While much of the world is still asleep, one of MSDSC’s incredible staff members is already hard at work. At 3 a.m., the alarm goes off for Dená Helmuth, who arrives early, rain or shine, to prepare breakfast for the students at Pleasant Lake Montessori. You can find her in the basement cafeteria, known as The Galley, where she’s been creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for 14 years.
Dená’s personal touch is evident in the vibrant colors and playful ship design on the walls that she helped design and paint. The bright, cheerful setting is only further enhanced by the friendly, dedicated cafeteria workers who make every meal special. As the cafeteria manager, Dená brings her signature smile and positive attitude to the job every day. In addition to running Pleasant Lake, she has also managed the summer lunch program for several years at Carlin Park, ensuring all our students have access to nourishing meals year-round.
Dená takes immense pride in her role, particularly in providing healthy meals to students who may not have great options over the weekend. She makes sure each student leaves on Friday with a hearty meal to sustain them through the weekend, and returns Monday morning with another nutritious start to their day.
Though she may be quiet and unassuming, Dená’s dedication to her family is a cornerstone of her life. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with her grandsons, ages 6 and 10, especially during the summer when they can enjoy boating and swimming together. One of her travel dreams is to visit Italy with her grandsons, having already shared their love of the country by studying its history and language together. When Dená talks about her family, her face lights up with pride and joy. A special perk of her job is having her grandson attend Pleasant Lake, where he can pop into the cafeteria to visit her.
While family is at the heart of Dená’s life, she also values her moments of solitude. Whether it’s curling up with a good mystery novel, particularly those by James Patterson, or enjoying a scary movie, Dená knows how to unwind. Her personal motto, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. You can’t change everything, so focus on what you can,” is a philosophy she lives by.
We are incredibly proud to have Dená as a part of the MSDSC community, where her unwavering dedication, warm spirit, and love for her family and our schools shine through every day.
Due to current weather conditions, we will be on a 2-hour delay today. See you soon!
Attend for Free - Click Link to Register https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ptxt9ULHRJCbU3PFkOJ0rA?utm_campaign=Ask%20a%20Therapist%20Live&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_JSwoIPBKY86npI1sT42ef3H2mF_Y5xbeKeBjKyNfTRI_IhdHR8wPBcLV61IWge_nDRMvoAUhG7eeSQYbVi1wbq-EL8w&_hsmi=342286446&utm_content=342286446&utm_source=hs_email#/registration
Reminder:
PTO Meeting TONIGHT (1/13) at 6pm! Hope to see you there!
2025 Summer Day Camp Registration is now open! Email jhubbard@msdsc.us for questions!
Click on link included or scan QR code to register! https://www.transparentclassroom.com/s/4512/online_applications/new?locale=en&fbclid=IwY2xjawHvxK1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSGkWEewGEt8EM8IoqENshR-B0CnarPzjOGaZIh4UeFrirUJM-rXE3bHWw_aem_M5omOE3YJU0dADXWPnVV9Q
Checkout our Monthly Parent Guidance Newsletter:--Building Better Behaviors: Mental Health Solutions for Child Behavior Problems
https://drive.google.com/file/d/174WZPqGWDfnL5gAgeZfHO6TyPA-1AqPB/view?usp=sharing
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the PLM Staff! ❤️🎄🎅🏼
Reminder: Our Christmas Music Program is tonight (12/18) at 6pm! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Students should report to their classrooms to prepare when they arrive.
Students in the education pathway at AHS are excited to partner with K-2 students and teachers this week! They've been helping assess reading skills at our elementary schools. It's wonderful to see our youngest readers progressing and our oldest students getting work experience!
PLM Holiday Night is TONIGHT from 5:30-7:30! Hope to see you there!
Got burning questions about parenting, relationships, or your child's well-being?
TONIGHT!!!!!
Join us for Ask a Therapist Live with our renowned family therapist, Dr. Kevin Skinner. Participants anonymously submit questions to receive thoughtful, personalized answers.
Wednesday, December 11th; 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific
Attend for Free!!!
Click Link to Register NOW https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ULF4Kp1gR_-9JAttK18mBA
Ask a Therapist Live gives you direct access to clinical expertise without the wait list.
Ask a therapist any question about youth mental health or parenting
Participation is anonymous
Register for the live event to get access to the replay
Your relationship with your child is the most important thing. Attend this free webinar to improve it.
Mrs. Bootwala's classroom is raising money for their Christmas Project by selling hot cocoa
for $1 and candy canes for 50cents! You have 2 opportunities to support them!
1) December 11th at our Holiday Fun Night
2) December 11-13 during afternoon pick-up line
Thank you for your support!
Attention Families :
Wednesday, December 11th from 5:30-7:30 is our PLM Family Holiday Night! Join us for refreshments, crafts, horse drawn carriage rides, and a chance to visit with Santa! Mrs. Bootwala's class will be selling hot cocoa for $1 to raise money for their Christmas Project. Everything else will be provided free of charge through our PTO. Hope to see you there!
📢 Calling all elementary-aged parents! 📢
Get ready for our third "Raising Strong Readers" webinar! Join us on December 12th from 5:30-6:15 PM as we dive into a FREE Reading Fluently. Webinar!🚀 Register now at bit.ly/MSDSCRaisingReaders
📚 Learn practical strategies to help your child become a confident and expressive reader.
🎁 Bonus: Two lucky attendees will win a Walmart gift card!
Missed our previous sessions? No worries! Catch the recordings below:
Session 1: https://youtu.be/SUh5NRnz9bQ?si=uqssARwpUMl81zJL
Session 2: https://youtu.be/fMUBVDUKtXk?si=Pk9_e4FJvtmw-oJi
MSDSC is on a two-hour delay today, due to icy road conditions, Friday 12/6
PLM's Science was a success today! Check out these scientists and their experiments!
A huge thanks to Steve Eckert of the Pleasant Lake Lions Club for installing our new Little Lending Library! He worked with our Upper Elementary students to construct and paint the book box and recently installed it! Come visit and help yourself to a book!
One of our Upper Elementary Classrooms visited Camp Chief Little Turtle earlier this week. They bundled up to enjoy a hike and some outdoor learning.
MSDSC is on a two-hour delay today.
School start times - Elementary 9:55. Middle School 9:55, High School 10:00
Drive safe! See you soon!
🥇 ANGOLA TAKES THE GOLD! 🥇
We CRUSHED the First in Math Zip Code Challenge with a WHOPPING 36,321 problems solved! 🤯 Thanks to our amazing students, teachers, families, and community members, Angola dominated this state-wide competition!
This victory proves that MSD and the Angola community are THE places to be for mathematicians!
Because of our win, we'll be receiving special prizes, games, and software for our schools to celebrate the win! 🎉
