South Davis Shines

Hello South Davis Families.

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up, with PTO events, picture day, and one of my favorite things, Bike to School Day! Plus some opportunities for parents to come together and learn and grow, too.

Music ensembles - Band, Chorus, and Orchestra - are starting this week, Intramurals for 4th and 5th grade gets going next week, and, Student Council elections recently took please, which means our next group of budding leaders is ready to contribute to our school in meaningful ways.

Take a look through this week's edition to see what else is going on at South Davis.

We're all in this together! Have a great week!

Mr. Dolce

#WeAreSouthDavis

Wednesday, October 1 - Wear Red for Dyslexia Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 8 - Bike to School Day!!! More details coming

Thursday, October 9 - PTO Meeting, 6:30 in the Library

Wednesday, October 15 - Picture Day

Friday, October 17 - Trunk or Treat 👇

Our next Bike to School event is next Wednesday, October 8! All of the details are attached.

Here are some important safety reminders:

• All children must be wearing helmets; adults are encouraged to as well, to set the example.
• This is not a race; all students need to stay well behind the lead police car.
• Riding in single file along the right side of the road is required. No exceptions.
• Younger students should complete the shorter route.

We have completed the required evacuation drills for the first half of the year. We have two lockdown drills to complete before the winter break in December. The first one is scheduled for next week.

Our lockdown procedures require securing classrooms and other school spaces in an attempt to provide for an increased level of safety should a threat to our school environment occur.

Please know that we are sensitive to the nature of the drills and the potential anxiety some school-aged children may feel; we also feel that it is important for our students to understand their roles and responsibilities in these types of situations. I encourage you to talk to your child/ren about the drill and the reason for conducting this type of drill. Please see the attached file for frequently asked questions. Should your child/ren express any fear or anxiety, please contact me so we can address these situations and provide appropriate support at school.

In the event of an actual emergency, our school and the District are prepared to communicate with parents and guardians. Depending on the nature of the emergency and situation, our communication may include:

• District notification system using email, phone, and text messaging;

• District Website; and

• Local media (if appropriate)

Thank you for your understanding and support of our safety and security procedures.

It's extremely important that parents not let students out of vehicles until a staff member comes out to the front sidewalk. While there may be some students at the front of the building, that is not a signal to drop your children and leave. And if your child is walking or otherwise getting to school on his own, they should plan their arrival closer to 9:00. It is unsafe to have them here earlier, as we don't have supervision outside before 9:00.

Please remember that the speed limit on South Davis Street is 15 MPH during the school day (7:00 a.m-6:00 p.m.). Continue to use your signal to indicate if you are pulling to curb or looking to enter the traffic pattern.

Attendance Matters

A simple way to support the PTO and the entire South Davis program 👇

Here are some resources from Erie 1 BOCES for parents, to help support your child's mental health and to nurture a positive family experience.

Supporting your child's mental health at home

A printable version is attached.

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.

Here's the latest Learning and Engagement newsletter from Buffalo | Toronto Public Media. Lots of great resources for the whole family, as well as free events. Check it out.

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.