DRRHS Falcon Flash

Dear DRRHS Families,

It was a great week returning from April break here on 2700 Regional Road. With the calendar turning to May there is a renewed sense of energy across campus as we begin the final stretch of the school year. As always, our Falcons wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. Here are a few highlights from the week:

• We are proud to share that the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has been awarded a $1.5 million Career & Technical Education Expansion Grant to launch and expand high-demand programs in Culinary Arts and Criminal Justice / Public Safety. This investment will support the development of a state-of-the-art CTE Hub, providing students with hands-on, career-connected learning experiences aligned to real-world opportunities and workforce needs. This is an exciting step forward in ensuring that every DR graduate has access to meaningful, career-focused pathways.

• Today we celebrated National Decision Day, recognizing our seniors and the exciting paths that lie ahead. Members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the gym this morning wearing gear that represents their post-secondary plans whether they be college, trade school, military service, or career. Following a full class photo, students gathered for smaller group pictures in front of the DR backdrop, capturing this milestone moment. As they take these next steps, our seniors embody the DRRHS Portrait of a Graduate, emerging as communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, and community-engaged individuals ready to shape their futures. This celebration marks a meaningful kickoff as we honor the Class of 2026 in the weeks ahead.

• Last night, our DRRHS Peer Leaders hosted their annual talent show, which was an outstanding display of the many talents our students bring to the stage. From start to finish, the performances highlighted the creativity, confidence, and spirit that make DRRHS such a special place. Congratulations to Maggie Noel and Lucas Rodrigues this year's winners.

As we move into the month of May, there is much to look forward to as we celebrate our seniors and continue a strong finish to the school year. Have a great weekend.

With Falcon Pride,
Dustin Demers – Principal DRRHS

The last day of school for students will be Friday, June 26th.

For clarity, the two early release days that will now be full school days are:

• Friday, June 26

May 1 - National Decision Day for Seniors

May 19 - Math MCAS

May 20 - Math MCAS

May 22 - Junior/Senior Prom

EVENTS IN JUNE

June 2 - Biology MCAS

June 3 - Biology MCAS

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 - SENIOR GRADUATION

June 19 - No School - Juneteenth

Last Day of School - Friday, June 26 - Full Day

Please see the final exam schedule below. Families should reach out to their child's assistant principal should they need to request the possibility of taking the exam during the make up week due to a conflict. All requests must be vetted by the administration. The exam make up days will be held on the last period of the June 25th exam day, June 26th during the school day, and June 29th, June 30th, and July 1st from 8am-12pm each day. If a student does not have permission from administration to take a make up exam they will receive a zero for the exam should they miss it.

We are excited to welcome Kevin Rosario to DRRHS on May 18th for a powerful and engaging presentation with our student body. Mr. Rosario is a nationally certified recovery coach, intervention professional, and founder of Addiction Consulting and Education Services (ACES), with over a decade of experience in the field. His presentations combine lived experience with evidence-based research to help students better understand the risks associated with substance use, the impact on the adolescent brain, and the importance of making informed, healthy decisions.

This interactive session will focus on building awareness, strengthening decision-making skills, and empowering our students to navigate real-world challenges with confidence. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring this important message to our school community. For more information on Mr. Rosario and his work, please visit www.addiction-education.com.

Dear Families,

We are excited to share a Family Culture Survey with you as part of our ongoing effort to build a welcoming and inclusive school community for all students and families.

Our school community is enriched by the many cultures, beliefs, languages, and traditions that families bring with them. This survey is designed to help us better understand and honor those experiences so we can continue to create a respectful and supportive learning environment.

The survey should take just a few minutes to complete. Your participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will be used only to support school programming, communication, and classroom practices. You may skip any question, and there are no right or wrong answers—we truly appreciate whatever you feel comfortable sharing.

Your voice is important to us, and we are grateful for your time and partnership.

Please access the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UOItI28VNag83r-M-zqvxVQJzhGAnmHFojMcg3cV3Lg/edit

Thank you for helping us learn more about our community.

Sincerely,
The D-R Arts & Cultural Vitality Committee

Congratulations to our DRRHS Theatre Company members who were winners of Thespy Awards this year:

Isabella Saumweber- Musical Theatre Solo, Acting Monologue
Grace Swicker- Musical Theatre Solo, Acting Monologue
Heidi Rodrigues-Contrasting Monologues
Kacie Arruda-Musical Theatre Solo
Aubrey Sylvia-Contrasting Monologues

This meeting will take place in the Media Center from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Don't forget to RSVP using the above QR Code.

Deadline to buy prom tickets is Wednesday, May 6th.

Subject: Technology Repair Fees

Dear Families,

We hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to maintaining our technology resources, we wanted to inform you about our updated repair fee structure. These fees help us cover the cost of repairs when school-issued devices are damaged due to misuse or carelessness. The fees are divided into three tiers, depending on the extent of the damage. These fees will appear on your child’s My School Bucks Account.

Level 1

Charger, Cover (top or bottom), Touchpad, etc.

$40

Level 2

Keyboard, Monitor

$75

Level 3

Total Loss/Replacement

$300

We encourage students to handle their devices with care to avoid any damage and the associated costs. If a device does require repair, the appropriate fee will be communicated to you along with the steps to resolve the issue.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support in keeping our technology in great condition! If you have any questions or concerns, please email the IT Department (emails are listed below).

cgeorge@drregional.org

lharwood@drregional.org

Please use this link to view the newsletter.

Please use the button below to access the monthly DR Wellness Newsletter

Please remember to create a ParentSquare account if you have not done so yet. Thank you!

Please note that the district wide cell phone/electronic device policy will be strictly enforced this year. Please review the policy:

District Electronic Device Policy

The term “electronic devices,” includes but is not limited to cell phones, iPads/tablets, laptops/computers (other than those issued by the District), electronic/smart devices, and headphones/airpods. The expectation is that these personal devices remain off and away during the school day. Staff may require students to store phones in a centralized location. The only exception is at the high school, where students are permitted to use their phones during transition time in the hallway between classes and during lunch. High school students are not allowed to use their phones during class time, or when out of the classroom during class time (i.e., bathroom breaks). Students remain solely responsible for any loss or damage to any electronic devices used or brought onto school property. Use of electronic devices at school are subject to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy and any applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to M.G.L. c. 272, sec. 99, which is sometimes known as the Massachusetts Wiretapping Law.

1. Warning

2. Office Detention

3. Office Detention/Confiscation of Phone for Day

4. Habitual: Parent Contact/Phone Turned in at the Beginning of the Day

*This goes for all technology*

7:00 - Doors open (breakfast available)

7:17 - First Period Begins

1:51 - Dismissal

A reminder that a student will be assigned Saturday School if they accrue 5 attendance points in a quarter.

• An unexcused absence (one not accompanied by a valid medical note) equals one attendance point.
• An unexcused tardy/dismissal equals an attendance half point.

A student's exemplary academic standing or disciplinary record have no bearing on the assignment of a Saturday School in the case of five or more attendance points being accrued over the course of one quarter of the school year.

First period begins at 7:17AM. Any student not in their classroom at 7:17 or later will be considered tardy for that day.

All Chromebooks should be charged and ready for each school day. Outside devices are not permitted, only school issued Chromebooks can be used at DRRHS during the school day.

The school has a limited number of loaner chromebooks and priority is to those students whose chromebooks are being fixed. Please remember that students should be bringing in fully charged chromebooks to school every day with charging cords.

If a Senior or Junior is planning on parking at school, they can purchase a sticker in the office. The cost to park at school is $60 for the year. At the start of Semester 2, parking will be $30 for the balance of the year. Parking forms are available in the office. Please be aware that students will not be able to go out to their cars during the school day. They must remember to have everything with them when they enter the building in the morning.

Please make sure you do not cut through the Faculty Parking Lot before or after school. The Faculty Parking Lot should not be used as a shortcut for safety reasons. Thank you!

Please click the button below to access our District Wide Student Handbook.

Medical Permission Forms are due to the nurse for all students. The form was emailed to families before the start of the school year. If you have not completed the form, please do so as soon as possible. Hard copies of the forms are available in the nurse's office or the high school main office.

Please use the button below to access an important letter from our school nurse.

Prior to April break, our juniors in Architecture + Civil Engineering (Engineering Design + Drafting III) were recognized in the DRip Café for their outstanding work designing layouts for our three new CTE spaces: Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, and Medical Assisting. Despite a challenging timeline, students rose to the occasion, delivering thoughtful designs and professional presentations to members of the district’s leadership team. Their work was subsequently submitted to DESE for approval, and we are excited to share that construction is now underway. This project is a powerful example of real-world, career-connected learning in action. These students should be extremely proud of their efforts, as they clearly demonstrated the qualities outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, serving as collaborators, critical thinkers, and community-engaged, future-ready learners.

Thinking about Spring? Our Carpentry students made adorable Log Cabin bird houses and are selling them for $20 (they are a lot bigger in person) Also some pretty neat Bat Houses to help keep them out of your attic $30. Call Tracy Dishon (508) 252-5025 extension 5604 to reserve yours.

Little Falcons Preschool has openings for next year. Our program features developmentally appropriate kindergarten readiness curriculum. Our EEC high school students help teach the class while earning their Certification giving our program a 2 to 1 ratio. We offer 2 sessions, AM and PM Monday through Friday following the school calendar. Call Tracy DIshon (508) 252-5025 extension 5604 for more information.

Earlier this month, counselors held an evening event for juniors and their families regarding Future Planning. Representatives from Stonehill College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and Worcester State University answered questions related to the admissions process. The presentation can be accessed below.

SENIORS

Seniors who have been accepted to college, please let Mrs. Shillan in guidance know. She will post it in on the window in guidance and have it announced during morning announcements if you choose.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Please check Naviance for available scholarships. The list of scholarships can also be found on the wall in guidance.

• Please review scholarships on Naviance: go to the top and select Colleges, then on the right column, select Scholarship search under scholarships.

• Read Criteria and make a list of all the ones you fit the criteria for and can apply.

• Visit Mrs. Shillan in guidance for any application that says, application in guidance. Otherwise, apply online.

• Explore CSF website for the application for local scholarships for DR students only. On the top right, click on Students and Parents to create an account. Instructions to complete the application are here. If you have questions about the application, please contact: KBELENGER@COMCAST.NET

Explore: Fastweb for national scholarships

Monday 4/27

• Baseball vs. GNBVT Loss 4-3
• Softball vs. GNBVT Win 4-3
• Girls Tennis vs. Wareham Win 4-1

Tuesday 4/28

• Boys Tennis vs. Bourne Loss 3-2
• Girls Tennis vs. Bourne Win 3-2
• Boys Volleyball vs. Argosy Charter Loss 3-2

Wednesday 4/29

• Boys Tennis vs. ORR Loss 4-1
• Softball vs. Bourne Win 16-1
• Baseball vs. Bourne 6-1
• Boys Lacrosse vs. Seekonk Win 7-6
• Boys Volleyball vs. Millis Loss 3-0

Thursday 4/30

• Boys Tennis vs. Apponequet Postponed to 5/4
• Girls Tennis vs. Apponequet Postponed to 5/18

Monday 5/4

• Boys Tennis vs. Apponequet (HOME) 3:30pm
• JV Softball vs. King Philip (Away) 3:45pm

Tuesday 5/5

• Girls Tennis vs. Seekonk (Away) 3:30pm
• Boys Tennis vs. Seekonk (HOME) 3:30pm
• Softball vs. Seekonk (Away) 3:45pm
• Girls JV Lacrosse vs. Seekonk (Away) 4:00pm
• Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Seekonk (Away) 5:30pm

Wednesday 5/6

• Track & Field vs. ORR (Away) 3:30pm
• Girls Tennis vs. Wareham (Away) 3:30pm
• Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. ORR (Away) 3:45pm
• Boys JV Lacrosse vs. ORR (Away) 5:00pm
• Baseball vs. Seekonk (HOME) 4:15pm
• Boys Volleyball vs. Barnstable (HOME) 5:00pm

Thursday 5/7

• Unified Track & Field Sectionals (at Durfee HS) 3:30pm
• Girls Tennis vs. Somerset-Berkley (Away) 3:30pm
• Softball vs. Somerset Berkley (Away) 3:45pm
• Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs. Somerset Berkley (HOME) 4:00pm
• JV Girls Lacrosse vs. Somerset Berkley (HOME) 5:30pm
• Boys Tennis vs. Somerset Berkley (HOME) 4:15pm
• Baseball vs. Somerset Berkley (HOME) 4:15pm

Friday 5/8

• Track & Field MSTCA Froshmore Meet (at Pemrboke HS) 4:00pm
• Boys JV Lacrosse vs. Seekonk (Away) 4:00pm
• Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Seekonk (Away) 5:30pm
• Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Case (Away) 4:00pm
• Girls JV Lacrosse vs. Case (Away) 5:30pm
• Boys Volleyball vs. Norton (Away) 5:00pm

Saturday 5/9

• Baseball vs. Nauset Senior Day (HOME) 12:00pm
• Softball vs. LaSalle (at Bryant University) 1:00pm

Throughout the season, you can find all DR athletic schedules on Arbiter Live.

For any questions or concerns regarding athletics and activities, please contact Matt McKinnon, Director of Athletics & Activities, at mmckinnon@drregional.org

Registration for our program is now open! Detailed program information is available on our website.

Programs for Students Entering Grades 6–9 (Fall 2026)

• CyberTank: Innovate, Defend, Pitch!

• CyberFlight: Taking Cyber Skills to New Heights!

• Forensics Institute of Bridgewater

Program for Students Entering Grades 10–12 (Fall 2026)

• The Human Body from a Medical Mindset

We look forward to another exciting summer of hands-on learning and exploration. Please visit our website for full program details, schedules, and registration information.