their families.  We staggered grade levels through the building over three hours.  Parents and students met teachers, received general school information, attended an info session with administration, and visited several tables including transportation, community partners, Magnet, and PTA.  Our school mascot, Taz the Tiger, was also in attendance.  So much school excitement, Tiger Pride, and energy could be seen, heard, and felt through the halls.

Arts Integration Professional Development

 We are an A+ Magnet School for Arts Integration and Performance.  We uphold the 8 Essentials of A+ Schools and the 5 Pillars of Magnet Schools.  The week before school started, our A+ Magnet Coordinator held a refresher session with classroom teachers as assistants; the session included members of the Arts Team sharing ideas as well as times for grade levels and teams to brainstorm.  Teachers and assistants reviewed several arts integration ideas, techniques, and resources, including discussing on a Google Jamboard, a Padlet Wall, and through drawing and creative movement.

The Return of the Teachers

DLES Teachers returned on August 16 for a two week period of preparing for our students to return.  The two weeks included classroom set up and prep, bulletin board and hallway decorating, meeting, planning, professional development, and more.

The first morning that teachers returned, they entered a room of black and orange, (our school colors,) and enjoyed some breakfast treats as we kicked off the year.  Each teacher and staff member walked the "orange" carpet of paws to officially enter the 2021-2022 new school year.

Thank you to our new community partners, Center Grove in Clemmons, for helping the admin team with setting up for the staff's return.

Throwback to 2020-2021: A Few Additional Headlines

 Arts Night

The Arts Team met virtually with students and parents in the fall of 2020 for an interactive night. Parents were introduced to activities that reflected lessons from Art, Dance, Band, Orchestra, and PE.  Families danced, played games, completed a scavenger hunt, and more.

Read More HERE

Holiday Card Winners

Students look forward to the annual Holiday Card Contest each winter.  Each student designs a black and white, pen and ink drawing that reflects winter or a winter holiday.  Two students receive the school Grand Prize and have their art move on to compete at the Central Office Level.  The Admin Team chooses other winners, with one winner being the Principal's First Choice, and this card becomes the design of the front cover of our school card.  This card is sent to our business partners, area superintendent, a few others, and viewed on Cable 2.

100th Day of School

The 100th Day of School is a fun time to celebrate the accomplishment of 100 days of teaching and learning.  It is also a day where classes integrate the number 100 in diverse ways.  We also "dressed" with 100 in mind, from looking 100 years old, to add 100 accessories to our outfits among other ideas.

Read Across America

This annual event celebrates reading, book characters, Dr. Seuss's birthday, and so much more.  It was a day full of fun reading activities, costumes, and decorations.

Magnet Spirit Week

We are a Magnet School for Arts Integration and Performance.  Each year during Magnet Schools Month, as celebrated by Magnet Schools of America, we 'scream our theme' through contests, dress up days, social media events, and more.

Black History Month

Our annual Black History Celebration is a month full of integrative activities that discuss Black Historical Moments and Quotes in order to promote unity and diversity in our school.

We reflect on daily quotes, create posters, hold social media discussions, and celebrate with a culminating assembly of music, singing, dancing, and spoken word.  Even virtually, it was a wonderful time of coming together in unity and school family love.

Read the Full Story HERE

Youth Art Month/Music in Our Schools Month

Annually, schools and organizations across the country celebrate Art and Music in our schools, especially as part of the education of young children.  We held a spirit week that celebrated the Decades, Art, Music, Dressing to Impress, Primary Colors and other Art and Music related themes.

Read More: WSFCS Headline Story

Multicultural Month

We are a diverse school with approximately 20 countries represented in the heritage of our students and teachers.  Each year, we plan events to highlight and celebrate this heritage.  In the spring of 2021, we planned a calendar of video clipart, reading presentations, quotes, musical selections, and other activities that teachers integrated into their lessons.  The culminating event included a parade of traditional clothing and flags around the school and a drive through parade.

Read More on the WSFCS Headline Story HERE

Congratulations Class of 2028, Our 5th Grade Class of 2021

We celebrated our 5th graders with a parade and outdoor event that allowed them to walk up and receive their certificate as well as be recognized by their teachers.  Congratulations Class of 2028, our 5th grade class of 2021.  We wish you well in all future endeavors.  

Congratulations 2021 A+ Magnet Award Recipients