Tiger Tales 2/1/26

Posted Date: 02/01/26 (01:00 PM)

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February 1, 2026

Hello, February!

Even in the heart of winter, DES is buzzing with learning, kindness, and lots of good things happening each day.

Tiger Spotlight

This week’s spotlight shines on two incredible members of our Tiger Team.

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Jessica Judd, preschool teacher

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Ms. Jess, who you might know as one of our preschool teachers but did you know...

Her go-to comfort food is Mac and Cheese.
The first concert she ever attended? Tim McGraw
When she's not teaching, you might find her watching Call the Midwife with her cat Winchester.
Her favorite place in Vermont (or beyond): Her camp in Holland - Heaven on Earth
A song she'll never skip: Anything by Garth Brooks
One more fun fact: She loves making Blue Ribbon Maple Candy

We're excited for the positive energy and care she brings to her classroom everyday!

This week we’re celebrating Jay Bonneau, Assistant Principal

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Mr. Bonneau who you might know as one of our principals but did you know…

If he could only eat one food forever: Tuna Sandwich
A good read: The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
If he didn't get into teaching he'd be an Alaskan King Crab Fisherman
His favorite place in Vermont (or beyond): His deck
A song he'll never skip: Dancing Queen by ABBA
And a fun fact about her? He cuts and styles his own hair.

We’re lucky to have him supporting our Tigers with this essential role!

ROAR Reminder

A Blizzard of Kindness

February may be cold outside, but inside our school we’re experiencing a Kindness Blizzard. Students & staff are recognizing acts of kindness in one another and sharing them on snowflakes that are filling our bulletin board. Students are learning that kindness isn’t always loud or dramatic. It’s holding a door, including someone at recess, helping without being asked. When students name and celebrate these moments, it strengthens our school culture and reinforces what ROAR looks like in real life. We love seeing students notice kindness, not just receive it.

Tigertastic Tips

Music Isn’t Just Fun — It’s Brain Food

I’ll be the first to admit , I love music, but I’m no musician and I couldn’t tell most Grammy nominees from one another. Still, the power of music goes well beyond awards and playlists. Research shows that everyday music experiences — listening, singing, moving — support children’s language, memory, attention, and emotional regulation. A recent study found that regular musical engagement is linked with improvements in cognitive and executive functioning in young learners.

Here are ways to bring music into daily family life:

Play music during routines like breakfast, car rides, and clean-up
Sing together — simple songs support speech and memory skills
Move to a beat (clap, dance, tap) to link rhythm with coordination and focus
Let kids choose music and talk about how it makes them feel
Make music together — homemade instruments count!

Music doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Those little everyday musical moments help wire the brain for communication, learning, and emotional connection.

Mark Your Calendars

2/13 Early Release @ 11:30, no preschool