DHS February Newsletter
Principal's Message
We have officially crossed the finish line of Semester 1! I want to congratulate every student on their hard work, resilience, and the progress made since September. Whether students crushed their goals or faced a few hurdles, remember: the scoreboard has reset. The start of Semester 2 isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a fresh start. It’s the perfect time for students to sharpen their focus, join the club they've been eyeing, or push their GPA to new heights.
Chronic Absenteeism Goal Update
As of January 30, our chronic absenteeism rate stands at 10.4%, slightly above our goal of remaining under 10%. This increase is not unexpected given the rise in seasonal illnesses during the winter months. As we begin MP3, we are optimistic about getting back on track and continuing our progress. We truly value our partnership with families as we work together to help students build strong attendance habits that will support their success in high school and beyond.
Let's bring that signature Husky energy into our classrooms and finish the year stronger than we started.
With Husky Pride,
Mr. Andrew Garcia
We are thrilled to celebrate two outstanding individuals who embody leadership, curiosity, and hard work. Please join us in congratulating our latest Students of the Month Gavin and Nikolin.
Gavin is a standout student recognized for his positive and hardworking attitude, both in and out of the classroom. Whether he’s tackling a tough assignment or supporting his classmates, Gavin is always the first to lend a hand. His commitment to bettering himself and his community makes him a true role model for his peers.
Nikolin is a deeply driven and motivated student who consistently looks for ways to apply his knowledge to the real world. His natural curiosity for math and science is a powerful asset, and we have no doubt this passion will lead to incredible success as he embarks on his next journey at college.
Regional STEAM Tank Competition
We’re proud to celebrate Laila and Michaela have advanced to the 2026 Regional STEAM Tank Competition! Their innovative invention, The Copper Case, tackles an everyday issue many of us don’t think about—extended exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by our cell phones. As Regional Qualifiers, these students will now work alongside industry experts to refine their idea and explore how to bring The Copper Case to a store near you. An outstanding example of creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application of STEAM learning!
Competitive Acting
Our Competitive Acting Team made an outstanding showing this past weekend at the 2026 New Jersey Thespian Festival. Competing against 1,600 of the state's most talented high school theatre students, our troupe showcased exceptional skill, versatility, and dedication, bringing home prestigious "Superior" ratings in multiple categories. A Superior rating is the highest honor adjudicated at the festival, signifying work that exceeds standard high school performance levels and demonstrates near-professional execution
Adriana E.: Superior Rating in two distinct categories
SO Night
Our annual SO Night was another resounding success, bringing together students, faculty, and families for an evening that truly celebrated the talents within our school community. From music and performance to creative showcases, it was inspiring to see our students and staff shine, support one another, and share their passions. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended—events like this highlight the vibrant spirit and creativity that make our school so special.
🥉DHS Earns AP Honor Roll Recognition
We are proud to share that DHS has earned a Bronze distinction on the AP School Honor Roll, which recognizes schools that deliver strong AP outcomes while expanding access and opportunity for students. This honor reflects our commitment to building a college-going culture, increasing college readiness, and providing meaningful opportunities to earn college credit. Notably, 48% of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP exam during their high school career, and 41% earned college credit by scoring a 3 or higher—an achievement that speaks to the hard work of our students and staff.
🐾 Husky Pride: January Student Recognition
What a fantastic start to the year at DHS! This month, we are howling with pride as close to 50 incredible students were "caught doing something good" and were nominated for our January student recognition program. To celebrate these PAWsitive contributions to our school culture, we drew five lucky names from our historic Husky Bin to receive Husky Gear as a token of our appreciation. Huge congratulations to Isabel Posada, Riley Fletcher, Chayse Sampson, Cameron Lotmore, and Rocco Monica for leading by example and making a lasting impact on our pack. Keep up the great work, Huskies—your kindness and integrity are what make our school community truly special!
Valentines for Veterans
Members from various student organizations teamed up for the NJ Fifth District Annual Valentines for Veterans program. It was a true school-wide effort to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country. 🇺🇸
Pictured above is Ms. Meckert’s Robotics crew taking a break from the bots to put their skills toward some heartfelt, handmade cards!
It is an honor for the Husky family to recognize the veterans in our community who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom and values. We are so proud of our students for leading with their hearts!