Davis Elementary, located in northwest Austin, Texas, is a dynamic school that has accomplished much in its brief history. Davis was built in 1992 and is named for Will Davis, an Austin attorney who was a strong advocate for public education and served as Austin ISD School Board President, Austin Community College Board President, and President of the Texas Association of School Boards.
The Davis motto, Exploring New Frontiers, is embraced by all in the school community. Innovative, student-centered instructional practices are the norm at Davis, resulting in high levels of student engagement and achievement. The focus of student learning includes not only mastery of the state standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), but also development of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies and Power Skills. In addition, Davis students benefit from arts integration and creative learning activities through our designation as a Creative Learning Initiative (CLI) campus. Students develop global perspectives through the One World Schools Anderson vertical team signature program, which includes Foreign Language Experience (FLEX) classes for students.
Davis incorporates AISD’s four-pronged approach to SEL, which includes explicit instruction, culture and climate, integration, and family and community. The Second Step SEL curriculum resource is used school wide, with teachers implementing SEL lessons that focus on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, executive function, and responsible decision-making. The Davis CARE Pledge provides common language for school wide expectations that support a positive school climate. Through activities such as daily morning meeting in each classroom, teachers and students work together to build community and create a positive classroom climate for all. Teachers integrate SEL throughout the day as well, recognizing successes and supporting students as they work through challenges. Mindfulness activities are also incorporated in the classroom as a way to support SEL skills. Families are encouraged to reinforce SEL skills at home and are provided with home activities from the Second Step curriculum. Additional events are scheduled throughout the year, such as parent book studies and Family Fitness/SEL Night, to highlight SEL practices and involve the school community.
Power Skills, also referred to as the 6 C’s, include collaboration, communication, cultural proficiency, creativity, critical thinking, and connection. These skills are essential for students to be college and career ready. Davis provides opportunities for students to develop these skills through a variety of programs and instructional approaches. Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) presents students with voice and choice in their learning as they learn content and formulate solutions in response to a driving question. Students progress through activities and projects to learn and apply content, then create a solution to solve a real-world problem through the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch program. As students are presented with design challenges, they use the high-tech and low-tech materials in our campus Makerspace to work through the engineering design process and create a product that will meet the challenge criteria.
Davis recognizes the benefits of the transformative use of technology and implements a blended learning model to maximize student learning. This consists of a blend of teacher directed instruction and the use of technology for students to access content and create products that showcase their learning. With this approach, teachers are able to differentiate instruction and meet the unique needs of each student.
Our school is a close, caring school community, where partnering with parents and family engagement are highly valued. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education through ongoing communication and collaboration with the classroom teachers, counselor, and administrators, as well as through participation in school and classroom volunteer opportunities. Davis holds many special events throughout the year, including Family Fitness Night, Monster Mash, Turkey Trot, International Day, MARE and Ocean Olympics, just to name a few. With a combination of family events outside the school day and student events within the school day, parents have many options for attending and supporting these special events. Davis is fortunate to have an active PTA, which provides volunteer support and funding for various school programs and initiatives, and coordinates community building and fundraising events over the course of the year.
The pride adults take in Davis is important, but the ultimate test is how children view their school. At Davis, children are excited and engaged learners who look forward to what each day may bring as they are learning and Exploring New Frontiers.
Please take time to explore our website to learn more about what makes Davis such a special place for children and families.