The Gator Blast

August 17, 2025

Brought to you by the Davidsonville Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization

Say goodbye to the long walks and full lots! Enter our new Parking Spot Drawing for a chance to score a prime parking spot reserved just for you at all major school events this year - think Back-to-School Night, concerts, and more!

Tickets start at just $50 each and here’s the best part: the more you buy, the better your odds of winning! Purchase one ticket for $50, two for $75 and 3 for $100.

Funds raised directly support our PTO-sponsored school programs, so it’s a win-win. Enter by 11:59 p.m. on August 24! Click here to purchase tickets.

**Nine (9) VIP parking spots will be available via the purchase drawing. All families who purchase an Early Bird PTO Membership will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a VIP parking spot to use at pre-determined events throughout the school year. Must purchase by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 24.**

From cozy sweatshirts and playful tee shirts to fun Croc charms and rainy-day umbrellas, there’s something for every student - and grown-up - to show their Gator pride. Pre-order yours today before it runs out and pick it up at Sneak-a-Peek.

Thank you to Ann-Marie Gnall for designing this year’s shirts. 

Don’t miss out - our Early Bird PTO Membership Drive is open for one more week! Whether you're renewing or joining for the first time, this is your chance to support our school community and make a difference for students and teachers. Only $25 if you purchase by 9:00 p.m. on August 24.

Click here to join! If you are joining for the first time, you must first register for the website. If you are renewing from last school year, you must first login to your account.

[To complete the required forms, hover over 'My Account' on the right side of the PTO's website and select 'My Forms/Paperwork'. Questions about registering? Contact Karen Murphy: vpcomms.pto.des@gmail.com.]

Are you a parent/caregiver and a business owner? The DES PTO is now welcoming corporate and social sponsors for the upcoming school year! This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students while showcasing your business to the entire DES community.

Sponsorships help fund enriching programs, classroom resources, and staff appreciation efforts — and your brand will be featured in newsletters, event signage, and social media shoutouts. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or part of a larger company, we’d love to partner with you.

Interested in learning more? Reach out Alison Moser, VP of Fundraising, at vpfundraising.pto.des@gmail.com.

Do you follow us on Social Media? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Buy from brands you love, snap your receipt in the Box Tops app within 14 days, and select Davidsonville Elementary School to send the earnings our way — digital receipts count too! 

Save the date for our first PTO General Membership meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the DES Media Center. New to the school and the PTO? We'd love to see you there!

The PTO is thrilled to welcome back our incredible teachers and staff for a new school year! We kicked things off with a special luncheon on their first day back as a small way to show our gratitude for all they do. We’re excited for the year ahead and look forward to supporting our teachers, students, and families as we make this another amazing year at DES.

Gator Gear Volunteers

We're still looking for volunteers to help sell Gator Gear at Sneak-a-Peek and Back to School Night. Learn more and sign up here. 

Kindergarten Welcome Wagon

Help us welcome the newest class of gators to DES by volunteering during the Kindergarten Welcome Wagon on August 25 and August 26. Kindergarteners and their families will be welcomed by PTO volunteers who will help check them in for teacher conferences, direct them where to go, answer questions, and provide welcome gifts and refreshments. 

We are in need of morning and afternoon volunteers both days; exact times will be provided once released by the main office. Sign up here.

Are you interested in volunteering at DES? All volunteers must complete either a Commercial Background Check or a Fingerprinted Supported Background Check through Anne Arundel County Public Schools. 

What's the Difference?

Commercial Background Checks are required for all volunteers without one-on-one unsupervised or unrestricted access to students. (Ex. helping at class parties, being a guest reader, chaperoning day time field trips, volunteering at the Book Fair, etc.). There is no cost for completing this background check, it will last two years, and usually takes about three weeks to be processed. Click here to complete the background check. 

Fingerprint Supported Background Checks include a Commercial Background Check and are required for volunteers that may have one-on-one unsupervised or unrestricted access to students (drown proofing volunteers, overnight field trip chaperones, regular club volunteers, etc.). Completing a fingerprint supported background check through AACPS costs $63 and will last your student's entire uninterrupted school career in the county. (This check will also stay in tact for any younger siblings that are not yet school age.) If you would like to schedule a Fingerprint Supported Background Check, please contact the AACPS Fingerprint Office at 410-222-5045. 

To find out more information about volunteering in Anne Arundel County Public Schools visit this website.

The PTO will be holding a Fingerprint Event this fall. More information coming soon.

The AACPS bus schedule is live! Check your pick-up and drop-off times/location here so your bus rider is ready for the first day of school.

Small updates may still occur, so keep checking back to stay in the know.

The countdown is on! DES school supply lists for the upcoming year are available via here.

Fundraising

VIP Parking Spot Drawing

PTO Early Bird Membership

Gator Gear on Sale

Volunteering

All Volunteer Opportunities (click each tab at the top of the page)

AACPS

Bus Schedule

School Supply Lists

Social Media

DES PTO on Facebook

DES PTO on Instagram

DES PTO Calendar

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