The Dragon Dispatch
Important Dates
May 5th - 12th: DCAS testing for students in grades 3, 4, and 5
May 13th: Last day to check out books
May 18th: All library books are due back to the library
May 22nd - May 25th: No School, Memorial Day
June 9th: Last day of school for students
MoMC Family Picnic
Welcome!
Welcome to The Dragon Dispatch, the official newsletter of Alconbury Elementary School!
This newsletter is designed to keep you informed and engaged with everything happening in our school community. We encourage you to explore each section for the latest updates and important information.
We hope you find The Dragon Dispatch helpful and informative. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!
From the Principal's Desk
The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) recognizes May 4th to 8th as “Teacher Appreciation Week”. This special week recognizes the vast contributions of DoWEA teachers and staff to ensure that our students are challenged to be excellent, nurtured to become compassionate people, and mentored to become global citizens of the world. This is a tremendous responsibility that teachers and staff proudly step up to every day.
Teaching is certainly not a typical job. Teachers plan dynamic lessons, differentiate for a wide spectrum of students’ abilities, create meaningful relationships, spend their own money to enrich their classrooms, frequently communicate with parents, make a massive number of decisions in a typical day (upwards of 1000), maintain order and discipline in classrooms for six to eight hours per day….the list goes on and on. Most of all, teachers love to teach and love to watch the fruits of their labor pay off in the growth and development of your children.
Please recognize the outstanding efforts of your child’s teachers during “Teacher Appreciation Week”. This recognition is as simple as a note or picture to let your child’s teacher know that you appreciate his or her efforts in helping your child flourish. Thank you AES teachers and staff for ALL you do every day to support every single AES dragon to be the best that he or she can be.
Patriotic Spirit Day
The Dragon Dispatch
Ms. Harrison's Class Spotlight
A mock trial is a simulated court proceeding where students take on roles such as attorneys, witnesses, and jurors to practice the legal process in a realistic setting. This activity helps students build critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills while learning how the justice system works. By participating in the legal office and sitting in assigned courtroom roles—including the jury—students experienced an authentic environment that made learning engaging and meaningful. Overall, the mock trial fosters confidence, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.
Nurse's Note
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we approach the end of the school year and look forward to summer break, I would like to share a few important health reminders.
🌼 Seasonal Allergies
Many students are experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies. Please consider consulting your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
☀️ Hydration & Heat Safety
With warmer weather, children are more at risk for dehydration and heat-related illness. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is especially important during hot days, as children lose more fluids through sweating.
🧴 Sun Protection
Please apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to your child before school. Protecting skin from harmful UV rays is important, even on cloudy days.
💊 Medication Pick-Up Reminder
If your child has medication stored at school (including inhalers, EpiPens, or other medications), please remember to pick them up before the last day of school May 9th. Medications cannot be sent home with students.
📋 Health Forms for Next School Year
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, please ensure your child’s health records are up to date, including immunizations, physical exams, and any required health action plans.
🎂 Birthday & Immunization Reminder
If your child has an upcoming birthday, please check whether they are due for any vaccinations. You can find more information here:
https://dodea.widen.net/content/9dz6cvfcpn/web/dodea-immunization-requirements.pdf
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Nurse Sandoval.
MoMC Family Picnic
Books & Beyond
Here’s what’s new in the AES library:
What's Happening: This month students have listened to book talks by Mrs. Fuller. This is a great way to help students learn about different genres and books that they might not naturally gravitate towards. UPK laughed along with Bruce, the bear, while learning and discussing springtime. Our kindergarten class learned about onomatopes this week while listening to a book about spring. First and second grade enjoyed more book talks while discussing different genres. Third, fourth, and fifth grade enjoyed a game of Kahoot after practicing safety while online.
Upcoming Events: Classroom Mystery Readers in May
Library Tip: The library is open from 8:10 - 8:25 and 3:00 - 3:30 every school day for students to checkout and return books. Our last checkout day will be May 21st. All books are due back to the library by May 28th.
A Note from PE
Remember to wear PE approved shoes on PE days.
The Dragon Dispatch
Counselor's Corner
Trustworthiness is an essential skill our students are developing as they learn how to build and maintain friendships. Trust is at the heart of positive relationships—with peers, teachers, and family members—and it helps create a safe and supportive school environment.
Being trustworthy means telling the truth, even when it’s hard. Dishonesty often leads to misunderstandings and can damage friendships and student‑teacher relationships. When students are honest, they build stronger connections and feel more confident trusting others in return. Trustworthiness also includes being dependable and following expectations across all school settings. Children should only need small reminders to do what adults expect—both at school and at home.
We often talk with students about integrity and dependability, especially what it means to do the right thing when no one is watching. Trustworthy students keep promises, respect rules, own their choices, and show loyalty to others by treating them with fairness and care. These daily choices help others know they can count on them.
Trustworthiness is a skill that improves with practice. Students are encouraged to practice every day—in friendships, in the classroom, and at home—as they continue to grow into responsible and reliable individuals.
Reflection Question: What can you do differently to be more trustworthy today?
Featured News
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School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
| Grade | Regular Hours | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PK - 5 |
8:25 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) 8:25 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. (Wednesdays only) |
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) |
| It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to notify the school every time a student is absent. |
|---|
