South Davis Shines
September 29, 2026
A Message from Mr. Dolce
Hello South Davis Families.
Many thanks to the Stanley family for coordinating the South Davis entry in the Homecoming Parade, and for all of the families who helped make the float, supplied candy, and walked with us! The float looked amazing, and we had a great turnout of families and staff. The carnival was fun afterwards; it is always a fun community event. If you didn't make it this year, be sure to save the date for next September.
Our recent Relocation Drill and the District Early Dismissal Drill on Friday, when all students are dismissed 15 minutes early, provide opportunities to ensure families you have a plan for unexpected circumstances and have accurate emergency contact information in the Parent Portal. If you plan to have someone else pick up your child on Friday - or any other day - please have that person listed in PowerSchool.
We conducted an evacuation drill yesterday (Monday) and we will conduct additional evacuation drills over the course of the next 7 days.
Once again there are lots of good updates and reminders in this week's SHINEs newsletter. To ensure the same level of communication, all newsletters will be shared via Posts and Alerts through Parent Square. Be sure to download the app; it is your best way to stay up-to-date about everything happening at South Davis and in the District community.
Have a great week! Go Quakers!
Mr. Dolce
#WeAreSouthDavis
Upcoming Events/Important Dates 📆
Monday - 9/28 - First Day of Instrumental Lessons
Friday - 10/2 - 15 Minutes Early Dismissal Drill
Monday - 10/5 - Picture Day - See Below/Flyers have been sent home
Wednesday - 10/7 - Bike and Walk to School Day - See Below
Thursday - 10/8 - PTO Meeting, 6:30 in the Library and via Google Meet
Friday - 10/9 - Health and Wellness Fire Truck Visit and Fire Safety
Morning Music Ensembles
- Registration Live: PowerSchool registration for morning music ensembles is now up and running.
- Family Communication: All elementary music teachers will be reaching out to 4th- and 5th-grade families this week.
- Start Date: All ensembles will officially begin the week of September 28.
Bike and Walk to School
One of our favorite events of the year - our Bike and Walk to School - is next Wednesday, October 7. Please remember that we have two routes - one for older, more experience rides, and a shorter route for walkers, strollers, and our littlest cyclists. Please help your children select the correct route to ensure a safe and fun experience for all. If the weather dictates, we will postpone or cancel the event. Look for an update in next week's SHINE.
South Davis Picture Day
Our Picture Day is scheduled for Monday, October 5
Visit https://vando.imagequix.com/S9SRC9J and enter the school Online Code 31173F2627 to order online. (The preorder site closes 48 hours after the last picture day.)
Post-picture day ordering is available once the proof sheet is emailed to your school preferred email or sent to the school, these orders include an additional shipping fee and are mailed directly to your home address.
Questions, please contact customer service at 1-855-773-3321 (M-F from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
Intramurals Update
Intramurals (for 4th grade and up) are now categorized as extra-class athletic activities. This classification requires intramural programs to follow health, safety, and medical oversight requirements similar to those used for secondary interscholastic athletics.
Attached is a letter from the District explaining what this means; most importantly, all students must have:
- A current New York State physical examination form on file, valid within the past 12
- An up-to-date health history and emergency contact information.
- Any required medical authorizations or health plans on file, such as asthma action plans or EpiPen authorizations. a current physical on file in order to participate.
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 New 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.
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
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.
