NDHS Newsletter

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to welcome you back for a new school year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed! Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we look forward to working together to make this year a positive and rewarding experience.

Our dedicated teachers and staff have been preparing to support every student’s academic and personal growth. We encourage families to stay involved and connected as partners in education.

Get ready for a year of new challenges, friendships, and achievements. Let’s make this school year our best one yet!

Warm regards,
NDHS Administration and Staff

• August 11th : Dual Enrollment Laptop Distribution at NDHS 9am-12pm or at the Board of Education from 5pm-6pm
• August 12th and 13th : Freshmen First Flight program - Students who are eligible were sent information on registration
• August 13th : First Day of Fall Sports Practice
• August 28th : Open House and Laptop Distribution 2pm-4pm
• September 2nd : Freshmen 1st Day
• September 3rd : All Students 1st Day

Just like last year DCPS will be implementing a clear backpack and water bottle policy for the safety of students and staff in the building. This year the county will not be providing these for students so they will need to be provided by families. This is a county policy that will be enforced in all county school buildings including North Dorchester High School. For students who carry purses, it cannot exceed the size of a standard piece of paper (8.5in by 11in).

This year there will be changes to the weapons detection system. The system will now be in the vestibule when all visitors enter the building. All students and visitors will pass through the system when entering the building. In order to ensure that the process is able to run efficiently we are providing some information to help.

• When students enter the building their laptop should be out of their bag to go around the weapons detection system.
• If a student's bag goes off in the weapons detection system it is subject to being searched.
• When visitors enter the building a picture id is required for our visitor management system.

The safety of our students and staff is the number one priority and both weapons detection and our RAPTOR system help ensure we are doing our best to keep everyone safe.

North Dorchester High School students are expected to respect the school community by dressing appropriately for the educational environment. This procedure is intended to provide guidance for students, staff, and parents.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Clothing must cover all areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to at least 3 inches in inseam length in both the front and back. Tops must have shoulder straps. Rips or tears in bottoms should be lower than the 3 inches inseam length. Undergarments must be worn and should not be visible in the area outlined above.

2. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment (pajamas, bedroom shoes or slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal).

3. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meets the minimum requirements of the dress code.

4. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as science labs, sports uniforms or safety gear.

5. No hoods or face masks (PPE masks are acceptable) may be worn during the school day that cover a student's face or head.

Additional Requirements:

1. Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.

2. Clothing may not display or imply vulgar or obscene language or images.

3. Clothing may not state, imply, or depict hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.

4. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.

5. Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.

6. Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

If a student is inappropriately dressed, the teacher/staff member will contact administration. NDHS administration reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines will not be allowed to attend class; however, if the inappropriate dress is NOT disrupting the learning environment, it will be handled at the end of the period. Parents will be called if appropriate clothing is not available or the student refuses dress-code appropriate clothing. Progressive discipline will be issued under the “disrespect” category of the Student Code of Conduct.

• Mr. Thompson : 12th grade students
• Mr. Wilson : 9th-11th grade students with the last names beginning with A-K
• Ms. Moore : 9th-11th grade students with the last names beginning with L-Z

Administration is available for any student in the event of an emergency situation.

• Ms. Young : 9th Grade Students
• Ms. Atkins : 10th Grade Students
• Ms. Parks : 11th Grade Students
• Ms. Prekrel : 12th Grade Students

Counselors are available for any student in the event of an emergency situation.