Central Scoop
August 2026
Here we go!
On behalf of the entire Central Elementary Staff, I welcome you to the 2026-27 school year. August is one of the year's most exciting and wonderful times—the start of a new school year! As you saw at Open House, our staff has been busy planning and preparing our building for your arrival, and we look forward to welcoming students on Monday.
The first day of school is on August 17th, a full day. School begins at 8:35 am, and dismissal is at 3:28 pm. This year, we will continue opening car doors at 8:10 and allowing students into the cafeteria. Please keep in mind that morning drop-off is car line only; we use the bus loop around Collins Field as our parent drop-off/pick-up line. There is a picture below.
As a staff, we want you to know we are here to support you and your family through your child’s educational journey. To assist teachers in focusing their attention on students beginning their school day, parents are asked to follow district safety protocols and allow their child(ren) to enter the building independently beginning the first day of school.
Mrs. Upper (Office Secretary) will be stationed outside the main entrance to collect items your child cannot carry to class. Once arrival finishes, staff will deliver these items to your child's classroom.
As we prepare for the first day of school on Monday, August 17th, we want to remind you of the importance of our partnership. Please contact my office (591-0818) with any questions, concerns, or compliments. Together, we can uphold the mission of Davison Community Schools: Where Kids Come First, and Futures Begin!
Sincerely,
Melissa Williams
Principal, Central Elementary
I kindly ask for your patience...
We want your patience during our arrival and dismissal procedures. With nearly 600 students being released safely, we must take the time to ensure each child reaches their correct destination. Students are just learning the new routines, and we are getting to know them as well. Please remember that arrival and dismissal, including bus routines, will take significantly longer during the first few weeks of school.
However, if everyone follows the rules and procedures, once we get into the swing of things, we can complete dismissal in about 20 minutes. Your cooperation will help make this process smooth and efficient. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Free & Reduced Lunch
At this time, funding will remain in order to continue the Community Eligibility Provision. This program allows schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income status.
That being said, we are asking parents to take a moment to complete the Education Benefits Form, which collects information needed to ensure the school receives state and federal funding for education programs. Without this information, Davison Community Schools could lose important funding for education programs that our students need. These supplemental grants and programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students, including, but not limited to:
- Instructional staff (ex., Reading Interventionists, Math Tutors, Academic & Behavior Aids)
- Teaching supplies and materials
- Counselors and Social Workers
- School Nurses
- Professional Learning for staff
- Parent and Community engagement supplies and activities
- Technology
Here is an anonymous way to apply for meal benefits or to complete an Education Benefits form online by clicking here:
Transportation Tags
If you attended Open House, you received the transportation tags for your child. Please ensure that the transportation tag and the QR identification tag (if your student is a bus rider) are securely attached to your child's backpack, as shown in the picture. This will help school staff and bus drivers quickly identify your child and ensure they go to the correct place.
Parent Pickup and Dropoff Loop
Drop-off and Pick-up: Please Read Carefully
Morning drop-off
🚙 Drop-Off - Car line only (Staff will begin opening car doors at 8:10)
Parents may walk children to the front door during the first week only. Please remember that district policy is that parents do not walk their children to class.
After the first week, drop-off will be car line only — parents must stay in the vehicle.
Please do not park and walk your child up after the first week.
Afternoon parent pick-up: 2 options
🚗 Pick-Up — NEW iDismiss System
Dismissal procedures will begin at 3:15 p.m.
This year, Central is using iDismiss, a new dismissal system designed to make student pick-up safer and more efficient.
Each family will receive a Parent Pick-Up Card with their child’s assigned number. Please bring this card with you every day at pick-up, whether you are using the car line or walking up. This card serves as both a tool to notify teachers when you arrive and your form of identification. If you need additional cards, please contact the office.
How iDismiss Works
When you arrive, a staff member will enter your child’s number into iDismiss and select your pick-up location. This sends an alert directly to your child’s classroom, letting them know that you have arrived and where they should go for dismissal. Last year we asked everyone to commit to walk-up or car line; however, with the new system, you can make the choice daily without communicating with the office.
🚘 Car Line Pick-Up
Have your Parent Pick-Up Card visible so staff can quickly enter your child’s number.
Once your number is entered, your child’s teacher will be notified to report to the car line pick-up zone.
Parents should remain in their vehicle at all times.
Students must be able to buckle themselves into their seat or booster seat so the line can continue moving safely and efficiently.
Please follow staff directions and pull forward as directed.
🚶 Park & Walk-Up Pick-Up — Door 3
Parents choosing to park and walk up should report to Door 3 with their Parent Pick-Up Card.
A staff member will enter your child’s number into iDismiss and notify them to report to the walk-up pick-up zone.
Please wait at Door 3 for your child to be released to you.
Because parking is limited, once your child is with you, please return to your vehicle and leave campus promptly to make parking spaces available for other families.
Accessible parking spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking placard or license plate.
📌 Please Remember Your Pick-Up Card!
Having your card ready helps us quickly identify your child and keeps dismissal moving.
💛 A Little Patience While We Learn!
iDismiss is new for our students, staff, and families. The first couple of weeks WILL be slower as everyone learns the new routine. We appreciate your patience! Once everyone becomes familiar with the process, we expect iDismiss to help make dismissal more organized and efficient.
Schedule of Events
August
Monday, Aug 17 - First Day of School
Friday, Aug 21 - No School
Friday, Aug 28 - No School
September
Monday, Sept 7 - No School: Labor Day
Tuesday, Sept 2 - PreK for All Begins
Friday, Sept 18 - Homecoming- Early Release
Tuesday, Sept 22 - Picture Day