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Tiger Tales 9/13/26

Posted Date: 09/13/26 (01:00 PM)


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A few things we've noticed around DES lately:

Kids are learning names.
Teachers are teaching routines.
Someone has definitely lost a sweatshirt...or two!
Books are being read.
Friendships are forming.
PawPoms are appearing in pockets.
And 456 Tigers are beginning to settle into another school year.
There's nothing particularly headline-worthy about any of that.
But honestly?
That's the good stuff.

Character Counts

We’re spending lots of time practicing what it means to ROAR at Derby Elementary: Respect, On Task, Always Safe, and Responsible. These aren't just words on a poster. We’re teaching, practicing, noticing, and celebrating these behaviors every day.

And this month, we'll celebrate our first Tigers of the Month!  These students are being recognized for demonstrating ROAR in ways that have stood out to their teachers and classmates.

One important thing we want our Tigers to know: we cannot recognize every child in this particular way every month, and that's okay. Being a Tiger of the Month isn't a measure of who is “best,” and not being selected doesn't mean a child isn't doing wonderful things. There are far too many acts of kindness, perseverance, responsibility, friendship, courage, and growth happening at DES to fit into one monthly recognition.

We'll keep looking for those moments, celebrating them in lots of different ways, and reminding kids that doing the right thing matters even when nobody is handing you a certificate for it.

The Takeaway

A Little Reading Goes a Long Way
September is a great time to settle into a reading routine at home. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Ten minutes on the couch. A chapter before bed. A comic at the kitchen table. Listening to an audiobook together in the car.

And please don't worry if your child wants to read the same book AGAIN. Rereading counts. Reading something silly counts. Reading nonfiction about sharks, dinosaurs, space, sports, or whatever fascinating thing currently has their attention counts.

tiger calendar
9/17  Picture Day: Grades K-4
9/18  Picture Day: Grades 5-6
9/18  Early Release @11:30, 
no preschool
early release days