Davidson Newsletter
November 2022
Principal’s Corner
Dear Davidson Families,
Happy November! This is the month when we really see those cooler temperatures and we are well into the routines of the school year. We start the holiday season and focus on spending time with loved ones. It is definitely one of my favorite months, and I hope this email finds you healthy and happy.
While we were in the weeds of the pandemic, we knew there would be long term effects of remote learning and social distancing. Our students gained some incredible skills: independence, resilience, and computer skills, to just name a few. However, they also lost out on some opportunities to build and practice social skills.
We are working diligently to help students navigate peer relationships and build classroom community once again. Our counselor, Ms. McGee, teaches Life Skills lessons in every classroom weekly. We also have specials such as Gardening and Healthy Play that facilitate cooperation and co-regulation skills. We have our PAX Social Emotional Learning Program that focuses on teaching students to self-regulate. Additionally, every classroom participates in daily class meetings.
There are also somethings you can do at home to help our students gain the social skills they may have been missing during the pandemic.
- Talk to your child about his/her day. Ask who she/he sat with at lunch or played with on the playground.
- When your child feels wronged by another student, acknowledge his/her feelings. Then, ask some follow up questions. The restorative questions we use at school are, “What was your part in the situation?” and “What could you have done differently?”
- Teach your child to read the facial expressions of peers. This is something we missed out on while online.
- Teach your child to ask for what he/she needs in healthy and productive ways.
- Talk about how to respond to situations when other children may not be kind.
We want all students to feel safe and valued at school and all teachers and staff have conversations with students about their social and behavioral needs. If your child tells you about a situation that was hurtful, emotionally or physically, ask your son or daughter if he/she talked to a trusted adult at school. If he/she didn’t, please encourage them to do so. We can only respond to information about which we are aware. You can always reach out to your child’s teacher or another staff member, as well. We are here to support our all students. They are making incredible gains!
Thank you for sharing your students with us.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sarah Andricopoulos, Proud Principal of Davidson
520-232-6804, sarah.andricopoulos@tusd1.org
Dragon Academy
Dragon Academy Families:
There will be no Dragon Academy (Tutoring/Enrichment) on the following Days: (This includes the Walking Club, Student Council and Cross Country)
Thursday, November 3rd Tuesday, November 22nd
Tuesday, November 8th Wednesday, November 23rd
Wednesday, November 9th Thursday, November 24th
Friday, November 11th Friday, November 25th
Our last day for the Fall Session will be Friday, December 16th.
Ms. Dorgan, Theresa.dorgran@tusd1.org, and Ms. Mihill, jeanette.mihill@tusd1.org
Community Engagement Corner
Attendance remains a high priority at Davidson. Our attendance challenge is going strong! As a reminder, every day a class has perfect attendance, the class will earn extra recess applied to the end of the week. Students with perfect attendance each week receive a raffle ticket and are entered in a drawing at the end of the month to receive a Dave & Busters Gift Card for the student and family. Every week, the grade level with the best attendance on Monday-Thursday, can sit with friends in another class in their grade for lunch on Friday.
Thanks to all who participated in Socktober, benefiting the Duffy Clothing Banks! Mrs. Portra’s class won the challenge with 200 pairs of socks. Great job to all students who participated!
Is your child missing clothing items? Check Lost & Found in the cafeteria and the courtyard.
If your child needs clothing, please ask for Davidson’s Community Liaison at the front office.
Kindness R.O.A.R Tickets
Kindness R.O.A.R Tickets:
K-2 R.O.A.R Ticket October Total: 5,500 Goal: 5,500
3-5 R.O.A.R Ticket October Total: 4,404 Goal: 4,200
K-5 R.O.A.R Ticket October Total: 9,904 Goal: 9,700
November Goals:
K-2 R.O.A.R Ticket Goal: 5,800
3-5 R.O.AR Ticket Goal: 4,400 Total: 10,200
Mark your Calendar!
Upcoming Events
November 11th - Veteran’s Day (No School)
November 15th - Fundraiser for Davidson’s PTO at Peter Piper Pizza (5925 E. Broadway Blvd) (5-8 PM)
November 24th- 25th - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 28th - Intermediate Winter Fine Arts Festival (5:30-6:30)
November 29th - Primary Winter Fine Arts Festival (5:30-6:30)