The Panther Press
Summer Edition August 18, 2025
In This Issue of the Panther Press
- New and returning families, be sure to RSVP to Supply Drop-Off on August 28!
- Make sure to review your student's school supply list and have those supplies for Supply Drop-Off:
- Prepare for using the School Dismissal Manager (SDM) App or Website by reviewing our flyer and by watching our how-to video.
- Reminder to complete your Welcome to Kindergarten Survey by August 25 and RSVP to the Kindergarten Parent Orientation taking place during Supply Drop-Off.
- Updates on registering for afterschool programs.
- In person registration at the Hertel Campus is today, Monday, August 18 from 4 to 6 pm
- Classroom placements are coming early the week of August 25 - keep an eye out on your email and make sure you're opted in to receive texts.
- Read on for all updates, events, and news!
EVCS RESOURCES, EVENTS, & INFORMATION
Save the Dates & 2025-2026 School Calendar
Mark Your Calendars for These Important Dates in the Summer/Fall
August 28 - Family Open House & Supply Drop-Off (Make sure to RSVP if you haven't already done so!)
September 1 - Labor Day, Schools Closed
September 4 - First Day of School
September 11 - Meet the Teacher Night
September 12 - Teacher PD, No School
September 20 - Hertel Community Association Pancake Breakfast (Get Tickets)
September 25 - High School Information Night (7th & 8th Grade, RSVP form coming soon)
Download a digital copy of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar today!
Classroom Placements Coming Soon
Classroom placements are coming soon! Expect to see class placements by email and text early next week (the week of August 25)!
Make sure to opt-in for text updates from EVCS by texting the letter “Y” or the word “Yes” to the number 67587.
SCHOOL DISMISSAL MANAGER (SDM)
School Dismissal Manager (SDM) is an important tool for all EVCS families, as it is how you inform the school about dismissal plans, absences, late arrivals, and more.
You will receive an email later on in August about logging into SDM. You are required to set your child's dismissal prior to the first day of school.
Download the app onto your phone:
Visit www.schooldismissalmanager.com for more information.
If you would like to get a jumpstart on SDM, you can also watch the how-to video we recorded last year.
Welcome to Kindergarten Survey & Parent Orientation Survey
Please Complete Survey By August 25
EVCS kindly requests that incoming Kindergarten families take a few minutes to provide us with some essential information by completing the Welcome to Kindergarten Survey.
Your responses will help us in better understanding your child's needs and ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten.
Kindergarten Parent Orientation During Supply Drop-Off
To help you get acquainted with our school, we’re hosting a Kindergarten Parent Orientation during Supply Drop-Off on Thursday, August 28.
We’ll have two sessions for you to choose from:
- 3:00-3:30 PM
- 5:15-5:45 PM
RSVP to Family Open House & Supply Drop-Off
Join EVCS for our annual Supply Drop-Off
Join EVCS for our annual Supply Drop-Off
Event is August 28 and runs from 3 to 6 pm
Drop-off your school supplies before the start of the school year, meet your teachers, and dine on hot dogs, veggie dogs, chips, and a sweet treat!
Learn more and confirm your attendance at the RSVP form.
Supply Drop-Off is open to both newly enrolled and returning EVCS students and guardians.
Afterschool Registration
Days Park Afterschool Registration
In person registration for Boys & Girls Afterschool programming took place last week on August 14. Please stay tuned for any updates on additional spots that might be available or contact Boys & Girls Club directly.
Hertel Afterschool Registration
Registration for Boys & Girls Afterschool programming will take place at the Hertel Campus at 665 Hertel Avenue today, Monday, August 18 from 4 to 6 pm. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to attend.
If you are interested in applying afterschool programming at Hertel with BestSelf Behavioral Health, please email both Sarah Stewart (SACC Director) at sstewart@bestselfwny.org and Kaelynn Beckman (Site Facilitator) at kbeckman1@bestselfwny.org.
Share Feedback on EVCS’ Use of Federal Funding
EVCS receives federal grants annually through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA aims to ensure that all public schools provide a quality education. If you are interested in reviewing how EVCS plans to use this federal funding and/or sharing feedback on these plans, click here for Days Park survey and click here for Hertel survey.
25-26 Transportation Updates
Transportation Application
Complete the transportation application only if your student will be taking the bus for the first time OR if there is a change in their transportation route.
If there is a change in their transportation route, please make sure to complete a Change of Address Form and provide a new proof of residency.
Letter from BPS
You should be receiving a letter from Buffalo Public Schools regarding your child’s bus route and number in August. If you do do not receive a letter by mid-August, please call the BPS Transportation Hotline at (716) 816-4895.
Nurses' Notes
Reminders from the Health Office
Make sure your student has an updated physical and immunizations prior to the start of the school year! Please check with your student's pediatrician and book your physicals and appointments early to have them completed before the start of the school year.
Updated physicals, immunization records, and other health paperwork and forms can be faxed over to the confidential nurse line for your child's campus.
Days Park Confidential Fax Line: (716) 884-0010
Hertel Confidential Fax Link: (716) 464-3560
Health Office Email: health@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Resources for Annual Physicals & Immunizations
Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic
The Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic provides free physicals, referrals, and other services for free to the Buffalo Community. This includes uninsured or underinsured individuals.
Immunization Requirements
New York State mandates certain vaccines are required for school. You can make an appointment with your child’s doctor to make sure you’re aware of all vaccinations needed and to schedule an appointment for immunizations.
You can also visit the Erie County website for information on WNY Immunization Clinics.
BPS Immunization Clinics
BPS is hosting immunization clinics on 8/21, 9/12, 9/18, and 9/19. Pre-registration is required.
Learn more about BPS Immunization clinics on the pre-registration form.
2025-2026 School Supply Lists Available Now
Download Days Park School Supply List
- Kindergarten Supply List – Days Park
- 1st Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 2nd Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 3rd Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 4th Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 5th Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 6th Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 7th Grade Supply List – Days Park
- 8th Grade Supply List – Days Park
Download Hertel School Supply List
Click each link to download that grade's school supply list:
Instrument Choice Form for Grades 5-8
Parents/Guardians with new students joining EVCS in grades 5 through 8 should complete the instrument choice form for the 25-26 school year. Fill out the form for the campus your student will be starting at in the fall.
Days Park Instrument Choice
Hertel Instrument Choice
Summer Work Packets
Click on the links below to download digital copies of summer work packets, for your child to prepare for the upcoming school year.
EVCS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Get Involved with the Community Association
The EVCS Community Associations sponsor events and fundraisers to support school activities that enrich the experiences of our community and that align with the Mission of the Elmwood Village Charter Schools.
Interested in getting involved? Email your campus CA to get started!
Days Park CA Email Address: daysparkca@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Hertel CA Email Address: hertelca@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Hertel Community Association Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy Breakfast and Fundraise for Your Campus!
The Hertel Community Association is kicking of the 2025-2026 school year with flapjack fundraiser! Join them September 20 from 8 to 10 am at 2656 Delaware Avenue for breakfast, tickets starting at $10 per person for $30 for 4.
Tickets include 3 pancakes, 2 slices of bacon, and unlimited coffee and orange juice.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES
Parent Webinar – Starting the School Year Strong
Child & Family Services Hosts Free Informational Webinar
Date/Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Presenters: Kiara Dreyer, LCSW & Tess Vicik, LCSW – Child and Family Services
Focus: Practical routines, emotional support strategies, and simple tools to help children start the year confident and prepared
Access: Open to all; the session will be recorded for later viewing
Michigan Street Farmer's Market
Shop Local Farmers Market & Backpack Giveaway
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor will be hosting their annual Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket Farmers Market throughout the summer. On August 19, the market will be hosting a Backpack Giveaway! Attend to receive a free backpack to start off the school year.
EVCS will also be in attendance on August 19. Stop by to say hi and for some giveaway goodies!
Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Shop Local Vendors in Elmwood Village
Elmwood Village Farmers Market has returned for another year! Shop local vendors and produce right in the heart of Elmwood Village neighborhood.
EVCS is also happy to share we will be participating in the market for the first time on August 23, so make sure to stop by our table!
Rock the Block at West Side Community Services
Community Block Party on August 20
West Side Community Services will be hosting their 5th annual Rock the Block community party, a free family friendly party. Visit the West Side Community Services website to learn more.
Summer Meals NY
Kids Eat Free All Summer Long
Summer Meals are available for all kids and teenagers 18 and under to eat for free.
You can find a map where free summer meals are available on the Hunger Solutions NY website.
EVCS Mission Statement
“The Elmwood Village Charter Schools will provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognizes student capability, fosters their connectedness to their immediate and broader communities, and offers them ways to contribute to school life. EVCS believes that all students can and will learn at high levels when provided with the right learning conditions.”
We put students first. We act with urgency. We seek to be better. We work as a team.