DAVISON(DTV) – (12/07/20) – A couple of weeks ago a letter was sent out from Superintendent Kevin Brown to remind parents and students in the district that resources are available for emotional and mental health needs. We have attached the letter below along with important links and contact information for counselors in the Davison school district.

“We come to you with heavy hearts to talk about a subject that no one wants to even think about but it is one that we feel needs to be addressed. A few weeks ago we suffered the tragic loss of one of our students.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we are aware of at least four student deaths; some caused from accidents and some by suicide. Our hearts broke with the news of each one and we grieve the loss of each of these precious young lives. We cannot even imagine the pain and anguish that their loved ones must be experiencing.

The sad and painful reality is that the death of a student is something school districts and classmates will, on occasion, have to struggle with. In a normal school year, we would activate our crisis team and deploy our counselors and invite pastoral care staff into the school to meet with students. They  would visit the classrooms of the deceased student to hold discussions and check in on classmates. Students would be allowed to come to the media center or designated area to meet with their peers, talk to staff, make a card, share memories, etc.

Due to COVID-19, this year we have been very limited in how we can respond to our students’ emotional and mental health needs. That is very concerning to us, especially at a time when our entire country has been on edge. Regardless of how you feel about the pandemic, the reality is that it has affected us all in one way or another.

We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care and keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You are not alone.

We want to remind you of some of the resources we made available to parents earlier this year but also want you to know that we will be asking students to share their thoughts on how we can better help them when it comes to their emotional and mental health needs. Sometimes as adults we think we have all the answers but we truly need to listen to what our students have to say.

In addition to the resources compiled by our counselors (see link below), we would like to remind parents and students that they can use the SafeCards app, Report Bullying or OKAY2SAY links on our home page to report unsafe behavior or visit the Suicide Prevention 24/7 quick link on our website to access the National Suicide Prevention Hotline telephone number.

Students and parents are also welcome to reach out to our counselors during the school day. While not as effective as meeting in person, our counselors are available to meet with students virtually. Here is a list of our counselors and their contact information:

Davison High School                
Jennifer Hall     591-0134
jhall@davisonschools.org

Cory Sturgess     591-0136
csturgess@davisonschools.org

Noelle Cole     591-0138
ncole@davisonschools.org

Davison Alternative Education
Kathy Bennett     591-1023
kbennett@davisonschools.org

Davison Middle School
Sarah Abraham     591-5091
sabraham@davisonschools.org

Karen Thompson    591-5090
kthompson@davisonschools.org

Hahn Intermediate
Anna Hotchkiss     591-1149
ahotchkiss@davisonschools.org

Karen Thompson     591-5090
kthompson@davisonschools.org

Central Elementary
Maida Demo 591-0820
mdemo@davisonschool.org

Gates Elementary
Christine Glann 591-5011
cglann@davisonschools.org

Hill Elementary
Abigail Ganabathi 591-0842
aganabathi@davisonschools.org

Siple Elementary
Julie Simonsen 591-0227
jsimonsen@davisonschools.org

Thomson Elementary
Abigail Ganabathi 591-0907
aganabathi@davisonschools.org

Parents are also welcome to contact Executive Director of Student Services Holly Halabicky at 591-0913 or hhalabicky@davisonschools.org with any questions or concerns. According to Mrs. Halabicky, there are five key methods in helping to relieve stress and anxiety. They are:

• Laugh. Watch a funny movie, look up funny memes or clips, tell jokes.
• Cry. Grab a tissue and let it out.
• Breathe. The simple act of concentrating on breathing air in and letting it out is an effective tool in managing anxiety.
• Move your body. Go for a walk, run, shoot hoops. Get off the couch and do something active.
• Connect physically. Give your child a 20-second hug, Reassure him/her that everything is going to be OK.

Here is the list of resources compiled by our school counselors that we shared earlier in the year: https://www.davisonschools.org/cms/lib/MI02211530/Centricity/Domain/1508/Elemfamilyresourcesupdated.pdf

These are very difficult times we are navigating. In times of loss, there is no one right way to respond. Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. Many of us may be confronted with a variety of emotions which might include shock, sadness, anger and confusion. I want to assure you that we care about each and every single student here at Davison Community Schools and the feelings they may be experiencing. Please know that we are here for them.

Kevin Brown, Superintendent”

DAVISON (DTV) – (11/10/2020) – Every face-to-face senior student will receive a  cap and gown order in their English 12 class.

First, although, you must fill out the reservation form here.

Virtual students can pick up the order form just outside the main office.

These forms must be given to the main office once filled out.

You can also order the form on the Jostens website.

You can mail the form to Jostens directly or call them at 810-658-1700.

Also, senior headshots are due on the 23rd of November. You can send them by emailing them to the yearbook team at this email: dhsyearbookteam@gmail.com