December Newsletter
Bowley Purpose Statement
The Bowley school community will educate and enrich the children of our nation's heroes to become successful lifelong learners.
Dear Bowley Elementary School Parents,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break, filled with joy, relaxation, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Taking time to recharge is essential for both our families and students, and I trust that this break provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. It's these moments of rest and togetherness that help us all return to our routines with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
As we look forward to the upcoming winter break, I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining regular attendance and ensuring our students are well-rested and ready to focus during these next few weeks. Consistent attendance is crucial for their academic success, and your support in helping them stay engaged and prepared for their studies is greatly appreciated. Let's work together to make these weeks productive and positive for our children.
Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our school community. Your involvement and support make a significant difference in the lives of our students. Let's make the most of this time, fostering a nurturing and encouraging environment for everyone at Bowley Elementary. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season ahead!
Warm regards,
Dr. Raymond Burk
Principal, Bowley Elementary School
On November 2, 2024, Bowley Elementary School’s dedicated guidance counselor, Dr. Penner, attended a poignant Veterans Day program in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This event was particularly special as it honored all veterans, and their invaluable contributions to our nation.
The program featured a series of moving tributes, traditional ceremonies, and inspiring speeches that highlighted the bravery of service members. Dr. Penner’s participation in this event reflects our school’s deep respect and appreciation for the stories of our nation’s heroes.
We are proud to have Dr. Penner as part of our school community, continually fostering a spirit of gratitude and respect. Thank you to all veterans for your courage and dedication. Your service inspires us every day.
Bowley Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as three kindergarten classes celebrated 50s Day on the 50th day of school. Students and teachers alike embraced the spirit of the decade, dressing up in vibrant outfits reminiscent of the 1950s, complete with poodle skirts, leather jackets, and stylish hats.
In Ms. Culbreth's, Ms. Shannon's, and Ms. Merritt's classrooms, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as students participated in a variety of engaging activities. The day was packed with fun, including arts and crafts where children created their own 50s-themed decorations. They also enjoyed classic games that were popular during the era, fostering teamwork and creativity.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the dance party, where students showcased their best moves to the tunes of the 50s. The energy was infectious, with everyone joining in on the fun, making it a memorable experience for all.
Ms. Merritt's class, featured in the day's photo, radiated enthusiasm as they posed in their colorful outfits, embodying the spirit of the 50s. The celebration not only marked a milestone in the school year but also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the past in a lively and interactive way.
Overall, 50s Day was a fantastic success, leaving students and teachers alike with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the fun and flair of the 1950s!
Kindergarten Class celebrating 50's day!
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a mild but highly contagious viral illness that can cause outbreaks in school and childcare settings where close contact occurs. Children are most contagious during the first week of illness, but they can shed the virus in their stool for weeks to months after the infection starts.
HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and daycare centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it.
• The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious.
• To prevent spreading HFMD, encourage frequent handwashing, clean, and disinfect surfaces (manipulatives, door knobs, etc), and avoid close contact with others.
According to the CDC, children with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can return to school when they meet the following criteria:
• They have no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
• They don't have excessive drooling due to mouth sores
• They feel well enough to participate in normal activities
Children with widespread blisters may need to stay home until the blisters dry up, which can take about a week. Children with sores that are draining fluids should not return to school.
Generally, keep children home from school until their fever and pain resolve. They do not have to stay home until the rash resolves, which can take 1 to 2 weeks.
Please continue to alert your child’s classroom teacher if HFMD has been diagnosed. Although written medical clearance to return to school is not required, it would be supportive information for the school staff to know.
To prevent the spread of HFMD, schools can:
• Improve ventilation
• Encourage frequent handwashing
• Teach students and staff to keep their hands away from their face
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect frequently
• Provide clear communication to families and staff
I hope this information is helpful.
Nurse Sharon
At Bowley Elementary School, the Student Council plays a vital role in fostering communication between students and the administration. Recently, the council had an engaging meeting with Dr. Burk, the school administrator, where students shared their thoughts on what they love about their school and what changes they would like to see.
During this productive session, students were encouraged to express their opinions openly. They wrote down their feedback, focusing on both positive aspects and areas for improvement. This structured approach allowed each member to articulate their ideas clearly and share their rationale with the group. The discussions ranged from enhancing playground equipment to introducing more afterschool clubs, all grounded in what is feasible and reasonable.
The Student Council meets monthly, providing a consistent platform for students to voice their concerns and suggestions. These meetings not only empower students but also foster a sense of community and collaboration within the school. By participating in these discussions, students learn valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and advocacy.
Dr. Burk appreciates the insights from the Student Council, recognizing that student feedback is essential for creating a nurturing and responsive school environment. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the voices of Bowley Elementary’s students are heard and valued, paving the way for positive changes that enhance the overall school experience.
Through their commitment to making a difference, the Student Council at Bowley Elementary School exemplifies the power of student engagement and the importance of working together to create a better learning environment for everyone.
Featured News
Upcoming Events
Activities
Follow us on Social Media
School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
Student Hours
| Grade | Regular Hours | Wednesday Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PK - 5 | 8:20 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. | 8:20 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. |
| Office Hours | 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Teachers | 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.. |
First Bell: 8:20 a.m.
| Cafeteria Hours | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:45 am | 8:15 am |
| Lunch | 10:30 am | 1:00 pm |
We’re excited to share that DoDEA has won the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award – Website Award of Merit for our School Newsletters Project! This NSPRA award honors outstanding school communication efforts that help connect schools with their communities. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our amazing school webmasters. Thank you for keeping families connected with your hard work and heart!
