Stampede News

The mission of Buffalo Point is to create a community where all can learn and grow successfully.

• Back-to-School Night
• Join PTA
• School Community Council - Call for Candidates
• Information in Previous Stampede News
• Calendar

Back-to-School Night is Tuesday, August 18! Come anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 to meet teachers and check out classrooms.

After the open house, stick around for our PTA-sponsored Ice Cream Social! It’s a great chance to enjoy a treat, visit with other Buffalo Point families, and celebrate the start of a new school year together.

Starting July 1, Utah has a statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban for public K-12 schools under Senate Bill 69, signed by Governor Spencer Cox. The law prohibits students from using personal electronic devices—including cellphones and smartwatches—for the entire duration of the school day, including during class, lunch, recess, and passing periods.

Our student handbook reflects this change. A student may NOT wear a smart watch during the school day. If they bring a smart watch, it must be powered off and stored in their backpacks unitl dismissal.

Here are some FAQs specifically regarding Smartwatches.

Why can’t my child wear a Smartwatch if it’s turned off or on a silent setting?

Monitoring students who are and are not doing this creates an unnecessary added responsibility on the teacher, detracting teachers from their most important responsibility of ensuring student safety and learning.

What if my child wears a smartwatch to ease their anxiety?

Please reach out to your child’s teacher or school administration so we can make an alternate plan that doesn’t require a Smartwatch to ease their anxiety.

What if I need to get ahold of my child or they need to get ahold of me?

If a student needs to get ahold of their parent, Buffalo Point faculty will give them a phone pass to use the office phone. If you need to get ahold of your child please call the office and they will connect them with you.

What if I need to get ahold of my student before they arrive to or from school?

Students may use smartwatches or cell phones before the first morning bell and after the last bell while they are outside of the school building. During the school day, students have the choice of storing their Smartwatches in their backpack or teacher’s desk.

What if there is an emergency like a school lock-down and I can’t get ahold of my child?

Conversations with the Syracuse Police Department have assured us that students are safer in a lockdown situation without smart watches and phones. Beeps and lights can alert an intruder as to where the students are hiding. Additionally, students communicating with parents during the reunification process can interfere with the safe, established police and school reunification process. In an emergency situation, our first priority is student safety. As soon as student safety is established, the next thing we do is immediately communicate with parents.

Joining the PTA doesn't mean you're signing up to volunteer every week or take on more than your schedule allows. A PTA membership is simply a way to support our school and the opportunities it provides for students.

Your membership helps fund family events, teacher support, student programs, and other experiences that make school more engaging and enjoyable. Whether you can volunteer often, occasionally, or not at all, your membership still makes a meaningful impact.

If you're looking for an easy way to support Buffalo Point Elementary, joining the PTA is a great place to start. Join here.

Buffalo Point Elementary is accepting parent candidates for our School Community Council! This advisory group works with school staff to review data, guide academic goals, and decide how to use School LAND Trust funds to support student learning.

The council also gives input on digital safety, school policies, and other important topics that impact our school. Parents serve a two-year term and attend 4–6 meetings per year.

The candidacy form (attached) is due by September 2. Elections, if needed, will be held on September 4 at the school.

Want to make a difference? Join us!

Questions? Contact the principal at rvannatter@dsdmail.net.

From Stampede News July 28

• Theme and Prinicipal Contact. THe 2026-27 theme is "Adventure Awaits." Call or text Mr. Van Natter at 801-425-7499.
• Transportation Update. No busing for Buffalo Point. Crossing guard added at 3000 W roundabout.
• Art Donations. Donate supplies for art. Requests are HERE.
• Stay connected. Follow and find information using these links: school website, Facebook, Instagram, and PTA communications

• 8/18: Back-to-school night and PTA ice cream social: 5:30 - 6:30
• 8/20: First day of school - All students meet teachers in front of the school
• Early-out schedule: 1:30
• 8/31 - 9/11: PTA Fill the Calendar fundraiser
• 9/2: PTA meeting: 3:45 in the library
• 9/7: Labor Day: No school
• 9/8: Iceberg Spirit Night: 5:00 - 8:00
• 9/11: School Pictures
• 9/11: Vision and hearing screening
• 9/18: PTA Neon party: 5:30 - 8:30
• 9/21 - 9/25: Parent-teacher conferences
• Early-out schedule: 1:30
• Book Fair
• 9/23: Boo to the Flu shot clinic: 3:00 - 6:00

Principal: Ryan Van Natter • rvannatter@dsdmail.net • office 801-402-8402

Administrative Intern: Liz Wiser • ewiser@dsdmail.net • office 801-402-8403

Office Manager: Andrea Scanlon • ascanlon@dsdmail.net • office 801-402-8400

PTA: Ashley Watts (president) • awatts@dsdmail.net • PTA GroupMe

Location: 1924 Doral Drive, Syracuse, UT 84075

Phone: 801-402-8400

Website: buffalopoint.davis.k12.ut.us

Facebook: Buffalo Point

Instagram: @buffalopoint.stampede