We are so proud to announce that Kate Annamreddy was nominated by her colleagues as Discovery’s Teacher of the Year! Kate has been an Art Teacher at Discovery for four years. She co-leads Eco-Action with Ms. Wine. In addition, she is on the APS County Sustainability Committee and Discovery’s Sustainability Committee. She is a wonderful asset to Discovery and we would love nothing more than to have her honored as the APS Teacher of the Year.
Here is how you can help. We welcome both student and parent letters of support. Please address letters to Superintendent Johnson and drop them in the main office. All letters are needed by Friday, December 13th.
Calling All Bakers!
To show appreciation for Discovery staff during the holiday season, the PTA is providing a holiday treat station on Thursday, December 19. We need your help to supply 80 dozen (that's 960!) delicious baked goods for staff to bring home and share with family/friends! Please ensure all cookies, brownies etc are nut free, and drop them off in the front office on Wednesday, December 18. Sign up now!
Additionally, the PTA is once again sponsoring the staff New Year's Party at Whitlow's in January. Thank you to all that you do to help make these events possible.
Discovery Spirit Day : Dec 20 is Pajama Day
On Friday, December 20th, send your explorers to school in their pajamas for the last spirit day of 2019!
News from the Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI)
The Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI) is made up of representatives from each school and certain community organizations to assist in reviewing the system-wide curriculum and instructional program and in developing recommendations for improvement.
In the December Meetingg: Early Childhood & Equity and Excellence Advisory Committees’ reported. Visit ACI's website for more info as well as links to presentations made and available resources.
Looking Ahead, our January 8th ACI Meeting with be an input and feedback meeting with APS and school board representatives to discuss what is going well and what may need improvement in APS schools. If you would like to share major concerns, comments, and/or compliments in relation to how Discovery is meeting the teaching and learning needs of students, please email Carrie Simkin by January 5th at crn3t@virginia.edu.
Topics to Consider: Core Curriculum, Technology, School/Community/Parent Partnerships, APS School Budget, things that are going well in any/all of the above categories or elsewhere. What should APS make sure it keeps doing? Discovery’s feedback will be shared with the larger APS community.
Reminder: Community Service Opportunities
Clothesline Coat Drive - Now through Dec 13
It sure got cold fast this year! As you're cleaning out the closets, please consider donating children's coats, hats, and gloves in good, clean condition to Clothesline. There are two collections boxes at Discovery, one inside the front door and one by the side door near the slide. Please send in your coats before the coat drive ends on December 13th.
Gift Card Drive - Dec 2 through 20
This holiday season, please consider purchasing a few gift cards in $20 increments for our gift card drive. Cards to local grocery stores, gas stations, etc. will help make the holidays easier for Discovery families in need. Drop off the cards in the front office anytime before December 20th.
Save the Date for the Discovery DJ Dance Party on Jan 10
On Friday, January 10th the PTA will host the 5th Annual DJ Dance Party. All grade levels are invited to dance the night away. The price of admission is $0!! That's right, it's free!
Please make sure that your Explorer eats before the event because we will not be selling any food. Also note, this is not a drop off event - all children must be accompanied by an adult.
