Derby High School News

The Class of 2027 gathered early in the morning on September 4 with a special "Dress Down Day" to take part in Senior Sunrise, a tradition that was started by the Class of 2024. As the sun came up, seniors came together to celebrate the start of their final year at Derby High School. Senior Sunrise is more than just an early morning gathering. It’s a chance for students to reflect on how far they’ve come, share excitement for the year ahead, and build lasting memories with their classmates. The event highlights the importance of unity, school spirit, and celebrating milestones together.

As the tradition continues, each graduating class will have the opportunity to begin their year watching the sunrise and end it with a Senior Sunset in the spring, bookending their final year of high school with moments of community and celebration. Many thanks to our Senior Class Advisors, Signor Sigona & Mr. Ruel for hosting!

No matter how many years go by, every educator can remember their first classroom, their first group of students, and that unforgettable "First Day of School" at a new school. These moments mark the beginning of a journey that shapes both students and staff alike.

This year, Derby High School is thrilled to welcome a talented group of new educators and staff members to our school community. Whether they’re just beginning their careers or continuing their path in a new role, they are now part of a dynamic and close-knit community. They have an exciting year ahead full of learning, growth, and opportunity, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them join us.

Please join us in giving a warm Derby welcome to:

• Kami Merithew– Transition Teacher

• Maria Bowers– Transition Job Coach

• Charlie Wall– Special Education Teacher

• Caroline Ceppetelli– Comprehensive Learning Center (Welcome Back to DHS!)

• Tanner Sorracin- PE Teacher

• Sarah Jadach – Paraeducator

• Officer Kowalec – School Resource Officer (SRO)

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Derby Public Schools, you can click here to view open positions in the district: https://www.applitrack.com/derbyps/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=

The first WRBR News broadcast is here! Mr. Hogan's Video Production class is back in the studio & already giving us a glimpse of the great work they'll be up to in class this year. Check out what everyone did this summer....

On Thursday, September 10, Derby High School celebrated the accomplishments of our AP students at our AP Honor Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony recognized students who completed an AP course during the 2025–26 school year, those who earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, and students who were designated as AP Scholars by the College Board.

DHS is committed to providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves and prepare for life after high school. Our AP program has grown significantly, expanding from just 5 courses five years ago to 12 AP courses across English, mathematics, science, history and social studies, and the visual and performing arts. But AP is about more than a course or an exam.

In 2026, 72 DHS students took 122 AP exams, with 47 students earning a 3 or higher on at least one exam. Overall, 65.28% of AP students earned a 3+, up from 53.85% in 2025. Students earned 41 scores of 3, 26 scores of 4, and 3 scores of 5.

These results represent the potential equivalent of 210 college credits and approximately $134,820 in potential college tuition savings, based on Connecticut in-state tuition rates. (In-State Undergraduate, Part-Time) $642 per credit

AP Scholars:

We are incredibly proud of our students for taking on the challenge of college-level coursework and demonstrating the persistence, confidence, and determination needed to succeed. Their achievements reflect the strength of our students, teachers, and entire DHS community. Please see the slide presentation below.

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is back hosting a tee-shirt design contest for this year's Breast Cancer Awareness month. To submit a design, use the link for custom ink or use a computer program like Paint/Canva. Submit the design to Mr. Swierbitowicz at roswierbitowicz@derbyps.org

The design must be submitted by Tuesday 9/15 by 2PM. We will have a school wide vote to determine the winner of the contest. The winning design will be used for this year's tee-shirt, and you will receive a free tee-shirt! (Last year's winning design (by Brianna Hubbard '26) is pictured above. Ordering will commence after voting is complete. Thank you!

Below is a link that is very user friendly!

T-Shirt Designer | Make Custom Shirts Online with Custom Ink | The Design Labhttps://www.customink.com/ndx/#/

Submit your electronic design by 2 pm on 9/15 to roswierbitowicz@derbyps.org or see Mr. Swierb in Room 116 for details.

Derby High School students and staff are invited to join us on Thursday, September 17th for a meaningful service project with the Southford Falls Quilters.

Together, we will create 13 “Quilts of Valor” that will be presented to veterans during a special ceremony in November. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff to come together, learn from members of our community, and show our gratitude to those who have served our country.

This is not our first service project with the Southford Falls Quilters! Last fall, Derby High School students worked alongside the Southford Falls Quilters and the Blanket Fairy to create 60 fleece blankets for children in Connecticut’s foster care system. (See photo above)

We are proud to continue building on that tradition of service, connection, and giving back—one project at a time. We hope you’ll join us!

What Students Will Do:

• Work alongside members of the Southford Falls Quilters to sew quilt squares (no experience necessary!)

• Learn a simple, hands-on skill

• Help spread comfort and care to local heroes

• Earn volunteer hours

Details:

• All supplies will be provided by Southford Falls

• No experience needed — instruction will be given

• We will schedule 8 students at a time to sew squares (about 15 -30 minute blocks--depending on the number of people who sign up) A pass will be provided to participating students so they can be excused from their scheduled class.

This is a chance to give back, build community, and make a direct impact. We encourage all students to volunteer and be part of this project. If you’re interested in participating, please sign up using the Google Form below

Derby High School will host a Back to School/Meet the Teacher Night on THURSDAY September 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Doors will open at 5:45 pm. This program will be held in person with a remote option to provide parents/guardians greater flexibility and access. Our goal is to have every student represented at Open House. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to please invite a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other caring adult to attend. This is a tremendous opportunity to visit many classrooms and meet the teachers.

Our program will begin at 6 PM, and families will follow "a day in the life of" their students. A bell will ring to start and end classes every 10 minutes and parents "switch" classes just like students do during the day.

• Period 1: 6:00 - 6:10
• Period 2: 6:15 - 6:25
• Period 3: 6:30 - 6:40
• Period 4: 6:45 - 6:55
• Period 5: 7:00 - 7:10
• Period 6: 7:15 - 7:25
• Period 7: 7:30 - 7:40
• All Staff Remote Login: 7:45 - 8:00

The schedule with links is attached below and will be posted on our website. We hope to see you there!! If you have any questions, please call 203-736-5032

To kick off the new school year, we held Grade-Level Meetings during Advisory. These meetings provided an opportunity to celebrate the fresh start and ensure students understood school-wide expectations and were prepared for success.

Each grade met in the auditorium with administrators, counselors, and support staff to review expectations and learn about upcoming fall events, including athletics, Spirit Week, pep rallies, Homecoming, and other opportunities to get involved and show school pride.

The meetings also focused on clear and consistent expectations for uniforms, cell phone and technology use, and attendance. Administrators reviewed the school’s policies and practices.

By communicating expectations clearly and positively, we reinforced our commitment to ensuring every student feels supported, connected, and ready to succeed. We look forward to a great year together!

We are off to a great start with school uniforms this year! Uniforms were a significant topic of conversation during our recent Grade-Level Meetings, as we reinforced expectations with students and answered questions.

Thank you for your continued help and support as we enter our second year of implementation. The uniform is now an established part of the DHS school culture, and our goal is to ensure expectations are clear and consistently applied. This consistency is important to maintaining fairness for all students, particularly those who make the effort to follow the expectations every day.

Please review the uniform expectations below to ensure you start the school year successfully. (Images found here: DHS Approved Uniform Items)

UNIFORM SHIRTS

Our school uniform logo’d shirts are available in four colors (red, black, white and gray), and three different styles (short-sleeve polo, long sleeve t-shirt, and crew neck sweat shirts). Shirts can be purchased through the district uniform shop online.

UNIFORM BOTTOMS

Students may wear khaki-style trousers, skirts, or shorts in the following colors only:

• Khaki/beige

• Black

The following are not permitted as uniform bottoms:

• Jeans -any color (including jean shorts)

• Leggings (including spandex bike shorts)

• Cargo pants

• Yoga pants

• Sweatpants

Uniform bottoms are widely available at retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Old Navy, and Amazon, among others.

OUTERWEAR

We also offer red or black logo’d fleece jackets as part of the school uniform. Please remember that solid colored hoodies, non-logo’d sweatshirts, or coats may not be worn in the classroom, even if it is over the school uniform shirt. Lockers will be issued to all students to safely store jackets and non-uniform items during the school day.

⭐ NEW FOR 2026–2027: School & Athletic Spirit Wear & Spirit Days

• Friday Spirit Wear: Students may wear Derby High School spirit wear tops every Friday. This includes clothing representing Derby High School, DHS athletic teams, approved student organizations, band, and other school-sponsored activities. Students who are not wearing DHS spirit wear on Friday are expected to be in their full school uniform. **Please note: Spirit wear is only permitted on Fridays and students must wear the approved khaki/black pants or skirts. (No leggings, sweatpants, yoga pants, jeans, etc)

• Game-Day Athletic Wear: Student-athletes may wear their team uniform top to school on the day of a scheduled game or competition with their approved school uniform bottoms.

• Spirit Days: Throughout the school year, we will continue to have fun, school-spirited dress-down days that are an important part of our school culture and student life. Spirit days will always be announced in advance so students and families know when they are taking place. Students who choose to participate may dress according to the theme and do not need to wear their regular uniform that day. Students who choose not to participate in the spirit day are expected to wear their regular school uniform.

We appreciate your partnership in helping your student start the school year successfully. Full uniform compliance is expected beginning on the first day of school. Non-compliance with the uniform policy will result in a referral in accordance with the district’s behavior matrix.

Our goal is to make expectations clear and consistent while supporting all students in having a positive start to the school year. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to a great 2026–2027 school year!

• 🛒 If you need to place an order, please visit the online uniform shop: https://www.derbypride.org/school-uniforms
• ❓ If you have questions about the uniform policy or need assistance, please contact Uniforms@derbyps.org.

The DHS Theater Program is getting ready for an exciting spring production of Annie the Musical, and we need you to be part of it!

Mr. Ruel, Music Director, will hold an interest meeting on Tuesday, September 15, during Advisory. Students interested in singing, acting, dancing, set design, costumes, lighting, sound, stage crew, or other behind-the-scenes opportunities are encouraged to attend.

Annie the musical follows Annie, a determined young orphan living in Depression-era New York City, as she searches for her parents and finds an unexpected home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. The show features memorable songs including “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” and “Easy Street.”

Whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes, there is a place for you! We would love to see students from every grade and every part of DHS come together to create something special.

Come to the interest meeting Tuesday, September 15, during Advisory, and find your place in Annie! 🎶🎭

Photo below: High School Musical Cast

Thank you to everyone who came out to support and MANY THANKS to McDonald's on Division Street for hosting us!

Each week at Derby High School, we recognize students who demonstrate what it means to be a Raider. Raiders of the Week are celebrated for showing Resilience, Ambition, Integrity, Discipline, Empathy and Respect. It’s a great way to recognize the everyday actions that make DHS a stronger community.

Starting hot out the gates is Mac Gray... who captures the 1st RAIDER of the Week recognition for this new school year! Congrats Mac!! What a strong Senior year... with the potential to be the next DHS Student Council President. Keep it up, Mac!!

The Seniors keep the streak going with another member from the Class of '27 taking home RAIDER of the Week honors in the second week of school. Congrats to Miss Alex Davis who is showcasing her natural born leadership early on in this school year. Keep it up Alex!

Derby High School will be hosting its annual Flu Clinic on Thursday, September 24, from 2:00–4:00 PM. This is a convenient opportunity for students, staff, and families to get vaccinated and help protect our school community during flu season. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this clinic to stay healthy and reduce the spread of illness throughout the fall and winter months. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Erin egregoire@derbyps.org or call the Naugatuck Valley Health District 203-881-3522 x107

The PowerSchool Parent Portal is open and we encourage all parents/guardians to sign up for access. This is a great way to stay on top of assignments, grades, and attendance. Report cards will be issued electronically through the Parent Portal, so it is important that everyone has access.

If you are setting up the account for the first time, please visit

http://derby.powerschool.com

and select the "Create Account" tab first. You will be asked to enter some parent information and then add student(s) to your account using the credentials from the webID information on the letter sent home in September.

First Time Setting Up Your Account?

If you are setting up your Parent Portal account for the first time:

1. Visit http://derby.powerschool.com.

2. Select the “Create Account” tab.

3. Enter your parent information, then add your student(s) using the WebID credentials provided in your student’s Red Raider folder.

If you need another copy of the WebID letter, please email Mr. Maldonado in the Guidance Office at vmaldonado@derbyps.org b and he will send it to you.

Already have a Parent Portal account? You can add additional students using their credentials—no need to create separate accounts for each child.

Do you need to update your contact information? Please do so in the Parent Portal

We are excited to begin the 2026–2027 school year with our annual College and Career Readiness Presentations! The DHS School Counseling Department has planned a variety of events throughout the year to support students and families in preparing for life after high school. We are proud to invite you to the following opportunities:

Upcoming College & Career Planning Activities

Class of 2027 Senior Meetings with Counselors

📅 Starting September 16th - September 30th

Seniors will meet 1:1 with their counselors to review graduation progress, discuss post-secondary plans, and identify next steps for college, career, and life after high school. Parents and guardians are welcome to participate in these important conversations, either in person or remotely.

Senior College Application & Financial Aid Presentation
📅 September 22 @ 6:00 PM
🎓 Attention seniors and parents—you don’t want to miss this!
Join us for an informative evening dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the exciting journey ahead. This Senior Parent Night will cover everything from application tips to exploring career pathways. Guest Speaker: Jessica Odlum, Director of The College Place.

DHS College Fair
📅 October 9 (during the school day)
For students in grades 9–12.

PSAT Day (Grades 9–11)
📅 October 21 (during the school day)
Students in grades 9–11 will take the PSAT. Seniors will participate in a college and career planning activity. Please note: this is an early dismissal day for all students, and seniors will not be permitted late arrival.

Instant Decision Week (On The Spot "Yes!")
📅 November (Dates TBA)

We are currently working with several colleges to finalize this year’s Instant Decision Week. Last year, DHS seniors participated with Post University, University of New Haven, Quinnipiac University, Southern CT State University, Albertus Magnus College, University of Bridgeport, Central CT State University, Western CT State University, and University of Hartford, and the CT Community College system. We are proud to share that every participating senior received one or more acceptances on the spot, and many were awarded renewable merit scholarships ranging from $2,500–$25,000 per year. In total, more than $200,000 in scholarships were offered that week!

The DHS School Counseling Department is excited to bring these opportunities to our students and families. Stay connected and up to date by following us on Twitter @DreamBigDHS for the latest news, announcements, and academic planning resources.

#GoBigRed!

Mr. Nicolari’s Freshman Seminar classes hit the hallways this week for an exciting School Scavenger Hunt! Students worked in groups to explore the building, using a school map to guide them to key landmarks. Along the way, they snapped group photos at each location to document their progress and create a map with their photos.

The activity brought out plenty of creativity and personality! Many of the student maps were funny and creative, and the photos featured everything from selfies with teachers and friends to fun poses with people they encountered along the way. (see above from Paige Beauton and below from

Daijamy Santana Cortes!) 📸

Stops included the Guidance Office, gym scoreboard, Tech Ed Room, cafeteria, library, and the colorful “Freshmen” and “Junior” signs marking our hallways.

More than just a fun assignment, the scavenger hunt was a great way for freshmen to get familiar with DHS, learn where to find important spaces, and build connections with their classmates as they continue finding their way around Derby High!

We are excited to announce that Derby High School partners with Epic Driving School in Ansonia to offer a comprehensive driver's education program for our students. This program came as a direct result of our students' efforts to bring a school-based program to Derby High School. This included lots of research, advocacy and presentations to the Board of Education, who supported this program. We are proud to have this program in place for our students.

Epic offers online classes for students to have flexibility and take classes in any order. Each one of the classes has an independent topic to give students the flexibility to:

• Start at any time (from any lesson)
• Take the classes in any order
• Build their program around their schedule
• Mix and match different times; weekdays or weekends.
• Finish as quickly as they want
• Take as much time as they need

DISCOUNTS: Epic offers a special price for DHS students. Our most popular programs are:

• Safe Driving, minimum mandatory program
• Full Teen Program, the most popular program which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of private driving lessons. This program costs $599 for Derby High School students
• Road Test @ our school, we offer DMV road tests at some of our locations allowing students to take the road test in a quieter environment.
• 
  

For more information or to sign up, please call Epic Driving School at (203) 792-1333. The driving school will have a table set up during our Open House on September 17 and a representative will be here to answer questions.

• Picture Day Absentees/Retakes for Grades 9-11 is Mon, 10/26
• Senior Portrait Absentees/Retakes is Thurs, 10/29

The DHS PTO is excited to kick off another school year and looks forward to working together to make this year a success for all students. Our first PTO meeting will be held on Monday, September 21 @ 6:30 pm. Family and staff involvement is an important part of the success of PTO events and the support provided to DHS students. We encourage everyone to please consider signing up.

The PTO sponsors a variety of fundraisers and activities throughout the year, including:

• The annual Teacher Appreciation Celebration

• The Junior/Senior Safe Post-Prom Event

• 11 Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors

Parents and staff can get involved by volunteering at events, helping with fundraisers, or becoming a family/staff sponsor.

Be sure to stop by the PTO table during DHS Open House to learn more and sign up to participate. If you are unable to attend or have questions, please email our PTO President, Ms. Brittany Mouning at dhsptopride@gmail.com. Together, we can make this a great year for our students. We hope to see you at the first meeting!

Monday, September 14

• Special Advisory : Link Crew Advisory Check In (Grade 9)
• Boys Varsity Soccer vs Wolcott High School @ 6 pm

Tuesday, September 15

• BH Care-School Based Clinician Day
• Special Advisory: Musical Interest Meeting @ 9:45 am
• Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Wolcott High School @ 3:30 pm
• Girls Varsity Soccer @ Torrington High School @ 4 pm
• Girls JV Volleyball vs Oxford High School @ 4:15 pm
• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Oxford High School @ 5:30 pm
• Pink Out Shirt Designs due by 2 pm

Wednesday, September 16

• Voting Opens for Pink Out Shirt Design
• Boys Varsity Soccer vs Crosby High School @ 6 pm

Thursday, September 17

• Constitution Day
• BH Care-School Based Clinician Day
• Student-Athlete Grade Review & Meetings (Fall Sports)
• Quilts of Valor Sewing @ 8:30 - 2
• Girls JV Volleyball vs Watertown @ 4:15 pm
• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Watertown @ 5:30 pm
• DHS Open House (Welcome Families!) @ 6 -8 pm
• Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 pm

Friday, September 18 (Early Dismissal)

• Early Dismissal Day (Modified Schedule)
• STUCO Executive Board Elections
• STUCO Class Rep Applications Due
• Boys Varsity Football @ Coginchaug @ 6:30 pm

We are here for you if you need to help! The main office is open from 7:15 - 3:30 PM.

Principal Mrs. Jennifer Olson jolson@derbyps.org

Assistant Principal: Mr. Ray Coplin rcoplin@derbyps.org

Freshman Academy Coordinator: Mrs. Carlin Ali cali@derbyps.org

Admin Assistant: Mrs. Angela Lillemoe alillemoe@derbyps.org

Guidance Administrative Asst: Mr. Victor Maldonado vmaldonado@derbyps.org

College & Career Paraeducator: 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

Special Education Supervisor: Mr. Mike Giordano, mgiordano@derbyps.org

Athletic Director: Ms. Jennifer Moffat jmoffat@derbyps.org

Principal

Derby High School

#GoBigRed!

Email: jolson@derbyps.org
Website: https://www.derbypride.org
Location: 75 Chatfield Street, Derby, CT, USA
Phone: 203-516-4073
Twitter: @DerbyRedRaider