The Weekly Update #8

Fall is in the air, and our students are in full gear with their learning! It has been wonderful to see our classrooms filled with energy, engagement, and a strong focus on learning as we continue to build momentum throughout the school year.

Our teachers are learning, too! Yesterday, we held a professional development day that provided valuable time for collaboration and planning with colleagues. We also participated in an executive functioning seminar, where we explored strategies to help students strengthen their ability to plan, initiate tasks, organize their work, and self-regulate. These skills are essential to student success, and we look forward to putting what we learned into practice to better support all of our learners.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

Concussion Procedure

Concussion season is upon us! Please take a moment to review our concussion policy, which can be found on pages 74–78 of the Student-Parent Handbook. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your attention and support in keeping our students safe!

Student Drop Off

When dropping off or picking up your student, please remember to wait in the designated area. Please do not wait/drop off across the way, as this creates a safety concern for our students and families.

MCAS Results

MCAS results were officially published by the Department of Education and are available on the Family Portal. If you would like a paper copy of your student’s results, please let us know, and we will be happy to provide one.

As you know DMS kicked off our Literature Circles last week! The whole community met in the auditorium, and every teacher/staff member and student was assigned a novel to read for October. We divided into small groups and read the first chapter as a group. All students should be reading between 20-30 minutes a day to complete the book.

Groups will be meeting on Friday, 10/23 for a midway check-in and will have our first group discussion on November 13th. This should give everyone time to complete the novels.

Why Reading Circles?

• To encourage students to read more.

• To allow students to discuss literature with others (MA ELA listening and speaking standards)

• SEL- builds community by interacting with others

• Discuss with other teachers and students what they are reading.

10/15 -Student(s) of the Quarter Breakfast

10/22- 8th grade Field Trip to Patriot Place @ Gillette Stadium

11/2-Picture retake

11/6- Report cards issued

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

11/20- Student Led Parent Conferences 12:30-3:00. 1/2 day for students

11/25-1/2 day

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