Chirp Sheet

Moving and starting school in a new town can be stressful so that is why there are programs in place at Hahn Intermediate, Davison Middle School and Davison High School to welcome students new to the district.

"It is essential that all of our new students and their families feel welcomed into our Davison community," said Davison Middle School Principal Mrs. Josie Paquette. "Making these connections right from the beginning helps our middle school students transition with messages of kindness and empathy. This is especially important during their adolescent teenage years when joining a new school can cause feelings of anxiety and isolation. It is our hope that giving new students a chance to connect by speaking with an adult or one of their ambassador peers will help alleviate any concerns they have as they navigate a new building and/or school district."

At Hahn Intermediate, school Counselors Mrs. Julie Simonsen and Mrs. Tessa Hammond invite all new to-district students to join them on Friday mornings in the library.

"We supply donuts and juice boxes for all students," she said. "For four weeks, each Friday we go over different topics that may be new to the students. This can be anything from introducing our administration and support staff to Cardinal Code lessons. We give all students time to ask questions and do a little socializing with each other. We hope this group makes the transition smoother for our new students and lets students know they are not alone."

Between both grades, Hahn has 44 new students this year; sixth grade alone has 30.

New students were welcomed to a breakfast and team-building activity on Thursday, September 5, at Davison High School. The event was organized by Davison High School Teacher Mrs. Lindsay Gokey and the DHS Cardinal Ambassadors. Mrs. Gokey said the intent is held to help the new students build relationships and feel more at home at Davison High School.

"It was a delicious pancake breakfast and provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect," she said. "They were introduced to many important staff members in the building and we shared information about the upcoming homecoming festivities. It was a fun way for our new students to engage with the school community."

Student Ambassadors will also assist with the Middle School luncheon, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16.

"Our student ambassadors also attend this luncheon to provide more of that peer to peer connection, camaraderie and support," said Mrs. Paquette. "The student ambassadors were also on hand at our Back-2-School Check-ins and they are still on hand as students enroll to walk our new students through their schedule if they choose to utilize this resource."

In addition to the new student luncheon, Middle School counselors Sarah Abraham and Joni Clemons meet with each new student during the first two weeks of school as a check-in and a counselor calls home to speak with a parent/guardian of each student to check in.

Students in grades 9-12 at Davison High School and Davison Alternative Education will begin following the Delayed Wednesday schedule beginning next Wednesday, September 18. On Delayed Wednesdays, the school day begins at 9:30 a.m.; however, teachers are available to assist students with re-teaching, make up tests, etc. beginning at 8:30 a.m.

School dismissal is at the normal time of 2:36 p.m.

Earlier this week students at Davison Alternative Education and the Davison High School construction trades program had a chance to try out their skills in carpentry, virtual welding and several other stations set up by the Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip - Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (Detroit, MI).

Students had the opportunity to learn about careers as carpenters, millwrights, floor layers, welders and more as well as talk to skilled trades workers at various stages in their apprenticeships. Bryce Cobb, the Program Representative for Schools to Tools, James Dungan of the Millwrights and Machinery Erectors Union 1102 and Steve McCool, representative for Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters U.B.C.J.A. were also on hand to talk with students about the opportunities provided through apprenticeships, including free tuition while getting paid a competitive hourly wage.

The visit was arranged by Davison Alternative Education Teacher Mrs. Amanda Mobley.

The Davison High School Key Club and Davison Township Police collected 200 pounds of food and $241.40 during their annual "Cops and Cans" non-perishable food drive on Saturday, September 7. Students and School Resource Officer Kevin Roberts collected the items, which were donated to Lakeview Community Church in partnership with the East Michigan Food Bank. The Key Club sponsor is Davison High School Teacher Mrs. Mary Ann Stedry.

As these two Siple stars were waiting for the bus, the little boy reached over and grabbed his classmate's hand. Isn't this just the sweetest?!!