DMS Delivers

Dear DMS Families,

As we move into next week, we wish all DMS families a restful and relaxing February break. It is hard to believe that Spring will be right around the corner when we return on Monday, February 24th.

Please don't forget to order your child a t-shirt for the PTO sponsored Color Run this Spring, as well as a DMS Yearbook if you choose. Details for both can be found below.

You will also find the DMS School Report Card, information on signing up for baseball/softball, the March PTO Newsletter, and repeat information on volunteering for our Spring Career Day, as well as the February Wellness Newsletter, and various fliers from the community.

Have a great weekend!

• February 17th- 21st: February Vacation
• February 24th: School Resumes
• February 25th: School Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• March 3rd: SEPAC Meeting
• March 5th: PTO Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
• March 7th: Spring School Photos
• March 11th: School Committee Meeting
• March 21st: Trimester II Ends
• March 25th: Trimester II Report Cards
• March 25th: School Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Please see the sign- up links below for Baseball and Softball for grades 6-8 students. All students must sign up in advance of tryouts, which begin on 3/10. More information regarding tryouts will be shared as we get closer.

Softball Sign- up

Baseball Sign- up

Our district received some positive coverage in this week’s Boston Globe regarding our approach to advanced coursework. The article (CLICK HERE) alludes to how DRiving Toward 2030 facilitates how we are shaping a culture of excellence and recognizes our commitment to meeting students where they are while providing opportunities for academic growth and success. Our district is mentioned near the end, highlighted in green.

Our expanded advanced math offerings in Grades 7 and 8 have been well-received by our students and families. This initiative is not only helping our college-bound students position themselves more competitively but also empowers our dedicated teachers to more effectively differentiate instruction, close learning gaps, and support individual skill development for all students.

We are also pleased that the Globe highlighted our Grade 8 Algebra pilot at DRRHS this coming September.

In an era where many districts are reducing ability grouping, our structured approach ensures that we ignite the learning of students of all readiness and help them receive the appropriate challenge and support they need to thrive. The article underscores the importance of this work and reflects positively on our district's commitment to both academic excellence and instructional effectiveness.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires districts to annually distribute school report cards to the families of all students enrolled in each of the district’s schools, regardless of the school’s Title I status or accountability determination. Report cards must include assessment and accountability results, teacher qualifications, and other information related to district and school performance.

Please find the DMS School Report Card letter here.

Attention all 7th and 8th grade families: DRRHS will be offering Track and Field to any 7th or 8th grade students who are interested. Please find further information below:

• Practices will start on Monday 3/17, with meets starting in early April
• Families can register via Family ID
• You will need to first create an account if you have never registered before, THEN sign your child up for spring track.
• You should not pay the user fee until the season starts so you can ensure your child will participate the full season
• There is no cap or limit on the amount of students, and there will not be cuts made
• A bus going from DMS to DRRHS can transport students- it is bus D02
• Students participating will take this bus after school, but will need to get picked up at the high school after practice.

Further information can be found towards the bottom of this newsletter regarding the ordering of a DMS Yearbook! An informational email was also sent home last week.

This Spring, the Dighton PTO will host our annual Color Run. Please use this link to order your child a t- shirt for the event.

Are you interested in spending a morning or an afternoon speaking with students about the different aspects of your vocation? Dighton Middle School is currently looking for volunteers to visit our school to share their career choices with our students.

Our Career Days will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 5th this year. More information can be found in this SIGN-UP FORM.

Please feel free to share the link with family, friends, relatives, etc. who might be interested in presenting. If you have any questions at all, please contact Aaron Andrade, DMS School Counselor, at aandrade@drregional.org or (508) 669-4200 ext. 2305.

Please be aware that there is limited availability. If you are interested in signing up, we recommend that you do so as soon as possible.

Please see below for grade level testing dates at DMS. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the DMS Main Office.

ELA

• Grade 5: 3/26 and 3/27
• Grade 7/8: 3/31 and 4/1
• Grade 6: 4/8 and 4/9

STE

• Grade 8: 4/29 and 4/30
• Grade 5: 5/1 and 5/2

Math

• Grade 7/8: 5/6 and 5/7
• Grade 5: 5/13 and 5/14
• Grade 6: 5/15 and 5/16

Civics

• Grade 8: 5/20 and 5/21

Dear DR Families,

As you may know, Massachusetts now provides free breakfast and lunch for all students across the Commonwealth!

We are encouraging families who may have qualified for the National Free & Reduced School Lunch Program in the past to complete the online application. This helps determine eligibility and ensures that we can continue to offer reduced or waived fees for various programs and activities. When completing the application, please remember to include consent for sharing your status with relevant departments and programs.

Without this qualification and your consent, we will be unable to provide reduced or waived fees.

Thank you for your cooperation!

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. This will go into effect on October 28, 2024. 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:

• 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!

In addition, if your child needs Chromebook repairs, you will receive an email directly from mySchoolBucks regarding payment.