Congratulations, Mrs. Ply!
A huge thank you to Salt & Light for providing our staff with a beautiful back-to-school gift bag! We spun Dewar’s raffle wheel for this generous donation, and we are excited to congratulate our winner, 3rd grade teacher, Madison Ply!
We are incredibly grateful to Salt & Light for their continued support of Dewar Elementary School, our teachers, and our students. Your generosity and partnership mean so much to our Dewar family.
Thank you, Salt & Light, for continuing to invest in and support our school community!
A huge thank you to Salt & Light for providing our staff with a beautiful back-to-school gift bag! We spun Dewar’s raffle wheel for this generous donation, and we are excited to congratulate our winner, 3rd grade teacher, Madison Ply!
We are incredibly grateful to Salt & Light for their continued support of Dewar Elementary School, our teachers, and our students. Your generosity and partnership mean so much to our Dewar family.
Thank you, Salt & Light, for continuing to invest in and support our school community!
REMINDER! Register today for our Charleston Wrap fundraiser at www.registercw.com! After registering, you can send email and text invitations to friends and family. Your shares will help us reach our fundraising goal. Would you help kick off our fundraiser by registering today and sharing with 10 friends and family?
🚗 Permanent Car Tags Went Home Today!
Dewar families, be sure to check your oldest student’s Monday Folder for your family’s new permanent car tag!
🩷 Pink temporary placards expire Thursday.
🚨 Beginning Friday, August 21, students can only be picked up through the car rider line using the new permanent car tag.
Please keep your permanent tag all year long and have it ready each day for pickup.
Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and running smoothly! ♥️🖤🤍
Dewar families, be sure to check your oldest student’s Monday Folder for your family’s new permanent car tag!
🩷 Pink temporary placards expire Thursday.
🚨 Beginning Friday, August 21, students can only be picked up through the car rider line using the new permanent car tag.
Please keep your permanent tag all year long and have it ready each day for pickup.
Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and running smoothly! ♥️🖤🤍
Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser kicks off today!
With over 2,500 gift ideas – including holiday, birthday, hostess, and corporate gift ideas – there’s something for everyone. Register online today at www.registercw.com and help spread the word! Share our fundraiser through email, text, and social media with at least 10 friends and family. Remember: sharing is caring!
#charlestonwrap #fundraiser #charlestonwrapfundraiser
With over 2,500 gift ideas – including holiday, birthday, hostess, and corporate gift ideas – there’s something for everyone. Register online today at www.registercw.com and help spread the word! Share our fundraiser through email, text, and social media with at least 10 friends and family. Remember: sharing is caring!
#charlestonwrap #fundraiser #charlestonwrapfundraiser
Ms. Swopes’ second graders have been working HARD since day 1 learning our classroom and school routines and procedures—and today, they were put to the test!
We turned our review into a fun team game, and they even earned a few BONUS questions based on what they learned this week!
ALL of our teams did an AMAZING job, but there could only be ONE winner…TEAM 2!
A HUGE round of applause for ALL of my second graders! They worked together, showed what they learned, and had SO much fun doing it!
We turned our review into a fun team game, and they even earned a few BONUS questions based on what they learned this week!
ALL of our teams did an AMAZING job, but there could only be ONE winner…TEAM 2!
A HUGE round of applause for ALL of my second graders! They worked together, showed what they learned, and had SO much fun doing it!
This is the final call for our 2026-2027 PBIS School Shirt!
Please visit the link below to order your Star, Stripes, and Vikings shirt!
Choose between a red, white, or blue shirt to suit your wardrobe! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to support our Vikings!
Please use the link below to purchase your shirts by midnight on Sunday, August 16th.
Image attached below!
https://tinyurl.com/DESshirt2026
Please visit the link below to order your Star, Stripes, and Vikings shirt!
Choose between a red, white, or blue shirt to suit your wardrobe! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to support our Vikings!
Please use the link below to purchase your shirts by midnight on Sunday, August 16th.
Image attached below!
https://tinyurl.com/DESshirt2026
👕 SHOW YOUR DEWAR SPIRIT! ❤️🤍
Help us support our awesome 5th graders while showing off your Viking pride! 🛡️
Dewar t-shirts are available to order now through the link below. Proceeds from shirt sales will help support our 5th grade students and activities throughout the year.
🛍️ Order Deadline: September 13 at midnight
🔗 Order here: https://inkandcottongoods.com/.../des-5th-grade-t-shirt.../
Grab yours before the deadline and show your Dewar spirit!
Help us support our awesome 5th graders while showing off your Viking pride! 🛡️
Dewar t-shirts are available to order now through the link below. Proceeds from shirt sales will help support our 5th grade students and activities throughout the year.
🛍️ Order Deadline: September 13 at midnight
🔗 Order here: https://inkandcottongoods.com/.../des-5th-grade-t-shirt.../
Grab yours before the deadline and show your Dewar spirit!
🎉 CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES & CAREER PROFESSIONALS! 🎉
Dewar Elementary School is excited to host Career Day on October 15th! 🎓💼
We are looking for local business owners, professionals, community partners, and career experts who would be willing to come share their careers, experiences, and knowledge with our students. Our students are excited to learn about the MANY different career paths and opportunities available to them! 🌟
👩🚒 👨⚕️ 👩🏫 👨🔧 👩💻 👨🚀 👩🍳 👨💼 … We want to hear from YOU!
If you are interested in participating in Career Day, please complete our interest form below:
👉 Career Day Interest Form:
Complete the Career Day Interest Form
📅 Career Day: October 15, 2026
Help us inspire the next generation by showing our students that there are so many possibilities for their future! ❤️💙🤍
Know someone who would be a great Career Day presenter? Tag them below or share this post! 🇺🇸✨
Dewar Elementary School is excited to host Career Day on October 15th! 🎓💼
We are looking for local business owners, professionals, community partners, and career experts who would be willing to come share their careers, experiences, and knowledge with our students. Our students are excited to learn about the MANY different career paths and opportunities available to them! 🌟
👩🚒 👨⚕️ 👩🏫 👨🔧 👩💻 👨🚀 👩🍳 👨💼 … We want to hear from YOU!
If you are interested in participating in Career Day, please complete our interest form below:
👉 Career Day Interest Form:
Complete the Career Day Interest Form
📅 Career Day: October 15, 2026
Help us inspire the next generation by showing our students that there are so many possibilities for their future! ❤️💙🤍
Know someone who would be a great Career Day presenter? Tag them below or share this post! 🇺🇸✨
🛒 Working on your grocery list for next week? We’ve got Tuesday night covered! 🤠
Skip the cooking and join us at Texas Roadhouse on Tuesday, August 18 from 3–8 PM! Present this flyer and 10% of your food purchase will be donated back to Dewar Elementary!
🥩 Dine in or grab it to go. Either way, dinner is handled AND you’re supporting our Vikings!
Skip the cooking and join us at Texas Roadhouse on Tuesday, August 18 from 3–8 PM! Present this flyer and 10% of your food purchase will be donated back to Dewar Elementary!
🥩 Dine in or grab it to go. Either way, dinner is handled AND you’re supporting our Vikings!
Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser is coming soon! Be on the lookout for all the details coming your way so you can help us reach our goal. We need your support, and you’ll love what’s coming! 👀
🌈 Color Weeks are almost here! 🎉
The first day of school may be underway, but it’s never too early to start planning for our first full weeks of fun!
While these Color Weeks are designed to help our kindergarten students learn their colors, everyone at Dewar is invited to join in the fun! Wear the color of the day and help fill our halls with school spirit.
Check out the schedule below, and we’ll see a rainbow of Vikings starting Monday, August 10! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🤎🖤🤍
The first day of school may be underway, but it’s never too early to start planning for our first full weeks of fun!
While these Color Weeks are designed to help our kindergarten students learn their colors, everyone at Dewar is invited to join in the fun! Wear the color of the day and help fill our halls with school spirit.
Check out the schedule below, and we’ll see a rainbow of Vikings starting Monday, August 10! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🤎🖤🤍
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Sherene Van Dyke, our new 3rd grade Special Education teacher! ❤️💙
Although this is Mrs. Van Dyke's first year as a member of our faculty, she's already a familiar face at Dewar after serving as a long-term substitute in 5th grade last school year. She brings more than a decade of educational experience, including teaching gifted students, serving as a reading specialist, and most recently teaching Special Education. She even took a year away from the classroom to fulfill a lifelong dream of writing a book!
As the wife of an Air Force servicemember, Mrs. Van Dyke and her family have lived in eight states and three countries. Their family motto, "Explore your backyard, wherever that backyard may be," reflects their love of adventure. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, writing, and playing board games with her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Van Dyke is excited to officially join the Dewar family and looks forward to supporting and encouraging her students as they grow throughout the school year.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Van Dyke! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Sherene Van Dyke, our new 3rd grade Special Education teacher! ❤️💙
Although this is Mrs. Van Dyke's first year as a member of our faculty, she's already a familiar face at Dewar after serving as a long-term substitute in 5th grade last school year. She brings more than a decade of educational experience, including teaching gifted students, serving as a reading specialist, and most recently teaching Special Education. She even took a year away from the classroom to fulfill a lifelong dream of writing a book!
As the wife of an Air Force servicemember, Mrs. Van Dyke and her family have lived in eight states and three countries. Their family motto, "Explore your backyard, wherever that backyard may be," reflects their love of adventure. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, writing, and playing board games with her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Van Dyke is excited to officially join the Dewar family and looks forward to supporting and encouraging her students as they grow throughout the school year.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Van Dyke! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Kari Valles, our new 2nd grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Valles brings 11 years of teaching experience to Dewar. Throughout her career, she has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades overseas with the Department of Defense in Okinawa and Guam. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from California State University, Bakersfield, and later completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership through the American College of Education.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Valles is a proud military spouse who enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She also loves running, reading, and cuddling with her French Bulldog, George.
Mrs. Valles is excited to become part of the Dewar family and can’t wait to meet her new students and begin an amazing school year together.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Valles! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Kari Valles, our new 2nd grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Valles brings 11 years of teaching experience to Dewar. Throughout her career, she has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades overseas with the Department of Defense in Okinawa and Guam. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from California State University, Bakersfield, and later completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership through the American College of Education.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Valles is a proud military spouse who enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She also loves running, reading, and cuddling with her French Bulldog, George.
Mrs. Valles is excited to become part of the Dewar family and can’t wait to meet her new students and begin an amazing school year together.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Valles! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Candice Onken, our new Kindergarten teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Onken brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to Dewar. Before earning her teaching degree, she served as a Pre-K paraprofessional for two years and spent four years as a substitute teacher. While stationed in Alaska as a military spouse, she taught kindergarten for two years and also served as the School Age Coordinator for the Department of Defense Child and Youth Programs. Along the way, she has had the opportunity to learn from outstanding educators in a variety of settings and is excited to bring those experiences to our students and staff.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Onken enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and caring for her three Cane Corsos.
Mrs. Onken is excited to become part of the Dewar community, share her experiences, continue learning alongside her colleagues, and help our youngest Vikings build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Onken! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Candice Onken, our new Kindergarten teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Onken brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to Dewar. Before earning her teaching degree, she served as a Pre-K paraprofessional for two years and spent four years as a substitute teacher. While stationed in Alaska as a military spouse, she taught kindergarten for two years and also served as the School Age Coordinator for the Department of Defense Child and Youth Programs. Along the way, she has had the opportunity to learn from outstanding educators in a variety of settings and is excited to bring those experiences to our students and staff.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Onken enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and caring for her three Cane Corsos.
Mrs. Onken is excited to become part of the Dewar community, share her experiences, continue learning alongside her colleagues, and help our youngest Vikings build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Onken! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mr. Doyle Peek, our new 5th grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mr. Peek is beginning his teaching career while completing his degree at Valdosta State University, where he will graduate this December. Through his practicum experiences, he has worked with students in Pre-K, 3rd grade, and, most recently, completed his student teaching experience right here at Dewar in 5th grade.
Outside of school, Mr. Peek enjoys trying new restaurants, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Each summer, he also helps run a week-long theater camp alongside his sister.
Mr. Peek is excited to join the Dewar family, collaborate with his fellow educators, and help students grow both academically and personally.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mr. Peek! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mr. Doyle Peek, our new 5th grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mr. Peek is beginning his teaching career while completing his degree at Valdosta State University, where he will graduate this December. Through his practicum experiences, he has worked with students in Pre-K, 3rd grade, and, most recently, completed his student teaching experience right here at Dewar in 5th grade.
Outside of school, Mr. Peek enjoys trying new restaurants, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Each summer, he also helps run a week-long theater camp alongside his sister.
Mr. Peek is excited to join the Dewar family, collaborate with his fellow educators, and help students grow both academically and personally.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mr. Peek! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Najda Grant, our new 2nd grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Grant brings 15 years of educational experience to Dewar. She earned her bachelor's degree in Holistic Child Education from Mercer University, her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University, and is completing her Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at Valdosta State University this month. Throughout her career, she has taught Pre-K, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and served as a K-5 reading and math intervention teacher.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Grant enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, trying new restaurants, and getting lost in a good book.
Mrs. Grant is excited to become part of the Dewar community, meet her new students and families, and continue growing as an educator alongside her new team.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Grant! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Najda Grant, our new 2nd grade teacher! ❤️💙
Mrs. Grant brings 15 years of educational experience to Dewar. She earned her bachelor's degree in Holistic Child Education from Mercer University, her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University, and is completing her Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at Valdosta State University this month. Throughout her career, she has taught Pre-K, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and served as a K-5 reading and math intervention teacher.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Grant enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, trying new restaurants, and getting lost in a good book.
Mrs. Grant is excited to become part of the Dewar community, meet her new students and families, and continue growing as an educator alongside her new team.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Grant! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Guisselle Perez, our new Life Skills paraprofessional! ❤️💙
Mrs. Perez brings experience in both school and military communities. She previously served as a front desk receptionist in another school district before relocating to Lowndes County, where she worked as a substitute teacher, primarily in elementary classrooms. She also worked for AAFES on a military installation. As a military child growing up, she developed adaptability and resilience that continue to guide her both personally and professionally. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, with Spanish as her first language.
Outside of work, Mrs. Perez enjoys reading, traveling with her family, keeping fresh flowers in her home, and playing board games—especially Catan. You’ll often find her with a book or Kindle in hand!
Mrs. Perez is excited to join the Dewar family and looks forward to supporting our Life Skills students as they learn, grow, and celebrate every success along the way.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Perez! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mrs. Guisselle Perez, our new Life Skills paraprofessional! ❤️💙
Mrs. Perez brings experience in both school and military communities. She previously served as a front desk receptionist in another school district before relocating to Lowndes County, where she worked as a substitute teacher, primarily in elementary classrooms. She also worked for AAFES on a military installation. As a military child growing up, she developed adaptability and resilience that continue to guide her both personally and professionally. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, with Spanish as her first language.
Outside of work, Mrs. Perez enjoys reading, traveling with her family, keeping fresh flowers in her home, and playing board games—especially Catan. You’ll often find her with a book or Kindle in hand!
Mrs. Perez is excited to join the Dewar family and looks forward to supporting our Life Skills students as they learn, grow, and celebrate every success along the way.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mrs. Perez! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Dewar Elementary School proudly welcomed its newest educators during New Teacher Orientation! 🍎
The day began with a warm welcome, featuring a delicious Chick-fil-A breakfast and thoughtful gifts for each teacher. Throughout the orientation, teachers learned about Dewar Elementary's procedures, expectations, and important information to help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.
To foster collaboration and build relationships, teachers participated in a fun "This or That" activity, providing an opportunity to learn more about one another. The day concluded with a guided school tour led by Dewar's outstanding mentors, who shared valuable insights and resources to help new staff members feel prepared and supported.
A special thank-you to The Mix - Valdosta for generously donating gift cards to each new teacher, allowing them to enjoy a sweet treat. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated!
Dewar Elementary is excited to welcome these talented educators and looks forward to an outstanding school year filled with growth, collaboration, and student success! 💙📚
The day began with a warm welcome, featuring a delicious Chick-fil-A breakfast and thoughtful gifts for each teacher. Throughout the orientation, teachers learned about Dewar Elementary's procedures, expectations, and important information to help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.
To foster collaboration and build relationships, teachers participated in a fun "This or That" activity, providing an opportunity to learn more about one another. The day concluded with a guided school tour led by Dewar's outstanding mentors, who shared valuable insights and resources to help new staff members feel prepared and supported.
A special thank-you to The Mix - Valdosta for generously donating gift cards to each new teacher, allowing them to enjoy a sweet treat. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated!
Dewar Elementary is excited to welcome these talented educators and looks forward to an outstanding school year filled with growth, collaboration, and student success! 💙📚
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Mr. Brandon Fineout, our new 3rd grade teacher! ❤️💙
For Mr. Fineout, this is more than the start of a teaching career - it’s a return to a familiar place! As a Dewar alumnus, he is excited to come back to the school he once attended. He recently earned his master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia, along with a Gifted Endorsement, and is eager to inspire the next generation of Vikings.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Fineout enjoys fishing, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves, and spending time with family and friends. He is passionate about creating engaging, creative learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage growth, and help every student reach their goals.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Mr. Fineout! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Ms. Chassity Gandy, our new 1st grade teacher! ❤️💙
Ms. Gandy is beginning her first year of teaching after earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Valdosta State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education and gained valuable experience through her first-grade student teaching placement and by substituting in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and grades 3–5 throughout the past school year.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gandy has coached all-star cheer for the past four years and enjoys traveling, reading, drawing, spending time with family, and relaxing at the beach or the lake with her two dogs. She also loves a good movie night with friends!
Ms. Gandy is excited to watch her students learn and grow while continuing to grow as an educator herself. She looks forward to becoming part of the Dewar family and creating a fun, engaging classroom where every child can shine.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Ms. Gandy! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
Please help us welcome one of the newest members of our team, Ms. Chassity Gandy, our new 1st grade teacher! ❤️💙
Ms. Gandy is beginning her first year of teaching after earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Valdosta State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education and gained valuable experience through her first-grade student teaching placement and by substituting in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and grades 3–5 throughout the past school year.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gandy has coached all-star cheer for the past four years and enjoys traveling, reading, drawing, spending time with family, and relaxing at the beach or the lake with her two dogs. She also loves a good movie night with friends!
Ms. Gandy is excited to watch her students learn and grow while continuing to grow as an educator herself. She looks forward to becoming part of the Dewar family and creating a fun, engaging classroom where every child can shine.
Welcome to the Dewar family, Ms. Gandy! We are excited to have you on our team! ❤️💙
