E-News

• Families, you may pre-order your child’s photos at https://inter-state.com/order with order code 0496ZTF

• Paper Order forms will NOT be sent home this year; all orders must be placed online.

• Retakes will be taken on Friday, Nov. 6th if you are not pleased with the pictures.

• Please note, each student will receive a free class picture later in the school year. (The order form does not indicate this; you only need to order a class photo if you want a 2nd copy)

Dear Davis Families,

This week your child was assessed using a new universal screener for reading and math skills, part of a district-wide (D303) initiative. This gives us a baseline for where your student is performing and helps us identify the right next instructional step — and whether any additional assessment is needed. It's a snapshot, not a full picture of your child as a learner.

Why this tool? Acadience is a well-researched, state-approved screener that meets Illinois' K-3 literacy assessment requirements. It's a one-on-one, interview-style assessment, reflecting feedback we've heard from our community about limiting screen time for our youngest learners.

Who, when, and what:

• K-3 students are assessed in reading (2–8 minutes)

• K-1 students are also assessed in math (1–3 minutes)

• Grades 2-5 continue to use i-Ready, a brief screener in reading and math

• Screening happens three times a year — fall, winter, and spring — so we can catch needs early and monitor growth over time.

Getting ahead of any gaps now, especially by the end of kindergarten, sets the stage for stronger learning trajectories in both reading and math down the road.

Warmly,
Gina Shaw
Principal, Davis Elementary School

Dear Families,

We are excited to share that Davis Elementary will be using a program called PurposeFull People this year to help our students develop skills that will support them in school and in life.

PurposeFull People centers around three goals:

BE WELL — understanding and managing emotions and caring for ourselves
BE KIND — building positive relationships and treating others with kindness and empathy
BE STRONG — developing skills like focus, perseverance, responsibility, and goal setting

One of our goals is to create a shared language between school and home. When students hear the same words and ideas from the adults around them, they have more opportunities to recognize, practice, and apply these skills in everyday life.

You might ask your child:

• What did you learn about BEING KIND today? How were you KIND today?
• What did you learn about BEING STRONG today? What helped you BE STRONG when something was challenging?
• What did you learn about BEING WELL today? What helps you to BE WELL?

We hope this shared language will help us partner with all of you in supporting your whole child!

At Davis, we are growing together!

Do you want to help kick cancer? Davis students are helping St Charles East and St Charles North High Schools to raise money to help people who are affected by cancer and other difficulties in the crosstown Kick-a-thon! Bring in coins or bills starting Thursday, September 17th, to drop in your class container. Ask your parents how you can help make money to make a difference. (Families are also welcome to donate online HERE.) Let’s help Davis bring change to make change. Every penny counts!

Click HERE for Davis Google Calendar

September:

🏈Dear Davis Families,

We're excited to announce that the Chicago Bears Mini Monsters Clinic, brought to us by Advocate Health Care, is coming to Davis Elementary on Monday, September 21st!

This free 90-minute program is open to our 2nd–5th graders and teaches healthy eating, physical activity, and proper hydration through fun, non-contact football drills and skills — just like the Bears! Every participating student will also receive a free t-shirt.

Clinic Times:

• 4th & 5th Grade: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
• 2nd & 3rd Grade: 12:00 – 1:30 PM

Important: Every participating student needs a signed waiver. Students without a signed waiver on the day of the clinic will not be able to participate. If you have not done so already, please sign and return the waiver to your child's teacher as soon as possible. You may download the waiver HERE

Go Bears! 🐻

Gina Shaw

Principal, Davis Elementary School

Dear Music Parents,

Get ready for another exciting year of making beautiful music together! We're thrilled to kick off the 2026-27 school year with your talented young musicians. Here's everything you need to know about our rehearsal schedule:

During School Lessons

Starting the week of August 24th - Individual and small group lessons will begin during the regular school day. Students will receive their specific lesson times from their music teachers.

Before School Rehearsals

Starting the week of September 28th - Morning rehearsals begin! School doors open at 8:00am and rehearsal begins at 8:10am. Please be mindful of other parents and pull as far as you can into the drop-off lane & pass other vehicles with care. You do not need to escort your musician into the building; our staff will be waiting at Door#1 to let students in.

• 4th Grade Orchestra: Monday mornings

• 5th Grade Orchestra: Tuesday mornings

• Beginner Orchestra: Wednesday mornings

• 5th Grade Band: Thursday mornings

• 5th Grade Choir: Friday Mornings Update!! Rehearsals will now be on Friday mornings at Richmond Elementary (Special note: Students will be bused to Davis after rehearsal - no need for parent pickup!)

We can't wait to hear the amazing progress your children will make this year! Music education builds confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Let's make this a year full of musical magic!

Instrumental Music Teachers,

Ms. Morby, Mrs. Mezera, and Mr. Basich

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin the school year, the PE Teachers want to share a quick reminder about Physical Education (PE) and preparing for outdoor activities.

Whenever weather and conditions allow, our PE classes may take place outdoors. Being outside gives students additional opportunities to move, play, and develop their physical skills in a different environment. Because of this, it is important that students dress appropriately for the weather each day.

Please encourage your child to come to school prepared for the day's conditions. This may include:

• Comfortable athletic clothing that allows for movement
• Sweatshirts or jackets on cooler days
• Layers that can be removed as temperatures rise
• Hats, gloves, or other cold-weather clothing when appropriate
• Athletic shoes suitable for running and physical activity (closed toe)

Please remember that students may be outside for PE even when the weather feels different from the rest of the school day. Checking the forecast in the morning can help ensure your child is prepared and comfortable.

Water Bottles

Students are welcome and encouraged to bring a water bottle to PE. Staying hydrated is an important part of being active and helps students feel their best during physical activity.

If your child brings a water bottle, please make sure it is:

• Clearly labeled with their name
• A reusable bottle that can be securely closed
• Filled with water

We encourage water rather than sports drinks, juice, or other flavored beverages during the school day. Students will have opportunities to drink water as needed, particularly during longer or more vigorous activities and on warmer days.

Thank you for helping your child come to PE prepared, comfortable, and ready to move!

Sincerely,
Davis Physical Education

In D303, we value the opportunity to provide a community of care and support to our families, especially those faced with financial hardship.

If your family is currently experiencing a significant financial need, our community partnerships have several supports available for families including: school clothes/shoes, winter coats/accessories, school supplies, toiletries, holiday meals, and/or holiday gifts. If you would like to be considered for any of these supports, please complete the Family Resource Form by September 11, 2026.

En D303, valoramos la oportunidad de proveer una comunidad de cuidado y apoyo a nuestras familias, especialmente a aquellas que enfrentan dificultades financieras.

Si su familia está experimentando actualmente una necesidad financiera significativa, nuestras asociaciones comunitarias tienen varios apoyos disponibles para las familias, incluyendo: ropa/calzado para la escuela, abrigos/accesorios de invierno, materiales escolares, artículos de aseo personal, comidas para los días festivos, y/o regalos para navidad. Si desea que se le tenga en cuenta para cualquiera de estas ayudas, por favor, rellene este formulario. Para ser considerado, es fundamental que complete esta encuesta a más tardar el viernes 11 de septiembre.

Press HERE for Family Needs Assessment Form (English)

Para formulario familial en Español, presione AQUÍ (Spanish)

The St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 Board of Education voted on August 10, 2026, to place a ballot initiative on the November 3 ballot asking the community whether the District should issue bonds to fund maintenance needs and educational facility improvements. Read the full press release here.

La Junta Educativa del Distrito Escolar de la Unidad Comunitaria 303 de St. Charles votó el 10 de agosto de 2026 a favor de incluir una iniciativa en la papeleta electoral del 3 de noviembre en la que se pregunta a la comunidad si el distrito debería emitir bonos para financiar las necesidades de mantenimiento y las mejoras de las instalaciones educativas. Lee aquí el comunicado de prensa completo.

Organic Life is looking for Lunchroom Supervisors to join our team!

If you enjoy working with students in a positive school environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested? Contact:

Patricia Burton
331-228-5242
patricia.burton@d303.org

Join the Organic Life team and make a difference in our schools!

If you believe your household qualifies for free or reduced meals based on the current USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines, please complete the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) application. To obtain a form in another language, please visit the USDA Free and Reduced application site.

Email: linda.jezek@d303.org
Website: https://davis.d303.org/
Location: 1125 S 7th St, St. Charles, IL, 60174
Phone: 331-228-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavisElementaryD303
Twitter: @StCharlesD303

Have an idea by kids for kids? The St. Charles Youth Commission wants to hear it. Funding is awarded to youth-designed and youth-driven projects directed toward the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people in the community. Any group or organization can apply for funds throughout the year.

The City of St. Charles Youth Commission now accepts funding applications all year long. Funding requests need to be submitted by the 15th of the month in order to be reviewed and considered for approval at the next meeting. Please keep in mind that the Youth Commission does not meet in July or August.

Please click HERE for more information. Please email your completed application to YC@stcharlesil.gov or drop it off at the St. Charles Police Department, attention: Youth Commission. A member of the Youth Commission will reach out to you once they receive it.