Principal Don Davis, Saltsburg Elementary School

You might see him pedaling past with his wife on a Rails to Trails bike trail. You could also catch him cruising by on his Harley Davison, jumping hills on a Kawasaki dirt bike, or even scanning the bottom of the ocean as a scuba instructor. His real passion, however, is helping elementary school children succeed. Mr. Don Davis, principal of Saltsburg Elementary School, possesses a wide variety of abilities and talents. This background comes in handy when relating to students and sharing their interests. Under his leadership, Saltsburg Elementary is a positive atmosphere promoting respect and responsibility.

Mr. Davis, with the help of the staff, has established several programs that directly promote the positive environment for the school. The School Community Council, comprised of Mr. Davis, three teachers, and four parents, has set major focus points for the student body. The goals are respect, responsibility, reading, and studying. The council decides on activities to promote these goals, such as the Starfish Program, an annual Reading Ice Cream Social, and the Essential 55 Program. Making an enormous impact on the students, the Essential 55 Program provides rules for “discovering the successful student in every child.” Each week the entire school practices a different rule, such as “Greet teachers in the hall by name,” “Say please and thank you”or“Always open the door for others.” Mr. Davis credits the active involvement of the staff and parents for getting the students excited to participate. Thus, they are enthusiastically practicing the goals.

In addition, Mr. Davis believes in encouraging the students to gives generously to the community. This past month they provided 32 turkeys and 918 canned goods to needy families in the Saltsburg area. Every Christmas, each homeroom adopts “an angel” from the Salvation Army “Treasures for Christmas” program. Rather than buy the teacher a present, the students and staff pitch in to buy the presents requested on the back of the angels. Then a teacher brings the wrapped gifts to S & T to be delivered. Mr. Davis explains, “We want this school to be a valuable part of the community.”

One of the most outstanding goals being promoted by Mr. Davis is being a “Put Down Free School.” Both students and staff carry out the rule that no one is allowed to make a negative comment about another. Mr. Davis fosters an uplifting environment by encouraging his staff in faculty meetings, as well as by setting the example of keeping things positive.

For their accomplishments, the Academic Development Institute of Illinois awarded Saltsburg Elementary with the Certified School Community Award in 2002. In 2005, the school earned the Effective School Community Award, an achievement that only a select few schools in the state have accomplished.

You might see him pedaling past with his wife on a Rails to Trails bike trail. You could also catch him cruising by on his Harley Davison, jumping hills on a Kawasaki dirt bike, or even scanning the bottom of the ocean as a scuba instructor. His real passion, however, is helping elementary school children succeed. Mr. Don Davis, principal of Saltsburg Elementary School, possesses a wide variety of abilities and talents. This background comes in handy when relating to students and sharing their interests. Under his leadership, Saltsburg Elementary is a positive atmosphere promoting respect and responsibility.

Mr. Davis, with the help of the staff, has established several programs that directly promote the positive environment for the school. The School Community Council, comprised of Mr. Davis, three teachers, and four parents, has set major focus points for the student body. The goals are respect, responsibility, reading, and studying. The council decides on activities to promote these goals, such as the Starfish Program, an annual Reading Ice Cream Social, and the Essential 55 Program. Making an enormous impact on the students, the Essential 55 Program provides rules for “discovering the successful student in every child.” Each week the entire school practices a different rule, such as “Greet teachers in the hall by name,” “Say please and thank you”or“Always open the door for others.” Mr. Davis credits the active involvement of the staff and parents for getting the students excited to participate. Thus, they are enthusiastically practicing the goals.

In addition, Mr. Davis believes in encouraging the students to gives generously to the community. This past month they provided 32 turkeys and 918 canned goods to needy families in the Saltsburg area. Every Christmas, each homeroom adopts “an angel” from the Salvation Army “Treasures for Christmas” program. Rather than buy the teacher a present, the students and staff pitch in to buy the presents requested on the back of the angels. Then a teacher brings the wrapped gifts to S & T to be delivered. Mr. Davis explains, “We want this school to be a valuable part of the community.”

One of the most outstanding goals being promoted by Mr. Davis is being a “Put Down Free School.” Both students and staff carry out the rule that no one is allowed to make a negative comment about another. Mr. Davis fosters an uplifting environment by encouraging his staff in faculty meetings, as well as by setting the example of keeping things positive.

For their accomplishments, the Academic Development Institute of Illinois awarded Saltsburg Elementary with the Certified School Community Award in 2002. In 2005, the school earned the Effective School Community Award, an achievement that only a select few schools in the state have accomplished. Outside of school, Mr. Davis enjoys spending time with his family and participating in several hobbies. He and his wife Bonnie are avid bicyclists with a yearly goal of pedaling 1000 miles together. Last weekend they pedaled 36 miles to reach 900 miles for the year so far! In addition, they have two children, Brian, a senior at United School District, and Crystal, who is married and has a daughter, Autumn. For the past three years, Mr. Davis has served as the board president for a drug and alcohol treatment center called The Open Door of Indiana. He has volunteered his time for this organization for the past eleven years. In addition, for years he taught as a scuba diving instructor and as an instructor trainer, teaching over 600 divers and 75 instructors. His experience includes diving in fresh water, oceans, under ice, and in underwater caves. Mr. Davis adds, “I have retired from instructing, but I still dive.”

The staff at Saltsburg appreciates Mr. Davis’ commitment to their success. Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, he understands their needs. He takes the time to talk with teachers one on one, making their needs his priority. The staff and students at Saltsburg are fortunate to have such an excellent leader.

You might see him pedaling past with his wife on a Rails to Trails bike trail. You could also catch him cruising by on his Harley Davison, jumping hills on a Kawasaki dirt bike, or even scanning the bottom of the ocean as a scuba instructor. His real passion, however, is helping elementary school children succeed. Mr. Don Davis, principal of Saltsburg Elementary School, possesses a wide variety of abilities and talents. This background comes in handy when relating to students and sharing their interests. Under his leadership, Saltsburg Elementary is a positive atmosphere promoting respect and responsibility.

Mr. Davis, with the help of the staff, has established several programs that directly promote the positive environment for the school. The School Community Council, comprised of Mr. Davis, three teachers, and four parents, has set major focus points for the student body. The goals are respect, responsibility, reading, and studying. The council decides on activities to promote these goals, such as the Starfish Program, an annual Reading Ice Cream Social, and the Essential 55 Program. Making an enormous impact on the students, the Essential 55 Program provides rules for “discovering the successful student in every child.” Each week the entire school practices a different rule, such as “Greet teachers in the hall by name,” “Say please and thank you”or“Always open the door for others.” Mr. Davis credits the active involvement of the staff and parents for getting the students excited to participate. Thus, they are enthusiastically practicing the goals.

In addition, Mr. Davis believes in encouraging the students to gives generously to the community. This past month they provided 32 turkeys and 918 canned goods to needy families in the Saltsburg area. Every Christmas, each homeroom adopts “an angel” from the Salvation Army “Treasures for Christmas” program. Rather than buy the teacher a present, the students and staff pitch in to buy the presents requested on the back of the angels. Then a teacher brings the wrapped gifts to S & T to be delivered. Mr. Davis explains, “We want this school to be a valuable part of the community.”

One of the most outstanding goals being promoted by Mr. Davis is being a “Put Down Free School.” Both students and staff carry out the rule that no one is allowed to make a negative comment about another. Mr. Davis fosters an uplifting environment by encouraging his staff in faculty meetings, as well as by setting the example of keeping things positive.

For their accomplishments, the Academic Development Institute of Illinois awarded Saltsburg Elementary with the Certified School Community Award in 2002. In 2005, the school earned the Effective School Community Award, an achievement that only a select few schools in the state have accomplished. Outside of school, Mr. Davis enjoys spending time with his family and participating in several hobbies. He and his wife Bonnie are avid bicyclists with a yearly goal of pedaling 1000 miles together. Last weekend they pedaled 36 miles to reach 900 miles for the year so far! In addition, they have two children, Brian, a senior at United School District, and Crystal, who is married and has a daughter, Autumn. For the past three years, Mr. Davis has served as the board president for a drug and alcohol treatment center called The Open Door of Indiana. He has volunteered his time for this organization for the past eleven years. In addition, for years he taught as a scuba diving instructor and as an instructor trainer, teaching over 600 divers and 75 instructors. His experience includes diving in fresh water, oceans, under ice, and in underwater caves. Mr. Davis adds, “I have retired from instructing, but I still dive.”

The staff at Saltsburg appreciates Mr. Davis’ commitment to their success. Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, he understands their needs. He takes the time to talk with teachers one on one, making their needs his priority. The staff and students at Saltsburg are fortunate to have such an excellent leader.

You might see him pedaling past with his wife on a Rails to Trails bike trail. You could also catch him cruising by on his Harley Davison, jumping hills on a Kawasaki dirt bike, or even scanning the bottom of the ocean as a scuba instructor. His real passion, however, is helping elementary school children succeed. Mr. Don Davis, principal of Saltsburg Elementary School, possesses a wide variety of abilities and talents. This background comes in handy when relating to students and sharing their interests. Under his leadership, Saltsburg Elementary is a positive atmosphere promoting respect and responsibility.

Mr. Davis, with the help of the staff, has established several programs that directly promote the positive environment for the school. The School Community Council, comprised of Mr. Davis, three teachers, and four parents, has set major focus points for the student body. The goals are respect, responsibility, reading, and studying. The council decides on activities to promote these goals, such as the Starfish Program, an annual Reading Ice Cream Social, and the Essential 55 Program. Making an enormous impact on the students, the Essential 55 Program provides rules for “discovering the successful student in every child.” Each week the entire school practices a different rule, such as “Greet teachers in the hall by name,” “Say please and thank you”or“Always open the door for others.” Mr. Davis credits the active involvement of the staff and parents for getting the students excited to participate. Thus, they are enthusiastically practicing the goals.

In addition, Mr. Davis believes in encouraging the students to gives generously to the community. This past month they provided 32 turkeys and 918 canned goods to needy families in the Saltsburg area. Every Christmas, each homeroom adopts “an angel” from the Salvation Army “Treasures for Christmas” program. Rather than buy the teacher a present, the students and staff pitch in to buy the presents requested on the back of the angels. Then a teacher brings the wrapped gifts to S & T to be delivered. Mr. Davis explains, “We want this school to be a valuable part of the community.”

One of the most outstanding goals being promoted by Mr. Davis is being a “Put Down Free School.” Both students and staff carry out the rule that no one is allowed to make a negative comment about another. Mr. Davis fosters an uplifting environment by encouraging his staff in faculty meetings, as well as by setting the example of keeping things positive.

For their accomplishments, the Academic Development Institute of Illinois awarded Saltsburg Elementary with the Certified School Community Award in 2002. In 2005, the school earned the Effective School Community Award, an achievement that only a select few schools in the state have accomplished. Outside of school, Mr. Davis enjoys spending time with his family and participating in several hobbies. He and his wife Bonnie are avid bicyclists with a yearly goal of pedaling 1000 miles together. Last weekend they pedaled 36 miles to reach 900 miles for the year so far! In addition, they have two children, Brian, a senior at United School District, and Crystal, who is married and has a daughter, Autumn. For the past three years, Mr. Davis has served as the board president for a drug and alcohol treatment center called The Open Door of Indiana. He has volunteered his time for this organization for the past eleven years. In addition, for years he taught as a scuba diving instructor and as an instructor trainer, teaching over 600 divers and 75 instructors. His experience includes diving in fresh water, oceans, under ice, and in underwater caves. Mr. Davis adds, “I have retired from instructing, but I still dive.”

The staff at Saltsburg appreciates Mr. Davis’ commitment to their success. Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, he understands their needs. He takes the time to talk with teachers one on one, making their needs his priority. The staff and students at Saltsburg are fortunate to have such an excellent leader.

You might see him pedaling past with his wife on a Rails to Trails bike trail. You could also catch him cruising by on his Harley Davison, jumping hills on a Kawasaki dirt bike, or even scanning the bottom of the ocean as a scuba instructor. His real passion, however, is helping elementary school children succeed. Mr. Don Davis, principal of Saltsburg Elementary School, possesses a wide variety of abilities and talents. This background comes in handy when relating to students and sharing their interests. Under his leadership, Saltsburg Elementary is a positive atmosphere promoting respect and responsibility.

Mr. Davis, with the help of the staff, has established several programs that directly promote the positive environment for the school. The School Community Council, comprised of Mr. Davis, three teachers, and four parents, has set major focus points for the student body. The goals are respect, responsibility, reading, and studying. The council decides on activities to promote these goals, such as the Starfish Program, an annual Reading Ice Cream Social, and the Essential 55 Program. Making an enormous impact on the students, the Essential 55 Program provides rules for “discovering the successful student in every child.” Each week the entire school practices a different rule, such as “Greet teachers in the hall by name,” “Say please and thank you”or“Always open the door for others.” Mr. Davis credits the active involvement of the staff and parents for getting the students excited to participate. Thus, they are enthusiastically practicing the goals.

In addition, Mr. Davis believes in encouraging the students to gives generously to the community. This past month they provided 32 turkeys and 918 canned goods to needy families in the Saltsburg area. Every Christmas, each homeroom adopts “an angel” from the Salvation Army “Treasures for Christmas” program. Rather than buy the teacher a present, the students and staff pitch in to buy the presents requested on the back of the angels. Then a teacher brings the wrapped gifts to S & T to be delivered. Mr. Davis explains, “We want this school to be a valuable part of the community.”

One of the most outstanding goals being promoted by Mr. Davis is being a “Put Down Free School.” Both students and staff carry out the rule that no one is allowed to make a negative comment about another. Mr. Davis fosters an uplifting environment by encouraging his staff in faculty meetings, as well as by setting the example of keeping things positive.

For their accomplishments, the Academic Development Institute of Illinois awarded Saltsburg Elementary with the Certified School Community Award in 2002. In 2005, the school earned the Effective School Community Award, an achievement that only a select few schools in the state have accomplished. Outside of school, Mr. Davis enjoys spending time with his family and participating in several hobbies. He and his wife Bonnie are avid bicyclists with a yearly goal of pedaling 1000 miles together. Last weekend they pedaled 36 miles to reach 900 miles for the year so far! In addition, they have two children, Brian, a senior at United School District, and Crystal, who is married and has a daughter, Autumn. For the past three years, Mr. Davis has served as the board president for a drug and alcohol treatment center called The Open Door of Indiana. He has volunteered his time for this organization for the past eleven years. In addition, for years he taught as a scuba diving instructor and as an instructor trainer, teaching over 600 divers and 75 instructors. His experience includes diving in fresh water, oceans, under ice, and in underwater caves. Mr. Davis adds, “I have retired from instructing, but I still dive.”

The staff at Saltsburg appreciates Mr. Davis’ commitment to their success. Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, he understands their needs. He takes the time to talk with teachers one on one, making their needs his priority. The staff and students at Saltsburg are fortunate to have such an excellent leader.

Outside of school, Mr. Davis enjoys spending time with his family and participating in several hobbies. He and his wife Bonnie are avid bicyclists with a yearly goal of pedaling 1000 miles together. Last weekend they pedaled 36 miles to reach 900 miles for the year so far! In addition, they have two children, Brian, a senior at United School District, and Crystal, who is married and has a daughter, Autumn. For the past three years, Mr. Davis has served as the board president for a drug and alcohol treatment center called The Open Door of Indiana. He has volunteered his time for this organization for the past eleven years. In addition, for years he taught as a scuba diving instructor and as an instructor trainer, teaching over 600 divers and 75 instructors. His experience includes diving in fresh water, oceans, under ice, and in underwater caves. Mr. Davis adds, “I have retired from instructing, but I still dive.”

The staff at Saltsburg appreciates Mr. Davis’ commitment to their success. Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, he understands their needs. He takes the time to talk with teachers one on one, making their needs his priority. The staff and students at Saltsburg are fortunate to have such an excellent leader. To meet Mr. Davis in person, watch the video @ http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1615