22-23 Important Dates/Information

September 26 - Volunteer Night (come learn about the ways to volunteer at NRE) 5pm

September 29  - Multicultural Fair 5pm - 7pm

September 30   - Popcorn Friday

October 3 - 7 - Book Fair

October 10 - 14 - Conferences

October 17- 21 - Fall Break

October 28 - Halloween Parade (during school)

Fall Festival 5pm - 8pm

Elementary Discovery Program: 2023-2024 Application Process Now Open

The DCSD Elementary Discovery Program is a center-based gifted program designed to meet the needs of highly advanced gifted elementary school students (grades 2 - 6) who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from gifted programming and services provided through their school. 

Want to know more about the program? Explore the resources below!

• Hear from current and former Discovery Program students, parents, and teachers: Facebook or YouTube

• Just want nitty gritty details about the program? Review the Discovery Program Presentation.

• Do you have students who may be a good fit for the program? Connect with your School’s Gifted Education Facilitator today!

Dear NRE Community - 

Fall is a season of change. It's a season where the leaves fall, the flowers change, clothing changes from shorts and tank tops to sweaters and jackets and instead of iced teas, it's more like hot cocoa and coffees. Each change in season I think what should I change within myself to be better?

This past Saturday both of my girls were off doing there own thing and my husband and I were able to go to dinner by ourselves. I was excited to have the time away from the hustle and bustle of life with just the two of us with no distractions. As we sat there talking, there were lots of high school students coming in for their homecoming dinners and they all looked beautiful and were behaving appropriately for the atmosphere. I was proud of them for how they ordered and conversed with one another for the first 15 minutes they were there. As the time went on, I was saddened as I continued to look around the restaurant because most people were sitting on their phones. One table caught my eye specifically because there was a little girl who was maybe two years old at most. Both parents were on their phones while the little girl played with the napkin and silverware. I was sad for her that no one was talking or playing with her. I am sure the parents were exhausted as most of us are but we don't get to have these moments back. We finished eating and left the restaurant and there were kids waiting to get picked up to go to homecoming (based on their attire) who were also all on their phone. I was again saddened. We can all do better. 

I started thinking when am I on my phone when I don't need to be? When are the no-tech times at my house? Each family creates their own routines but I would encourage you to think about yours. What's important to you? As I thought about this for my own family, I though of my two girls and how my oldest will be leaving for college next August. Looking back at the last 17 years, what would I change? If I focus on technology alone, Riley did not have access to TV until she was 3, she didn't know what a cell phone was or an iPad until 6, got a basic cell phone at 12, didn't have social media until 9th grade (Instagram only) and earned Snapchat based on excellent behavior and grades (this came with limited time and lots of parental controls). Until my girls were in high school, there was no technology at home (tv, phones, iPads etc.) Monday - Friday. Why? I wanted to have the time with them so that I could help shape who they are instead of a television show or a video game. Looking back at Riley's 17 years, I wouldn't change the board games we played, the walks we went on or the bike rides we took. I wouldn't change the baking we did or the science experiments that went wrong :) We would do nature scavenger hunts, make cards for hospital patients, and deliver meals to those in need. I would not change this at all. I hope when you think of the first 5, 10, or 15 years of your child's life, you love what you have started. Parenting is hard work. It's Fall so what "change" do you want? I want and need to soak up more family time because it's gone before you know it.

I hope you will soak up some community time and bring your family and enjoy the Multicultural Fair this Thursday. My parents are coming and they will be having a booth for Spain which is where my Dad's side of the family is from. I would love for you to meet them and they would love to meet you too. This is one of my favorite events where every person stands tall and proud of who they are, where they came from, and what culture they all bring to the table. Please come celebrate with us.

~Katie Lynch

Principal of NRE

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.

Youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs of their distress. Family members, caregivers, teachers, and friends are in a key position to pick up on signs and get help. Most important is to never take these warning signs lightly or promise to keep them secret. When all adults and students in the school community are committed to making suicide prevention a priority—and are empowered to take the correct actions—we can help youth before they engage in behavior with irreversible consequences.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free & confidential support and be reached simply by calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org. 

For more resources regarding suicide prevention, visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.