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🍎 Back-to-School Tip #8: The First Few Days Can Be Hard

The first week of school is exciting, but it can also be exhausting.

Even students who love school may come home feeling tired, emotional, overwhelmed, or more irritable than usual. They are learning new routines, meeting new teachers, adjusting to schedules, and using a lot of mental energy throughout the day.

This is completely normal.

As your child adjusts, try to:

❤️ Give extra patience and grace

😴 Prioritize sleep and healthy routines

👂 Listen when they want to talk about their day

🍎 Provide healthy snacks and downtime after school

😊 Focus on effort and progress rather than perfection

Remember, adjustment takes time. Most students need several days—or even a few weeks—to fully settle into a new school year.

A tough day doesn't mean it's going to be a tough year.

At DCLA, our teachers and staff are committed to helping every student feel welcomed, supported, and successful.

❤️🤍💙 Together, we'll help our Eagles soar!

#GoEagles #DCLACounselorCorner
about 2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 8
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #7: Focus on Connection

As the school year begins, one of the best things you can do for your child is simply connect with them.

In the busy rush of homework, practices, activities, and schedules, take a few minutes each day to slow down and talk.

Try asking:

💬 What was the best part of your day?

💬 What made you smile today?

💬 Did anything feel challenging?

💬 Is there anything you're looking forward to tomorrow?

Sometimes children don't need us to solve every problem. They simply need to know that someone is listening.

Strong connections at home help students feel safe, supported, and confident at school. When children know they have trusted adults who care about them, they are better equipped to handle challenges, build friendships, and learn from mistakes.

Remember, meaningful conversations don't have to be long. A few intentional minutes each day can make a big difference.

❤️ Put down the phone.

❤️ Listen more than you talk.

❤️ Be present.

❤️ Let your child know they matter.

At DCLA, we believe strong relationships help students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

❤️🤍💙 Together, we're helping our Eagles soar!

#GoEagles #DCLACounselorCorner
about 2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 7
📢 Important Back-to-School Reminders 🏫🚌

⏰ School begins at 8:15 a.m.

🚌 The bus will begin loading in Lamont at 7:55 a.m. and will depart promptly at 8:00 a.m.

⚠️ The bus will not make any stops on the way to Deer Creek, so please make sure your child arrives on time.

📵 Phones must remain put away and may not be used while students are on the bus.

🔔 School dismisses at 3:25 p.m.

We are excited to welcome everyone back! ❤️💙🦅
2 months ago, Kelly Martin
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #6: Limit Screen Time Before Bed

One of the best gifts you can give your child is a good night's sleep.

Phones, tablets, televisions, and video games can make it harder for children and teens to fall asleep and stay asleep. Even when they seem tired, screens can keep their brains active long after the device is turned off.

Try creating a screen-free hour before bedtime by encouraging activities such as:

📖 Reading a book

🛁 Taking a bath or shower

💬 Talking about the day

🎒 Getting backpacks ready for tomorrow

🌙 Relaxing and winding down

Well-rested students are more likely to:

✅ Focus and learn

✅ Manage emotions

✅ Follow directions

✅ Feel confident and prepared for school

Remember, the goal isn't perfection. Small changes can make a big difference.

One of the most powerful school supplies a child can bring on the first day isn't found in a backpack—it's a good night's sleep.

❤️ Screens can wait. Sleep can't.

❤️🤍💙 Together, we're helping our Eagles soar!

#GoEagles #DCLACounselorCorner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 6
📚🍎 The First Day of School is Almost Here! 🍎📚

Just a reminder that the first day of school at DCLA is Thursday, August 6!

We hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer, but we are excited to welcome our Eagles back for another great year of learning, growth, and success.

As you prepare for the first day:

🎒 Pack your school supplies

⏰ Set those alarm clocks

👕 Lay out your school clothes

😊 Get a good night's sleep

❤️ Come ready to learn and make new memories

Our teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare for an amazing year, and we can't wait to see our hallways filled with students again!

Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!

❤️🤍💙 Go Eagles!
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
back to school
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #5: Feelings Are Normal

As the first day of school approaches, remember that children can experience a wide range of emotions.

Some students are excited.

Some are nervous.

Some are confident.

Some are worried.

Many are feeling a little bit of everything.

No matter their age, these feelings are completely normal.

One of the best things adults can do is acknowledge emotions without trying to fix them immediately.

Instead of saying:

❌ "Don't be nervous."

Try saying:

❤️ "It's okay to feel nervous."

❤️ "A lot of students feel that way before school starts."

❤️ "I believe in you."

❤️ "We'll get through it together."

When children feel heard and understood, their confidence often grows.

Remind your child that every student is learning new routines, meeting new teachers, and adjusting to a new school year. They are not alone.

The first day doesn't have to be perfect. It simply needs to be the first step.

At DCLA, our teachers and staff are ready to welcome, support, and encourage every student who walks through our doors.

❤️🤍💙 Big feelings are normal. New beginnings are exciting. Our Eagles are ready to soar!

#GoEagles #DCLACounselorCorner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 5
🍎 Tonight's the Night! 🍎

We are excited to welcome our elementary students and families to Meet the Teacher Night at DCLA Elementary!

📅 Tuesday, August 4
⏰ 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Come by to:

📚 Meet your teacher

🎒 Drop off school supplies

🏫 Find your classroom

😊 Reconnect with friends and get excited for the first day of school

Starting a new school year can bring lots of emotions, especially for our youngest Eagles. Taking a few minutes to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and become familiar with the school can help make the first day much easier.

We can't wait to see our students' smiling faces and kick off another great year at DCLA!

❤️🤍💙 See you tonight, Eagles!
#GoEagles
2 months ago, DCLA
meet the teacher
🍎 Our teachers are officially back! Today marked the beginning of another exciting school year as our staff gathered for a full day of learning, planning, and fellowship. We started the day with district updates from Mr. Bledsoe, who shared the latest progress on our bond projects and the ongoing hail damage repairs happening across campus. We then heard an encouraging message from motivational speaker Terry Brannon, whose words challenged and inspired us as educators. Before lunch, teachers were introduced to “Rooms,” our new communication tool available through the DCLA app that will make connecting with families easier than ever. At lunch, we celebrated one of our bond projects by taking our very first ride on the district’s new school bus to Los Potros! 🚌 We wrapped up the day by renewing our CPR certification, ensuring we’re prepared to care for our students in any situation. It’s been a productive first day, and we’re excited to continue preparing for an amazing year with our DCLA students. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back! ❤️🤍💙
2 months ago, DCLA
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🍎 Back-to-School Tip #4: Visit the School

Tomorrow is Meet the Teacher Night at DCLA Elementary, and it is the perfect opportunity to help your child feel more comfortable and confident before the first day of school.

For many students, simply knowing where to go and what to expect can ease first-day worries.

At Meet the Teacher Night, your child can:

🏫 Find their classroom

👩‍🏫 Meet their teacher

🎒 Drop off school supplies

😊 See familiar faces

📚 Begin getting excited about the new school year

Visiting the school ahead of time helps turn the unknown into something familiar. That familiarity can make a big difference when students walk through the doors on the first day.

Join us tomorrow!

📅 Meet the Teacher Night
📍 DCLA Elementary
⏰ August 4 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

We can't wait to welcome our Eagles back and help them start the school year with confidence!

❤️🤍💙 Together, we're helping our Eagles soar!

#GoEagles #DCLACounselorCorner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 4
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #3: Practice Independence

Helping children practice small tasks before school starts can boost confidence.

Try having them:
🎒 Pack their backpack
👕 Pick out clothes
🍎 Open lunch containers
🚿 Follow a morning routine

When students feel capable, they often feel more comfortable walking into a new school year.

Every small success builds confidence!

❤️🤍💙 DCLA Counselor's Corner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 3
DCLA, Newkirk and Tonkawa FFA chapters are selling mums to help offset some National Convention costs! These are the LARGE mums! I will be picking them up in Newkirk and will have them in Lamont to pickup when they come in. Checks and cash will be collected when picked up. Make checks out to DCLA AG BOOSTER CLUB. If you have any questions reach out to Mrs. Junghanns! Use the link or QR code to preorder! Extras will not be guaranteed.
2 months ago, Kassie Junghanns
Use the link or scan the QR code to order!
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #2: Talk About the Positives

As the first day approaches, conversations matter.

Instead of focusing on worries, ask questions like:

😊 What are you excited about this year?
😊 What are you looking forward to learning?
😊 Who are you excited to see?

Children often take cues from the adults around them. A positive outlook can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

❤️🤍💙 DCLA Counselor's Corner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 2
🍎 Meet the Teacher Night at DCLA Elementary! 🍎

The first day of school is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our Eagles back!

Join us for Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at DCLA Elementary.

📚 Meet your child's teacher

🎒 Drop off school supplies

🏫 Visit the classroom

😊 Help your child feel comfortable and excited about the new school year

This is a great opportunity for students and families to get familiar with their classroom, ask questions, and start building relationships before the first day of school.

We are looking forward to seeing our students and families and kicking off another great year at DCLA!

❤️🤍💙 Go Eagles!
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
meet the teacher
🏗️ Bond & Building Project Update 🦅 There’s a lot of progress happening across Deer Creek-Lamont Public Schools! Thanks to the support of our community through the bond issue, along with insurance-funded hail damage repairs, our campuses continue to see major improvements. Here’s what’s been completed and what’s still in progress: 🚌 The new bus barn is standing and only needs a few finishing touches before it’s ready for use. 🚌 A brand-new school bus has arrived and will soon be transporting our students. 🏫 New carpet has been installed throughout the elementary school, and the high school carpet project is nearly complete. 🚧 The high school driveways and front parking lot, along with the elementary front parking lot, have been chip and sealed, giving these areas a fresh new surface. 🏠 Roof replacement projects continue across the district as part of our hail damage repairs. 🎨 Painting and additional exterior building repairs are also underway. These improvements represent a significant investment in our schools and our students. Thank you to our staff, families, and community for your patience during construction. We look forward to sharing more updates as these projects are completed! ❤️🤍💙 #DCLAEagles #BuildingOurFuture #BondProjects #CommunityStrong
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
bond project
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📢 Final In-Person Enrollment Opportunity Tonight!

If you still need to complete your student's registration or need assistance with enrollment, we'll be available this evening.

📅 July 30
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Both DCLA School Sites

Need access to a computer?
💻 Chromebooks will be available.

Need help with Parent Portal?
🔑 We can assist with account access and registration questions.

Reminder:

✅ All students must complete online registration.

✅ PreK students who pre-enrolled must still complete online registration.

✅ Students in grades 7-12 cannot enroll in classes until registration is complete.

New to DCLA? Please bring:

📄 Birth Certificate

💉 Immunization Records

🏠 Proof of Residency

🪪 Parent/Guardian ID

🎓 Transcript (students entering grades 10-12)

Don't wait until the last minute! Let's get everything completed so your student is ready for a successful start to the school year.

❤️🤍💙 We look forward to seeing you tonight!
#GoEagles
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
enrollment
🍎 Back-to-School Tip #1: Start Adjusting Sleep Schedules

One of the biggest challenges students face when returning to school is adjusting from summer sleep habits.

Try moving bedtime and wake-up time 15-30 minutes earlier each day until your child is on a school schedule.

A well-rested student is more likely to:
✅ Focus in class
✅ Regulate emotions
✅ Follow directions
✅ Enjoy the school day

A little preparation now can make the first week much smoother!

❤️🤍💙 DCLA Counselor's Corner
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
tip 1
📢 In-Person Enrollment is Today!

Need help completing online registration? Need access to a computer? Have questions about enrollment?

We're here to help!

💻 Chromebooks will be available for families needing to complete online registration.

📍 Both DCLA School Sites

⏰ Today's Enrollment Session:
July 29 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

(For those unable to attend today, another session will be held on July 30 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.)

Reminder:

✅ Online registration must be completed for all students.

✅ PreK students who pre-enrolled must still complete online registration.

✅ Students in grades 7-12 cannot enroll in classes until registration is complete.

New to DCLA? Please bring:

📄 Birth Certificate

💉 Immunization Records

🏠 Proof of Residency

🪪 Parent/Guardian ID

🎓 Transcript (students entering grades 10-12)

If you have not registered yet, today is a great day to get it done and be ready for the first day of school!

❤️🤍💙 #GoEagles
2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
inperson enrollment

📅 Need help with registration?

DCLA will have Chromebooks available during our in-person enrollment times for families who need assistance completing online registration.

📍 Both School Sites

July 29 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

July 30 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

New to DCLA? Please bring the following (unless you submitted them online):
✔ Birth Certificate
✔ Immunization Records or Exemption
✔ Proof of Residency
✔ Parent/Guardian ID
✔ Transcript (10th-12th grades)

Questions? Email [hbledsoe@dcla.k12.ok.us](mailto:hbledsoe@dcla.k12.ok.us)

❤️🤍💙 We can't wait to welcome our Eagles back!

2 months ago, Heather Bledsoe
reminder
🎒✏️ Back-to-School Supply Reminder! 📚🍎

School will be here before we know it! Please make sure your child has the following items ready for the first day of school:

🎒 All Students
👟 Clean P.E. shoes (to be kept at school)
🎒 Backpack-we have quite a few backpacks at school, you are welcome to come grab one at Meet the Teacher night.

🧸 Pre-Kindergarten Students
🛏️ Small blanket and pillow
👕 1 set of extra clothes in a labeled baggie:
• Pants
• Shirt
• Underwear
• Socks

🏃 4th–6th Grade Students
👕 P.E. shirt
🩳 P.E. shorts
🧴 Deodorant

🏫 Label all personal items with your child's name to help prevent lost belongings.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing school year! 💙🦅
2 months ago, Kelly Martin

⏰ Have You Registered Yet? ⏰

The first day of school will be here before we know it!

If you have not completed your student's online registration, now is the time.

✅ All students must complete online registration each year.

✅ PreK students who pre-enrolled must still complete online registration.

✅ Students in grades 7-12 cannot enroll in classes until registration is complete.

To get started:
💻 Visit dcla.k12.ok.us
📚 Click "Gradebook" at the top of the page
🔑 Log in to Parent Portal

New to DCLA?
Click "Request an Account" to create your Parent Portal account.

Need help or need your password reset?
Email hbledsoe@dcla.k12.ok.us

Need access to a computer?
Chromebooks will be available during in-person enrollment:

📅 July 29 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📅 July 30 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Let's get ready for a great year at DCLA! ❤️🤍💙
#GoEagles

3 months ago, DCLA
register