Derby Middle School Newsletter

Attention DMS families! Join us for High School Fair Night on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Derby Middle School.

This event is a great opportunity for students and families to explore local high school options. Meet with representatives from technical schools, magnet schools, and specialized programs, ask questions, and learn about admission requirements as you prepare for high school and future career pathways.

Schools Attending:

• Derby High School
• ACES Educational Center for the Arts
• Nonnewaug High School
• Emmett O'Brien Technical School
• Fairchild Wheeler High School

We look forward to seeing 8th grade families tomorrow night to learn more about next steps and High School!

Please join me in congratulation Mrs. Diana Donovan on her appointment as our new Pre-K/Elementary Special Education Supervisor! Mrs. Donovan will transition from her role as DMS Social Worker to join our administration team, leading the special education and pupil personnel teams at the elementary level soon, and we know she will be a great addition our Administrative Team at Derby Public Schools, Irving School, Bradley School, and Little Raiders University. Congratulations once again to Mrs. Donovan!

*Every day meal options also include deli sandwiches made to order, as well as grab-and-go chef salads or chicken salads with assorted salad dressings

• Monday: Chicken Patty on a Roll with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
• Tuesday: Beef Tacos with Rice and Beans, Corn and Homemade Soup
• Wednesday: Calzone with Rotini Pasta and Buttered Peas
• Thursday: Stuffed Crust Pizza with Garden Salad and Homemade Soup
• Friday: Halloween Bat Chicken Nuggets with Smiley Fries and Pumpkin Pretzel

**All meals include assorted whole fresh fruit, fresh sliced vegetables, and a rotating variety of homemade side dishes, including potato salad, pasta salad, chickpea salad, cucumber salad, and four-bean salad (which are delicious!). Milk or juice is also included. **Breakfast and lunch are free for all students

The National Junior Honor Society is selling Boo Grams with a Halloween Surprise! Sales will begin on Monday, October 19th and sell through October 28th. Students and Staff can purchase a Boo gram for $1 each during arrival each morning. Boo Grams will be delivered throughout the building on 10/30.

Monday - October 26th: Meme Day

Tuesday - October 27th: Color Wars

Wednesday - October 28th: Twin Day

Thursday - October 29th: Pajama Day

Friday - October 30th: Pink Out!

If you are participating in Spirit Week reminder that your attire must remain appropriate for school. Any student not participating in Spirit Week is expected to be in uniform. If you are unsure if you outfit will be appropriate for Spirit Week please plan to bring your school uniform in your backpack just in case. Let's have a fun, safe week!

Butter Braid Pastry, Classic® Cookie Dough and Simply Shipped Collection

Derby Middle School - Best Buddies

The top seller will win a $25 Amazon gift card and a Best Buddies T-shirt! Please include your child's name when placing an order.

Our Derby Middle School Best Buddies Chapter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We are running this fundraiser to help cover costs for community experiences, materials for social events, bussing, and other costs that come with running our chapter.

Order Link: https://my.mcmfundraising.com/2026-fall-derby-middle-school-best-buddies/anna-chevarella/

This year DMS students in grades six through eight will have an opportunity to take a day trip to New York City to see a Broadway show. On Wednesday, May 5, 2027 the students will travel via motorcoach to see The Outsiders and have lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp.

The cost of the trip will be $190.00 per student. The first 50 students to provide permission slips and meet trip requirements both academically and behaviorally will be eligible to attend. There will be a waitlist for this trip and additional spots may be added based on interest. (For the past two years we have been able to fill two full busses bring around 100 students). In the event of an emergency cancellation, we will do our best to fill the empty spot and return payment, through ultimately the payment is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and may not be returned.

Payment Schedule (Cash or Money Order Payments ONLY)

1. First payment of $60.00 will be due by Friday, November 5, 2026.

2. The second payment of $60.00 will be due by Friday, January 15, 2026.

3. The final payment of $70.00 will be due by Friday, February 12, 2026.

Failure to meet a due date will result in removal from the trip as there are waiting lists each year.

We are excited to introduce the DMS Care Closet, a new resource created to support the needs of our students and strengthen our school community. Beginning in October, all DMS students will have access to the Care Closet, which will provide free hygiene and basic care products in a welcoming and supportive environment. Items may include shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products, hair accessories, tissues, lotion, ChapStick, Band-Aids, and other basic necessities. We are currently accepting donations to help stock the Care Closet and ensure it remains available to students throughout the school year. Donations of new, unopened personal care items are greatly appreciated. Together, we can create a community where every student feels supported, empowered, and that they belong. ❤️

As the current school year comes to a close, we want to ensure all families are informed about the Derby Public School uniform program guidelines and ordering process for the upcoming academic year. The first day of school is September 1, and we strongly encourage families to place orders early to avoid processing delays or backlogs in mid-August.

How to Order

• Website: Place your orders directly through the Derby Public Schools Uniform Portal.
• Process: You do not need to create an account. Simply select "Create Order" to begin. You can order all your required sizes, quantities, and colors in a single transaction.
• Payment: Orders must be placed online and paid by credit card to be processed.

Order Processing & Timing

Orders are submitted to our vendor on a weekly basis, typically on Fridays.

• Lead Time: Please allow approximately two weeks for delivery, as the vendor must order the apparel and apply the logos. For example, orders submitted to us on a Monday will be placed with the vendor that Friday, with pick-up available two weeks later.
• Notification: Families will receive an email notification as soon as their uniform order is ready for pick-up.

Sizing & Exchanges

Because we will no longer accept uniform exchanges after pick-up, we highly recommend verifying your size prior to ordering.

• Try-On Sessions: Visit our offices at 35 Fifth Street with your child to try on sample sizes.
• Note on Sizing: Based on parent feedback from last year, Youth Small polos run small, and Adult Large polos run large/long.
• Fitting Hours: Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Later evening pick-ups or fittings can be arranged by appointment by emailing Uniforms@derbyps.org.

Pick-Up Location

Uniforms can be picked up throughout the summer at 35 Fifth Street – Monday thru Friday – 8:30 AM till 4 PM.

Policy Reminders

We are pleased to announce that our vendor will maintain the same high-quality brands and hold current pricing steady for the upcoming year. A full copy of the Derby Public School Uniform Policy is linked here for your reference. Policy 5132 - Dress and Grooming effective Sept 2025_Page_1.jpg

• Tops: Solid-colored polos or crewneck shirts ordered through the Derby Public Schools Uniform Portal.
• Bottoms: Khaki style in either khaki (beige) or black.
• 
  

Please be certain that the material is khaki. Jeans or jean material is not in compliance with the policy. Cargo pants are not in compliance. Some suggestions for finding uniform khaki items locally would be Target, Walmart, Kohls, Old Navy, GAP and Children’s Place.

There is a document linked here with “Frequently Asked Questions” where you may find helpful information.

Frequently Asked Questions about School Uniforms June 2026.docx

NOTE: Students who will be entering Derby Public Schools for the first time in September will need to place their uniform order at the time their registration is complete.

Please contact Uniforms@derbyps.org with any questions or to schedule an evening fitting appointment

The Congressional App Challenge is the official student STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s an annual nationwide competition designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore STEM fields by designing and coding an app. The deadline for students to submit their application is on October 26th, 2026. Here is a link to the registration page: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/. Here is also a link to the general website: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/.

• Eligibility Criteria:

1. A student can compete in Congresswoman DeLauro’s Congressional App Challenge if they live or attend school in the Congressional District.

1. Students can compete in a team of up to four students, as long as ½ of the team lives or goes to school in a competing Congressional District.

1. Students can submit any coded project—on any topic, built for any platform, using any programming language. This includes mobile apps, websites, games, robots, wearable tech, and more.

1. Students can submit an app they completed between October 30th, 2025 - October 26th, 2026.

1. Students can submit work they completed in the classroom last year, in an afterschool program, summer program, or other extracurricular activity.

Winter Sports Season Begins end of November

Athletic Commitment
Middle school athletics are a four-day-a-week commitment with Wednesdays, the weekends and holidays off (post-season events may happen on the weekend). We ask that athletes and families plan accordingly to ensure full participation and team success.

Final Forms & Physicals
All student-athletes must be registered in Final Forms at derby-ct.finalforms.com and have a valid physical on file in order to participate in practices and games. All Final Forms must be completed by both the student athlete and the parent/guardian before they are allowed to participate in practice/games.

Academic Eligibility

All Student athletes must be academically eligible to participate. It is important to remind all athletes that they are a student first and an athlete second. Attendance, academics and behavior could impact playing time and the privilege of participating in Middle School Athletics. This knowledge will prepare them for the transition to High School Athletics.

Contact Coaches
Below is a list of the Head Coaches for each Fall sport. Please reach out to them with any questions or to express your interest in joining a team.

Boys Basketball Coach - Matt Namjowicz mnamjowicz@derbyps.org

Girls Basketball Coach - Jaime Bartone jbartone@derbyps.org

We’re excited for another Winter Season and look forward to seeing all of our athletes back on the court.

Coaching opportunities are currently available at Derby High School & Derby Middle School. A valid coaching certification or Teaching certification is needed to apply. Any questions please contact our Athletic Director - Ms. Moffat at jmoffat@derbyps.org https://applitrack.com/derbyps/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&category=Athletics%2FActivities

As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, we wanted to send a friendly reminder regarding Derby Middle School’s uniform expectations.

Overall, our students did an excellent job meeting the uniform expectations last year, and we greatly appreciate the cooperation and support of our students and families!

We did, however, have a small number of students who required repeated follow-up regarding the uniform policy throughout the school year. We recognize that last year was the first year of our uniform requirement, and we provided additional grace and flexibility as students and families adjusted to the new expectations.

As we enter our second year of implementation, the uniform is now an established part of the DPS's culture. Our goal is to ensure that expectations are clear and consistently applied, to ensure fairness to all students, particularly those who make the effort to follow the expectations every day.

All students are expected to arrive in a fully compliant uniform beginning on Day 1 of school, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Please review the uniform expectations above to ensure you start the school year successfully.

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 spirit wear every Friday. This includes clothing representing Derby Middle School, DMS athletic teams, approved student organizations, band, and other school-sponsored activities. (We will also host a fundraiser early this year to purchase gear) Students who are not wearing DMS spirit wear on Friday are expected to be in their full school uniform. **Please note: Spirit wear is only permitted on Fridays. Student are expected to have on their uniforms bottoms on these days as well.

• 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.

Thank you for your partnership and support!

Students are required to ride their assigned bus each day for safety and accountability. In the event of an emergency, a bus pass to ride another bus may be granted; however, 24 hours’ notice via a phone call or written note is required to be turned into the Main Office or Administration to process the request.

Please note that riding the bus is a privilege, and students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior and conduct at all times in order to maintain this privilege

The 2026-2027 bus lists are now available and can be accessed here: https://www.derbypride.org/district/bus-information-routes All Star Transportation provides the daily bus service for our students. If your child is eligible for bus transportation but does not plan to use it, please call the school so we can adjust the bus roster and remove the stop if no one else is using it. This will ensure our bus routes are accurate and efficient.

• The time for each bus route is the approximate time the bus will make its first pickup in the morning. Adjustments will be made as necessary and as soon as possible. Students should be at their stops 5-10 minutes before the time listed on the bus route. The stop times can vary 5-10 minutes either way, depending on traffic, weather and the number of students riding the bus.
  

• It is important that students remember to stand at least 10 feet from the road and not move toward the bus until the bus driver nods his or her head signaling that it is safe to board the bus.

• Please do not worry if a bus is late, especially at the start of a school year when it typically takes a few days for students and drivers to become accustomed to the bus routes and schedules. If, however, you have concerns about your bus being consistently late over a period of several days, please use the button below to report a concern/issue.

• PLEASE NOTE: Bus schedules are subject to revisions that result from enrollment changes, transfers and address changes. Changes and / or additions will be posted to the school district’s website and residents are encouraged to frequently check the website.

• If you are transporting your child to school, drop-off is between 8:00 - 8:20 a.m.

• DMS dismisses at 2:55 p.m., so most students should arrive home on the bus between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. However, due to traffic and other factors, we are unable to predict exact times.

• For questions or additional information contact, All-Star Transportation’s Seymour office at 203-888-8816

At DMS we are focused on ensuring all students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Being in school consistently supports that growth and development. We understand that there are times when this may not be possible (i.e., illness, death in the family, etc.) but the CT State Department of Education does allow for up to NINE unexcused absences per school year.

Any student with four or more absences in a month OR ten or more absences for the year is considered truant. Any students who misses 10% or more of their schools days at any point in the school year is considered chronically absent.

DMS starts promptly at 8:30 am daily. Any student arriving to DMS after 8:30 am must be signed in to school in the Main Office. Parents please ensure you are walking students into the building if they arrive after 8:25 am.

One of the most helpful steps students and families can take is to download the PowerSchool app. The Parent-Student Portal offers real-time access to class schedules, assignments, grades, attendance, teacher feedback, and report cards.

A personalized letter with login information will be included in each student’s first day forms folder. This letter also contains instructions for parents/guardians to set up their own accounts—please use it to set up your account. If you need help, contact Ms. Carloni in the Guidance Office at 203-736-1426. We’re happy to assist!

Now more than ever, signing up for your student's PowerSchool Parent Portal is important. Once you sign up for the Parent Portal, it will allow access to student information throughout the time you are in Derby. We have several families that have not accessed their account. The Parent Portal will be the primary means of sharing student grades. You may also use the portal to update your contact information, ensuring the school has the most up-to-date emergency contact information.

Setting up your account for the first time?

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. If you need the webID letter, please email our School Counselor Mrs. Segal at asegal@derbyps.org and she will send you the letter. Please note: If you already have a Parent Portal account for another Derby student, you can add your other students using their credentials. There is no need to set up separate accounts if you have more than one child in the district.

Do you need to update your contact information?

You should be able to access your account to view your student's schedule, their teacher assignment, attendance, and grades. Another important feature is that families can update RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION 26-27 on the bottom of the left panel. Checking and making necessary updates here is crucial to our contact ability.

At Derby Public Schools, the well-being and success of our students are top priorities. All students at DMS are eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch every day. Our goal is to ensure every student has the energy and nutrition they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.

There is always a fresh-made hot lunch option, fresh deli bar with sandwiches made to order, or a great salad bar. There is also a great variety of fruits, vegetables, homemade pasta or potato salads, and other side dishes that students can take with their meal. Snacks (chips, cookies, etc) can be purchased using cash or "on account" using My Payments Plus.

• Menus: The monthly Breakfast and Lunch Menu is posted online and can be accessed here https://www.derbypride.org/district/food-service/school-menus#h.gd6ysa9vgup3.
• My Payments Plus: Parents can make payments/check balances using https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome or by calling: 1-866-332-9636. Student ID numbers are required to setup an account. Student IDs can be found on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the foodservice program, please reach out to our Food Service Director, Mr. Giannotti at sgiannotti@derbyps.org.

The State of Connecticut (CGS Sections 10-204 and 10-206) mandates that all incoming 7th graders have the following:

- 6th or 7th grade physical exam dated between June 2025 and August 2026 on the CT Health Assessment Record (Blue Form)

- 1 Tdap (Tetanus Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis) Vaccine

- 1 Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccine

This is required of ALL 7th grade students in the State of Connecticut.

If you have any questions concerning these requirements, please feel free to contact the school nurse (Nurse Vitola) at 203-736-1426, kvitola@derbyps.org .

Did you know you may be eligible for CASH assistance under the State of Connecticut’s Temporary Family Assistance Program (TFA) managed by the Department of Social Services?

This CASH assistance is in addition to SNAP or HUSKY. Those who qualify for TFA may receive benefits for 36 months or more.

Please see the attachment below and see how you can quickly determine if you are Eligible for Cash under TFA.

At Derby Middle School, the safety and well-being of our staff and students are our top priorities. To best ensure this we have a comprehensive safety plan and protocols designed to maintain a safe learning environment.

Recent incidents in schools and universities across the region, particularly those involving threats posted on social media will be reviewed with students in an open a dialogue to create an understanding about the gravity and consequences of such behavior. DMS administration, along with School Safety Officers (SSOs) and members of the Derby Police Department, will hold grade-level meetings to address the seriousness of school safety and the impact of threats. We will emphasized that threats, regardless of intent, have far-reaching consequences for the individual making the threat, and for the entire school and community.

Threats, which are never a joke, create fear and anxiety, disrupt learning, and impact the emotional well-being of students, staff, and families. Our broader message to students will be the importance of creating a safe and respectful school environment. We encourage everyone to pause and consider the consequences before making comments or posting online, especially in moments of frustration or anger. Additionally, we will stress the importance of reporting any concerning behavior to a trusted adult. We encourage families to also have this conversation and to talk about school safety.

How to Talk to Your Children About School Safety:

• Open and Honest Communication: Begin by asking your child if they have any concerns or questions about school safety. Reassure them that it's okay to share their feelings and emphasize the importance of reporting any concerns.

• Reinforce Positive Messages: Emphasize the positive aspects of school, such as caring teachers, supportive environment, and friends that help create a sense of belonging and security.

• Address Misconceptions: Be prepared to address any misconceptions your child may have about school safety. Provide accurate information and correct any misunderstandings.

The following resource from the National Association of School Psychologists provides additional recommendations for families and educators about talking to children and teens about violence, particularly in schools: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-families-and-educators

All Derby students and staff receive school safety training including procedures for response to emergencies such as those requiring evacuation, shelter in place, or lock-down. Planned emergency drills are conducted regularly following the school/district safety plan.

By working together, we can ensure a safe and supportive environment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing partnership.

Derby Public Schools is excited to introduce to you a new resource that will be offered to our students, parents, and guardians. BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC) will be partnering with Derby Public Schools to provide on-site support through a fully credentialed and licensed clinician. BHcare and its Child Guidance Clinic, the Parent Child Resource Center, have been providing comprehensive behavioral and mental health services for children, adults, and families for more than 40 years. BHcare is a certified community behavioral health clinic that strives to passionately care for children, families and the community.

Through our partnership with the Parent Child Resource Center, an abundance of services will be available to eligible students and their families.

Please check out the attached letter for more information and how to access these wonderful and necessary services here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FDkDGR_PE4Fg8gWkGsx7N9V_PGgdYSHZ967EHEwCA2U/edit?usp=sharing.

If you would like to sign your child up for services, please complete and return the following form:

• DPS Consent for Mutual Exchange of Information - Consent for Mutual Exchange of Information.pdf

The Derby Public Schools calendar is your go-to resource for all scheduled school closings, early dismissals, vacations, and other important dates.

• Wednesday, October 7 - Early Dismissal for Professional Development
• Monday, October 12 - No School in observance of Columbus Day

• Tuesday, November 3 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day
• Monday, November 9 - Early Dismissal for Parent Conferences (DMS Only)
• Wednesday, November 11 - NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day
• Friday, November 13 - Early Dismissal District Wide
• Thursday, November 19 - DPS BoE Meeting 6:30 p.m. at DMS
• Wednesday, November 25 - Early Dismissal
• Thursday, November 26 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
• Friday, November 27 - NO SCHOOL - Day After Thanksgiving

Here are the scheduled early dismissal days (Dismissal begins at 12:25 p.m.) Please make sure to plan for these days, thank you!

• Friday, September 18
• Wednesday, October 7
• Thursday, November 12
• Friday, November 13
• Wednesday, November 25
• Wednesday, December 2
• Wednesday, December 23

The 2026-27 Derby Public School calendar was approved at the January 6, 2026 Board of Education meeting. If you like to plan ahead, I have attached the calendar.

Coach Byrd Training is hosting a completely FREE basketball event for boys and girls ages 7–13 on November 21st at Derby High School.

The event is bigger than just basketball. It’s about bringing kids together, letting them have fun, building confidence, meeting new friends, and giving families a positive community event to enjoy. The kids participate in fun games, competitions, contests, giveaways, awards and other activities throughout the event. Every registered child also receives a free T-shirt and food.

We will also be collecting toys to help support our free CBT Christmas Toy Giveaway in December.

Space is limited, so registration is required.

Coach Byrd Training LLC
Instagram: @coachbyrd24
www.coachbyrdtrainingllc.com

FREE EVENT | CBT Basketball

Boo at the Ball Park will be a fun, family-friendly Halloween event for children and families in our community. We are currently looking for families, local businesses, school groups, and community organizations interested in setting up and decorating a station to hand out candy during the event. Participants will provide their own candy and decorations, and we encourage everyone to get creative!

We are also accepting donations for our raffle fundraiser. Donations may include:

• Themed raffle baskets
• Gift cards or gift certificates
• Products or services from local businesses
• Other family-friendly raffle prizes

All donations and participation will help make this event a success while supporting the Valley Surge Baseball & Softball program.

We would be extremely grateful if you could share our attached flyer with families through your school newsletter, email system, social media pages, or other family communications. We would also love to have school groups and organizations participate by hosting a candy station!

Boo at the Ball Park
Friday, October 30th
6:00–8:00 PM
Family-friendly Halloween fun, decorated candy stations, raffles & more!

Anyone interested in hosting a station or donating to our raffle can reach out to Ashley Burt at Ashley_burt1@yahoo.com for additional information.

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

For 25 years, the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K has brought together runners, families, businesses, and supporters from across the Valley to kick off Thanksgiving with community, tradition and giving back.

More than just a race, the Commodore Hull 5K is a major fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, helping provide safe, positive, and enriching programs and opportunities for local youth.

In 2026, we’re celebrating 25 years—and we want you to be part of it.

Sponsorship offers businesses the opportunity to align with one of the Valley’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions while supporting Great Futures for local kids.

The Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race kicks off at 8:00 AM in downtown Shelton, winds through Derby, and loops back to Shelton. This race is presented by Greco & Haines. Secure your spot and run for a cause—proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

With a scenic course through two historic downtowns—and plenty of time to make it home for your holiday celebrations—it’s the perfect way to start Thanksgiving morning.

Please click here for more information and to register for the race: https://bgc-lnv.org/commodore-hull-5k/

The CHET Dream Big! Competition launched on August 19! K-12 students in Connecticut have the opportunity to enter the Competition and be awarded a scholarship of up to $20,000 to help pay for their future education! Dream Big! is brought to you by the Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office as Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET).

This year, the state will be awarding $350,000 in CHET 529 College Savings Plan account contributions to over 250 students in grades K-12 and technology prizes to schools. For the winning students, we will be awarding:

• Three prizes of $20,000
• 24 prizes of $5,000
• 240 prizes of $500

With the help of a parent or guardian, students will submit an answer to a grade-appropriate question about their dreams or how they could help their community. They can answer by submitting a drawing or painting, essay, or video, and must be included with an entry form.

Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. on November 6. There is no cost to enter. For program details, rules and the entry process, visit:

www.chetdreambig.com

Derby Public Schools Job Openings in the District. Please click here to view what is available right now.

Kelly Education Staffing is currently seeking dependable, caring, and flexible individuals to join our team as substitute teachers and support staff. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in our schools while enjoying a schedule that works for you. Whether you are a certified educator, a recent graduate, or someone looking to give back to the community, Kelly provides training and ongoing support to help you succeed. If you are interested in working with students and supporting our school community, we encourage you to check out the attached flyer.

Valley Regional Adult Education is holding Registration in August.

New students visit VRAE.ORG to register online.

Returning students call 203-924-6651.