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Originally delivered on 2/1/2026 5:01 pm

SUBJECT: The Gator Blast: February 1, 2026

The Gator Blast

February 1, 2026

Brought to you by the Davidsonville Elementary School (DES) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The DES PTO Gator Blast
Information From Your PTO
PTO Meeting Rescheduled

Our PTO General Membership Meeting originally scheduled for this Tuesday, February 3 has been CANCELLED.  

Mark your calendars for our rescheduled date of Tuesday, March 10.  We look forward to seeing you then!

Gator-Sized Love for Our Faculty & Staff!

Gator-sized love for our faculty & staff! 

This Valentine’s season, the PTO is showing extra appreciation to the incredible people who make Davidsonville Elementary such a special place.

Want to help? We welcome donations of food or drinks.

Even sweeter—send a few kind words or notes of appreciation via EMAIL by Wednesday, February 11.  We will compile all of the messages for delivery on Valentine's Day. Your messages will truly make their day extra sweet!

Let’s spread the love, Gator family!

Order Your 2025-2026 Yearbook

These elementary years are so precious! Don't miss out on capturing this year's school memories by getting your yearbook order in now. 

A soft Yearbook cost $19.25 plus tax and convenience fee. Personalization is $3.00.

Orders are due by April 9!

Fundraising
Extended Deadline: Win a Tour of M&T Bank Stadium

Due to this week’s school closures and virtual learning days, we’re extending the deadline! 

Buy your ticket(s) by Sunday, February 8 at midnight to enter for a chance to enjoy a behind-the-scenes M&T Bank Stadium Tour for up to 25 guests — perfect for fans of all ages. 

Tickets are $20 each; the more you buy, the higher your chances of winning! The winner will be selected at random after ticket sales close.

Your participation helps the PTO continue to fund programs, events, and experiences that enrich our school community. Good luck — and Go Ravens!

Feb. 5 Skate Night
Skate Night This Thursday

Join us this Thursday, Febuary 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for our third skate night! Admission is $5 per person (non-skaters included) and $5 for each skate rental. Wear pink for a prize at the door! 

Get your tickets here. They can be purchased up to 24 hours in advance or you can pay at the door. Can't wait to see you there!

Events
Talent Show Auditions

Calling all talented DES stars! This year's talent show will be on Wednesday, March 11 at South River High School. 

If you would like to participate, all you need to do is try out! Tryouts will be held on February 18 and 19 from 2:30-5 p.m. in the DES cafeteria. Sign up for your time slot here

We are looking for 2 volunteers for each tryout day. Your help is greatly appreciated! Sign up to volunteer here!

Each participant will also be required to have a completed permission slip on file.

Click on the flyer for complete information. Email Nicole Szabo with any questions.

2026 Talent Show
2026 DES International Night
RSVP for International Night

We can't wait to welcome you to DES International Night on Friday, February 27! Travel the world together and explore cultures that our DES families are connected to, watch engaging performances, and treat yourself to international cuisine at the MMpanadas and Koco Korean food trucks.

Let’s make this a joyful night of discovery and connection — we can’t wait to explore the world together! RSVP for this free event here.

Clubs
Martial Arts
Martial Arts Club Starts Wednesday

The DES Martial Arts Club is back for a new session starting this Wednesday, February 4! This is your last chance to secure your spot(s) to learn the basics of self-defense through TaeKwonDo,Jiu-Jitsu, and Bullyproof. At the end of the 5-week session, students will be invited to the ECMA studio for a white belt and pizza party. 

This club is open to all grades. Register here to join us this session.


Chess Club Starts Thursday

Silver Knights Chess Academy is returning for a new session of Chess Club at DES begining on Thursday! 

Registration is full, but click here to join the waitlist

Click on the flyer to learn more

If you are a parent who has completed a fingerprint-supported background check through AACPS (or is willing to!) and is able to volunteer weekly at the club, your child can receive a free registration. This opportunity is available for up to two parent volunteers. 

Reach out to Brooke for more information.

Winter 2026 Chess
Spanish Club
Spanish Club

Do you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader interested in learning a second language with friends? 

Join us for the Spring Spanish Club at DES!  Meetings will be held after school from 2:30-3:30 pm on Wednesdays beginning February 18, 2026 and running through April 29, 2026.

Space is limited, so sign up today! Click on the flyer for more information. 

Lego Club

Lego Club is back by popular demand! There will be one session for kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders and a separate session for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. 

If you want a chance for your child to join the club, check out the flyer for more information and select the appropriate link below to enter the lottery: 

Kindergarten - 2nd grade 

3rd grade - 5th grade   

Lego Club K-2
Lego Club 3-5
Volunteering
International Night Volunteers

We need your help to make International Night a success! Check out the volunteer opportunities and sign up today. Reach out to Alison Moser with any questions.

From the Community
DAA Youth Development Soccer

Friday night soccer is back! Youth Development Soccer is only held on Friday nights in the Spring, which allows families to try something new without the multi-day commitment, as well as the flexibility to double sport. Join your entire community at DAA on Friday nights, everyone will be there! 

  • Registration is open now!  Last day to register is March 7th.
  • Season starts tentatively on April 10, and runs for 8 weeks.
  • U4 and U5 will play Friday 5:15-6:15 p.m. (30m practice followed by a game).
  • U6 and U7 will play Friday 6:15-7:30 p.m. (30m practice followed by a game).
  • If you plan to coach, please reach out to youthdevelopment@daagators.org ahead of time to receive a discount code before registering.  Find a friend, coach together and be part of the team. Bonus - you get a team shirt!
  • More information can be found here.


DAA Lacrosse

Calling all girls ages K-5th! DAA girls lacrosse registration is open through February 17, and we'd love to see you out on the lacrosse field this spring! 

  • Pee Wee (3rd/4th), Middie (5th/6th) and Juniors (7th/8th) will start the middle of March with games likely starting the last weekend of March.  $180 

  • Sticklettes (K-2nd) will start the first week of April with games starting the middle of April. $160 

  • If you plan to coach, please reach out to us at girlslax@daagators.org ahead of time to receive a discount code before registering.

Looking Ahead
Sunday, February 1
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
Monday, February 2
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
2:30p Yoga Club
Tuesday, February 3
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 4
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
2:30p Martial Arts Club
Thursday, February 5
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
2:30p Chess Club
4:30p Skate Night
Friday, February 6
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
Saturday, February 7
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
Sunday, February 8
Ravens Stadium Tour Drawing Fundraiser
Monday, February 9
2:30p Yoga Club
Tuesday, February 10
DES 2-hour early dismissal
Unity Day
Wednesday, February 11
2:30p Martial Arts Club
Thursday, February 12
2:30p Chess Club
Friday, February 13
Valentine's Day class parties
Monday, February 16
Presidents Day - No school
Wednesday, February 18
2:30p Talent Show Auditions
2:30p Martial Arts Club
2:30p Spanish Club
Thursday, February 19
Dining Out for DES @ The Green Turtle
2:30p Chess Club
2:30p Talent Show Auditions
Monday, February 23
2:30p Yoga Club
Wednesday, February 25
2:30p Martial Arts Club
2:30p Spanish Club
Thursday, February 26
2:30p Chess Club
Friday, February 27
5:30p International Night
Sunday, March 1
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Monday, March 2
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
2:30p Yoga Club
Tuesday, March 3
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Wednesday, March 4
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Thursday, March 5
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Friday, March 6
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Saturday, March 7
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Sunday, March 8
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Monday, March 9
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Tuesday, March 10
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Wednesday, March 11
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Thursday, March 12
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Friday, March 13
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Saturday, March 14
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
Sunday, March 15
Hoops for Learning Pledge Window
PTO Executive Board 2025-2026

President: Amy Forney
VP Communications:
Samantha Rhinehardt & Nicole Desrochers
VP Volunteer Coordinator: Brooke Zingler
VP Fundraising: Alison Moser
Secretary: Brenna Raines
Treasurer: Jill Rosato
Assistant Treasurer: 
Mary Boese

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