South Davis Shines

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Hello South Davis Families.

As we add another weather event to our already busy winter, I want to re-share the recent District communication regarding how additional snow days will be addressed, including how the calendar will be impacted. Even with the third snow day of the year, we will be able to provide the required days of instruction for all of our students. This may mean days with asynchronous, "remote" learning opportunities. More details will be shared should we need to do that.

As you may recall, this year South Davis is putting an extra focus on improving literacy outcomes for all students. To that end, Mrs. Hornung and Mr. Grupka from the Curriculum Office met with teachers last week to review our elementary literacy resources, highlight celebrations, and identify priorities for future coaching and professional learning. I hope you are seeing some of the work pay off with your children, whether it's increased reading stamina, better fluency and comprehension, or more enthusiasm for reading and writing.

Have a great week!

Mr. Dolce

#WeAreSouthDavis

January 20-February 13 - The Great Kindness Challenge

January 20-30 - Universal Screening, K-5

January 23-30 - The Great Kindness Challenge Spirit Week 👇

Tuesday, February 3 - Parent Information Series: Discussing Nutrition with Students and Student Athletes 👇

Wednesday, February 4 - General ticket sales for Finding Nemo Kids will begin @ 8:00 a.m. More details to follow

Thursday, February 5 - PTO Meeting, 6:30

Friday, February 6 - PJs for Punt 👇

Monday, February 9 - Finding Nemo Kids Performance, 7:00

Tuesday, February 10 - Pre-K Finding Nemo Kids Performance 9:30; Finding Nemo Kids Performance, 7:00

Friday, February 13 - Early Release Day, around 11:30 Periods 6-7, 1

February 14-22 - Mid-Winter Break

February 28 - Save the Date! OPHS presents Billy Martin's Cole All-Star Circus

The Great Kindness Challenge

The Great Kindness Challenge is described as “a global initiative that encourages students, families, and educators to perform acts of kindness to promote respect, unity, and compassion.” At Orchard Park, this message aligns closely with our shared commitment to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all students.

By participating, our schools are intentionally focusing on the power of everyday kindness. Small actions like including others, offering help, using positive words, and showing empathy can have a big impact on how students feel at school and how they treat one another. These experiences help strengthen relationships, build social emotional skills, and reinforce the values we want our students to carry beyond the classroom.

This year, the Challenge is January 20–February 13, with a district-wide spirit week from January 23–30. Our spirit week is a fun and visible way to bring this purpose to life. Each day serves as a reminder that kindness is something we practice, not just something we talk about.

Attached are some ideas you can consider at home. Together, we look forward to spreading as much kindness as we can throughout our school community and beyond.

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Great Kindness Challenge - Family Activities.pdf

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Finding Nemo Movie Night

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! Tonight is the night for Finding Nemo at the movies! The PTO has partnered with the Niagara Aquarium and this year, the Families and Friends of South Davis have a chance to win a 1 YEAR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to the Niagara Aquarium! Each $5 donation to the PTO is a chance to win the membership. The winner will be chosen on the last night of the Finding Nemo Performance (NOTE - you do not have to be present to win).

Finding Nemo Movie night sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEA92DA1FF2-61309130-finding#/

Chances to win a 1 year membership : https://givebutter.com/woU1qa

Also, FRONT ROW tickets for our production of Finding Nemo Kids will be raffled off at the Aurora Theater! The winners of the front row seats will be notified at the end of the movie.

Whether it's dinner before or after the movie, the South Davis musical invites you to visit the East Aurora Chipotle restaurant, and help support our show. Use the promo code EXZ89AG at checkout online or in the app, and a portion of the night's sales will benefit our production. Thanks!

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South-Davis-Chipotle-Online-Fundraiser-Instructions.pdf

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Parent Information Series

The Orchard Park Family Solutions Center, located at 75 Bank St., supports district and community families with school-age children by providing direct counseling services to families, hosting parenting classes, and providing resources. The mental health professionals at the Family Solution Center will work with families to promote problem-solving strategies to develop healthy relationships using solution-focused communication.

One of the resources is the Parent Information Series. Next month, the topic is Discussing Nutrition with Students and Student Athletes, which will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Orchard Park Middle School Auditorium.

This presentation will be a valuable resource for all adults who work closely with student athletes. Students are also encouraged to attend.

Parenting Enrichment Series

Check out the latest offerings from the Family Solutions Center.

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K-5 Parenting Enrichment.pdf

2026 PJs for PUNT Flyer.pdf

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Safety Reminders

It's very important for everyone's safety - students, parents, and staff - that parents adhere to these procedures at arrival and dismissal.

Stay in your vehicle (except Pre-K parents). We can assist when necessary.
Stay on sidewalks; do not walk in the Front/Bus Loop and do not approach buses
Use the crosswalk to cross South Davis Street, even if you are parked by the dentist or the wood shop
Follow the pick-up procedure - drive into the parking lot, around the back of the lot, and back onto the street. Do not jump the line.
Students should only exit and enter vehicles on the passenger side.
Students should only be dropped off on the street - do not let your child get out of the car in the parking lot. It is a major safety issue, and it disrupts the rest of the process.