News from DMS

"Something I try to remember: You're on the clock. Time is the one thing you’ll never get back. Not money. Not energy. Not opportunity. Time. Spend it with people you love. On work that feels meaningful. On a life you’re proud to live. Everything else is just noise."

(Sahil Bloom)

Being back as principal of Dudley Middle School has been a great blessing for me. It has not been easy in the least, but it is hard work worth doing. I feel a very special connection to this school and this community; with this staff and, especially, with the students. I can't really explain it. It just feels like the place I am meant to be.

As we approach the holiday break, we are roughly 45% of the way through what has been a very good school year so far. I am very proud of our students and staff for their good work and the positive culture they have established in our school. We are on the right track.

At this point in my career, I am keenly aware that I am, as the author above states, "on the clock." I only have so much time left to lead this school the way it deserves to be led. No matter how old you are, I hope you will feel a little bit of that time urgency, too. And that it will lead you to make the absolute most of the time you have with your loved ones this holiday season.

All my best to you and yours in 2026.

December 23 - Early Dismissal for All

December 24-January 2 - Holiday Vacation

January 6 - Team 8-2 Field Trip to Kennedy Institute for the US Senate

January 8 - Team 8-1 Field Trip to Kennedy Institute for the US Senate

January 15 - School Council Meeting - 3:00 PM

January 16 - Mobile Dentist at DMS

January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)

February 16-20 - Winter Vacation

Ski Club is scheduled to go to Mount Wachusett on the following dates:

January 7

January 14

January 21

January 28

February 4

February 11

Buses leave the school immediately after school and return to DMS at approximately 8:15 PM.

Please contact Ms. Clouatre (mclouatre@dcrsd.org) or Mrs. DiMille (jdimille@dcrsd.org) with questions about Ski Club.

As we have already been reminded during this cold December, winter weather is here and with it the uncertainty of possible school cancellations, delays and the dreaded early dismissal.

Please be sure to discuss with your child what he/she should do in the event of an unexpected early dismissal. It does not happen often, but when it does, it can bring a lot of uncertainty and anxiety to students.

Please contact us at the school if we can help in any way.

The date for the Mobile Dentist has been rescheduled to January 16. There is still room for a few more sign ups. Please use the link below if you are interested in having your child seen on the 16th.