On October 6, DES students attended a BMX assembly as the school-wide prize for the No-Fuss Fundraiser meeting its goal. We hope they enjoyed the thrilling stunts and high-energy fun!

This coming Tuesday is the first AACPS Unity Day of this school year and we want to see all of our gators rocking their orange! New students and students needing a different size will get their DES Unity Day shirts on Monday so that they can don them on Tuesday.  But don't worry...even if you don't have yours handy, any orange will do!  Gators Unite!

Friday, October 24

Fall Fun starts at 5:30 PM • Movie at 6:45 PM

Join us for a FREE family evening—all are welcome! Enjoy games, crafts, a mini pumpkin patch, and our festive "Table or Treat." RSVP to the event and pre-order a large cheese or pepperoni pizza to enjoy at the event here!

🎬 Feature film: Hotel Transylvania

Be part of the fun! We're looking for help with: 

• Grade reps for "Table or Treat" (one or more parents per grade)
• Lend us some items: lawn games, string lights, and extension cords
• Volunteers for set-up, running games, and clean-up

👉 See all the ways to help and sign up here: Fall Social

**Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate, as we kick off Harvest for the Hungry collection**

We need YOUR creativity to help make our upcoming PTO fundraiser shine! Design a logo that captures the spirit of our school and the excitement of our new event, Hoops for Learning. The winning logo design will be featured on upcoming fundraiser materials! 

Want to submit? Download this template, design, then return it to your homeroom teacher or the front office by October 17.

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to grab your cozy Gator Gear hoodie. Featuring a brand-new design, these hoodies are perfect for showing school spirit while staying comfortable. Available in multiple sizes — get yours before they’re gone!

🍂🥫 Spirit Week — Harvest for the Hungry

Dates: October 27–31, 2025

Let's come together to support children and families across Anne Arundel County! Here's how you can help:

• 💻 Donate funds online — be sure to select Davidsonville Elementary so our school gets credit!

• 📦 Send in large, sturdy boxes — drop off empty boxes at school; they'll be set up in the main hallway during Spirit Week.

• 👟 Show your spirit all week long! 

Join in our DES Harvest for the Hungry Spirit Week activities, October 27–31.

In November, we'll run a brand-new fundraiser called Hoops for Learning. This student-driven event combines the thrill of basketball with the power of giving, as participants take their best shots on the court while family, friends, and caregivers pledge donations for each basket made.

All students will shoot hoops on November 11, and we need volunteers to make this happen! Sign up for an hour (or more) here. Thank you in advance!

There will be a virtual volunteer orientation on Monday, October 20th, at 7 pm. This meeting is for anyone who is new to volunteering at Davidsonville Elementary School and will last approximately 30 minutes. Join us to learn about how you can get involved at DES! 

Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/ikd-cnrh-nac 

Help is needed this Wednesday, October 15th, sorting the new band, strings, and chorus shirts for our students! Sign up here to help out the DES Music Department!

The Board has postponed the first of its two public hearings, scheduled for October 13, 2025. For more information about this decision, click here.

Join the first session of You Belong Here! Family Forum: Let's Talk Bullying.

Explore topics about bullying/cyberbullying, the effects on mental health, and how we can all work together to build inclusive schools and communities. Engage in activities for all ages - elementary, middle, high, and adults! Emerge with concrete strategies for talking about bullying! Register here.

WHERE:                                              WHEN:
Southern Middle School                      Tuesday, October 14, 2025    
5235 Solomons Island Rd                   5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Lothian, MD 20711

Magnet Program Applications are currently open and will close at noon on November 6th for entry into Magnet Programs 2026-2027. Visit www.aacps.org/magnet for application information and qualifications. Fall Magnet Information Nights 2025 schedule.

CAT Centers, Contract/Charter, & Virtual Academy use the same site as Magnet Programs for application.