Principal's Update #12

November is National Career Development Month! This week’s theme, Science & Technology Innovation, introduced students to exciting career possibilities. During morning announcements, our student representatives highlighted a different career each day: environmental scientist, cybersecurity analyst, biomedical engineer, game developer, and astronomer. We wrapped up the week with our seventh and eighth graders, along with some sixth graders, meeting professionals from a variety of fields to learn about their work and career paths.

Our Student Council also kicked off their November food drive! Students are working toward a goal of nearly 700 donated items to earn a schoolwide dodgeball tournament. We look forward to seeing our school community come together to support others!

As Veterans Day approaches, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for their service, sacrifice, and dedication. We are grateful for the many ways you have served our country and supported those who serve.

Please watch for an email from us notifying you that report cards have been issued electronically today. You can also access your student’s report card by logging into PowerSchool. To view the report card, please make sure to use a web browser.

This year’s conferences will be student-led. Conferences will be held on November 19th between 5:30-8:00 p.m. and November 20th between 11:40 a.m-2:10 p.m. Your child will share their work, highlight their progress and strengths, and discuss goals for continued growth.

Please complete the Google Form by November 13, 2026 to select your preferred conference day and time. Your student’s team will email you to confirm your scheduled day and time.

Winter sports are coming soon! Douglas is excited to offer the following opportunities for our student-athletes:

• Boys Basketball: Varsity, JV, and Middle School (Teams TBD based on Registration)

• Girls Basketball: Varsity, JV, and Middle School (Teams TBD based on Registration)

• Cheerleading: Varsity and Middle School

• Indoor Track: Open to students in grades 7–12

• Male Ice Hockey: Varsity and JV through our co-op with Hopedale (7-8)

• Wrestling: Open to male and female athletes through our co-op with Northbridge (8-12)

• Girls Ice Hockey: Varsity through our co-op with Auburn (8-12)

Our Winter Sports Coaches’ Night will be held on November 10 at 6:00 PM at Douglas High School for all winter sports. Athletes and parents are encouraged to attend to meet the coaches and learn more about team expectations, practice schedules, and the upcoming season.

Please register through Arbiter using the link below as soon as possible. Early registration helps us determine participation numbers and which teams we will be able to run this winter.

Arbiter Registration: https://students.arbitersports.com/douglas-middle-high-school-athletics/douglas-high-school-and-middle-school-2026-2027-winter-athletic-registration

For all co-op sports, athletes must register through Douglas’s Arbiter registration page. However, the participation fee must be paid directly to the school hosting the co-op program. For Douglas Sports, it is highly recommended that the fee of $195 for middle school teams and $215 for high school teams be paid after tryouts but before the first competition of the season.

We encourage students to get involved, whether they are returning athletes or interested in trying something new. Please reach out to me with any questions.

Jarred Stand
Athletic Director

11/10- Coaches Night at 6:00pm @ DHS

11/11- NO SCHOOL- Veteran's Day

11/16-11/20- STAR Testing

11/19- Student Led Parent Conferences 5:30-8:30. 1/2 day for students (more info to come)

11/20- Student Led Parent Conferences 11:40-2:10. 1/2 day for students

11/25-1/2 day

11/26 11/27- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break

As we approach the colder and wetter months, we would like to remind families that Douglas Middle School doors open at 7:15 a.m. each morning.

Moving forward, we will no longer be opening the front lobby early for students to enter before the official start of the school day. Our lobby is a small space, and there is no staff supervision available in that area prior to 7:15 a.m.

With the colder temperatures and unpredictable weather approaching, we kindly ask that families plan student drop-offs for 7:15 a.m. or later to ensure students are not waiting outside in unfavorable weather conditions.

The safety and well-being of our students are always our top priorities, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supervised arrival process.

Thank you for your continued support!