The Panther Press
January 12, 2026
In This Issue of the Panther Press
- There is a Days Park Community Association Meeting this Tuesday, January 13 at 7 pm. Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/tvx-ibde-ixp
- This Friday, January 16, there is no school for students as it is a Superintendent's Conference Day.
- Next Monday, January 19, school is closed in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- SAVE THE DATE: Retake Picture Day is February 5! This Picture Day is for all students absent during the October Picture Day or who need retakes, including Kindergarten Cap & Gown pictures.
- Computer-Based Testing Simulations are happening later this month, on January 27 (Days Park) and January 26 (Hertel) for grades 3-8.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences will be January 29. Keep an eye out on ClassDojo for more information, including expectations and the sign-up form for time slots!
- Make sure to check out the COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS section for some local free arts, film, and athletic events in the community.
EVCS RESOURCES, EVENTS, & INFORMATION
EVCS Calendar & Lunch Menu
Upcoming Events
- January 16 - Sup't Conf Day - No Classes/Professional Development
- January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
- January 26 - CBT Simulations, 8:25 to 9:05 AM (Hertel Campus, Grades 3-8)
- January 27 - CBT Simulations, 8:25 to 9:05 AM (Days Park Campus, Grades 3-8)
- January 29 - Half-Day with Early Dismissal (Pick-Up/Walker Dismissal at 12:05 PM, Bus Dismissal at 12:30 PM) and Parent-Teacher Conferences
EVCS School Calendar 25-26
Doors open to students at 7:40 AM
School day begins at 8 AM
Pick-up/walking dismissal begins at 3:05 PM
Dismissal for students taking the bus begins at 3:15 PM
Lunch Menu
Picture Day Coming February 5
Picture Day is Three Weeks Away!
Retake Picture Day of the 2025-2026 school year is just around the corner! This Picture Day is open to all students who missed the October date and any retakes, including Kindergarten Cap & Gown.
Order forms, pricing information, and more coming soon.
Computer-Based Testing Simulations
Preparation for CBT Testing
Upcoming CBT Simulations (for grades 3-8):
- Days Park Campus: Tuesday, January 27, 8:25–9:05 AM
- Hertel Campus: Monday, January 26, 8:25–9:05 AM
These simulations are part of our preparation for upcoming computer-based testing.
Please ensure your child arrives on time.
Parent-Teacher Conferences Later this Month
Conferences on January 29
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held later this month.
Keep an eye out on ClassDojo for more information, including expectations and the sign-up form for time slots!
Applications Open for 2026-2027 School Year
Spread the Word: Applications Open Now!
Applications are open for BOTH EVCS Campuses for the 2026-2027 school year!
Know someone looking to join our vibrant community?
Let them know and share our application to apply now.
Are you looking to have a kindergartener join their older sibling next year?
Make sure to select a sibling preference when you apply!
EVCS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Get Involved with the Community Association
The EVCS Community Associations sponsor events and fundraisers to support school activities that enrich the experiences of our community and that align with the Mission of the Elmwood Village Charter Schools.
Interested in getting involved? Email your campus CA to get started!
Days Park CA Email Address: daysparkca@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Hertel CA Email Address: hertelca@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Upcoming Community Association Meetings:
- Days Park, January 13, 7 PM. Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/tvx-ibde-ixp
- Hertel, January 28, 7 PM. Meeting link coming soon.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
UB Hosts Free Girls Sports Clinic February 7
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Join Buffalo Athletics for a fun filled day celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports! Open to all girls grades 3-8 with UB Bulls women's sports teams hosting unique activities.
Learn more and register for the sports clinic on the UB Bulls website.
Shea’s Free Film Series
Free Season Kicks Off January 18
Shea's will be hosting their first Free Film Series on January 18, featuring a classic Sunday double feature of The Parent Trap and The Goonies.
Tickets, showtimes, and more information available on the Shea's website.
Locust Street Resumes Free Art Classes
Enroll in a Variety of Art Programs
Locust Street Art has resumed their schedule of free art classes for the 2025-2026 year following the holiday season. Classes are available from drawing and painting to animation, ceramics, and photography, with program ages ranging from 4 years to high school.
Learn more and enroll for art classes on the Locust Street Art website.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESOURCES
EVCS Mission Statement
“The Elmwood Village Charter Schools will provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognizes student capability, fosters their connectedness to their immediate and broader communities, and offers them ways to contribute to school life. EVCS believes that all students can and will learn at high levels when provided with the right learning conditions.”
We put students first. We act with urgency. We seek to be better. We work as a team.