The Lion's Roar
Message from Admin
We’ve had an awesome second week of school, and we’re absolutely thrilled with the progress our students are making! It’s been wonderful to see our little lions settling into routines, engaging in learning, and building friendships.
⏰ Friendly Reminder:
Instruction begins promptly at 8:30 AM. Students arriving after that time will be marked tardy, so please help us ensure your child is here on time and ready to roar into the day!
🦁 UPK Sneak-a-Peek Success!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our UPK Sneak-a-Peek on Thursday night, it was a fantastic event! We’re so excited to officially welcome our UPK students next week. We can’t wait to have all our lions under one roof, learning and growing together.
Wishing everyone a roaring good weekend!
Stay safe, stay proud, and stay lion strong!
In partnership,
Mrs. Thorne, Principal
Mrs. Eagley, Assistant Principal
Grade-Level Newsletters
Want to know what your child is learning this month? Click on your child’s grade level below to explore their Weekly Newsletter! Each link is packed with exciting classroom highlights, upcoming projects, learning goals, and tips to support learning at home.
PSCD Weekly Newsletter - Coming Soon
UPK Weekly Newsletter - Coming Soon
🎂 Birthday Celebrations
At E.A. White we are encouraging only healthy snacks to celebrate student birthdays. In keeping with our goal to shift the focus of celebrations from food to the child, we are encouraging parents to consider sending in non-food items to celebrate their child’s special day. Parents should contact the teacher at least one week in advance to coordinate the celebration. Some ideas include stickers, school supplies, a book or game for the classroom.
In addition, we encourage teachers to provide a list of suggestions to parents of desired items specific to your classroom. If parents do prefer however to send in a food item, we encourage healthy items, and they all need to be prepackaged/individually wrapped and store bought. If food is brought in, parents must contact the school nurse, Susan DeClue (susan.declue@dodea.edu), one week prior to the birthday celebration. This is to account for student allergies.
The following are some suggestions:
• Fruit cup
• Cheese and crackers
• Mini or small muffins
• Cookies
☎️ DoDEA Notification System
In case of essential information such as school closure, you should receive a call, text, and email to ensure the widest dissemination of information. Please contact the school if you are not receiving this information.
☎️ Tip from the Front Office
Children thrive on routines, and that includes how they end their school day. Having a consistent dismissal plan helps your child feel safe, confident, and ready for a smooth transition home.
🚗 Stick to a regular pickup routine.
🚫 Avoid frequent changes, as they can confuse students and staff, and may cause delays or safety concerns.
📞 Need to make a change? Be sure to notify the front office by 1:00 p.m.
Colorful Creations from the Art Room
At E.A. White, we are working on a school-wide collaborative piece, and our theme is “Boots on the ground and ready to learn.” K-5th grade will participate by creating a self-portrait that depicts who they are and what they hope to learn this coming year. I have a variety of templates that students will use to illustrate their unique personalities, interests, and goals.
Not only are students expressing themselves, but they're also building important skills that are aligned with the National Core Arts Standards. Students will explore the elements of art, which are line, shape, color, and many more. They will also apply some of the principles of design, such as balance, emphasis, and unity. These concepts will help students to create portraits while learning how artists communicate ideas to our community.
The final display will serve as a vibrant visual representation of our students’ readiness to learn and grow together.
Throughout the year, I emphasize the power of yet—reminding students that growth comes with time, effort, and persistence. When they're creating, I encourage them not to give up on their designs, but to revisit their work, reflect on what might be missing, and explore ways to improve.
Art is not just about the final product; it's a journey. I want my students to understand that creativity takes time, and that their best work often emerges through patience, revision, and dedication. Above all, I encourage them to trust the process, take pride in their progress, and always strive to do their best.
Ms. Maribell Valentin
Art Teacher
maribell.valentin@dodea.edu
Notes from the Music Room
Hello parents! My name is Mr. Waterstraat and I am the music teacher. I wanted to let you know a little bit about what we will be doing this month in music classes. Our goals will be to learn the rules and procedures for the classroom so everyone can be safe and happy at the end of class. Musically we will be focusing on Beat and Rhythm as the topic for the rest of the month. Ask your children what these words mean and look for the exact definitions in next months letter. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me by leaving a message with the main office. Have a musical month!
Mr. Christopher Waterstraat
Music Teacher
christopher.waterstraat@dodea.edu
Bookmark This: News from the Information Center
We are excited to welcome you to the Edward A. White Library—a place where curiosity grows, stories come alive, and learning never stops. Whether you're here to explore new adventures or deepen your knowledge, our library is here to support every reader.
We’re proud to share that all students in grades K–5 have checked out books to begin their reading journey! To help us keep our collection in great shape, please review the following reminders:
📖 Book Care Tips
- Clean Hands, Happy Books: Always handle books with clean hands to keep pages neat.
- Use a Bookmark: Please don’t fold pages—use a bookmark to save your place.
- Keep Books Dry: Avoid placing books near food, drinks, or water bottles.
- Safe Travels: Carry books in a backpack or book bag to protect them from damage.
- Return on Time: Books should be returned within 14 days so others can enjoy them too!
Thank you for helping us keep the Edward A. White Library a welcoming and inspiring place for all readers. We look forward to a fantastic year of reading and discovery!
Ms. Dolly Baker
Information Specialist
dolly.baker@dodea.edu
Action-Packed Updates from PE
Lion Families, welcome to a new school year of exciting things in PE! We are starting the year learning our rules and routines, as well as reviewing skills that we use throughout the year. Kindergarten-2nd graders have been working on locomotor skills (walk, run, jump, hop, gallop, side slide, march, skip, leap, and crab walk). Our 3rd-5th graders have been working on throwing, fleeing, and dodging. There are so many exciting things happening this year! Ask your child about what they did in PE each week!
Ms. Richardson and Mr. Davis
Physical Education Teachers
regina.richardson@dodea.edu
william.davis@dodea.edu
Featured News
Upcoming Events
Activities
Follow us on Social Media
School Procedures
Parent Communication
Questions and Concerns
Parents who have questions and/or concerns are requested to resolve it at the most appropriate and immediate level. For typical classroom matters, the following procedures should apply in order as needed:
- Step 1- The parent discusses the matter with the teacher.
- Step 2- The parent and teacher meet with the principal if the matter is not resolved in step 1.
- Step 3- Those matters which cannot be resolved at the school level are referred to the Community Superintendent's Office.
These procedures follow the correct chain-of-command/line of authority from teacher to principal to superintendent and focus on resolution at the lowest level. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate resolution of problems. Prompt action can frequently prevent complications and more serious problems later on.
Applicable DoW Policies
Attendance Policy
In accordance with the policy stated in DoWEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.
Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:
- Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
- Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
- Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
- Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence
DoWEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:
- Personal illness;
- Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
- Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
- A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
- Religious holiday;
- Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
- Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
- College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
- A pandemic event.
Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoWEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day. Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.
Applicable DoW Policies
DoWEA School Dress Code
Students MUST wear:
- Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
- Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
- Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
- Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
- Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed
Students CANNOT wear clothing with:
- Language or images promoting violence
- Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
- Derogatory speech and/or imagery that targets groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head
* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress
* DoWEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoWEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events
Applicable DoW Policies
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival Procedures
- The Car Rider Line is open 8:00 - 8:25 a.m. for arrivals. If you arrive early, please wait in the Car Rider Line for the gate arm to rise. Parking in the parking lot between 8:00-8:30 a.m. for student drop-offs is prohibited.
- Students should not be dropped off at school before 8:00 a.m. There is no adult supervision available prior to this time.
- Students eating breakfast should go to the cafeteria between 8:00 - 8:20 a.m. Breakfast service ends at 8:25 a.m.
- If you arrive at school after 8:25 a.m., you will be redirected to the Main Entrance. Parents will need to escort child(ren) to the front office to be checked in. If the check-in is before 8:30 a.m., your child will not be marked tardy.
- Children arriving after 8:30 a.m. are tardy and must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the front office.
- Attendance is taken and the instructional day starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. with our first group of students traveling to their Enrichment Classes.
Dismissal Procedures
- The Car Rider Line opens at 3:15 p.m. for dismissal. If you arrive early, please wait in the Car Rider Line for the gate arm to rise. Parking in the parking lot between 3:00-3:30 p.m. for student pickup is prohibited.
- Every student receives a Car Rider Placard and a Backpack Tag at the start of the school year. Each set includes a unique number that helps staff quickly and safely identify students during dismissal. Even if your child does not regularly use the Car Rider Line, it is important to keep the Backpack Tag attached to their backpack and store the Placard in your vehicle. This ensures you are prepared in the event of a Severe Weather Dismissal, when all walkers must be picked up by car through the Car Rider Line.
- Your school-issued Car Rider Placard should be visible in the front windshield of your vehicle. The placard serves as your ID for pickup. Vehicles without an official placard will be instructed to report to the front office to show photo ID.
- Students identified as Walkers, Sibling-Walkers, or Parent-Walkers need to walk all the way home. Parking on Old Ironsides Loop in Patton Village to pick up walking students is NOT permitted. There are “No Parking” signs posted on this street to help maintain safety and traffic flow.
- Walker dismissal has three categories:
- WALKERS (GRADES 2-5): These students are independent and allowed to walk home unaccompanied. They will be released from the lower level to walk up the hill to Patton Village.
- SIBLING-WALKERS (GRADES K-5): Students in grades 2-5 are allowed to walk their younger (K-1) siblings home. They will be paired together at the top of our main stairs and released through the Kinder playground. Pre-K students cannot be Sibling-Walkers.
- PARENT-WALKERS: Students in grades K-1 who do not have older siblings at E.A. White must be picked up by a parent or guardian. These students will be walked by staff to the kinder playground gate where a teacher will make sure each child is safely handed over to their adult. Walkers in Pre-K must be accompanied by a parent.
Car Rider Line Rules
- The Car Rider Line is a drop off/pick up only zone. Parents should not exit their vehicles when using the Car Rider Line. If your child needs assistance, a staff member will be there to help.
- Drive forward all the way to the end of the loading/unloading zone or to the car parked in front of you.
- Be ready. Have backpacks, lunchboxes, and goodbyes taken care of before entering the line.
- Students must enter and exit from the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Please remain in the line and wait for the cars in front of you to exit. Refrain from pulling around other cars, as this is a safety hazard.
- If waiting outside the school drive, pull onto the shoulder to keep the right lane clear for buses and other vehicles.
- Pickup and drop-off time is not the time to speak with teachers. If you need to discuss something, please schedule a conference.
Dismissal Changes
- Students must have one designated way of getting home on file for the year. If you need to change your student’s dismissal procedure for the day, please contact the front office before 1:00 p.m. Frequent changes in dismissal procedures are not permitted.
- Student check-outs end at 2:45 p.m. except for extenuating circumstances approved by the principal.
- To make a permanent change to your child’s dismissal plan, parents must complete a new Parent Information Sheet.
The front office will not accept dismissal changes via voicemail or Facebook messages. You must speak to a person in the front office or send a written note to the teacher. This cannot be an email as teachers are not always able check their email before dismissal. - Do not contact students directly by cellphone or smartwatch to make dismissal changes. Only changes made through the front office or in writing to the teacher will be honored.
Applicable DoW Policies
School Administrators
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Front Office | Front Office | 762-524-6560 |
| Susan Declue | School Nurse | 762-524-6555 |
|
Grades |
Regular Hours |
Tuesday Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Prekindergarten - 5th |
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
The 2nd Tuesday of every month is our Early Release Day.
Lunch is served from 11:15 - 12:30 depending on the grade level. Please note that no outside fast food is allowed in the cafeteria.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
