Devonshire Parent Newsletter 09.04.2026

As we settle into the school year, there has already been so much learning, growing, and community-building happening at Devonshire! From learning and practicing our schoolwide expectations to completing i-Ready assessments and creating classroom charters, our Dolphins have been busy building the foundation for a successful year. Most importantly, we are seeing students demonstrate kindness, responsibility, and respect each day. Way to go, Dolphins. Keep up the great work! Remember, there is no school on Monday in honor of Labor Day.

The photo accompanying this message captures our 5th grade students and teachers putting our school vision into action as they work together through team-building challenges. It’s a great example of what it means to be One Pod, One Community—where everyone belongs and everyone is safe!

For the second week, every single grade level had 95% attendance or better. Thank you for getting students to school on time so they can learn and grow together. Efforts in this process of improving attendance are much appreciated. 

Open house is next week, Wednesday, September 9th, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Devonshire School. Parents of Kindergarten through 2nd grade are welcome to visit classrooms from 6:00 - 7:00 pm., and parents of 3rd through 5th grade are welcome to visit classrooms from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Specials teachers, bilingual teachers, and specialists will be here from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Principal Ritz will have a short presentation for families in the cafeteria, one right at 6:00 for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and one at 6:30 for 3rd through 5th grade. Copies of the presentation will be available if you cannot make the presentation.  

Drop off and pick up occur on Kenneth Avenue. Please only stop at the playground entrance closest to Davis. For the safety of our students, please do not double park, do not park on the side of the street with the houses, and stay in a single line. Students will line up according to grade level. Click here to see a map and detailed directions for picking up and dropping off.

Students should be dropped off between 8:30-8:37 a.m. If you arrive after 8:40 a.m., please park and bring your child to the main entrance. Please note that if the weather is bad (under 10 degrees with windchill, rain, or wet/blowing snow), students will come into the school building beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

3rd - 5th grade students can walk home or walk to a parent in a parked car, if they have a signed permission slip. If you choose, you may submit this permission slip to your child’s teacher.

SCHOOL HOURS: Students are escorted into the building at 8:37 a.m. daily. School on Mondays runs 8:40 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays are 8:40 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

TARDY TO SCHOOL: If your child arrives to school after 8:40 a.m, you must escort your child into the main entrance and sign them into school for the day. The sign-in sheet will also include the reason for the tardiness.

PLAYGROUND: While we encourage families to enjoy our community play space after school hours, the park and playground are closed to the public during school hours from 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Monday. This rule is grounded in student safety, and we appreciate your cooperation in enforcing this safety measure.

ATTENDANCE: If your child will be absent, you must report the absence including the reason for the absence. If your child has a medical appointment and will come in late or leave early from school, we ask that you report that information as well. Absences or early/late arrivals due to appointments may be communicated through the Parent Portal or you may call the Attendance Line at (847) 568-4996.

PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK: Click here for the 2026-27 Parent/Student Handbook.

Please visit https://www.devonshirepta.com to sign up for the PTA, see events, purchase Devonshire gear, and more!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Call us at the Main office: 847-568-4901