PTSA’s Guide to Davis Activities and Traditions (updated March 2008)

 

How Do I Find Out What is Happening at Davis?

 

  • Newsletter - Davis High School mails to all parents/guardians a newsletter that is packed full of important information on a monthly (usually) basis.  If you are not receiving the newsletter, call the school office (573-2500). 
  • Davis PTSA Calendar - Davis PTSA mails a wall calendar featuring most Davis activities to each Davis family at the beginning of each school year. The online edition is viewable at.
  • Contact the Davis PTSA – PTSA parents are always willing to answer questions, discuss concerns, or provide information. Send an email to davispta@gmail.com.
  • Davis PTSA E-mail list - If you want to receive the school’s daily announcements by email (as well as other periodic information of interest to Davis Parents, Teachers, and Students), send a request to davispta@gmail.com.
  • Reader Boards - You can also check the two reader-boards – one is located on Tieton and 5th Avenue, the other is located on Walnut and 7th Avenue. 
  • ASK! - Finally, call the school. Don’t be shy.  This is YOUR school! The main number is 573-2500.  A list of phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all staff members is at: http://www.yakimaschools.org/Davis/Staff/email1.html

 

 

Descriptions of Davis Activities and Traditions:

 

ATHLETICS - For more information about athletics, contact the Davis Athletic Booster Club or the Athletic Director (Bob Stanley, 573-2529, Stanley.bob@yakimaschools.org)

 

BAND / ORCHESTRA / CHOIR - Watch for concerts, competitions and musical programs throughout the year.  We feature some tremendous musical talent at Davis High School!

 

BAND - For information about band, visit the website of the Buccaneer Band Boosters at http://www.acdavisbands.org, which includes the band’s calendar. For more information or to sign up for the Band Boosters’ e-mail notification list, send a request to acdavisbands@gmail.com. Band activities include: halftime marching shows at all home football games, statewide marching competitions (fall), Western International Band Clinic (fall), Solo and Ensemble Contest (February), the famous Drum Line, Jazz Band, basketball pep band, a big trip every few years (Italy in 2006!), and others.

 

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION – Davis High School always sponsors special events for incoming freshmen and their families BEFORE the first official day of school.  If you are the parent of an incoming freshman and have not received a list of scheduled events, you should contact the office IMMEDIATELY! 573-2500

 

LINK CREW – The Link Crew consists of upperclassmen that assist incoming freshmen with the High School Orientation and show them around the school. They will be there for the freshmen through out the year.

 

OPEN HOUSE – Davis High School hosts an OPEN HOUSE in the fall, shortly after school begins.  This is an opportunity for parents to receive information from the counselors, clubs, parent groups, and to briefly meet teachers and visit classrooms in a group setting!  All teachers invite you to communicate with them at any time about how your student is doing, so don’t be disappointed if you do not get a chance to talk about your student’s progress at the Open House.  A list of phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all teachers is at: http://www.yakimaschools.org/Davis/Staff/email1.html

 

ASB / STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS – The Associated Student Body is our student government elected by the student body each year.  There are numerous student clubs and organizations.  All students must purchase an ASB card in order to participate in ASB-sponsored activities such as dances and athletic events.  For a complete list and more information, contact ASB (Chris McCorkindale, 573-2580, McCorkindale.Chris@yakimaschools.org) or the Activities Director (Cathy Gonzalez, 573-2529, Gonzalez.Cathy@yakimaschools.org).

 

DAVIS CORN BOOTH AT THE FAIR – Since the beginning of time, Davis Athletic Booster Club has sponsored the corn booth at the fair (late September/early October) to raise funds to support athletic programs at Davis.


GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND WASL - In addition to meeting standards set by the Yakima School Board, all students must now pass several portions of the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning).  WASL testing usually takes place in the spring.  If your student is struggling with or does not pass the WASL, meet with your student’s counselors to find out about retakes, alternatives to the WASL, and assistance available to help your student pass.  Meet with your student’s counselors to make sure you and your student understand and are monitoring progress so your student stays on track to graduate! 

 

COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL PREP - It’s never too early to plan for education after high school.  Ask your counselor for information about what your student should be doing each year in order to prepare for college. When should they take standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT?  When should they apply to colleges?  When should they learn about and apply for financial aid.  The Davis Counseling Department provides workshops to answer these and many other questions.  Watch for these important events! The Counseling Department also publishes a monthly list of college scholarships that are available to seniors (mostly) and juniors (a few). Counseling

 

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - Several scholarships and post-high school education assistance programs are available at Davis High School that target low-income, high potential students!  Find out more about these terrific opportunities for eligible students that could open a door to college for your student! 

 

  • Achievers Scholarship – Juniors apply for this scholarship, which includes up to $40,000 for a 4-year college degree, mentoring while at Davis and at college, and other assistance. Sponsored by the College Success Foundation and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

  • HERO – more to come

 

  • GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) – more to come

 

  • Education Talent Search at Davis (sponsored by Heritage University) – more to come

 

DANCES - In addition to Homecoming, Prom and Tolo (wherein girls ask guys and each couple dresses alike), dances are scheduled throughout the year.  For more information about student dances, contact ASB (Chris McCorkindale, 573-2580, McCorkindale.Chris@yakimaschools.org) or the Activities Director (Cathy Gonzalez, 573-2529, Gonzalez.Cathy@yakimaschools.org).

 

HOMECOMING - A special celebration is held at Zaepfel Stadium at the Homecoming football game on a Friday night.  The Homecoming Court Parade, Pirate Costume Contest and other activities take place at the stadium.  An Alumni BBQ and other Alumni recognition activities also take place at Zaepfel Stadium.  The Homecoming Dance usually follows on Saturday evening.

 

FALL & SPRING PLAYS - Davis Drama usually puts on a play in the fall and in the spring.  Watch for these entertaining events!  To support the production, a parent group is organized. Davis PTSA assists by serving as the group’s fiscal agent.

 

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE - Davis Athletic Booster Club sponsors an annual Christmas Tree Sale at the Davis Baseball Field to raise funds for athletic programs.

 

FOLLIES - You don’t want to miss this Davis Tradition! A student talent show usually kicks off the new calendar year at Davis!

 

MR. DAVIS PAGEANT - Davis High School Junior and Senior boy contestants are selected to compete in the Mr. Davis Pageant - the culmination of working for months to raise funds and support for Children's Village and Youth Works! A program of Memorial Hospital!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST - Davis sponsors an early morning awards ceremony with light breakfast! Each department recognizes its top students and Principal Awards are issued to students with very high grade point averages, usually in May. Davis PTSA assists with the preparations.

HONORS CONVOCATION - This is a special event recognizing the academic achievements of our top students in the Junior and Senior classes.  It is a joint celebration of Eisenhower and Davis top scholars.  This event is coordinated by both Ike and Davis PTSAs. 

BACCALAUREATE - This is a parent-sponsored, parent-coordinated, nondenominational celebration in a church setting for graduating seniors. 

GRADUATION - Graduation is usually held at the SunDome. It is followed by the ALL NIGHT PARTY for Graduating Seniors, sponsored by POGS (Parents of Graduating Seniors) - to provide a safe, fun environment for graduate celebration!

 

POGS – Parents of Graduating Seniors meets throughout the year to raise funds for the ALL NIGHT PARTY for Graduating Seniors. Davis PTSA assists by serving as the group’s fiscal agent.



Davis PTSA-Sponsored Activities:

 

MONTHLY DAVIS PTSA MEETINGS – Discussion, information, planning, and food (sometimes) held on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the Kiva, 7:00 PM (usually). Open to all Parents, Teachers, and Students!

 

LEGISLATION - Your Davis and Washington State PTSA provide you with information about what is happening in Olympia in the legislative session that affects families, children, and education.  For more information contact PTSA board members (davispta@gmail.com) or go to www.wastatepta.org.

 

REFLECTIONS - The Reflections Program is a National, State and Local PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Each year, Reflections challenges students to create art that supports a specific theme.  Winners are selected and all entries are displayed at a special program usually in January. Ask your PTSA or art and literature teachers for more information and for deadlines!

 

GOLDEN ACORN AND OTHER AWARDS - Washington State PTA has established several awards that recognize outstanding volunteers, teachers, websites, newsletters, advocates, and those persons that have gone beyond the call of duty for children.  Our local PTA can apply for some of these awards, but mostly we honor our own community members.  We purchase the award from the state organization for a fee, and the fees support scholarships and financial aid to deserving students throughout Washington.  Our local unit will announce the award winners and host a dessert celebration usually in March in our Davis Cafeteria.  Some of the awards we consider are:

·        Golden Acorn - to a volunteer in recognition of his/her dedication and service to children and youth.

·        Outstanding Advocate Award - to recognize and honor individuals for their advocacy work on behalf of children and youth.

·        Outstanding Educator Award - to recognize individuals who have provided outstanding educational opportunities for children and youth that are beyond the normal scope of their jobs.  

·        Honorary Life Membership – to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level.


TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION - Davis PTSA coordinates joint efforts to recognize the excellent work of our teachers and staff, usually the first week in May.

 

 

NOTE: If there is something you think should be added to this “Guide”, please send an email to Davis PTSA with your suggestion.