The Gator Blast

August 10, 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.**

DES Gator Gear is here! 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 here and pick up at an upcoming school event.

Thank you to AnnMarie Gnall for designing this year’s shirts.

Don’t miss out - our Early Bird PTO Membership Drive is now open! 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.]

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

Gator Gear Volunteers

Interested in getting involved this year? First up, we’re looking for volunteers to help sell Gator Gear at New Family Orientation, 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.

School Beautification

The School Beautification Committee is looking for volunteers to help prepare the school grounds to welcome students back to school! On August 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m., we will be weeding, pruning, and picking up sticks. We would love your help! Children are welcome to join the fun! Let us know you are coming by signing 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.

It’s officially time to stock up! DES school supply lists for the upcoming year are now available via this link.

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

School Supply Lists

Social Media

DES PTO on Facebook

DES PTO on Instagram

DES PTO Calendar

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