Back to School Boot Camp

As summer winds down and the start of the new school year approaches, Davis School District announces its Back-to-School Boot Camp initiative. This initiative aims to equip parents and students with essential information and practical advice to ensure a successful and stress-free return to school.

This 10-day initiative will provide daily tips covering a wide range of topics, from volunteering at your child's school to bus safety and practical tips on accessing Canvas and MyDSD platforms.

While all of our helpful tips are posted here in this newsletter, we will also utilize social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and our district website, to share this valuable information.

We encourage all parents and students to follow us on social media to stay updated with each day’s tip. Together, we can make this school year the best one yet. We cannot wait to see our students on August 15!

Davis School District is excited to announce the launch of our new website!

Designed with our stakeholders in mind, it offers a user-friendly experience with easy navigation and a fresh, modern look. Explore all the latest updates, resources, and information about our district and schools. Visit us today and discover all that we have to offer!

Go to our Frequently Asked Questions page to see answers to some of the most often asked questions regarding the new website. You can also give us your feedback by clicking on the yellow button below.

Keeping your contact information up-to-date in MyDSD, the Davis School District's parent and student portal, is crucial for ensuring you stay informed and engaged in your child's education.

MyDSD is more than just a platform for viewing grades and schedules; it’s a comprehensive tool that supports various aspects of your student's school life. You can access your parent portal or create a parent account from the MyDSD link at the top of all district and school homepages.

Here are some of the things you can do in your MyDSD account:

• Monitor Academic Progress
• MyDSD allows you to check your student’s schedules and grades in real time. You can also check attendance and clear your student’s approved absences.
• Manage School Finances
• The portal offers a convenient way to pay school fees and fines, as well as manage lunch balances.
• Access Important Documents
• MyDSD is also where you can review and sign essential documents, such as permission slips, school policies, and progress reports.

Benefits of Keeping Information Current

• Enhanced Communication with Teachers and Administrators
• Up-to-date contact information facilitates better communication with your child’s teachers and school administrators. This can lead to more effective collaboration and support for your child’s educational needs.
• Peace of Mind
• Knowing that the school can reach you quickly in case of emergencies or important updates provides peace of mind. It ensures that you’re always in the loop and can respond appropriately to any situation.
• Improved Student Support
• Staying informed about your child’s academic progress and school activities enables you to offer better support and guidance. This active involvement can significantly enhance your child’s educational experience.

Let's make sure every ride to school is safe and awesome. Remember, when you're at your bus stop, let the bus come to you—it's the safest way to hop on board. Say "Hi" to your bus driver too! They're here to be your friend and keep you safe. Once you're settled, it's all about having fun while staying seated. Always treat others with kindness and respect and keep conversations friendly and appropriate.

Drivers, stop when the stop sign is out—no rush is worth risking anyone's safety. The State of Utah is not taking this lightly. A new law went into effect in May 2024. The fine for a first offense has gone from a few hundred dollars to $1000, and ten hours of community service is now mandatory.

After school concludes, be on time and ready to go. Buses can't wait for latecomers.

Need to check your bus stop details? Visit your student's MyDSD account or Transportation's webpage for more information. Let's have a fantastic and safe school year together.

Creating a positive relationship between parents and teachers is crucial for a student's success in school. By actively engaging with educators, maintaining open communication, and showing support, parents can significantly enhance their child's educational experience. At Davis School District, we encourage parents to take an active role in building and nurturing this important connection.

"To build a solid relationship with your child's teacher, attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences at least once a school year,” Layton High School teacher Megan Jackson said. “Keep communication open, speak positively about teachers, and address any concerns with a sincere approach. These actions not only foster a supportive partnership but also positively impact your child's school experience.”

To maintain this relationship, it's important for parents to remember that teachers are human too. Showing understanding and empathy, particularly during challenging times, can go a long way. Communicate regularly, share positive feedback and trust in the teacher's commitment to your child’s success. By doing so, you help create a collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved.

"Trust and support are key. Trust that we have your student’s best interests at heart and we are doing our best to help them be successful,” Syracuse High School teacher Nathan Eagan said. “Support us in our decisions. When conflicts arise, approach them with an open mind and engage in constructive dialogue. We can work together to help students learn the curriculum, as well as valuable life lessons.”

Looking to get more involved in your child's education? Discover a variety of volunteering opportunities at your child's school! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your participation can make a big difference. From classroom assistance to event organization, there are many ways you can contribute to the success of Davis School District students and teachers.

Before starting, please note that all volunteers must undergo a background check and be approved by school administrators to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Visit your school's website today to learn more about how you can get involved and support our school community. Your engagement is key to creating a positive and enriching educational environment for all.

As the new school year approaches, we encourage all parents to stay connected and involved in their child's education with Canvas! Track your child's progress, view grades, and keep up with homework all in one place.

“Canvas is such a user-friendly platform that makes managing and navigating your child’s education as easy as a few clicks,” said Davis Connect math teacher Natalie Niederhauser. “Canvas makes it accessible even for parents with busy schedules and creates a great opportunity for teachers to communicate with their students about their online education.”

Visit our Canvas for Parents page on our website to get more help and instructions. You can find information about how to set up notifications, email a teacher, check grades and download the Canvas parent app.

At Davis School District, we implement early dismissal for elementary schools and late start for secondary schools to support effective teacher collaboration and professional development.

These adjustments are crucial for enhancing instructional practices and aligning with our educational priorities.

Early dismissals are scheduled to provide teachers with dedicated time for collaboration, planning and implementation of instructional activities and strategies. After the district and the Davis Education Association agreed to late starts and early outs, any reduction in instructional time was offset by extending the school day.

“This collaboration time is essential to best instructional practice and allows elementary teachers the time to plan and prepare during contract time," said Director of Elementary Schools Ruthanne Keller.

These scheduled adjustments ensure that teachers both have the dedicated time needed for collaborative planning and professional growth, ultimately benefiting the educational experience for our students.