Hello Dingeman Parents,

Welcome back to another exciting school year! I am thrilled to serve as your Family Faculty Connection (FFC) President for a second term and excited about all we have planned for this upcoming school year.

Back by popular demand is our after-school enrichment program!  Many of last year’s options will be available (Tae Kwon Do, Bollywood Dance, STEAM class, etc.) and we’ll be offering several new opportunities, including some new sports additions.  Please keep an eye out for registration information, which will be coming in the next few days.  Questions can be directed to afterschool@dingeman.net.

Information on the other repeat events we have lined up will follow in the coming weeks.  **For reference, the best way to stay up to date on the latest events is to make sure you are signed up to receive emails from info@dingemen.net. If you are already signed up, be sure you add us to your safe senders list so our emails make it to your inbox.**

We are also thrilled to announce two new programs/projects launching this school year:

The first new program is the Everyone A Reader (EAR) Program which will provide students in grades 1-3 additional reading support with a one-on-one tutor.  Helping to improve expected reading levels, the Everyone A Reader Program can make a significant difference to many of our students, giving them the confidence needed to both comprehend and enjoy what they read.

The second new endeavor this year is the launch of our Makerspace Lab which will provide our students with a creative space in which to design, experiment, build and invent as they engage in hands-on learning.  The Makerspace Lab is not only a science lab but also a computer lab, art room and a space for general exploration. The learning it will provide encourages self-confidence, direct learning and critical thinking, providing Dingeman students with the building blocks to succeed in the future.

As neither of these new programs is funded by the district, we rely on parent participation to make them a success.  The Volunteer Fair, scheduled for the first day of school, is a great place to learn about all of the different volunteer opportunities available this year. For information about the EAR Program, you can contact Jecraig74@gmail.com directly. You can also contact me, Nilesh Patel, at president@dingeman.net for further information about these or any other opportunity.

We appreciate your consideration in helping us make these incredibly important initiatives successful!

Some key dates to save:

August 26: first day of school with ½ day for ALL students first week

September 6: Movie Night-details to be sent out

September 11: FFC Meeting in the MPR

September 12: Family Dinner Night Panda Express

September 26:  Family Science Night Kinders

October 25:      Boo Fest

Thank you for your continued support!!

 Sincerely,

 Nilesh Patel, FFC President