Fall Greetings!        

              The long, warm days of summer have definitely given way to the blustery winds of Fall as we usher in November and the second quarter of our school year. Students have been busy learning, serving our community, and representing our District with pride and enthusiasm.

              Our first quarter has been busy across the District, from our youngest learners to our seniors. This year, we began an elementary STEM program in which students learn the Engineering Design Process to make discoveries and think about how problems can be solved creatively. As the year progresses, students will continue to be challenged with coding opportunities and design challenges.  Throughout the quarter, one hundred students earned an MVP Award. This is a great way to recognize positive behavior, great effort, and citizenship in our elementary school. Phone calls are made by Mrs. Maloney to each MVP’s family, and a monthly celebration occurs. Way to go, MVPs! Finally, our elementary school had 97% parent-teacher conference attendance. This is just amazing and shows an incredible commitment to learning at Dakota Valley. We are always thrilled to have an opportunity to visit with families about students.

              Students in our Upper Elementary and Middle School have been showing their great citizenship as well by earning DV Cares tickets to be used for participation in Panther Days. These days are an opportunity to participate in cross-grade activities that foster friendships and creates a positive school culture for learning and growth. It is great to see and hear the excitement from the students in the hallways, gym, classrooms and out on the fields during these events. Commitment to our community is strong in the MS as well as the MS Student Council raked leaves at Adams Nature Preserve this fall. Pumpkins decorated for a contest at school were then donated to Stoneybrook to be enjoyed by everyone.

              Our HS learners have had an incredibly busy first quarter as well. A Club Fair was hosted in August which gave students the opportunities to learn about all of the available student-led organizations at Dakota Valley. This school year, we have seen increased membership in programs such as HOSA, FBLA, and FCCLA. The commitment to serve our community is alive and well at the HS, too, as the FCCLA held a “Socktober” event to collect and donate socks to organizations serving those in need. Dakota Valley was wonderfully represented at state-level events and competitions, and we are very proud of all of our participants!

              What an amazing place Dakota Valley School District is! It has been a privilege to experience the strong Panther Pride which is alive and well in our hallways and community. I look forward to a great second quarter and upcoming holiday season. Best wishes to all of you!

~Dr. Warzecha, #DVProud