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Originally delivered on 9/6/2026 4:30 pm

SUBJECT: The Gator Blast: September 6, 2026

The Gator Blast

September 6, 2026

Brought to you by the Davidsonville Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization

The DES PTO Gator Blast
No School Tomorrow - Happy Labor Day!
No Fuss Fundraiser

We’ve raised a total of $5,390 so far toward our $15,000 goal! Thank you, Gator families, for the incredible support! 

Let’s keep climbing that thermometer together. Every dollar makes a difference! 

3 ways to donate:

Top Classes

1st place - Gates

2nd place - Hunt

3rd place - Roberts

Grade Rankings

1st place - 1st Grade

2nd place - Kindergarten

3rd place - 4th Grade

Fundraising
VIP Parking Spot Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our VIP Parking Spot Drawing! We will reach out separately with more information. Together, we raised $2,025, which will go back to DES students and faculty this year!

Early Bird PTO Membership Drawing Winner:

Allison Phibbs

Parking Spot Drawing Winners:

Amy Forney

Nancy Waumet

Jessica Samaras

Julie Myers

Peg Klein

Lisa Christopher 

Jackie Wallander

Jaymie Minor 

Kelly Yancey

Back To School Night at Harvest Thyme

On the evening of Back-to-School Night, Thursday, September 10, local favorite, Harvest Thyme, will be generously donating a percentage of all proceeds to the DES PTO.

It’s the perfect chance to grab a delicious meal or drink, connect with other DES parents, and support our school at the same time. Come hungry, join friends, and help us make this a great community night out!

Reservations are encouraged.

Get Your Gator Gear Today

Last chance to pre-order Gator Gear and pick it up at Back-to-School Night! 

From cozy sweatshirts and playful t-shirts to fun Croc charms and rainy-day umbrellas, there’s something for every student - and grown-up - to show their Gator pride. 

Volunteering
Fingerprinting Event at DES

The PTO will hold a Fingerprinting Event on Monday, October 12 5:30-7:30 pm at DES!  Slots fill up fast, so sign up here now! 

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. Find out more information via the Background Check/Fingerprinting link on our website. 

Media Center Volunteers

Do you love books, smiling faces, and that fresh library smell? Ms. Kaiser would love some awesome parents and grandparents to join the fun in the Media Center this school year!

You’ll get to help check in books, give them a cozy spot back on the shelf, and be part of the magic that keeps our Gators reading.

Interested and able to help out on a regular basis? Fill out this interest form and Mrs. Kaiser will contact you.

Teacher's Elves

The Teacher's Elves program is back in business! Do you have some time to spare during the day to make copies, laminate, and complete other tasks for teachers? Sign up to be a part of the teachers elves program! 

Help is needed every day of the week, so make sure you toggle between the different tabs to find days that work with your schedule! Reach out to Laura with any questions! 

Gator Gear Volunteers

Last chance to help us sell Gator Gear at Back-to-School Night. 

Learn more and sign up here.  

From Your PTO
Save The Date

Have new ideas or want to ask questions and learn more about our PTO and why you should be a member?

Our first PTO General Membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the DES Media Center. All parents, new and established, are welcome!  No RSVP required. We'd love to see you there!

Please take a moment to review the PTO's proposed budget and email any questions or comments to treasurer.pto.des@gmail.com. The proposed budget will be formally voted into effect at the first PTO meeting of the school year. 

DES PTO On Social Media

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

From The Desks Of AACPS
Family Link September 2026

Visit AACPS Family Link to find out about upcoming events, important dates, and school community resources going on this month!

AACPS Parent Portal

AACPS has transitioned from the PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal to My PowerHub. My PowerHub provides the same student information and features in an updated, user-friendly format.  For more information, visit the AACPS website here.

For help with account access, login issues or questions about My PowerHub, contact your child’s school or email parentportal@aacps.org.

AACPSConnect

AACPSConnect is designed to offer easy web access to digital tools and sites that support engagement in your student’s education. AACPSConnect offers parents/guardians a one, convenient access point to:

  • AACPS website – official district and school news, events, transportation, meals, and more!

  • Canvas Learning Management System – student assignments and grades

  • GoFan – tickets for school events

  • MyPaymentsPlus – school meal accounts and payments

  • PowerSchool Parent Portal – student, attendance, and school forms

  • Rooms – confidential communication wtih teachers and coaches

Looking Ahead

Be sure to review to keep up with all of the upcoming important dates on the updated calender on the DES PTO website!

Monday, September 7
No School - Labor Day
Thursday, September 10
Dining out at Harvest Thyme
6:30p Back To School Night
Sunday, September 13
No-Fuss Fundraiser ends at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16
Student Assembly
7:00p PTO General Membership Meeting
Monday, September 21
No School - Yom Kippur
PTO Executive Board 2026-2027

President: Mary Boese
VP Communications:
Nicole Desrochers
VP Volunteer Coordinator:
Ashley Schoelkopf
VP Fundraising: Alison Moser
Secretary:
Chris Beegle
Treasurer: Jill Rosato
Assistant Treasurer:
Christina Meighen

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