Dear Parents,

      It is with great anticipation that we welcome our students to Davidsonville Elementary for the 2008-2009 school year. Our First through Fifth Graders began on Monday looking so very ready for learning. Our Kindergarteners have officially started their staggered entrance so they can meet their entire class on September 2nd.  

     Last week, our teachers enthusiastically opened their doors so boys and girls in Grades 1-5 could MEET THE TEACHERS.  On the same afternoon, Davidsonville welcomed approximately thirty new families to our community. We were pleased to see so many parents and youngsters join us for our New Family Orientation. That will bring our total enrollment to 617 children. 

     In addition to so many new students, we also welcome a variety of new staff members. After many years as our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Gately retired in July and we are so pleased to introduce Ms. Colleen Redmiles as our new School Counselor.  Additionally, three teachers accepted transfers to schools throughout the county.  Mrs. Detato, a longtime First Grade teacher, has transferred to Quarterfield Elementary which is closer to her home. Ms. Swimm, former Fifth Grade teacher has transitioned from elementary to middle school to teach at Southern Middle School.  Ms. Laura Gill, who taught Fifth Grade here beginning January 2008, is now part of the staff at the new Nantucket Elementary School.  Our newest classroom teacher is Ms. Cherico, who has joined our First Grade team. Ms. Debbie Landon, former Talent Development Teacher, has taken family leave and we have just hired Ms. Budde as our shared Talent Development Teacher. Three new shared Cultural Arts teachers have joined our staff on a part time schedule: Ms. DeLyer, Art, Mr. Brumfield, PE and Ms. Boggan, Media. Also, two staff members have moved with their family due to military obligations and so we say good-bye to Ms. Harris, our Nurse and Ms. Brazelton, Teacher Assistant. Davidsonville now has two new Kindergarten Teacher Assistants, Ms. Katherine Wood and Ms. Dianne Ammons which brings our total number of assistants to three to support our KG boys and girls. Our new School Nurse, Ms. Wharton, will be in the Davidsonville Health Room on a part time basis and shared with Edgewater Elementary.  Finally, the Board of Education has increased our secretarial allocation. Ms. Chacos, most recently from Carrie Weedon Science Center, will join our three secretaries in the front office. Please join me in welcoming these new faces to Davidsonville Elementary School.

    Please reserve Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 7pm for Davidsonville’s Back-to-School Night.  **In addition, Fourth and Fifth Grade parents should anticipate an invitation to an informational evening next week. Fliers as well as a Connect Ed message will be sent confirming a date and time. **

     As announced last Spring, Davidsonville’s future newsletters will be GOING GREEN. The next edition of the newsletter will be posted on our elementary school website through aacps.org. Additionally, the 2008-2009 Davidsonville Elementary School handbook  will be paperless. Look for this information including current  staff rosters, yearly school calendar of events, policies and procedures as well as updated information to be posted at the same time as our September 24^th Parent Newsletter.

                                                             Sincerely,

                                                            Jean Marie Hofstetter

                                                            Principal