We are so grateful to our DLE community for the continued support of our campus staff, teachers, and students! And, bonus, Boosterthon donating is still open for a short time! Does your employer participate in corporate matching?
Lions School Store Open March 24
School Store will be open during recess for all grade levels on Friday, March 24. School Store is cash only.
Students can shop the Lions School Store in the spring semester on the following dates:
February 10
March 10
March 24
April 21
May 5
School Store is open during recess time for all grade levels. Sending money in a labeled ziploc bag makes it easy for kids to bring home their new toys. It’s not a must-do, but it’s helpful for the students and volunteers!
Speaking of volunteers …
School Store is run by volunteers, so sign up to be a part of the fun and help run the store. We are asking that parents commit to two back-to-back recess periods. Click here to sign up.
The store may be moved to grade-level flex spaces in the event of rain.
Community Corner: Join Propel Soccer
Propel Soccer Academy invites your soccer player(s) to play in our SPRING REC SOCCER LEAGUE (6-12 years old)!
Monday and Wednesday practices at Baines Middle School
Saturday morning games at Glenn York Elementary
First practice is March 20! Last game is May 13!
DLE Food Truck and Family Fun Night
We had so much fun with our Lion community at the first-ever DLE Food Truck & Family Fun Night sponsored by the PTO!
The DLE PTO would like to extend its gratitude to the following vendors who helped make this event a success:
Tings and Wacos
Mary Had a Little Party
Mr. Softee
B&B Popcorn
… and to our Event Sponsors who donated their services:
Ridge Point High School art students for their face-painting services!
And lastly, thank you to our current PTO sponsors who hosted activities:
University Pediatric Dentistry
Mathnasium of Sienna Plantation
Leonetti Graphics
Watch D.O.G.S., a DLE Perspective
One father to a DLE student recently shared this about his experience with Watch D.O.G.S. on campus: “I truly enjoyed my interaction with the students and they were excited to have me in their presence.”
“They were very engaging on the playground during recess while we played basketball and introduced ourselves. During lunch time they talked about their favorite subjects, friends and extracurricular activities that they are participating in outside of school. I think that Watch DOGS is an excellent program and I look forward to continuing to volunteer in 2023.”
Watch D.O.G.S. is a great opportunity for dads to get involved on campus, be a role model, and support our DLE staff and students. The program provides a great amount of flexibility for those that may only be able to volunteer an hour as well as those that may be able to spend several hours serving in a given day.
All male role models are welcome to participate – fathers, step-fathers, uncles, grandfathers, etc!
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!
Valentine's Day Parties
Valentine's Day parties are on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
9:00-9:45 a.m. - Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd Grade parties
11:15 a.m.-Noon - 1st, 4th, and 5th Grade parties
We need two (2) volunteers per class in addition to the Room Parent to help with the pre-selected craft, game, and snack. Party volunteers will be expected to help set up supplies, lead activities/small groups, and clean up. No younger siblings are allowed to attend while you are volunteering.
Sign up here to volunteer:
Volunteers need to arrive 30 minutes before party time to meet with your Room Parent and Grade Level Coordinator in your grade level flex space to go over the party plan.
All volunteers must have a completed background check. You must complete a new one each school year.
To accommodate our enrollment, we will have two party times. In order to attend the class parties, visitors must register in advance at this link. The link closes Thursday, February 9 at 5 p.m. If a visitor does not register ahead of time, entrance to the parties may be delayed. Due to party events, visitors will not be allowed for lunch on this day.
DLE Celebrates Black History Month
DLE is proud to highlight and educate students about the achievements and contributions of Black Americans!
Spirit Wear Sale!
Limited Time: Save $10 on all Champion Anorak Jackets in the Leonetti spirit wear store through Sunday. Click here to shop!
National School Counseling Week
February 6-10, 2023
Behind every great school is a great counselor! Thank you Ms. Armiger and Ms.Sane for all you do for DLE! If you see one of our counselors this week, please thank them for all they do!
Watch D.O.G.S., a DLE Perspective
"Watch D.O.G.S. makes a huge difference on our campus," said Mrs. Simpson, DLE assistant principal. "The kids are so excited to see their Watch D.O.G. at morning arrival, recess, and during lunch. And our staff is so thankful for the extra support."
This volunteer program, which was just implemented in fall 2022, brings father figures onto the campus to help with support during busier, unstructured times of the day. It is open to all dads, step-dads, uncles and grandfathers as long as they have a current approved background check within Fort Bend ISD.
“The goal is clear and simple,” Mrs. Simpson shared. "Having Watch D.O.G.S. has allowed us to have positive male role models back on campus. We appreciate our dads’ extra help to keep our students safe."
If you feel this is a good fit for a male role model in your child's life, we recommend that you visit the Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer signup to learn more.
"DLE loves having the extra hands to help, and our students love having dads/grandpas on campus," Mrs. Simpson said.
Make the difference. Be the difference. Become one of our Watch D.O.G.S.
Come See Your Teachers at Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night!
Join us for our Spring Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, 4 p.m.-8p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7!
Dine-in, carry out, and drive thru orders will help support DLE PTO! When ordering from a team member, please tell them before you order that you are here for “Leonetti Spirit Night!”
We are excited to have amazing teacher volunteers again and look forward to seeing you there!
New Year, New Projects: Volunteer at DLE
We need volunteers throughout the campus to help with teacher projects, cutting and laminating, book fair, school store, and Watch D.O.G.S. The time commitment for each role is typically one hour at a time and can accommodate your schedule.
Our teachers and staff greatly appreciate your help, and the kids love seeing you on campus! To see all opportunities available, click here.
Note: Laminating projects can only be completed by an adult volunteer who is trained on the laminating machine.
Viewpoint From DLE Watch D.O.G.S.
Joshua Jenkins was looking for a way to get involved at DLE when he discovered the Watch D.O.G.S. program last fall.
Joshua Jenkins has a kindergartener at Leonetti, and discovered Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) last fall during the kick-off. He was looking for a way to get involved at the school, and this seemed to be a perfect fit. This nationally recognized program is a family and community engagement educational initiative with the goal to provide positive male role models and help reduce bullying.
"It gives me a chance to be visible at the school my child goes to. I get to meet so many other kids as well that they always find a way to make me smile," Joshua shared. "From helping them out of their car, walking them to the door, pushing them on the swing, or helping them open their milk carton," just being present leaves a lasting impact."
Mr. Jenkins graciously manages to give at least one hour per week to the Watch D.O.G.S. program at Leonetti, and is able to plan his time when its best suited around his full-time career schedule. All male role models are welcome - dads, step-fathers, uncles or grandfathers!
To find out more about how to get involved in Watch D.O.G.S. at DLE, click here.
Claim Your Free Boosterthon/Field Day T-Shirt
Please complete the attached form to ensure that your DLE student(s) receive(s)a FREE Boosterthon and Field Day t-shirt. A separate form must be completed for each of your DLE students.
The forms are due by Wednesday, February 1.
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.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Our Leonetti Lions loved celebrating Lunar New Year on February 20 and were in awe of the amazing performance by Unity Dragon & Lions Dance Troupe.
College & Career Week, January 23-27
DLE will recognize College and Career Week Jan. 23-27. See below for spirit wear theme days.
January 23: “Heroes are made”: Wear your favorite super hero shirt (no costumes).
January 24: “Your Future Starts Here”: Wear your favorite DLE shirt
January 25: “College Day Wednesday”: Wear your favorite college gear
January 26: CAREER DAY! Dress up for your dream career
January 27: “We Are Fit to Work and Achieve”: Wear your favorite fitness gear
College Day Wednesdays
Students and staff members are encouraged to wear college shirts each Wednesday in the month of January to support the learning of colleges/post-secondary education opportunities.
Sign Up to Speak at Career Day!
Every grade level is in need of guest speakers for Career Day on Thursday, Jan. 26. Sign up per grade level from the links below.
Earn Rewards for DLE with the Box Tops app!
Do any of these brands land in your cart? Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Gogurt, Nature Valley, Papermate, Hamburger Helper.
You can raise money for DLE when you buy these brands (plus tons more). Recruit your family and friends who love these brands as well to help out our school.
Whether you’re grocery shopping online, in person, or curbside pickup, you can use your receipts to earn money that goes directly to DLE!
Have questions? Contact our Retail Donations Chair, Joshua Jenkins, at jenkins.joshua83@gmail.com.
We Love Our DLE Staff!
Help us show some love to our DLE staff this Valentine's Day! Click the link to donate a sweet staff mailbox treat!