Lynx Connection
Davis Connect K-12 Weekly Newsletter

November 9 - 13, 2026
Important Dates
This Week:
- 7-12 Online Classroom Live Lesson Weekly Schedule (View the Davis Connect Live Lesson Schedule)
- Monday, November 9- Monday, November 16- Schedule a Secondary Parent Teacher Conference Appointment via myDSD
- Tuesday, November 10- 5-8 PM - K-12 Classic Fun Center Fall Activity
- Friday November 13- Midterms
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday November 17 - 3:30-7:30 PM - Secondary Virtual Parent Teacher Conference Appointment
- Wednesday, November 25 - Teacher Professional Day No School
- Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27 -Thanksgiving Break - No School
- Friday, December 4- K-6 Holiday gift and Student Supplies pick up!
- Friday, December 18 - End of Term 2 (All assignments for DCT. classes due Thursday, December 17 @ 11:59 PM)
School Spirit Skating Night
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Davis Connect School Spirit Skating Night at Classic Fun Center in Layton on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Students and families are invited to come skate, play games, and show their Davis Connect pride by wearing school colors (navy blue and gray) or a Davis Connect shirt. Students may bring their own skates, rollerblades, or non-electric scooters, and rental options will be available. Not interested in skating? No problem! Arcade games and other activities will also be available. We look forward to seeing our Davis Connect community come together for an evening of fun, friendship, and school spirit!
Elementary Student of The Week
I appreciate having Nikki in our class. She is such a kind friend to everyone. She is one of the first to greet classmates as they enter our zoom meetings. She often askes how others are doing and offers sincere praise when someone does something well. Nikki is very encouraging of her peers and looks for ways to build them up. She is a hard worker, and I can count on her to participate in our class discussions.
-Ms. Moore
Davis Connect 7-12 Students of the Month
Riku
"I would like to nominate Riku for Student of the Month because he is an active and engaged learner who consistently contributes to our class community. He participates with his camera on, is kind and supportive toward his peers, and is never afraid of a challenge. He works hard to stay on top of his assignments and continues to try again if he doesn't fully understand. His positive attitude, perseverance, and willingness to support others make him an excellent model student. We are lucky to have him at Davis Connect."
- Shailene Harnish
Brooke
"Brooke is a wonderful part of the Davis Connect community! She brings positivity, kindness, and meaningful contributions to our live classes. Her thoughtful participation helps create an engaging and welcoming learning environment. Brooke's presence truly makes a difference, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our school community."
- Tracie Maughan
Employee Spotlight
Meet Ms. Taura
It's my sixth year at Davis Connect after teaching junior high. I started here during the pandemic with two English classes and then was hired to teach high school Social Studies as department chair, and I teach all the French. I love studying history, writing courses, solving problems, trying new tech, and working one-on-one with students. One of my favorite things is unexpectedly meeting my online students "in the wild" around Davis County!
Fun fact: I spent two years as an elementary librarian and got to design and build a brand-new library and computer lab. Outside of work, I love playing with my daughter and grandson, hanging out with my four adult kids, watching movies, planning vacations, lifting weights, and organizing things. My favorite snack is any ripe fruit.
Meet Ms. Hunger
I love working at Davis Connect! We have the BEST staff and THE BEST students!
I started my journey at Davis Connect in 2022 as a teaching assistant (TA), a position I held for two years. Last year, I had the opportunity to substitute in many different classrooms, which gave me even more experience and allowed me to connect with so many amazing students. When I heard there was an opening for the Specials Teacher position, I jumped at the opportunity!I absolutely love getting to spend time with all of our K–6 students. Every day brings something new, and I feel so lucky to be part of such an incredible school community. I truly have the best job ever!
I've been married for 21 years and have three awesome kids! We spend a lot of time in the car driving to all the different sports and music practices. Life keeps us busy, but I love every minute of keeping up with my kids and cheering them on!
A few things you should know about me:
🌮 I LOVE Mexican food! Give me chips and salsa any day, and I'm a happy girl!
🥤 I can't go a day without my Dr Pepper Zero Strawberry
📚 I enjoy reading and watching movies all cuddled up in blankets.
I love trying new things! I recently tried curling and LOVED it!
My family loves playing tennis and pickleball together.
I love staying active, making memories with my family, and trying new things. I'm so grateful to be part of the Davis Connect family and look forward to making lots of fun memories with all of you!
K-6 Activity Spotlight
Our K-6 Lynx had a great time celebrating Halloween together! Students enjoyed making Halloween-themed crafts, playing games, coloring, and spending time with friends and teachers.
It was so much fun seeing students get creative, laugh together, and make new memories. We loved having the opportunity to celebrate together and see our students connect.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this activity possible. We hope all of our students had a fun and safe Halloween!
Students enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and activities
Building friendships and making memories at our Halloween Activity
Evaluate Davis Surveys Open Through December 18
For Students
Students in grades 7-12 can access the survey by logging in to myDSD and clicking the"Surveys Available" notification on their home screen. The survey provides an opportunity to share honest feedback about your experiences at school and in your classes. Responses are anonymous and help teachers and school leaders understand what's working well and where improvements can be made.
For Parents
We encourage all parents to complete the Evaluate Davis Survey. Your feedback helps us better support our students and continue improving our school community. If there are questions about a teacher you do not know well, you may skip those questions.
To access the survey:
- Log in to myDSD.
- Click the"Surveys Available" notification on the home screen.
- Select the survey and submit your responses.
You may also scan the QR code to access the myDSD survey login page.
Davis Connect Online Spelling Bee (Grades 4-8)
Students in grades 4 through 8 are invited to participate in the Davis Connect Online Spelling Bee. This program provides an opportunity for students to strengthen spelling and vocabulary skills, build confidence, and engage in friendly academic competition.
Participants can:
- Expand their vocabulary
- Develop confidence in public performance and academic challenges
- Experience positive, friendly competition
- Become part of a long-standing educational tradition
Classroom and schoolwide spelling bees will take place before the district event. The District Spelling Bee is scheduled for April 2027. Families and students should watch for additional information and participation details from their teachers.
Practice, learn, challenge yourself, and shine! The Spelling Bee is a great way for students to grow their academic skills while preparing for future classroom, school, and district competitions.
Soup with the Supt
At this month’s Soup with the Supt, we had the opportunity to celebrate a remarkable student who recently received the Superintendent Award. The award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a positive impact on those around them. During the event, district leadership met with students in a relaxed setting to share a meal, celebrate accomplishments, and hear about their experiences. It was inspiring to learn how Corvo kindness, hard work, and commitment to helping others have made a difference both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations Corvo on this well-deserved recognition and for representing Davis Connect so well!
Join National Honor Society (NHS)!
Join National Honor Society (NHS)! NHS is a great opportunity to be recognized for your academic achievement, leadership, service, and character while making a positive impact in your school and community. Students in grades 8-12 who are full-time Davis Connect students and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are encouraged to apply. Members participate in meaningful service projects, develop leadership skills, and work alongside other motivated students. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in becoming a member, please complete the application using the link below.
Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/mCg8Kas5ez
ACT PREP
Davis Community Education is offering a comprehensive ACT Prep course designed to help students build confidence and improve their test-taking skills before the December 12 national ACT exam. Held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Layton High School, the five-session course covers ACT strategies, science reasoning, English, reading, and math. The registration fee is $126 and includes the Barron’s ACT Study Guide Premium 2026. Classes begin October 31 and continue through December 5, providing students with valuable preparation for one of the most important college entrance exams. Register online today to reserve your spot!
Attendance Matters
Elementary Attendance Policy
Attendance requirements for K-6 students:
- All students are required to attend live Tier 1 sessions with their teacher for both Reading and Math.
- Students who are below grade level are required to attend Tier 2 small group instruction per SB241.
- If your student is on an IEP, they must attend their special education classes at least 80% of the time.
- Complete Canvas course work.
Please have your student attend all their required classes in order to stay enrolled at Davis Connect. Consistent participation and engagement are important for staying on track in an online learning environment. We encourage students to log in regularly, keep up with assignments, communicate with teachers, and make steady progress in their courses. Thank you for helping your student grow and be successful.
Mental Health Screening | November 18, 2026
Davis Helps is offering a mental health screening for children in preschool through 6th grade on November 18 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Davis Behavioral Health in Layton. Families can meet with a mental health provider, learn about community resources, and receive screening for social and emotional needs, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and safety concerns. A parent or guardian must be present. Registration closes November 13. To register, visit dbhutah.org/screening or call Angie Smith at 801-336-1742.
Examen de Salud Mental | 18 de noviembre de 2026
Davis Helps ofrecerá un examen de salud mental para niños de preescolar a sexto grado el 18 de noviembre, de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m., en Davis Behavioral Health en Layton. Las familias podrán reunirse con un proveedor de salud mental, conocer los recursos disponibles en la comunidad y recibir una evaluación de las necesidades sociales y emocionales, incluyendo depresión, ansiedad, trauma y preocupaciones de seguridad. Un padre, madre o tutor debe estar presente. El registro cierra el 13 de noviembre. Para registrarse, visite dbhutah.org/screening o llame a Angie Smith al 801-336-1742.
🚨 Important Scam & Email Safety Reminder
We want to make families aware of a scam involving emails that appear to come from school or district representatives. Davis Connect principals, faculty members, staff, and Community Council members will never email you asking you to provide your personal phone number or purchase gift cards on their behalf.
If you receive an email making one of these requests—even if the sender appears to be someone you recognize from Davis Connect—do not respond, provide personal information, or make a purchase. Delete the email immediately.
When in doubt, please contact Davis Connect directly through our regular school contact information to verify the message. Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe! 🔒💙
Device Pickup Reminder
Before picking up a student device, please log in to MyDSD and complete the following required forms:
- Parent/Guardian Notice of Acceptable Use of Technology
- Student Notice of Acceptable Use of Technology
Both forms must be completed before a device can be checked out
Technology/Device Support
Technology Specialist, Matt King.
- DEVICE CHECKOUT - Do you still need to pick up your device? You can stop by our offices from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- DEVICE PROTECTION PLAN - Available for purchase through myDSD Guardian Account.
Traveling Outside the U.S.?
If a student will be traveling outside the U.S., please email making@dsdmail.net with the following information:
- Student Name
- Student District ID
- Student Email
- Student Grade
- Parent/Guardian Name
- Parent/Guardian Email
- Parent/Guardian Phone
- Date leaving the U.S.
- Date returning to the U.S.
Please allow a minimum of one week for us to process the change.
Kim Nielson
7th &12th Grade Counselor
Kirstin Butt
9th and 11th Grade
Counselor
Amber Robbins
8th and 10th Grade
Counselor
Tricia Ferre
K-6
Counselor
Krista Rea
Jodie Gardner
Registrar
Davis Connect K-6 & 7-12 Online Schools Davis School District
Donations
Davis Connect K-6 & 7-12 Online Schools Davis School District
Davisconnectoffice@dsdmail.net
Shara Ballstaedt
K-12 Administration
7-12 Lead
Amber Mcinelly
K-12 Administration
K-6 Lead
Tiffany Dance
EDU Tech Specialist
Ana Sanchez
7-12 Office Manager
Kimberly Gilchrist
K-6 Office Manager
Kellie Stucki
Digital Learning Senior Administrative Assistant
Davis Connect K-6 & 7-12 Online School
Email: davisconnectoffice@dsdmail.net
K-6 Website: Davis Connect K-6 Online School | Home
7-12 Website: Davis Connect 7-12 | Home
Location: 2195 University Park Boulevard, Layton, UT, USA
Phone: 801-402-5266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davisconnectk12/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davisconnectk12/
