Fun!

Dec. 10 Dragoneer Updates

Fall Festival

A big shoutout to our wonderful teachers, staff and volunteers that made this year’s Fall Festival a fun success! Thank you!

Dragon Fire Update

Drum roll please…. This year’s Dragon Fire no-fuss fundraiser raised over $10,200! Thank you to everyone who donated. All of your contributions go directly toward supporting our school. It’s never too late to give. You can contribute by giving cash, check (made payable to Douglas PTA, Paypal, or PTA Givebacks Site (formerly called Memberhub). Your continued support is truly appreciated!

Pie a Teacher

As part of our Dragon Fire campaign, students participated on this year’s spin of our annual Coin Wars. Students could place their coins in the buckets of teachers they wanted to see get a pie in the face! This year’s “winners” were Ms. Faison-Bullock, Mr. Steltenpohl, Ms. Bache-Wiig, and Mr. McDonald. Thank you for being great sports!

Art Competition Douglas Yearbook Cover Contest

Ms.. Edgerly will be hosting a yearbook cover contest for the 2023-2024 school year. Students are encouraged to create an original piece of art that represents this year’s theme: Diary of a Dragon. All grades are encouraged to participate. If your child is interested, please click on this link.

Carpool Casanova

Douglas was nominated and chosen to have Mix 101.5 Carpool Casanova visit our carpool this past Friday. Bryan Lord from MIX Mornings transformed into the “Carpool Casanova” and entertained our students, staff, and families in the carpool line with his silky vocal notes of perfection! Members of the PTA decorated the entrance and students, staff and parents showed support by dressing in every shade of pink. You can watch a recording of the event on the Mix 101.5 Facebook page.

2023-24 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Saleh, Douglas’ Teacher of the Year, and to Mrs. Hagemann, Douglas’ Teacher Assistant of the

Spirit Night

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A last week. We raised a total of $72.09! Save the date for our next Spirit Night on Monday, Dec. 18 at Salt and Lime Cabo Grill in the North Ridge Shopping Center located on Falls of the Neuse Road. More details coming!

Winter Concert Performed by the Douglas Elementary Creative Arts & Science Magnet School Chorus

Finally, a huge round of applause to our very own Douglas Elementary Creative Arts & Science Magnet School Chorus, who performed their Winter Concert at the Cardinal Senior Center Thursday night, as well as two performances on Friday for our students and staff. The Douglas Elementary Chorus winter concert celebrated December holidays as they sung about special preparations for the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the miracle and lights of Hanukkah, the festive atmosphere of Las Posadas, and the traditional music of Christmas. The songs shared the universal messages of peace, hope, and goodwill in our school and community. You can find the complete program here. Many thanks to our Chorus Director, Ms. Zelasky, and Douglas parent, Kevin Johnson, for accompanying on piano!

Fall in Love with Douglas Fall Festival

We’re gearing up for our Fall Festival on Thursday, November 30 from 5:30-7 p.m. Douglas families can expect a coat swap, popcorn, cotton candy, photos, activities, games, a cake walk, and Kona Ice. We look forward to seeing you there!

We Need Help!

Can you help us make the fall festival a huge success? Here’s what we need:

• Cake Walk supplies: Donate a cake, pie, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods to our Cake Walk here.

• Volunteers are needed: Help at the Fall Festival popping popcorn, distributing cotton candy, and selling spirit wear. Sign up here.

• Coats and Winter Wear Donations: For our Coat Swap, drop off clean, gently-used coats and winter wear at school— or hand them to any of the staff in carpool. Find a new-to-you coat to take home! All are welcome – you don’t need to give a coat to take a coat!

If you can’t help this time, Douglas Elementary’s PTA offers many opportunities for families to get involved. We are grateful for any time that you are able to volunteer. Click here to pitch in!

Oct. 23 Dragoneer Updates

Here’s a summary of what’s headed your way from the school — and the PTA!

It’s Spirit Week!

October marks Bullying Prevention Month. So far throughout October, Douglas has been not only raising awareness about bullying — but has also placed a strong emphasis on cultivating positive behaviors. In support of bully prevention, students can participate in a spirit week from October 23- 27.

Kilwins Spirit Night on Wednesday

Don’t forget: Head to Kilwins Raleigh between 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday for a sweet treat! Here are some tips:

Usually there’s a big crew of Douglas kids who head over right after school for a sweet treat and a hangout by the amphitheater.

Take a treat to-go for your child’s teacher(s).

Mention Douglas at checkout!

Also on Wednesday: Walk or Roll to School Day!

Have your walking shoes and helmets ready for Wednesday, October 25. Find a starting point in the neighborhood that works for you or join one of the two meet-ups happening:

Lakemont Pool: Meet at 8:25 a.m. and begin walking/rolling at 8:35 a.m. There will be a couple parent volunteers at the pool and stationed along the route. It’s approximately 0.6 mile walk with sidewalks the whole way.

Quail Hollow Pool: At 8:35 a.m., another parent volunteer will lead a group in a walk/roll to school.

Parents are encouraged to walk/roll with their children, if possible. If you’d like to volunteer to help support students along the way, please email Bette.

There will be a Pedestrian Safety Bingo page going home in folders this week. Students may return their completed Bingo to the office for a small prize or sticker (while supplies last)!

Need a little safety inspiration from our beloved Ms. Teressa? Watch her being interviewed in this Spectrum News 1 news piece from a few weeks ago!

Halloween Storytime with ‘Artists in Schools’ Local Author

The following event is not sponsored by the PTA, however, we would like to support a future Douglas Magnet Elementary Artists in Schools author.

Michael Beadle is a poet, author, and writer-in-residence living in Raleigh. Since 1999, he’s taught thousands of students in poetry and creative writing workshops and performed poetry at schools, churches, and festivals throughout North Carolina. A former journalist and English teacher, he is the author of 11 books, including the poetry collections What Makes a Giraffe Laugh?. January 8-12, Michael will come to Douglas Magnet Elementary School as part of an Artists in Schools poet residency for the third grade — funded in part by the PTA!

You can catch Michael sooner than that this coming Saturday, Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m. at Quail Ridge Books for a special, spooky Saturday morning storytime of Does Your Goblin Have a Problem?. You’ll take a trip with hungry mummies, glamorous ghosts, and mischievous monsters in this Halloween-inspired collection of rhyming poems written by Michael Beadle and illustrated by Arianne Hemlein. Meet Skeleton Jones, Cemetery Larry, the Shoeless Horseman and a cast of devilishly delightful characters who share thrills, chills and silly skills. These tales from the grave and beyond are sure to tingle the spine and tickle the funny bone for children of all ages.

Halloween costumes are encouraged and spooky treats will be provided. Books will be available for purchase at the reading. Click here to register for the free event.

Bid on Our Awesome Silent Auction Items

The annual end-of-the-year silent auction starts Monday, May 29 at 6 p.m. and ends Friday, June 3 at 10 p.m. Our Silent Auction helps fund PTA activities during the year, including teacher hospitality, Family Nights, and Variety Show. In addition, money raised goes towards larger school improvement projects. Currently we are working towards a new outdoor Science Center and beautifying and updating our campus.

Here are some highlights of what we have to offer for this year’s auction. You can find the complete collection of awesome prizes here.

Themed Baskets

Gather a group for a home movie party with this fantastic basket! Everything you need to have an extra-special movie night, from a blanket for snuggling to the essential movie theater candy. Bid on our Movie Basket here.

Whether you have a green thumb or not, this basket has you covered with tools, seeds, and reference books to help you have the best growing experience- all in a handy gardener’s bag. Bid on our Gardening Basket here.

Everything you need for a fun-packed night under the stars! Whether you’re sitting by the fire pit in your backyard or pitching a tent in the woods, this basket will ensure you have a fantastic time. Bid on our Camping Basket here.

Summer days are long, but with this basket you’ll never run out of things to do! Enjoy games and activities for the whole family. Bid on our Summer Fun Basket here.

Get ready for summer with this Pool and Beach Basket. You’re covered for fun in the sun and splashing in the water, with items for kids and grownups alike in a waterproof and easy-to-clean bag. Bid on our Pool and Beach Bag Basket here.

Perfect for a cozy night in, a picnic at an outdoor concert, or a gift for a budding wine enthusiast, this basket has a fantastic assortment of goodies and everything you need to sip and relax! Bid on our Wine Basket here.

Teacher Experiences

Some Douglas Magnet Elementary School teachers and staff are offering to give of their time for special experiences for lucky winners (and often a few friends)! Check out these options:

Going out to eat at Cristo’s Italian Restaurant is quite the treat — but going out to eat at Cristo’s with Mr. Mac and two of your friends is divine! The winner of this item will get to do just that. Bid on Dinner with Mr. Mac here.
It’s a Whole New World experience as you and a friend join Ms. Saleh and Ms. Bache-Wiig at the movies to watch The Little Mermaid! Bid on The Little Mermaid with Ms. Saleh and Ms. Bache-Wiig here.
Mrs. Stroud will host a Pokémon Party for the winner and up to three friends. Snacks and drinks will be provided while party-goers draw Pokémon, play a game, or do a craft. Each child who attends will get a pack of trading cards! Bid on Pokémon Party with Mrs. Stroud here.
Fore! Show off your golf skills as you and a friend get to enjoy a round of miniature golf with Ms. Saleh and Ms. Bache-Wiig at Adventure Landing. Putt-Putt with Ms. Saleh and Ms. Bache-Wiig here.

Highly Coveted Items

Have you ever been sitting in the afternoon carpool line and wonder how some cars get to pull up in front of the line? The Noble Family of Douglas Carpool Passes are one of our most popular annual auction items! This special VIP pass allows you to be at the front of the line at pickup without the long wait — and there are not one but two passes up for grabs.
Eliminate stress on the big day! For our graduating 5th grade families, you could win four front row spots reserved just for you and three guests at the 2023 5th grade graduation!

And So Much More!

Other items available include restaurant gift cards from a’Verde, Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, and Vidrio; a Book Lovers Bag from Quail Ridge Books; a family holiday mini photography session by Douglas mom Carrie Helms; a gorgeous young Japanese Maple sapling ready to plant and beautify your yard; a personalized tour of the NC Museum of Art given by artist and art educator (and Douglas mom!) Chelsea Brown; a plasma car; and a 10-class pass (plus brand-new yoga mat and water bottle!) at Midtown Yoga.

Happy bidding!

Triangle Rock Club Spirit Night

Don’t forget! Our Triangle Rock Club Spirit Night is this Sunday, April 30 from 6-8 p.m. Grab an early dinner and stop by TRC to get those pre-bedtime zoomies out of your Dragons. Triangle Rock Club will donate 50%(!!) of sales back to Douglas Magnet Elementary School!

Beat the lines and sign-up ahead of time here.