South Davis Shines
October 20, 2026
A Message from Mr. Dolce
Hello South Davis Families.
We completed our first of 4 Lockdown drills last week. All of the students did exactly what they were supposed to do, and the Orchard Park Police Department, which assisted us, were impressed. There are three more to do, with the next one likely taking place in December.
The Transportation Department will be conducting bus safety drills this week. Each day, students from a bus will review safety procedures and practice exiting the bus.
Red Ribbon Week begins on Friday. As a reminder, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Mrs. Rupp is leading those lessons and conversations during Health and Wellness classes this month. More information below.
Our biannual Fall Food Drive will get under way in a few weeks. We are also pleased to announce our annual Veterans Day Celebration, where we recognize and honor the veterans connected to South Davis. More information can be found below.
Have a great week! Go Quakers!
Mr. Dolce
#WeAreSouthDavis
Bike and Walk to School
Thanks to everyone who came out and participated in or helped with our Bike and Walk to School event. It was another great success. Look for the next one in May!
Upcoming Events/Important Dates 📆
Wednesday - 10/21 - PTO Panera Fundraiser - see below
Friday - 10/23 - PTO Trunk or Treat - see below
October 23-30 - Red Ribbon Week
November 2-10 - Fall Food Drive - Details to come
Tuesday - 11/10 - Veterans Day Recognition - see below
Wednesday - 11/11 - Veterans Day - No School
Friday - 11/13 - Early Dismissal - 11:30-11:40
Tuesday - 11/17 - Peaceful School Bus presentations; Picture Retakes
Thursday - 11/19 - PTO Meeting
South Davis Veterans Day Celebration
We’re honored to celebrate veterans connected to our South Davis community with a Veterans Day Breakfast and assembly on Tuesday, November 10, 8:50–10:15 am in the South Davis Cafeteria.
If your child(ren) would like to honor a special veteran at this event, please RSVP using the Veterans Day Form (below) by Tuesday, November 3. Due to limited space and parking, each RSVP may include:
- Your South Davis student(s)
- ONE Veteran
- ONE additional adult if needed (spouse, student’s parent/guardian related to veteran, etc.). Your child may remain with their special veteran for the entire program.
To help us celebrate our guests, we’re creating a slideshow of our South Davis veterans. Use the form below to share a digital photo by Tuesday, November 3. Thank you for helping South Davis Elementary honor and show appreciation for the veterans who have served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Distraction Free Schools 📵
A reminder about the District's policy regarding student personal electronic devices, and our focus on being present and engaged at school.
A Better Way to Check-in at South Davis
If you are a continuing parent, you may be aware that the District is going to be using an app to help get visitors checked into the building more efficiently, for all kinds of events, from volunteering in the classroom to attending the musical or participating in Field Days.
To use the Event Registration app, please download the Raptor Safe App from Google or Apple. This is optional but will allow you to create your own Raptor passport that can be scanned when visiting South Davis. This will replace having to scan your license each visit.
The attached document explains the process a little more. When events come up, you will receive invitations from the school or your child's teacher, and more information will be shared in the coming weeks.
South Davis PTO
Upcoming PTO Events
The next meeting is this Thursday at 6:30 in the Library.
November Gift Cards are Back
You asked and we brought it BACK! With BIGGER PRIZES and the same chances to win! $100 gift cards to Saville's and Frank Young's (2), SABRES Tickets, 10 PACK of Classes from Buff and Flo, AND a birthday party package to World Class Taekwondo, valued at $250!!!!!
Even if you win, your name stays in the drawing for more chances ALL MONTH LONG!
Every dollar raised from this event goes directly back to the students who attend South Davis in the form of educational programs, in-school programming, guest speakers, author visits, and other initiatives that support literacy as well as school-wide evening events.
How It Works:
Enter: Every $5 donation puts your name in the drawing. More donated = more times your name is entered.
Daily: Winners are drawn via the wheel of names and notified directly.
Fridays: Prizes are sent home with your chosen South Davis student, with confirmation upon notification.
Just a $5 donation enters your name to win over $1000 in prizes!
Family Resources
Attached is the Fall Parent Enrichment Program flyer for elementary parents from the Orchard Park Family Solutions Center.
Family Education- Back to School: How Parents and Caregivers Can Promote Mental Health in a New School Year
This is another great resource from Erie Path - https://eriepath.erie.gov/home
October is a month full of opportunities to celebrate, learn, create, and connect! In this month’s Learning & Engagement newsletter, we’re highlighting Filipino American History Month, Italian-American Heritage & Culture Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and National Book Month — while also celebrating the arts, humanities, health literacy, and, of course, National Pizza Month!
We’re also recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month as an opportunity to encourage kindness, empathy, and safe, supportive communities for children and families. From exploring history and culture to discovering new books, making art, learning about health, and enjoying a favorite slice of pizza, October offers plenty of ways to spark curiosity and meaningful conversations. We hope you’ll find something to explore, share, and enjoy with the families, educators, and communities you serve!
—The Learning & Engagement Team
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found collection is already growing 🙁 . Take a look at the items and let your child know if anything belongs to your family. There is a rack in the front hall and one in the Commons.
