Chirp Sheet

What a wonderful and memorable week! From the fun spirit-themed days, pep assemblies, door-decorating contests, Powderpuff game, crowning of the king and queen, community tailgates, parade and victory under the Friday night lights, the Cardinal Pride was overflowing. We were able to catch some of the action in our Homecoming 2025 video below.

Davison High School has earned high national and metro-area rankings in the U.S. News and World Report's listing of 2025-2026 Best High Schools. The rankings evaluate nearly 24,000 schools at the national, state and local level, with nearly 18,000 ranked.

DHS ranked #145 in the state and #4,563 in the nation.

The methodology behind the rankings focuses on six factors: college readiness; reading, math and science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

Here is Davison High School's U.S. News profile page, with details about its rankings: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/michigan/districts/davison-community-schools/davison-high-school-9837.

The newest club to form at Davison High School will surely go down in history.

Led by Davison High School U.S. history teacher Ms. Raina Palso, the inaugural meeting of the Young Historian Club takes place after school on Monday, October 13.

"My vision for the club is to inspire what hopefully will become a student-led organization dedicated to exploring historical events, figures, structures and artifacts outside of the classroom," Ms. Palso said. "The goal of the club is to encourage a deeper understanding of the past and how it shapes the present. While the club may explore a variety of historical eras and topics, club activities and events will be generally focused around national, state and local/community history. These activities and events may include discussions, collaborations with local historical organizations, guest speakers, movie screenings, field trips, interactive projects, history-themed competitions, scavenger hunts, history trivia events and local heritage events"

While the idea of forming such a club isn't a new one for Ms. Palso, a recent request from a former student now involved with the Davison Historical Society prompted her to put the thought into action.

"The idea of a Young Historians Club has been in the back of my mind for a few years now, but yes, the possibility of helping the Historical Society and providing students with the opportunity to be involved in community history was a factor," she said. "The Historical Society has developed a list of projects that they would like help with, and I believe those projects could provide meaningful community service and outreach opportunities for young people in our community."

There are already a number of fun activities planned for the club's first year, including an Independence-themed History Quiz Night for students and staff in the new Community Room at DHS to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The Young Historians Club will also take on the leadership for the annual Valentines for Veterans project, which will celebrate its 10th year in February. Ms. Palso said other plans include a birthday celebration for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in February, and even a springtime history competition with a fun seasonal theme that she stopped short on saying anything more about other than she is very excited about this particular project.

The club is open to all high school students and will meet in Room #223. Ms. Palso said it is important for younger people to become involved because history helps them to better understand the world in which they exist.

"History is made one day at a time, and young people are living in and experiencing the history that will be studied by future generations," Ms. Palso said. "All of us leave a foot print in this world, and we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I think young people can discover a better sense of who they are if they learn about the people and events that shaped the world around them.

"A club like this will hopefully give young people a better sense of connection to their nation, state and community. I will be forever grateful to my 10th grade history teacher, Jim Erwin, who inspired my love of history. The young people who develop a love for history now might go on to become history teachers, writers, interpreters, re-enactors, museum curators, or simply guardians of a past that is well worth preserving. If a club like this had existed when I was in high school, I would have joined it and would have been excited to be around others who shared my enthusiasm for history. I want to give the students that opportunity."

Congratulations to the following students named as Students of the Month for September at Davison High School and Davison Alternative Education:

9th Grade - Conner Henson

Nominated by: Miss Bossenberger

Conner consistently demonstrates focus and responsibility in class. Even when others around him may be off task or distracted, Conner stays on track and sets a positive example for his peers. He is dependable, hardworking, and I know I can always count on him to complete his assignments thoughtfully. In addition, Conner is a kind and respectful classmate who contributes positively to our classroom environment. He shows genuine curiosity for learning. His positive attitude and active engagement make him a valuable member in my classroom.

10th Grade - Nirvana Cumberledge

Nominated by: Mrs. Harrison

I would like to nominate Nirvana for Student of the Month. She is a bright, positive presence who consistently shows strong engagement and dedication to learning. Nirvana pays close attention, participates actively in discussions, and offers thoughtful insights. She’s always eager to volunteer and takes on every opportunity to grow. Beyond academics, Nirvana is kind, helpful and supportive of her classmates. Her friendly attitude and constant smile help create a welcoming classroom environment. Her combination of enthusiasm, generosity and leadership makes her a truly deserving candidate.

11th Grade - Jackson McGlashen

Nominated by: Mr. Weingartz

I had Jackson last year. I have him again this year and in 18 years of teaching I have never had a kinder more respectful student than Jack. He does exactly what he is told every day and honestly I love being around him because he is such a positive/good person and is always in a good mood. As a parent, I hope my two daughters exhibit the same qualities that Jack displays every day. No one works harder than he does with a smile on his face the entire time. He deserves this honor. He is a great young man and I am very proud to be his teacher.

12th Grade - Gabe Martinez

Nominated by: Mr. Belprez

Gabe has quietly emerged in class as a dependable leader during these first weeks of school. He's very involved in the Cardinal Family. He is a Cardinal Ambassador who helps new students adapt to their new environment. He is also a talented performer and involves himself in theater and musicals. Most importantly, he carries with him a humble confidence that serves as a reminder for the type of character we look for in a Davison Cardinal.

DAE - Summer Stivenson

Nominated by: Mr. Friske

Summer had an amazing 3rd Trimester! She was in class nearly every day and ready to learn. She calmly received suggestions and instructions and was often willing to share her ideas and opinions in first hour when no one else would. Not to mention, she rocked her grades when it can be extremely difficult to excel at the end of the school year. I am very pleased with how Summer has begun to shine at DAE and look forward to her bright future!

Congratulations to the September Student of the Month winners at Davison Middle School:

7th Grade

• Myla Thompson, nominated by Mrs. Lawrence
• Gabriel Watts, nominated by Mrs. Richards

8th Grade

Isabelle Doelle, nominated by Mr. DeRosa/Mr. Hernandez)

Juliana Martinez, nominated by Mrs. Leach

Preschoolers discovered acorns and walnuts and even got to gently hold a salamander found on the playground the first week of school at the newly-created Davison PreK for All Nature Preschool.

Early Learning Director Melanie Berry said the class is called Cardinal Forest Friends and students travel to the nature-based classroom located at the Robert Williams Nature and Educational Center every Thursday. The remaining school days are spent in the normal classroom setting, however, the goal is to increase the amount of time spent at the nature classroom.

"That first trip was truly a joy to experience," said Mrs. Berry. "Our students were fully engaged and learning in the best way possible—hands-on and through meaningful exploration. Nature provided endless teachable moments."

Mrs. Berry credited naturalist Deanna Barbe, who brings so much knowledge to the table; not to mention she is awesome with the students.

"On our hike, we discovered walnuts and acorns, sparking thoughtful conversations about why trees produce them," Mrs. Berry said. "Deanna even found salamanders in our nature playground. Students were able to gently hold them, learning how to care for living creatures with kindness and respect."

The program is full. Parents who would like more information about programming for next year should call the Davison PreK office at (810) 591-0922.

"I am so excited to see the continued learning, discovery and joy this experience will bring for our students," Mrs. Berry said.

Note: Photos provided by staff member Ashley Gidcumb.

There's only a few days left for the Davison Band and Orchestra's fundraising campaign and they are so close to reaching their $21,000 goal.

Each student musician has their own individual link but if someone wants to donate to the program in general, they can donate directly by visiting the link below. If a business donates at a $500 and up level, they are listed on the the site's corporate sponsor page, which appears to anybody who donates.

Registration has been extended through Friday, October 3, for the Fall Intersession, Monday, October 29, through Thursday, October 30. Programming is available for students in grades DK-12.

Intersession offers students the opportunity to participate in unique learning opportunities or take advantage of the short break.

If you want your child to attend Intersession classes, you must sign him/her up by Friday, October 3. The cost is $80 per participant. Scholarships are available.

Here is a rundown of the events that will take place (flyers are attached):

Elementary
Theme: Time Travelers Week

Students will experience four eras in four days: Prehistoric, Medieval, Wild West/Modern and The Future (Robots and Space). Each day will feature activities in literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and crafts. Visitors from For-Mar Nature Center will visit one of the days to explore fossils and a field trip to Flushing Farms is also planned.

Middle Level (Grades 5-8)
Theme: Orange You Glad It's Fall?

Field trips and fun are front and center with visits planned to Urban Air, the Williams Property and Flushing Farms. There is also a Pumpkins and Pizza Day.

High School Level (Grades 9-12)
High school students have one program to choose from:

• Elementary Level Helping Hands Community Service - Free (up to 4 days). High school students will accompany elementary students during intersession activities. This will count for community service hours that students can use toward graduation or NHS membership.
• CANCELLED - The SAT Preparation class has been cancelled due to a lack of interest.
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Register through Davison Community Enrichment and Recreation (DCER) by calling (810) 591-0175 or visiting www.dcer.recdesk.com

Check out the family friendly activities taking place this month through Davison Township Parks and Recreation.

• Marcus Zuccaro (DHS Class of 2022) and Peyton Spodney (DHS Class of 2023), both students at Kettering University, were recently inducted into the Order of the Engineer, a national fellowship that emphasizes integrity, responsibility and service in the engineering profession. The induction took place on Monday, September 15, 2025, where Kettering University recognized 42 new members. During the Ring Ceremony, held in Kettering's Academic Building, students formally accepted the Obligation of the Engineer, a lifelong pledge to practice their profession with honesty, impartiality, and a commitment to the public good. Each student received a stainless-steel ring, worn on the little finger of the working hand, as a visible reminder of both personal accountability and the unity of the profession. Marcus is studying computer engineering and Peyton is majoring in mechanical engineering.
  
  
• Leilah Russell (DHS Class of 2024) is a member of Albion College's Symphony Orchestra this semester. Leilah is majoring in psychology and music. A scholar athlete, Leilah was also recently named to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) 2024-25 Academic Honor Roll. During the 2024-25 academic year, Russell was a member of Albion's women's indoor track & field team. The MIAA Academic Honor Roll recognizes student-athletes who maintain a 3.5 grade-point average for the academic year and earn a varsity letter in an MIAA-sponsored sport.
  

• Kayla Forry (DHS Class of 2020) joined a prestigious group of students who attained a 4.0 grade-point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours of coursework at the University of Arkansas. For this achievement, Kayla was named to the Spring 2025 Chancellor's List.