This year we will be celebrating our amazing DES teachers and staff with a rock and roll theme.

📅Week ofMay 4th - 8th

🎶🎸Our DES Teachers and Staff Rock!🎸🎶

This week we are celebrating that OUR DES TEACHERS AND STAFF ROCK! There are lots of ways to participate throughout the week!  Click on the flyer with suggestions of ways you can join in the fun for each day of this week!  Also have your students bring their completed coloring page(s) to school by tomorrow morning!

Please also check out the Sign-Up Genius links to see if there are available spots for VOLUNTEER opportunities here and DONATION opportunities here. This week would not be possible without your support! Thank you in advance for joining with the PTO this week to celebrate that OUR DES TEACHERS AND STAFF ROCK!

Our annual Scholastic Book Fair continues this week!  

Students may visit the Fair during their recess period and shop all of Scholastic's wonderful choices from May 4 - May 8. Find updated information HERE reflecting recess changes and Mrs. Harris' recent email update regarding parent visitiation.

eWallet is the convenient, secure digital payment option for the Fair. It's the easy way for kids to shop independently for books they want to read, and easy for others to contribute funds. You can set up an eWallet from our DES Fair homepage.

Visiting our Book Fair is also the perfect way to show appreciation during this week devoted to celebrating our rocking staff!

• Select a book from your Teacher's Classroom Wish Box.
• Checkout and let the cashier know that you're helping build your teacher's library.
• Fill out a BookJoy sticker to include in the book as a memento. 
• Personally deliver to your teacher.

Let's buy up their wish boxes and show our teachers some BIG GATOR LOVE!

There are also still opportunities to volunteer during a shift to help make this highly anticipated event a great success! If you are able to, please consider lending a hand for a shift (or 2 or 3!). SIGN UP HERE! 

The PTO has purchased two outdoor sheds that will be used to store outdoor toys and other items.  They have been delivered and we are looking for a volunteer (or two) to put them together ASAP. 

Reach out to Mary Boese asttreasurer.pto.des@gmail.com for more information.  

Don’t miss our Gator Gear Flash Sale — ending May 10! Take 25% off t-shirts and hoodies with a special promo code SPRING25 at checkout.

It’s the perfect chance to grab spirit wear for summer, size up for next year, or snag a few extras for family members who love to show their Gator pride. Shop now and save.

Between practices, games, and busy weeknights, finding time for meals can feel like a challenge. That’s why our upcoming Dining Out for DES at Chick-fil-A Edgewater is the perfect solution! Stop by anytime on Monday, May 18 (open–close) and grab a quick, easy meal for the whole family — no matter how packed your schedule is.

Whether you’re fueling up before a game, grabbing dinner on the way home, or picking up a late-night bite after practice, every order helps support DES. Skip the cooking, save time, and still give back!

Don't forget:

• Dine in or Drive Thru: Be sure to mention the DES fundraiser before you pay.
• Mobile Orders: Enter code GATORS and opt into our Spirit Night before checkout.

Our next PTO General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 p.m. in the DES Media Center. 

Come hear more about our end of year events and planning for the 2026-2027 school year.  We will also be moving to approve the following lineup for next year's PTO executive board:

President- Mary Boese

VP Fundraising- Alison Moser 

VP Communications- Nicole Desrochers 

VP Volunteering- Ashley Schoelkopf 

Treasurer- Jill Rosato

Assistant Treasurer- Christina Meighen

Secretary- Chris Beegle

Do you have a future kindergartener ready to take their first big step into DES? Now is the time to register! 🎒 From making new friends to discovering a love of learning, kindergarten is where the adventure begins. To access information about the enrollment process, click here.

Enroll your student here.  

We can't wait to welcome our newest Gators this Fall!

Visit AACPS Family Link to find out about upcoming events, important dates, and school community resources going on this month!