South Davis Shines
November 4, 2025
A Message from Mr. Dolce
Hello South Davis Families.
To wrap up Dyslexia Awareness Month, I'd like to share a resource - the SMARTER Literacy Podcast, The episode features former Orchard Park teacher Lindsey Buck, who used to work as a Reading Specialist at OPMS. It discusses:
- What dyslexia looks like across grade levels
- Early signs teachers can watch for
- Why it’s not about intelligence or motivation
- Practical strategies and accommodations that truly help students thrive
While targeting teachers, there is good information for all adults who work with children.
We're all in this together! Have a great week!
Mr. Dolce
#WeAreSouthDavis
Our Commitments
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
Monday, November 10 - Honoring Veterans 👇
Tuesday, November 11 - No School - Veterans Day
November 12-19 - South Davis Fall Food Drive
Thursday, November 13 - PTO Meeting, 6:30
Friday, November 14 - Early Dismissal, 11:30
Honoring Veterans - A Celebration
In Honor of Veterans Day and to honor our special veterans, we will be hosting a breakfast and celebration on Monday, November 10, from 8:50-10:00 a.m.
Please use this form to RSVP for the reception, and to send in a photo of a veteran to honor. If you have previously submitted a photo of a veteran, we will use that one, unless you want to submit a new one.
Even if your veteran can't attend, we still want to honor them, so share that information below. The deadline to RSVP and/or share a picture is Wednesday, November 5.
South Davis SHINES
Instill Kindness
This month our focus is how we can Instill Kindness. When we talk about this concept at our Code of Conduct assemblies at the beginning, we highlight the following behaviors:
- Treat others the way you want to be treated
- Think of others 1st
- Use polite language and have good manners
Being kind - and encouraging it in others - is a very simple idea, but it takes a lot of work.
At home, reinforce the expectations that you have for your family, as they are consistent with what we practice at school. Talk about ways we can put others first - not just at home but in our community, too.
PTO Connections
It's not too late to get in on the action! Win a prize for yourself or start shopping for the holidays. Either way, you support the South Davis PTO and their efforts to provide fun and engaging school and family events.
The first winners are:
11/1/2025 Winner $25 GC An Nails
Angela Papia
11/2/2025 Winner $25 GC Blush
Cheryl Conrad!
11/3/2025 Winner free golf lesson Bob O Links
Amanda Wolfley!
PTO Donations Made Easy!
A simple way to support the PTO and the entire South Davis program 👇
Orchard Park Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association
OPSEPTSA NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, November 19
6:30-7:30pm
OPCSD District Offices
2240 Southwestern Blvd, West Seneca
Join or Renew you OPSEPTSA Membership today!!
https://orchardpark.givebacks.com/shop
#specialeducation #advocate #IEP #DyslexiaAwareness #opseptsa
Our remaining meetings this year will be:
12/17/2025
1/21/2026
2/25/2026
3/18/2026
4/22/2026
5/20/2026
6/17/2026
Website - https://www.opseptsa.org/
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/16L1zq8TB8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opseptsa?igsh=dHBhajY5OHpvejJm
Connecting With Our Community
Supporting Youth Mental Health
The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center (SMHRTCenter) is a project funded by the NY State Education Department and supported by the Office of Mental Health.
Please join us and share these upcoming Webinars with your community:
- *Our Family Education Webinar will be held on November 12th from 7:00 - 8:00PM: Understanding Graduation Stress: A Panel Discussion on Preparing for Post-High School
- *Our Educator Cafe will be held on November 18th from 3:30-4:40PM: Supporting Transgender Students: Best Practices Grounded in Youth Experiences
Any questions, please feel free to reach out to the SMHRTCenter Team at schools@mhanys.org
Family Solutions Center Parent Enrichment Sessions
Parent Enrichment Series for K-5
Discuss and navigate the successes and challenges of parenting your elementary-aged child.
- Fall Dates: Note the changes - Thursdays - Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, and 20
- 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Family Solution Center; on-site childcare available
Other groups/topics at the Family Solution Center:
- Parent Enrichment Series for Universal Pre-K
- Parent Enrichment Series for pre-teens and teenagers
- Parent Partnership - Co-parenting support
- Parent Information Series topics - gambling, body image, vaping
See the attached flyer for all of the details.
Creative Writing Contest
See the attached for information about the contest, sponsored the General Federation of Women's Clubs. It is open to all students in grades K-12.