Principal's Post
Vanderlyn Elementary 2021-22 Vol.1
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME BACK MESSAGE
Welcome Back Vikings!
I trust that everyone had a relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating summer break! Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Vanderlyn Elementary School! I am excited to begin a new year with your child(ren), and I truly thank you for choosing VES for his/her education. Our theme for the 2021-2022 school year is “Ready, Set, Grow!” I look forward to leading the work that will lead to authentic and meaningful instructional support, best instructional practices, STEM/PBL integration, and build up the very best in each child socially, emotionally, and academically.This school year will be like no other, as we work to rebuild a new norm for teaching and learning. We understand there will be many questions throughout the year. I will provide answers to some of those questions in this newsletter. As the start of school draws near, I will continue to update you as information becomes available.
I am honored to serve the Vanderlyn School Community for the 14th year. Our school is known far and wide for its dedication to excellence, but more importantly, to children. As your leader, I consider my most important job to be that of a child advocate. I will spend a lot of time with your children, getting to know their personalities, learning styles and interests. I will celebrate their successes, small and large. I will encourage them every day and let them know they are valued and have a special place in our school community. I promise that they will learn something new every day. Some days they will carry it in their heads. Some days they will carry it in their hands, and some days they will carry it in their hearts.
Not only am I excited to begin working with your children, I look forward to the work we will do together. As the old African Proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child. ”I am excited to see your children through your eyes. I cannot wait to share with you all the great things they will do throughout their days here at Vanderlyn. And of course, I will be here to work with you should they need any help navigating any aspect of the school day.
My goal is to ensure that all children are healthy, happy and safe, so they can learn and grow to their full potential. This has been my philosophy since I began my career teaching with the DCSD twenty-eight years ago. Please know I will work tirelessly to ensure all your children have the best possible experiences at VES.
Once again, I am so thankful to have the opportunity to bring all that I have experienced
and learned throughout my career to this wonderful community. I look forward to working with each of you and your children. My staff and I will be working for the remainder of summer to ensure a smooth transition and opening in August. Again, I will continue to update you as new information becomes available. I look forward to seeing you soon.
With joy and excitement,
Mrs. Crenshaw
Here are a few updates as we begin the 2021-2022 school year!
- We completed our STEM recertification in March 2021! We accomplished a great deal last school year and will continue to “Move Full STEAM Ahead!" We are excited to welcome Mrs. Adderley into her new role as our STEM teacher! She will continue our STEM integration across the curriculum this school year and breathe new life into our STEM Lab!
- Update on our Specials classes: We will no longer have a Dance special due to lack of funding. We will continue to offer Art, Music, P.E., Technology and STEM.
- Our After School Extended Day Program (ASEDP) will resume on the first day of school. Our co-directors are Julia Weiss and Demetreia Adderley. Registration information can be found below within this Principal's Post newsletter.
- Open House will be held in-person on July 28th. More detailed information is contained within this Principal's Post. This is also a perfect time for our new families to have a look inside our school and classrooms.
- Virtual Option for Elementary Students: This is still a work in progress at the district level. With so many details to work out, they are trying to narrow down the exact numbers per school, per grade., personnel, etc. I will share information once it is made available.
I appreciate your continued support and partnership as we get Ready, Set, and Grow into the 2021-2022 school year. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer break!
Updates on Mask Wearing Protocols (As of July 12, 2021)
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
Welcome to Vanderlyn Elementary! All new student registration takes place online. Please visit the following website to register your child(ren): https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/online-registration/
Once you have registered, please email your online registration application number to our registrar, Mrs. Gillett at andrea_gillett@dekalbschoolsga.org
RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION
The Dekalb County School District has moved all returning student registration to an online portal called "Annual Verification."
If your child is returning to Vanderlyn ES for the 2021-2022 school year, you must register them using this online verification portal. Step-by-step directions are attached and included above. During the verification process, be prepared to upload a copy of your license, proof of residence (June/July bill statements only), and your child's medical information. The district is moving all records to a digital format.
All questions pertaining to registration and access to Infinite Campus should be directed to our school registrar, Mrs. Gillett at andrea_gillett@dekalbschoolsga.org or contact the school at 678-874-9002 between the hours of 9am-2pm.
Click the attachment below for step-by-step directions on how to complete the annual verification process. Deadline to complete is July 27th.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 (K-5TH GRADE)
9:30am-11:00am - Last Name Beginning with A-L
12:00pm-1:30pm - Last Name Beginning with M-Z
Thursday, July 29, 2021 (Pre-K ONLY)
9:30am-11:00am - Last Name Beginning with A-L
12:00pm-1:30pm - Last Name Beginning with M-Z
SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
Please see the link below to view the school supply lists for the 2021-2022 school year. We ask that you bring all school supplies to Open House on July 28th. If you previously ordered the school supply packs online, those will be shipped directly to your house.
After School Extended Day Program Returns!
ASEDP will begin on the first day of school and run from 2:15-6:15pm each day that school is in session.
- Priority will be given to families who commit to signing up and paying for their child(ren) to attend full weeks/months.
- Students will not be allowed to enroll if there is an existing balance on the account. All previous balances must be paid in full in order to be considered for enrollment during the 2021-2022 school year.
- It is the expectation, per DCSD policy, that payment is received in advance. Due to the overwhelming interest that has been expressed, full payment will be required at LEAST two weeks in advance (monthly payments are greatly appreciated).
Please contact our ASEDP Co-Directors if you have any questions:
OPT-IN TO SCHOOL MESSENGER
School-Home communication is very important. Please stay connected to the school by ensuring you have signed up for School Messenger. To receive timely emails and text messages from the school and district, please opt-in to school messenger!
SCHOOL MEALS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE-THRU
2021-2022 BUS ROUTES
DCSD School Buses will run for those students who return face-to-face. Bus routes can be found on the district website.
FALL 2021 PRINCIPAL'S ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) ELECTIONS
Principal Advisory Councils bring parents, school employees, students, and the community together to share ideas regarding school climate, facilities, increasing student achievement, and community partnerships. If you are interested in being a part of our school's Principal Advisory Council, the candidate declaration window will be open through Friday, September 3, 2021. For more information: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/principal-advisory-councils/#tab-ce10102dfa2e65e77c1