November 4, 2024
Dear Panther Families,
November is one of my favorite months for several reasons. First and foremost, anything goes as far as holiday decorating is concerned. I’ll take a blend of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! This month always goes quickly as we anxiously await Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a season of gratitude and reflection. The school year has been off and running and there is plenty to be thankful for. Our school district had the most growth in the county last year when it came to reducing our chronic absenteeism! That takes a team effort!! As Superintendent, I’m extremely thankful for the families and community that I get to serve.
Our fall sports seasons are officially over. We had a lot of athletic successes. I want to give a shoutout to Josilyn Welch and Connor Hawkins who ran in the State Cross Country meet this weekend! Congrats to our boys and girls soccer teams who both won league titles! Our football team made the playoffs and gave #4 Norwayne everything they could handle in a 45-42 OT loss on Friday. The beauty of small town schools is many of these athletes have already turned the page and they are practicing for their winter sport already. We have tremendous leadership amongst our students and that’s why we’re seeing so much success. A big thank you to our coaches and families for their guidance and support this fall season.
As the weather gets colder, please remember to send your child to school with appropriate outdoor clothing, as we will continue outside recess whenever possible. I lost a battle with my 5-year old who refused to wear pants and he learned what 36 degrees feels like in shorts. Coats, hats, and gloves are essential to stay warm and healthy. If you need help obtaining those items, please reach out to our school counselors.
Please note that our Thanksgiving break is Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29. The printed calendars that went out accidentally listed November 22 as a day with no school. That’s a misprint, and we do have school that day.
Stay in touch with PDY Schools through our Facebook and Instagram pages! Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an invaluable part of the Panther family. We all wish you a safe and joyful November!
Go Panthers!
Jon Burke, Superintendent
Upcoming Events
November 7 – DMS Band Veterans Day Program – 7 PM
November 11 – DMS Veterans Day Ceremony – 9 AM
November 13 – JS All-County Band & Choir Event
November 13-15 – 6th Grade Camp
November 18 – 2nd Quarter Midterms
November 20 – Board of Education Meeting – DHS Auditorium at 6:30 PM
November 26 – DES Gratitude Parade
November 27-29 – Thanksgiving Break
December 3 – 4th Grade Musical
December 12 – DMS Choir Concert – 7 PM
December 16 – DHS Band & Choir Concert – 7 PM
December 18 – Board of Education Meeting – DHS Auditorium at 6:30 PM
December 19 – MS Band Concert – 7:30 PM
December 20 – End of 1st Semester
December 23 – January 6 – Winter Break