Extracurricular Activities
Academic Team
The Academic Team is comprised of Quick Recall, Future Problem Solving and individual written assessments (these are standardized tests, not written compositions) in the areas of math, science, social studies, language arts and fine arts/humanities. Three students from each school may also participate in the English composition event. These are the eight events that make up the Mayor’s Cup competition.
Approximately 60 Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) elementary schools participate in the Mayor’s Cup each year. The schools are divided into districts of three to five schools each; these districts are determined by scores on state tests, student population, and geography.
Students may participate in a maximum of three events; however, a student may only participate in two individual written assessments. For example, a student can do two individual events and one team event or one individual event and two team events.
Quick Recall is a team game similar to Jeopardy, with four students per team competing against another four-student team. The students respond to short-answer questions in social studies, math, language arts, science, and fine arts/humanities reflecting the core content. Students have fun ringing in with their buzzers to answer questions. Quick Recall requires thinking on your feet.
It promotes knowledge of history, economics, geography, and current events.
Future Problem Solving is a team activity that helps children to creatively solve problems. Students learn to analyze, brainstorm, and explore potential solutions to problems. The problem-solving process helps students improve their research, team-building, and thinking skills.
The written assessment portion of the Mayor’s Cup consists of challenging multiple-choice tests that students prepare for throughout the Quick Recall season. These tests are scored, and the results are used to assign points to teams competing at the Mayor’s Cup. Students from each school also participate in composition writing. Those who score the highest on these tests are given awards at the Mayor’s Cup awards ceremony.
Band and Orchestra
Intermediate students are given an opportunity to learn to play instrumental music through band and orchestra classes. These classes are held twice a week, and instruction is offered by a certified teacher from a nearby high school. Performance experiences are also provided.
Basketball
The Dunn Dolphin Basketball Team is comprised of 15 fourth-and fifth-grade boys and girls. Tryouts are typically held in October with games beginning in December. The season continues through the end of February.
Cheerleading
The Dunn Cheerleading Squad is comprised of 15 fourth- and fifth-grade girls. Tryouts are typically held in October. The squad cheers during Dunn's basketball games at Westport Middle School from December through February.
Chess
Our goal is to provide an environment where interested students can learn and/or improve their chess skills with qualified instructors. At Dunn, we have both a recreational Chess Club and a competitive Chess Team. Our chess year is broken into two time blocks. The fall semester runs from September to January and includes both the team and the club members. The spring semester runs from January to April with only the competitive team meeting during that time.
Chess Club
For those students interested in playing chess for recreational purposes only, our fall semester will offer a beginner and intermediate/advanced section (K-5). This includes a Chess Club shirt, weekly snacks, and instruction during the twelve meeting dates. At the end of the fall semester, those students wishing to continue may apply for the Chess Team. Membership for the team is based on developmentally appropriate interest, attitude, behavior, and willingness to participate in required tournaments.
Chess Team
While all children are welcomed and encouraged to participate in Scholastic Chess Tournaments, our competitive Chess Team is limited to intermediate and advanced players for the fall semester. We ask that the students who sign up for the team commit to participating in at least three chess tournaments during the school year. The team membership includes a USCF Chess Federation membership, team shirt, entry fees to two tournaments, and instruction during the 18 meeting dates.
Cross Country
The Dunn Cross-Country Team is open to all ages in kindergarten through grade five. There are no tryouts, and everyone makes the team. The season begins in September and runs through November.
Safety Patrol
This is a fifth-grade leadership opportunity. Students selected act as positive role models for other students. They maintain and promote excellent safety standards within the building.
Student Council
Students in third through fifth grade have an opportunity to participate in Student Council at Dunn Elementary. Elections are held each fall to select the class representatives. Parent volunteers guide the student representatives as they plan and implement community service projects. The Student Council’s motto is “Dunn Kids Care.”
Its objectives are to:
- encourage schoolwide community service.
- develop student leadership skills.
- foster school spirit.
Community service efforts support Dunn, Louisville charities, and global causes. Some past programs include a book drive for Boys and Girls Club, a Dare To Care food drive, fundraising for Edge Outreach (to support the Haitian earthquake rebuilding efforts), Pennies for Patients to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and hosting bake sales to raise funds for musical instruments for Dunn.
STLP
Each morning, our Dunn Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) students start the day with a live news program that is produced by the students. The students begin the broadcast with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Dunn Student Pledge. They report on events happening that day, discuss the weather forecast, and introduce guest speakers. Oftentimes, our principal stops by to share a new thought or to introduce a new word of the day.
