Once again, we thank our donors for all the contributions given throughout the year. Because of your support, we knocked out another project at Leonetti Elementary! Check out the facelift in the 5th grade flex space. Our DLE PTO worked diligently with the teachers to transition this empty room to a space that accommodates flexible seating for 30 students, including lap desks! Can't wait to see this learning space in action!
Campus Closed to Visitors
It’s STAAR TESTING season! As a reminder, when students are testing for STAAR on the above dates, the school does not allow for any visitors or guests in the building throughout the day including lunch.
Congratulations to the 2023-24 PTO Board Elect
We would like to congratulate the following individuals who were elected to serve on the Leonetti PTO Board for the 2023-24 school year.
President: Kristi Hansen
Vice President: Melissa DeLaGarza
Treasurer: Fran Mays
Secretary: Meri Sampson
Fundraising Coordinator: Mattie Givens
VIPS Coordinator: LaRoyshia McLaughlin
Educational Coordinator: Natasha Jackson
Student Activities Coordinator: Shaina Karabin
Publicity Coordinator: Joshua Jenkins
Staff Appreciation Coordinator: Michelle Parada
Parliamentarian: Kharla Kendall
We received a 95.8 percent approval vote. Thank you to all of the general members of our PTO who took the time to submit an electronic ballot. And THANK YOU to everyone who showed interest in serving on the PTO. Your time and energy that you commit is very much appreciated!
2023-2024 Budget Overview
The general members of our PTO also approved the 2023-2024 budget.
Click here to view an overview of the approved budget for next school year.
Your Donations Make a Difference
Money raised through Leonetti fundraisers goes directly to our teachers and kids.
Recently, our PTO committed to using some of this money to refresh the recess equipment on a monthly basis. Boy, were the kids excited to see new soccer balls, volleyballs, basketball, jump ropes and frisbees! Thank you, to all who support the DLE PTO!
DLE Celebrates Black History Month
DLE is proud to highlight and educate students about the achievements and contributions of Black Americans!
Fundraising Update From Our President
Each year the DLE PTO fundraises for general operating expenses such as field trips, family events, teacher grants and class holiday parties. But we also try to raise money for big ticket items to keep our "Lion Den" the best place to be! In the past couple years we've added floor to ceiling murals in the library, decked out the arrival/dismissal staff with rain and cold weather gear, added bikes racks and paths for our students, supplied a new dismissal program for the school, and more!
Our team also dreams big about projects like a Butterfly Garden and a walking track around the playground. And while we had full intentions of being able to do some of those things, unfortunately, both proposals have recently been declined by the district.
We wanted to keep our community abreast of where we are with spending for these major projects, and first reassure you all that the money raised for these special undertakings is still earmarked for the next phase of our proposal. We are in the process of obtaining necessary approvals and then we will be excited to share our new ideas. We are hopeful that since the district has now lifted some of the COVID-related policies delaying our prior plans, that we will have the ability to continue with a new vision to beautify the Leonetti campus and maximize the space for our kids.
With the most recent Palooza fundraiser, we utilize a portion of that for our operating budget, but then gift 40% to the school to help meet their needs. This year, we are able to purchase a portable outdoor PA system for the school, fill the 5th grade flex space with lounge furniture, upgrade recess equipment on a monthly basis, and add devices to some classrooms.
With all that said, the district is also upon major budget cuts, and we fully expect any ideas that we have to fall upon PTO to implement and maintain. It will take a village, but we have one of the best ones out there! Should you have any questions, please reach out to president@dlepto.org. Thank you, as always, for your continued willingness to financially support the PTO.
Toys for Kids Drive, Nov. 7-Dec. 9
The DLE National Elementary Honor Society is partnering with Toys for Tots and Santa’s Exchange to host a toy drive at our school from Nov. 7-Dec. 9.
They will be collecting gifts benefitting thousands of children in Fort Bend County. If you would like to participate, please send new, unwrapped toys or gifts for children (infant - 16 years of age).
Collection boxes have been placed in the front office lobby, cafeteria, and upstairs by the front stairwell.
Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 21-25
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, Nov. 21 - Friday, Nov. 25
Classes resume Monday, Nov. 28
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, Lions! Paw Prints will resume on Monday, Nov. 28.
Claim Your Items From Lost & Found
Missing a hoodie or jacket? Good chance it's been found at DLE! Stop by the front office and sift through the Leonetti Lost & Found boxes.
Lost and Found items will only be stored at DLE for one month, after which they will be donated to FBISD Shared Dreams.
Donations Needed for DLE Clinic
Whether due to accidents or spills, often times students need a new set of clothing during the school day. Luckily, our nurses come to the rescue!
Currently, the clinic is in need of a few items to help restock the spare clothing stash.
Please note that these are the only items currently requested at this time:
Boys Underwear: Size 4-6 and 7-8
Boys and Girls Elastic Waistband Shorts/Pants: Size 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 10-12
While we appreciate willingness to give more, we do not have the capacity to house any additional donations.
PTO Fall General Meeting
Did you miss our Fall General Meeting during Open House last week?
Hearts of Gold
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. DLE encourages students to show their support by wearing gold or yellow every Wednesday in September.
This year, students will be participating in a Gold Stroll walk at the beginning of their PE outclass time to honor those students who have fought or continue to fight pediatric cancer.
On September 16, all students and staff can dress up as their favorite superhero to honor those students who continue their fight or have fought pediatric cancer. They are true heroes!
There is also a community event being planned, click here for more information.
Important Update for Morning Arrivals
To expedite arrival and ensure student safety, DLE’s morning arrival traffic pattern will be the same as at dismissal.
At 7:30 a.m., the first left turn entrance to DLE will be closed. All cars will need to proceed down Waters Lake Boulevard, past Thornton Middle School, and make a U-turn. Cars will make the U-turn in front of the last entrance to Thornton and proceed back to the SLE car rider driveway entrance. Cars will make two lanes as soon as they enter the car rider driveway.
Only FBISD Employees, FBISD busses, daycare vans and cars with green front office tags will be allowed to turn into the parking lot between Leonetti and Thornton.
If you would like to park and walk your child, please stay in the car rider line, enter the first entrance to DLE and park in the front parking lot. Parents must walk their students across the crosswalk in front of the school doors. Parents will not be allowed to park in the parking lot between Thornton and Leonetti.
Some reminders for morning arrival:
Form two lines in the car rider driveway.
Do not exit your vehicle. This will stall the line for everyone.
Your child needs to be ready to exit the vehicle once you arrive in the Drop Off/Pick Up Zone. That means backpack, lunch, water bottle in hand. Shoes on, hair already combed. Goodbyes said and hugs given.
For their safety, please have your child exit the vehicle from the passenger side (nearest the sidewalk).
Assistant Principals Christina Simpson and Megan Boler are out at morning arrival assessing the procedure and getting feedback from assisting paraprofessionals. They are making adjustments as needed.
Wondering how you can help? Sign up to be a Morning Car Door Helper. No experience is necessary, just bring a smile and a welcoming attitude, and open car doors for our students as they safely exit their vehicles during morning drop off.
New Dismissal Procedure at DLE
In our ongoing efforts to ensure student safety during dismissal, DLE will begin using the PikMyKid Dismissal Application.
PikMyKid allows us to easily track the dismissal mode of each student and simplifies the process for parents to make changes. The PikMyKid app is free and available for both Android phones and iPhones.
View the Parent App Guide to download and navigate the PikMyKid app.
Once downloaded, the registration process is very simple. PikMyKid student accounts are generated using information directly from Skyward.
Please complete this process as soon as possible! Dismissal information will be confirmed and dismissal tags available for pick up at Meet the Teacher on August 8th.
Questions? Please email Mrs. Boler at megan.boler@fortbendisd.com.
Meet the Teacher
UPDATE: THE TIMES FOR MEET THE TEACHER HAVE CHANGED!
Monday, August 8
Last Names: A-M 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Last Names N-Z 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Join your classmates and meet your teacher Monday, August 8. There will be two sessions to accommodate our growing DLE community. This informal event is a great time for Lion families to:
Drop off your school supplies. (Or, conveniently unpack your supply packs pre-ordered through the PTO.)
Meet and greet with your teacher.
Finalize your Dismissal information.
Claim your child’s FREE spirit wear T-shirt by providing size information.
AND, discover volunteer opportunities!
Parents, be sure to visit one of the PTO tables to find out how you can make a difference at DLE through volunteering!
Get Logged In!
The start of the new school year is just around the corner, so now is the time to catch up on some housekeeping items. Whether you are a current DLE family or you are new to Donald Leonetti Elementary and Fort Bend ISD, here is your Back to School Checklist:
Class Assignments
The start of the new school year is just around the corner, so now is the time to catch up on some housekeeping items. Whether you are a current DLE family or you are new to Donald Leonetti Elementary and Fort Bend ISD, here is your Back to School Checklist:
Class Assignments
Class assignment letters will be emailed to parents directly from their classroom teacher at 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 5. If you do not receive the letter, please contact DLE’s registrar, Nayelli Duran, at 281-327-3198 or attendancedle@fortbendisd.com.
Skyward Family Access
Is your contact information up to date? Log in to Family Access to ensure you’re receiving communications from DLE and FBISD. If you want to receive that teacher letter by email, you'll want to make sure the right email is set to your student!
Enrollment Verification (For New and Returning Families)
Log into Family Access to complete all student information forms before August 8. Click here for instructions.
Lunch Account
FBISD uses School Cafe to manage meal accounts. Create an account to make payments, set purchase restrictions, or apply for free or reduced lunches.
Bus Route Locator
Find your Bus Stop, Arrival, and Departure times with this link.
Spring Break
Learning Around the World
Thank you to the Grade Level Coordinators and PTO friends who helped transform DLE into “Learning Around the World” for Read Across America Week. Students enjoyed ELA and Math activities all week, and special guests visited campus. Lots of fun learning!
Open House Thursday, March 3
Open House is a come-and-go event scheduled for March 3rd. To accommodate our growing community, parents can visit classrooms based on their alpha split:
Last Names A-M will visit from 5:00-5:30
Last Names N-Z will visit from 6:00-6:30
Teachers will send home an Open House letter and student work samples with any families that choose not to attend.*Due to campus enrollment, please do your best to follow social distancing protocols when feasible.
DLE SPIRIT WEAR POP-UP SHOP AT OPEN HOUSE
Come check out our DLE Spirit Wear for sale at the PTO Table in the cafeteria at Open House on March 3! Venmo or cash only.
Boosterthon Funds at Work
With the money raised during our 2021 Spring Boosterthon, the DLE PTO has been collaborating with DLE teachers, admin, and a local artist to create a beautiful plan for our Leonetti Library!
As soon as students are released this May, Jeff Syzmanski will begin transforming our library walls with an amazing mural, filled with magic and whimsical imagination. Here's a sneak peek of what's to come.
A huge thank you to our families and business sponsors for always supporting our Lions and enabling dreams like this to come true!