DMS Delivers

Dear DMS Families,

We look forward to welcoming our students back to DMS on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Please note that much of what is included in this newsletter is the same as last week. However, we added information at the top regarding lunch, busses, and student homerooms.

It was great to see all of our 5th grade and new students at orientation this week. Please feel free to reach out to the DMS Main Office if you have any questions prior to the first day. In addition, you should use this district calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in just over a week! Enjoy your final few days.

Best Regards,

Brianne Kelleher

Principal

Sean Kinney

Assistant Principal

It was brought to our attention that students were unable to access their homerooms via their schedule. Homerooms can be accessed under the details portion of your child's profile. Their homeroom is also typically their WIN class teacher. If they are unable to do so, we can help them locate their homeroom teacher on the first day.

Please use this link for DMS Bus Route information.

Please use this link for breakfast/lunch information from Whitsons.

Although all students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to apply for free and reduced lunch. Your application not only helps ensure continued support for our school community, but also opens up additional benefits and resources for both families and the district. Your participation is crucial in helping us provide the best possible services to all our students. You will find the packet attached to this email. If you need access to a paper copy, please reach out to the DMS Main Office. Thank you!

• August 26th: New Student Orientation- Grades 5-8
• August 29th: Student Schedules Available via Aspen Portal
• September 4th: First Day of School
• September 16th: DMS Instrument Rental Night
• September 25th: DMS Open House
• October 2nd: Early Release for Professional Development

Please find General Information for the start of school here, including school hours, summer reading expectations, DMS Staff contacts, directions for drop- off/pick- up, and other important details to help you as we begin to think about the start of school. In addition, grade level school supplies and further information on summer reading expectations can be found in the Summer Newsletter from DMS. If you have any questions, please reach out to the DMS Main Office.

As a reminder, schedules will be available as of Thursday, August 29th via the Aspen portal.

If you have questions regarding access to the portal, please reach out to the DMS Main Office.

Our amazingly supportive PTO will be looking for volunteers throughout the school year. If you will be interested in supporting the PTO through volunteering opportunities, please confirm that you have an up-to-date CORI on file at DRRSD Central Office. Unfortunately, we cannot accept volunteers until a CORI form is complete.

In addition, the PTO has a few board member openings. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please reach out to ptodighton@gmail.com.

This year, middle school students will be utilizing a trimester schedule, as opposed to quarters. Please see below for the trimester dates:

• Trimester I: 9/4/24 - 12/3/24
• Trimester II: 12/4/24 - 3/21/25
• Trimester III: 3/22/25 - 6/20/25

As we begin school, DMS staff will review emergency procedures with students, so that they are aware of how to respond in the event of emergency, including when a fire alarm sounds and we must evacuate the building. As a reminder to all families, a fire drill must be conducted within the first weeks of school as is required by Massachusetts state law.

Each week, we publish an update from the Principal's Office called "DMS Delivers." The newsletter comes out every Friday afternoon, and you will find updates from the week, as well as important dates and upcoming events at school.

In addition, grade level Team Leaders and individual classroom teachers will be utilizing the Google platform, or the Aspen portal, to communicate with students and families. If you need access to staff email addresses they can be found on our school website.

As we did last year, you will be able to complete some of the first day paperwork via your Aspen portal under PERMISSIONS. Please be sure to update the following permissions:

• Student Acceptable Use Policy
• Photo/Directory Release of Information
• Student Handbook Sign- off

• Technology Take- Home/Internet Permission

We are looking for TWO parent/guardian representatives to join our School Council. The School Council is comprised of both school and non-school members, and will work to incorporate our district's new Portrait of a Graduate and DRiving Towards 2030 Strategic Plan into our School Improvement Plan. School Council members meet once a month for one hour on a pre-determined date after school.

Please email Ms. Kelleher (bkelleher@drregional.org) if you would like to participate in this year-long project.