News from Dudley Middle School

1. A "why bother" attitude about school

2. Lack of empathy / increased meanness and aggression

3. Increases in vandalism and harassment

4. Major increases in disrespectful behavior

5. Inability to handle even the most minor setbacks

When you factor in that middle school has never been an easy time in a child's life, and now it's at CRISIS level, you get a sense of what's going on around the country.

Good news: I really believe Dudley Middle School is in better shape than most. Our students are as good as any (You deserve so much credit for that!), and our teachers and staff do a great job building positive connections with them.

Bad news: It's not perfect. We have 550 students between 10-14, and the end of the year is the hardest time. Mistakes get made, and we have to address them to keep the school safe and supportive.

So I am asking for your help in ensuring as safe and smooth an end to the year as possible. Three things:

1. It's normal for a kid to be excited about the looming end to the school year, but please remind them to be the best student possible right to the end. Let them know you will not tolerate disrespect or poor behavior of any kind. If we call to discuss a behavior situation involving your child, please work with us.

2. Please be aware of what your child is wearing to school. When the weather gets warm, we see an increase in dress code violations. We truly understand that styles are different now than in the past, but we are trying to remain a respectful place. This is a difficult one for both parents and the school. Let's try to work together.

3. Help your child understand the importance of ending things on a positive note. Many students have difficulty with the end of a school year for various reasons. Some experience emotional inconsistencies, and they don't even know for sure where it's coming from. But there should never be an excuse for being cruel to others. How we end is sometimes how we are remembered, and we all want to be remembered well. Encourage students to finish the year strong, especially in the way they treat others.

Thank you for your time, consideration and support.

Soon into the summer, we will begin the process of finalizing schedules and student placements for next year. Students are placed based on teacher, guidance and administration recommendations, and classes/teams are balanced as well as possible.

All known factors are considered - this includes student support needs, learning styles, personalities, academic and social strengths / challenges.

The middle school scheduling process is incredibly complex, and we really try to put every student in the best possible position to succeed. Therefore, we cannot accommodate requests for placement unless there are extenuating circumstances.

If you believe that there are extenuating circumstances that will affect your child's ability to learn, please contact Mr. Desto. The principal is the only one who can approve student placement decisions.

Thank you for understanding.

This dance is intended to be semi-formal in nature. To me, that does not mean prom level clothing, though sometimes, our students try to convince their parents to buy them something new and formal.

Just a little nicer than a typical day of school is fine. Further, as long as students comply with the school dress code, they can wear whatever they want. We don't want attire to be a barrier to attending the dance. We want to see as many of our kids there as possible.

Dudley Middle School will once again be running a nine day summer school for students who fail a class for the year or who have excessive unexcused absences. Summer school will be held Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9:00 AM - Noon spanning July 7-23.

If your child needs to attend, letters will be sent via email beginning June 17. Should you have any questions ahead of time, please contact your child's guidance counselor or Mr. Desto.