Countdown to May 31 Deer Dash has Begun!
We are within 3 weeks of race day and we’d like to thank the more than 230 individuals that have registered for either the 5K Run/Walk or the One-Mile Fun Run.   It’s not too late to register!   To join in on the fun, please go to www.active.com or pick up a registration form on the PTA bulletin board in the school lobby.
To date, more than 35 local corporations have provided either cash contributions or in-kind donations for Deer Dash.    We have great donated door prizes for race participants including one-month memberships to local gyms and gift certificates to local businesses. We thank the community for this tremendous support!
We also have lots of interest in the used-book sale that will take place during Deer Dash.    Please gear up for summer reading by planning to come to the used book sale!    A designated box is in the school lobby for book donations. 
We’re still in need of race-day volunteers.   If you would be willing to help in any of the following volunteer positions, please email your contact information to dces5k@msn.com.

• Race Pointers: Along the course, we will need volunteers positioned to point runners in the right direction.  (8:00 – 9:30 am)
 
• Traffic Directors:  We’ll also need folks to direct traffic at several points along the course.  (7:45 – 9:30 am)
 
• Fun Run Leaders:  A spirited group of adults is needed to lead the one-mile fun run.  (9:15 am – 10:00 am)
 

 We hope to see you at the Deer Dash on May 31!   Race time is 8:30 a.m. for the 5K and 9:30 a.m. for the One-Mile Fun Run.

Upcoming Assemblies
During the upcoming DCES Field Days, the students will see “Bananas”, a presentation from the Blue Sky Puppet Theater.  The assembly for students in K-2nd grade is on Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m.   The assembly for students in grades 3-5 will be on Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Check out our Deer Dash thermometer!

Box Tops and Labels Final Collection
There will be a final collection of Box Tops for the year on May 23rd.  These will count towards the final count to see which classes will be receiving an Ice Cream Reward on Wednesday, June 4th.  So far the following classes have turned in more than 1200 box tops/labels for the year and have qualified for the ice cream reward:
Fitzgerald, Jacobs, Rhoten, Peterman, Woolard, Thim, Mapes, and OhEithir. 

The following classes are close to the 1200 mark:  Schanuel, White/Rubin, Thomas, and Freeman. 

Teacher Appreciation Committee
Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped to make this year's teacher appreciation week such a huge success!!!  We could not have done it without your help:  making meals, donating items, stuffing bags, helping your children write recipes, and the list goes on.....We know that our teachers and staff certainly feel appreciated, all thanks to you!

PTA Meeting and Election May 20
The General PTA meeting and election of officers for next year will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 20 in the Media Center.  Part of this meeting will also include our end of year PTA Farewell & Welcome Party for outgoing and incoming officers and committee chairpersons.  Any interested DCES parents are welcome to attend.  If you’d like to attend the celebration please RSVP to Juanita Thomas at jthomas94@msn.com or (301) 865-8733.  We have to have a head count so we can have enough food, drinks and paper products for everyone in attendance.

Candidates for the 2008-2009 PTA Executive Board

PRESIDENT :            Kim Felix
VICE PRESIDENT:   Traci Stupp & Cathy Weadon
TREASURER:            Laura Hughes
SECRETARY:            Colleen Baldree & Stephanie Napier

**Urgent Help Wanted!**
Oakdale Middle School PTA needs you to become a PTA officer.  Current officers’ children are moving up to high school and unless a new slate of officers steps up, OMS is in danger of their PTA being dissolved for the 08-09 school year.  Please call Oakdale Middle School at 240-236-5500 or Helen Evans at 301-865-0189.

Elections will take place on May 20th at 7:00 p.m. during our regular General Membership Meeting.

Please come out and show your support for these candidates.