DHS Weekly Updates

In the black box at the top of the newsletter, select Translate Newsletter to pick the desired language.

• Portuguese: Na caixa preta na parte superior do boletim, selecione Traduzir Boletim informativo para escolher o idioma desejado.
• Spanish: En el cuadro de Negro en la parte superior del boletín de noticias, seleccione Traducir Boletín de escoger el idioma deseado.

• Vietnamese: Trong hộp đen ở đầu bản tin, chọn Dịch bản tin để chọn ngôn ngữ mong muốn

• Polish: W czarnym polu u góry biuletynu wybierz Przetłumacz biuletyn, aby wybrać żądany język

• Korean: 뉴스레터 상단의 검은색 상자에서 뉴스레터 번역을 선택하여 원하는 언어를 선택하세요.

• Chinese: 在新闻通讯顶部的黑框中，选择“翻译新闻通讯”以选择所需的语言。

• Arabic: في المربع الأسود الموجود أعلى النشرة الإخبارية، حدد ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية لاختيار اللغة

To our DHS community,

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Curriculum Night! We appreciate you coming out, and if you were unable to make it, please feel free to reach out to your student’s teachers to ask questions. I mentioned to the audience that evening—and want to remind everyone—that when your student says they “need their phone,” we have proven that they do not.

Our bell-to-bell cell phone policy has been remarkable, and we applaud our students for adapting so well. We now see more students talking face-to-face, more heads up in the hallways, and far more laughter than we have seen in a long time. Students are collectively more engaged, and classroom instruction has become uninterrupted. Thank you for your continued support with this effort.

It is hard to believe it is already October! Along with the Patriots ,who just finished off a great win vs the Bills, our DHS teams—Football is undefeated and ranked 1st in the opening D4 poll, Volleyball is already 9-2 after winning 4 games last year, Girls Soccer continues to roll towards another tournament , Golf is preparing for sectionals with one more win, Field Hockey is making the tournament as they continue their winning ways after not making the playoffs last year, Cross Country is improving its times weekly as their sectionals are coming close, and Cheer is ready to win NEC's. The Director of Mamma Mia! selected its cast and ensemble, our Math Team held its first competition and had a great showing, Marching Band and Color Guard performed wonderfully yesterday in North Reading and our Activities Fair was a huge success. We continue to encourage your student to get involved in an activity here at DHS or within the greater community as the habits of mind that are developed along with relationships built are invaluable.

Our thoughts are with the Marblehead Community as they mourn the loss of a life taken too early. We have offered them support, and we will do whatever we can to support to our student-athletes who knew Owen Coyne and any of our students and staff who are struggling with the reminder of losing someone.This tragedy is yet another reminder of living life with joy, without holding on to things that really do not matter and to embrace both the small and large things( and people) that come across our lives each day.

Many years ago I attended a funeral service in Hartford,CT when a student whom I had in class and playe d in our program also lost his life far too early. The Baptist minister said something that has stood with me all these years later. He said "all loss, especially early in their years is a tragedy, but if we do not live our lives moving with the grace, love and lessons that the departed gave us and we discuss, then their loss is also a waste and that is unforgivable. Allow them to live through you by being kind, making others better and bringing joy to the world".Certainly powerful and thought provoking.

Choosing where we place our attention isn't just an internal exercise—it directly shapes our own approach to life and even the culture of our entire school. It is all too easy to let a single stressful moment, a minor misunderstanding, or a frustrating interaction become the "red dot" that defines an entire day. But when we make a conscious choice to lead with patience, assume good intentions, and speak with kindness, we create an environment where our young people can flourish. Our students learn how to navigate the world by watching how we respond to its challenges, and every day, the enthusiasm of our student body and our wonderful staff serves as a powerful reminder of what makes DHS such a special learning community.

The following story, should you choose to, is a gentle reminder that we must strive to live in peace and focus our energy on the full page rather than getting distracted by "the little dot":

The Red Dot Story

Reading this story serves as a reminder that while we cannot always control what happens or how others act, we have full control over how we react and let it affect our lives. We can choose to see the glass as half full or half empty. No matter how much we analyze the past, we cannot change it; what we can change is the narrative we apply to our present and our future. Holding on to negativity and anger only creates more negativity and anger. How we discuss the past is a direct reflection of who we are today.Every student in that class focused on the red dot—and the exact same thing happens in our lives. We too often focus on the red dots: the stress, the daily frustrations, the disappointments, or the hardships. But the red dots are small compared to the vastness of the page. We at times must take our eyes off the red dots, enjoy each of our blessings, cherish the small and grand moments, and live a life filled with love, gratitude, and no regrets.

Every day, I am reminded of how fortunate we are. Life is beautiful, and we are blessed to have a community that overwhelmingly supports our schools, allowing our students to truly thrive. I see this dedication across every corner of our district—from our Assistant Principals, Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff to our Directors of Curriculum, Special Education, and Athletics. I see it in our Counselors, Nurses, Coaches, Advisors, IAs, BTs, Library and IT staff, SRO, School Psychologist, BCBAs, OT and Speech Therapists, DPW, Food Service Staff, Central Office Administration, School Committee, Town Hall officials, First Responders, and local Business Partners.

Each of these individuals shows up every day—despite whatever personal "dots" they may carry—to provide our students with opportunities to grow, blossom, and find their path. I am deeply grateful for the collective effort to see the positives, embrace the joy, and work together on the things within our control.

As we move through this week together, let us hold onto this perspective—let us honor those we have lost in two ways- by learning from the lessons they taught us and implementing them into our daily lives and by embracing the wonderful things that surround us by living fully, appreciating one another, and focusing on the beauty that fills "the rest of the page" not simply complaining about the dots that annoy us.

Warm regards,

Alan

Alan Strauss, Principal

Freshman Seminar is your chance to start high school with intention, and make an impact along the way. This semester-long course invites students to explore three essential questions: Who am I? What am I interested in? And how do I get there?

Through hands-on activities, conversations, and experiences across Danvers High School, students will discover their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop the skills they need to thrive in high school. Along the way, they’ll learn how to stay organized, advocate for themselves, build connections, and understand the impact they can have on their own high school experience.

Most importantly, students will begin to figure out what excites them and where they want to go next. By connecting with teachers, counselors, staff, and other members of the Danvers High School community, students will explore the many pathways, programs, and possibilities available to them, and begin discovering how they can make an impact at Danvers High School and beyond.

Dear Students and Families,

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we want to make sure all students and families have access to the important policies, procedures, and expectations that guide our school community.

Please take some time to review the DHS handbook:

Danvers High School Supplemental Student Handbook
https://danverspublicschools.org/dhs/danvers-high-school-supplemental-handbook-26-27/

The handbooks include important information regarding attendance, academics, student behavior, technology, school procedures, and other expectations for students at Danvers High School.

We encourage families to review the handbook together and discuss the expectations with their students. Having a shared understanding of these policies helps us work together to create a safe, respectful, and successful learning environment for everyone.

Action Required: Acknowledgment Form

After reviewing Danvers High School Supplemental Handbook with your child, please complete the online acknowledgment form linked below:

👉https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpz7T9Z_fO0ordKsEAoVIyoQAzhLTLGPd7B7rPoLc_kRTQdA/viewform?usp=header

By submitting this form, you confirm that your family has received, read, and understood the policies outlined in the handbook.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Danvers High School.

DHS has partnered with the local charity, Grateful Friends, on an initiative meant to bring awareness to cancer and raise funds for the charity. For context, Grateful Friends specializes in helping patients with Cancer; this includes, but is not limited to, helping pay utility bills and sending personalized gift baskets, with the overall goal to bring a smile to patients and relieve financial stress.

On Thursday, October 22nd, Grateful Friends wants to see DHS and the other respective districts across the Northshore do a full on “pink out” - with students showing up to school wearing pink shirts. The shirts will be made by Grateful Friends, and available for sale online and at different school events. Students will be able to purchase a shirt at a discounted $15.00, while families can purchase a shirt for $25.00. With the charity being a completely voluntary foundation, the proceeds will go back to the charity and be used to help out cancer patients. Be on the lookout for more information, and help DHS go pink for cancer awareness!

Last year, many of you attended the community Unified Basketball game, and the IMPACT was resounding- for staff, students, and families! This year, the game is on October 6th at 4 p.m. at the DHS Fieldhouse. We invite you to attend as we aim to set a MA record with 1050 attendees. The theme this year is IMPACT and following the game in the atrium and cafeteria will be community dinner for SEPAC families- child care will be available!

We look forward to seeing as many of you and your families as we can on Tuesday.

Have a fantastic year, and thank you for all you do every day - it matters, and your impact is monumental!

Friday, October 23rd: College & Career Day, Grade 10/11 PSATs (More information below): All 10th and 11th grade students are pre-registered for the test as this is important practice for the SAT. The cost is $25.00. Any student seeking financial assistance should complete the fee waiver process through powerschool. Payments for the test can be made via efunds through the DHS website. The payment deadline for the October 23rd, 2026 PSAT is Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

College and Career Day Information: Friday, 10/23/26

DHS is pleased to hold its annual College & Career Day on Friday, October 23rd, for students in all grades to participate in activities to inform and support them around post-secondary planning. Students will participate in the following activities by grade. For grades 9-11, activities will run for the first half of the day from 7:30am-10:44am and students will attend their typical classes for the last half of the day. Seniors will depart from DHS at 8:30am and will return at 1:00pm. Please see longer grade specific descriptions below:

• Grade 9: Starting My Career and Academic Plan, Introduction to SMART Goals, and Community Building

• Grade 10: PSAT/NMSQT®

• Grade 11: PSAT/NMSQT®

• Grade 12: College Field Trips (Participate in group field trips with DHS or plan for an individual school visit in advance)

Grade 9

Grade 9 students will participate in a variety of activities to continue to acclimate themselves as members of the DHS community and to engage in lessons and discussions around support their learning and thinking about post-secondary options. Planned activities include:

• Community building activities

• My Career and Academic Plan lessons

• Introduction to SMART Goals and executive function skills

• Contributing to a Sense of Belonging at DHS through Student Leadership

Grades 10 & 11

The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam. You can only take the PSAT once per year, and students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. We are pleased to offer the PSATs to 10th and 11th graders this year on Thursday, October 23rd. All 10th and 11th grade students are pre-registered for the test as this is important practice for the SAT. The cost is $25.00. Any student seeking financial assistance should complete the fee waiver process through powerschool. Payments for the test can be made via efunds through the DHS website. The payment deadline for the October 23rd, 2026 PSAT is Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The PSAT exam will be 2 hours in length and will be completely digital. Students should plan to bring their fully charged devices with them on the morning of October 23rd and report to their Community Block room for the exam administration.

Grade 12

On this day, Grade 12 students will be able to participate in DHS organized group field trips to local colleges and universities or individually plan a visit of their own. We are finalizing the schools that we will be visiting and communicate to seniors what the options will be. During an upcoming Community Block, students will be given a survey to prioritize their first, second, and third choice. We will do our best to accommodate all students’ top requests, but space will be limited to each school, and we may default to the second and third choice as needed on a first come first serve basis.

Alternatively, if you and your student would like to visit a college or university other than these three that DHS will be attending, feel free to do that individually. Please have your student contact and coordinate with their guidance counselor that they will be visiting so that they can be marked appropriately for attendance on this day as an excused absence.

We look forward to partnering with our students to support them in their future planning. Please reach out to DHS administration or your student’s guidance counselor if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

DHS Administration

Hello Families!

We are thrilled to announce that Polished Dental will be visiting your child's school this year. This program provides vital preventive dental care, and Danvers Public Schools is proud to support it. Students who regularly see their own dentist are still eligible to participate.

Please click here for details:

Parents and Guardians who are dropping off students between 7:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. should use the A-Wing drop off area marked with STUDENT DROP OFF AREA signs or the Cabot Street drop off area marked with STUDENT DROP OFF AREA signs. In order to promote increased safety, please DO NOT try to drop off students in the main entrance circle area or in the auditorium parking area when dropping off in the morning between 7:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M.

College Application Process: Important Events Coming up!

College Family Night, Class of 2027- 6pm Wednesday October 7th, DHS Auditorium

Please join us in the DHS auditorium on Wednesday October 7th at 6pm for College Family Night. The school counselors will go over details of the college application process and answer general questions. Slides and notes will be shared via email afterwards. This is open to class of 2027 parents/guardians AND students.

First Generation College Application Support Student Group

First generation, as defined by most colleges, refers to students whose parents / guardians did not graduate from a 4 year college or university in the United States. If that sounds like your student, we encourage them to join our college application support group. Email dhsschoolcounseling@danvers.org to join!

College Visits

Representatives from over 50 colleges will visit Danvers High School and host small group information sessions. These are the same admissions staff who will be reading applications from DHS students. This is a great opportunity to make a connection with a school, ask questions directly to an admissions counselor, and learn more about a potential college. You can review the college visit schedule here. Please sign up on Naviance! Sign in with your Danvers Google account, go to the homepage select > colleges then > college visits.

College Day Visits – October 23

Save the date! On October 23, seniors will not have classes and therefore will participate in College Day Visits. Seniors will be asked to complete a survey ahead of time to let us know which visit they are interested in participating in. School counselors will be scheduling a few college visit options with school bus transportation provided, but if students prefer to go on their own college visit that they choose and schedule themself they can do so with a college visit permission slip. More info to come!

Thank you for Attending Financial Aid Night

Thank you for attending Financial Aid Night. Please complete the Feedback Survey. The flyers and slides are linked here. To begin working with them visit our landing page and complete the family registration form: https://collegeaffordable.org/danvershs/

The program includes workshops, access to webinars, self help tools and 1×1 expert help from their team of Financial Aid Counselors. You can schedule 1×1 virtual meetings with them through this landing page, email them at financialaid@collegeaffordable.org and call/text them as well at 781-343-1941.

Please see here for all things Athletics!

Please see below for important updates regarding the performing arts at DHS.

• MAMMA MIA CAST REHEARSALS: Mamma Mia has started rehearsals. The live rehearsal schedule can be found on google classroom, and is visible to families on the DHS Fall Musical Webpage. The crew meeting schedule can also be found on the website and google classroom for students.

• CONGRATS TO MARCHING BAND!: Congrats to the Marching Band for its performance at its first NESBA show in North Reading on Saturday! Shout out to Ms. Brouse, the staff, and students for their preparation from band camp until now, and best of luck with the remaining NESBA shows and football games this fall.

Questions?

Director of Fine Arts, Alex Grover

alexandergrover@danvers.org

Get Involved with SADD!

Does your student want to make a positive difference at Danvers High School and in our community? Encourage them to check out SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)! SADD is a student-led club focused on preventing substance use and underage drinking, promoting safe and responsible driving, and raising awareness around mental health, teen violence, and suicide prevention. SADD gives students an opportunity to make a positive impact, look out for one another, and make a positive difference at DHS.

The first meeting will be Tuesday, September 22nd at 2:00 PM in Ms. O’Neill’s room. New members are welcome, and returning members are encouraged to attend. Students who are unable to attend the first meeting can still get involved by helping with the Activities Fair on September 28th and 30th.

Parents and guardians: Please take a moment to talk with your student about SADD and encourage them to learn more and get involved!

Please see here for important dates at DHS

Below please find links to important forms and information. These are located on our website but hope this may assist you in locating them quickly.

AP Summer Work Codes

Cell Phone Policy

Connect with DPS

Falcon's Nest

Food Services

Health Services

Parent Powerschool Portal

SEPAC

Student Enrollment

School Choice

Summer Reading

Work Permits