Derby High School News
October 2026
On October 9, Derby High School welcomed nearly 40 colleges, universities, technical schools, and military representatives for the annual College & Career Fair. Students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of post-secondary options, speak directly with admissions representatives, and learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and career pathways.
As part of the event, students completed career interest profiles and created college lists to plan for their futures. Students asked thoughtful questions to learn more about admissions, costs, academics, and campus life, including:
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Admissions & Costs: “What are your admission requirements?” “Which tests are required?” “What financial aid or scholarships are available?”
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Academic Environment: “How intense is the academic atmosphere?” “Are there honors programs or study abroad opportunities?” “What support services are available for students?”
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Campus & Students: “What is the campus like?” “What clubs, activities, and athletic teams are available?” “What do freshmen say about their first year?”
The event was planned by our College & Career Counseling Center: Mrs. Ostrosky, School Counselor; Mr. Nutcher, School Counselor; Mr. Maldonado, Administrative Assistant; and Ms. Hoffman, College & Career Paraeducator. Many thanks to Mr. Saccu and the Derby Youth Bureau for supporting the program with table rentals and providing lunch for our visiting representatives.
The College & Career Fair provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with representatives, ask important questions, and plan for their next steps after high school. It’s a key part of DHS’s commitment to preparing students for college, career, and life success.
By Keith Abes
I come from a place of beautiful beaches with golden sand
Where clear blue waters glistens that stretch towards the horizon.
I am from a place where green gorgeous land lays
Where winds blow softly through blades of grass
And how nature thrives everywhere around me.
I am from forest that constantly flourish,
Where its full of trees that tower over houses and flowers that bloom,
Where sounds of birds fill the quiet void.
I come from blazing sunny days
And where tropical rains bring life to my homeland.
I come from a culture rich of traditions,
Where you are constantly exposed to respect, kindness, and family.
I come from a place where meals are shared and celebrations are enjoyed,
Where stories gets passed down through generations.
I come from a place where peoples smiles linger even through difficult moments.
On October 13, 2026, Derby High School was proud to host representatives from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), including dozens of manufacturing professionals representing different areas of the industry. During the visit, DHS students showcased how they are developing the skills and knowledge to prepare for future careers in manufacturing in the Advanced Manufacturing program at DHS.
The Manufacturing program gives students the opportunity to earn college credits, industry-recognized credentials, and hands-on skills that can lead to high-paying, in-demand careers. Courses are taught right here at DHS by instructors from Housatonic Community College. Students earn credits towards high school graduation, and a transcript with up to 9 college courses.
The visit was a great opportunity to highlight our students’ talents, connect classroom learning with real-world careers, and showcase the exciting opportunities available through our Advanced Manufacturing program. Interested in learning more about the program? Reach out to the DHS Counseling Department or Mr. Abelli!
Derby High School was recently recognized in aCT Insider article for significant growth in its On-Track to Graduation rate, exceeding both pre-pandemic results and the state average! This indicator measures the percentage of 9th grade students who earned 6 credits or more during their freshman year to be on track to earning 25 credits needed for graduation.
This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire school community, especially the intentional supports in place to help our freshmen have a strong start to high school. A special shout-out to our Freshman Academy Team! Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to our students makes a real difference in helping our freshmen find their place, stay connected, and work toward graduation. See the link to the story below and learn more about this important work.
The 9th Annual Lip Sync Battle is set for Wednesday, November 4, 2026! Get ready for an unforgettable show with prizes—and bragging rights—up for grabs! Who will be crowned this year’s champions? Only time will tell! Now’s the time to gather your crew, pick your song, and start planning your performance. Check out our exciting trailer with past performances for some inspiration! (There's a special message hidden in the credits) We’re excited for a packed house to cheer on our entertainers—so mark your calendar, take the night off from work, and join us! Sign-ups close on Monday, November 2nd!
By: John Saccu
Youth vaping continues to be a growing concern for schools, families, and communities nationwide. In 2025, Playbl, a research and prevention organization that provides data-driven education programs in schools and communities, released the findings of a national survey examining how schools and health departments are responding to youth vaping.
The survey included more than 100 organizations across 29 states and aimed to better understand the scope of youth vaping and identify effective paths forward for education and prevention.
The findings highlight the seriousness of the issue:
- Nearly two-thirds of respondents identified youth vaping as a major public health crisis.
- Three-fourths reported observing physical, emotional, or academic harm among students linked to vaping.
- About half of respondents reported that students are vaping nicotine products, while nearly as many indicated that THC products are the most commonly vaped substances in their communities.
Respondents also identified key contributing factors such as peer pressure, social media influence, and parental behaviors, reinforcing that youth vaping is not just a school issue—it is a community-wide issue. The survey data further reveals that youth vaping is becoming increasingly complex, extending beyond nicotine to include cannabis and, in some cases, fentanyl. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive prevention and intervention strategies that address both youth behavior and the environmental factors influencing vaping.
More information about the survey and Playbl’s prevention efforts can be found at www.playbl.com.
Warning Signs to Watch For
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), if any of the following statements
are true for your child, it may be time to consider additional support or a change:
- I find myself reaching for my vape without thinking about it.
- I drop everything to go out and get a vape.
- I vape more before going into a situation where vaping is not allowed.
- When I have not been able to vape for a few hours, the craving becomes difficult to deal with.
Early awareness, open communication, and community-based prevention efforts are key to protecting the health and well-being of our youth. The Derby Youth Service Bureau encourages families to have open conversations about vaping and seek support when needed. Prevention starts with awareness and community partnership.
Derby Youth Service Bureau
Derby City Hall • 1 Elizabeth Street • Derby, CT 06418
(203) 736-1454
Have a great new school year!
We Are Here to Help
We are here for you if you need to help! The main office is open from 7:00 - 3:30 PM.
- Principal Mrs. Jennifer Olson jolson@derbyps.org
- Assistant Principal: Mr. Ray Coplin rcoplin@derbyps.org
- Special Education Supervisor: Mr. Mike Giordano, mgiordano@derbyps.org
- Freshman Academy Coordinator: Mrs. Carlin Ali cali@derbyps.org
- Admin Assistant: Mrs. Angela Lillemoe alillemoe@derbyps.org
- Guidance Administrative Asst: Ms. Jennylee Hoffman jehoffman@derbyps.org
- School Counselor: Mr. Brian Nutcher bnutcher@derbyps.org
- School Counselor: Mrs. Jennifer Ostrosky jostrosky@derbyps.org
- School Social Worker: Mrs. Nichole McKitty nmckitty@derbyps.org
- School Nurse: Mrs. Erin Gregoire, RN egregoire@derbyps.org
- Athletic Director: Ms. Jennifer Moffat jmoffat@derbyps.org
Contact Me
Principal
Derby High School
#GoBigRed!
Email: jolson@derbyps.org
Website: https://www.derbyps.org
Location: 75 Chatfield Street, Derby, CT, USA
Phone: 203-516-4073
Twitter: @DerbyRedRaider