As we prepare to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week next week, I would like to express my deep respect and appreciation for the faculty and staff at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. When students from Dighton and Rehoboth enter our doors each morning they join a supportive community of caring adults who are excited to engage them in experiences that will spark their intellectual, creative, and social growth. This work requires the intention and commitment to reach and teach every student, and then it takes endless immersion in the work. To all of our faculty and staff giving of themselves every day...a thank you is not enough, but I hope it is deeply felt.

If you have been waiting to thank a teacher, please take time to share your appreciation. It may feel insufficient for all they do for our young people, but it will mean more than any other gift.

Sincerely,

Gail DeCecco, Principal

Donald Izzo, Assistant Principal for Grades 10 & 12

Ai-Ling Chang, Assistant Principal for Grades 9 & 11

John Herald, CTE Director

Doug Kelley, Dean of Activities and Athletics

Please follow the directions provided here.

If you have ever wanted to travel to some of the most popular destinations in Europe, here is your chance. Not only will you be able to see the iconic sites like; Buckingham Palace, the Towers of London and Eiffel, Louvre museum, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and Roman Forum; but you will also walk through the streets of Pompeii like an ancient Roman, take a walking tour of food in Milan, and marvel at the crown jewels of the British monarchy. Please come to an informational meeting to find out more about this amazing trip on Wednesday, May 24, in the media center and by Google Meet! Here is the reservation code: https://bit.ly/3NLzzO2. Those folks that have already signed up for this tour do not need to attend but are always welcome. We will have more information on the itinerary, what’s included, payment plans, scholarship opportunity, and support and safety. If you have any other questions feel free to contact Mrs. Holly Loell or Mrs.Nurys Keane. Don’t miss out on this great experience where students will explore these cities in one fell swoop and connect their histories and cultures, gaining worldly perspectives to draw on for the rest of their lives.

There have been some exciting developments in the Latin classes here at the high school this year. Among the highlights are the National Latin Exam awards, an authentic Roman banquet, a field trip to New York City, a study of art from the Aeneid, a comparison of myth and film, and an exploration of the impact of Latin language and ancient Roman culture on our government, the English language, and modern society.

Notably, ten students received awards after taking the National Latin Exam, which is administered to over 100,000 students worldwide each year. The following DR students were recognized:

Cum Laude: Nathaniel Wheeler, Isabelle Williamson

Magna Cum Laude: Benjamin Darling, Jane Kostka, Emma Bonin, Julia McDonough, Hayden Bessette

Silver Medal Maxima Cum Laude: Maryeileen Kelleher, Kate Lewandowski

Gold Maxima Cum Laude: Hannah Carvalho

It's worth noting that Hayden, Kate, and Nathaniel are among the top five students in their graduating class this year.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Latin class is the study of mythology and how films like Disney's Hercules and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief have either remained faithful to the original stories or adapted them for modern audiences. Maryeileen Kelleher said, "Watching the movies was great, but it was also fascinating to learn about how the myths have evolved over time into the stories we know today."

Like many other world language classes, the Latin students learned about ancient Roman holidays. One particularly interesting example is Saturnalia, which was later adapted by early Christians into Christmas. The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia by exchanging gifts, lighting candles, gambling, and even allowing slaves to swap places with their masters and enjoy a night off. As in previous years, the Latin I class held a Roman banquet or Cena, where students dined al fresco on a variety of foods, including meats, cheeses, veggies, olives, cheese cake, and fruits.

Latin students from grades 9-12, including those in Latin I, II, III, and Advanced Placement, visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on March 31. In addition to touring the Greek and Roman galleries, the students also had the opportunity to find mythological subjects in other parts of the museum and in modern works at the Museum of Modern Art. The Advanced Placement class even had the chance to analyze works of art based on the Aeneid and present their findings to the class. River DeCoste remarked, "We got to choose our favorite paintings from the story and research them further. It was really interesting to incorporate art history into our studies."

To help cover the cost of the field trip, Mrs. Loell secured grants from the Dighton and Rehoboth Cultural Councils.

All in all, Latin has had an excellent year, or as they say, an "annus optimus".

Our students have completed week 1 of AP exams; next week continues Monday-Wednesday. Get a good night's sleep!

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) focuses on prevention, early detection, risk assessment, brief counseling and referral for assessment that can be utilized in the school setting. Pleas select the link to learn more about the SBIRT. Parents and guardians will receive a letter prior to the screening. Students may opt-out; no documentation required.

May 15th - Blood Drive (rescheduled date) in the Small Gym. All students will have an e-hallpass and I will send names of students in a google doc prior to the event. Finalized logistics will be in a separate email.

The 10th graders are preparing for their MCAS math assessment. If you have questions about MCAS, please visit our MCAS link on our school website.

Here's a link to this year's summer reading lists. You can also find the high school summer assignments on our website.

We are excited to offer several hands-on CTE camps this year! Take a look at the flyer for details.

This will be benefiting the Rehoboth Pet Pantry, a Girl Scout Silver Award Project where you can take and leave pet supplies outside of the Rehoboth Animal Shelter. The cost of this event is only a donation for the pantry, pet food, toys, leashes, collars, really anything! Water will be free, but a dollar donation is appreciated. Here's the registration link.

SEPAC flyer linked here.

All of our games are scheduled on Arbiter Sports. You can search game schedules on ArbiterLive.com. Our student-athletes appreciate your support.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of joining our substitute teacher pool.