South Davis Shines
September 29, 2026
A Message from Mr. Dolce
Hello South Davis Families.
We have one more Evacuation Drill to complete this fall, which will happen within the week. There will be a Lockdown Drill this month, too. Teachers and staff have explained the purpose and how to conduct this type of drill, and Officer Antonio is also visiting classrooms, teaching and reassuring your children about this important safety component; we hope this reduces any worry you or they may have.
Something that has come up already this year is the concern over trading cards or objects. While sharing and showing is OK, we do not permit students to trade their cards or other collectibles here at school. I ask you to tell your children this, too, to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
Morning activities - Intramurals, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, etc. - generally begin no earlier than 8:15. Do not drop off your child before then, as there is no supervision and we want to ensure everyone remains safe.
If you know anyone who may be interested in being a lunch monitor, we are in the process of hiring for this position, which involves a 3-hour shift from 10:45-1:45. Please have them contact me.
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. Also, check to see that you have enabled text messages; otherwise you may miss getting important information in a timely matter.
Have a great week! Go Quakers!
Mr. Dolce
#WeAreSouthDavis
Upcoming Events/Important Dates 📆
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
Tuesday - 10/13 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 - OPMS Aud
Wednesday - 10/21 - PTO Panera Fundraiser - see below
Friday - 10/23 - PTO Trunk or Treat - see below
October 23-30 - Red Ribbon Week
Bike and Walk to School
One of our favorite events of the year - our Bike and Walk to School - is tomorrow, October 7. Please remember that we have two routes - one for older, more experienced riders, 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. The forecast looks good right now - cool but mostly clear - a perfect morning for a bike ride. Note: if the weather becomes questionable, we will communicate by 7:30 Wednesday morning.
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.
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
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.
