South Davis Shines

Hello South Davis Families.

As we gear up for another break starting Saturday, I'm sharing some tips for maximizing the days your children are scheduled to be in school, which can be found below.

I know we aren't looking forward to any more snow days, but in case we do have a few more, the District has shared the plan for trying to keep learning going through asynchronous activities. To that end, we will send home packets for every K-5 student that can be used if/when we make the decision to go to remote learning after using 2 more snow days. We'll also be sending home informaiton about how to connect with teachers via Google Meet, as well as to take attendance. I truly hope we won't have to activate this plan.

Part of our communication plan involves emailing and texting (in certain circumstances) families with updates, changes to schedules, delays in transportation, or other timely and relevant information. To ensure that your family receives this communication, please take time in the next week or so to check the accuracy of contact information in the Parent Portal, and make any updates as needed.

The final performance of Finding Nemo Kids! takes place tonight. Thanks to all of the students and staff who made this great experience possible, and thanks to all the families for supporting the cast and crew in this endeavor!

Have a great week!

Mr. Dolce

#WeAreSouthDavis

January 20-February 13 - The Great Kindness Challenge

Today, February 10 - Pre-K Finding Nemo Kids Performance 9:30; Finding Nemo Kids Performance, 7:00; Board of Education Meeting, 7:00, OPMS

Friday, February 13 - Early Release Day, around 11:20-30; Periods 6-7, 1

February 14-22 - Mid-Winter Break

Saturday, February 28 - Save the Date! OPHS presents Billy Martin's Cole All-Star Circus (more information coming soon)

On the mornings of March 2-9, members of the South Davis Community Engagement and Wellness Committee will lead safety and community-building presentations with each of the 6 buses. These 15-20 minute assemblies will take place in the Cafeteria starting around 8:55, and will be focused on the SHINE expectations for school buses:

Stay Seated

Have Manners

Inside Voices

Neatness Counts

Everybody Helps

More information will be shared with students prior to these meetings.

Together, we will SHINE!

The Orchard Park Family Solutions Center, located at 75 Bank St., supports district and community families with school-age children by providing direct counseling services to families, hosting parenting classes, and providing resources. The mental health professionals at the Family Solution Center will work with families to promote problem-solving strategies to develop healthy relationships using solution-focused communication.

Check out the latest offerings.

You can still make a difference for Pajamas for P.U.N.T. The fundraiser will be supporting the "Helping Hands" Program. This program is a financial safety net for WNY families in pediatric cancer treatment.

If you are interested in donating, please visit the link - https://givebutter.com/oppajamas

Also, in case you missed it Friday night, check out WKBW's coverage of our efforts - 'A big impact': Orchard Park students go all out for PJs for P.U.N.T. fundraiser.

Thank you to everyone who supported the cause by wearing PJs or donating!

We wish you a restful and refreshing February break beginning Monday, February 16. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us reestablish a consistent school routine. We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking additional time off before or after the scheduled break, as every school day provides valuable opportunities for students to learn and to connect with their peers and teachers.

Even missing just 10% of school—approximately two days per month—over the course of the year can negatively impact a student’s academic success. We understand that some absences are unavoidable due to illness or other circumstances beyond a family’s control. However, frequent absences, tardiness, or early dismissals can cause students to fall behind academically and socially and may lead to ongoing attendance challenges.

Together, we can make school attendance a priority by:

• Emphasizing the importance of arriving at school on time each day and staying for the full school day
• Supporting consistent daily routines, including completing homework and getting enough sleep
• Avoiding non-urgent appointments during the school day whenever possible
• Keeping students healthy and contacting the school nurse with any concerns
• Monitoring academic progress and seeking support when needed
• Staying aware of your child’s social connections
• Encouraging participation in meaningful after-school activities, such as sports and clubs
• Regularly reviewing attendance to ensure absences are not accumulating

We look forward to welcoming students back when school resumes on Monday, February 23. Frequent absences can sometimes signal that a student is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, or may need additional support or connection. If your child or family needs assistance, please reach out to your school building or connect with the Family Solutions Center.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

This month's ideas from our Occupational and Physical Therapists focus on:

1. Playing in the Snow
2. Valentine's Day Brain Break
3. Recipe for an Active Year
4. Scavenger Hunt
5. Indoor/Outdoor Play Ideas
6. Connections (Players are given 16 words and must find groups of four items that share something in common; Make your own!)

Check them out here.

It's very important for everyone's safety - students, parents, and staff - that parents adhere to these procedures at arrival and dismissal.

• Stay in your vehicle (except Pre-K parents). We can assist when necessary.
• Stay on sidewalks; do not walk in the Front/Bus Loop and do not approach buses.
• Use the crosswalk to cross South Davis Street, even if you are parked by the dentist or the wood shop.
• Follow the pick-up procedure - drive into the parking lot, around the back of the lot, and back onto the street. Do not jump the line.
• Students should only exit and enter vehicles on the passenger side.
• Students should only be dropped off on South Davis Street at the curb - do not let your child get out of the car in the parking lot or in the middle of the street! It is a major safety issue, and it disrupts the rest of the process.
• Be patient and show grace during the process.
• The speed limit on South Davis Street is 15 m.p.h. from 7:00 a.m-6:00 p.m.
• Pre-K parents are asked to park and walk their child to the building. This means that Pre-K parents may not join the parking lot loop; instead they will find open parking spots on the street. Be assured they are not cutting the line.

The PTO has partnered with the Niagara Aquarium and this year, the Families and Friends of South Davis have a chance to win a 1 YEAR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to the Niagara Aquarium! Each $5 donation to the PTO is a chance to win the membership. The winner will be chosen later this week at the conclusion of the Finding Nemo Kids excitement. NOTE - you do not have to be present to win.

Chances to win a 1 year membership : https://givebutter.com/woU1qa

OPSEPTSA NEXT MEETING:

Wednesday, February 25

6:30-7:30pm

OPCSD District Offices

2240 Southwestern Blvd, West Seneca

Join or Renew you OPSEPTSA Membership today!!

https://orchardpark.givebacks.com/shop

#specialeducation #advocate #IEP #DyslexiaAwareness #opseptsa

Our remaining meetings this year will be:

3/18/2026

4/22/2026

5/20/2026

6/17/2026

Website - https://www.opseptsa.org/

Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/16L1zq8TB8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opseptsa?igsh=dHBhajY5OHpvejJm

For the latest updates and great resources from BTPM's Learning and Engagement Team, click here.

Highlights include:

• Children’s Books to Celebrate Black History Month
• The PBS KIDS Read! collection on PBS Parents
• Children’s Books About Friendship

Also it's time for the BTPM PBS KIDS Writers Contest

Calling all young writers! Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s annual Writers Contest returns soon! Keep an eye out for the contest opening in January and start spreading the word with the young storytellers in your life.

The BTPM PBS KIDS Writers Contest fosters children’s creativity by encouraging participants in grades K-3 to write and illustrate stories. This Contest is open to children who reside in all the Western New York counties in our viewing area (Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany, Wyoming Genesee, Orleans), as well as Southern Ontario.

Deadline is March 31.

Click here for more information