Derby High School News

With Veterans Day coming up, DHS had a special way to recognize four of our teachers who have served in the U.S. military. During a school-wide assembly, DHS Rotary Interact Club and the Southford Falls Quilters presented each of our veteran teachers with a Quilt of Valor to thank them for their service.

The story behind the quilts actually started earlier this year. DHS students worked alongside members of the Southford Falls Quilters to learn the basics of sewing and quilting. Our students created individual quilt squares, which the quilters then turned into beautiful quilts.

The project is also part of a much larger effort. The Southford Falls Quilters are creating 13 quilts representing the original 13 colonies as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.

We’re excited that our students were able to be a small part of this special project, giving them a hands-on way to connect with an important piece of American history.

During the assembly, our band played patriotic music, the chorus sang the National Anthem, student artwork was on display, and a student shared a poem. Students also had the opportunity to hear about the personal military experiences of our DHS teachers who are veterans. Their stories provided a meaningful reminder that the people we see every day as teachers, coaches, and mentors have also served as members of our military and are incredible role models for our students.

We are proud to recognize:

• Mr. Bradshaw, Social Studies — United States Army

• Mr. Hogan, Technology Education — United States Army

• Mr. Soracin, Physical Education — United States Marine Corps

• Mr. Swierbitowicz, Business — United States Marine Corps

A special thank you to the Southford Falls Quilters for sharing their time and talents with our students and helping bring this project to life. And, of course, thank you to our DHS veterans and all veterans who have served our country.

As part of our ongoing post-secondary planning, military recruiters will be visiting DHS during lunch waves in December to talk with students about opportunities in the military. Students are encouraged to stop by the tables, ask questions, and learn more—whether you’re seriously considering military service or just curious about what’s out there. It’s a great chance to learn about different careers, training, education, and experiences available through military service. Please also speak with your counselor to learn more about this potential pathway.

The DHS Report Card Conference Sign-Up Form is here! Derby High School will host Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, November 10, with both afternoon and evening time slots available. Parents can choose to attend in person or schedule a remote meeting, making it easier to connect with teachers and discuss their student’s progress. These conferences are a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and support your child’s success at DHS.

If you have any questions or need help scheduling appointments, please call the school. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Derby High School’s Homecoming 2026, themed “A Night in Rio,” was a ton of fun! Students danced, laughed, and celebrated together, bringing the energy, color, and excitement of Rio right to DHS. The music was pumping, dinner was delicious, and the school spirit was on full display!

Congratulations to our Homecoming Court winners:

Seniors & Juniors – King & Queen

• Abner Barillas-Rivera & Sophia Chajchic

• Clayton Garrett & Kimea Gordon (Not Pictured)

Sophomores & Freshmen – Prince & Princess

• Shane McAdams & Emilee Milano

• Aydin Basuljevic & Lylah Vander Eyk

A huge thank you to all of our students, staff, and volunteers who helped make the night so much fun. From the music and dancing to the decorations and school spirit, Homecoming 2026 was a night to remember! Viva la Night in Rio!

Mrs. Silvestri’s AP Literature and Composition students at Derby High School recently completed a creative writing project that allowed them to reflect on their personal histories, values, and experiences through original “Where I Am From” poems.

The assignment challenged students to combine vivid imagery, figurative language, and strong voice—key elements emphasized in the AP Literature course. Through this writing, students examined how their unique backgrounds shape their perspectives and identities, while also practicing advanced writing skills such as developing strong word choice, establishing tone, and maintaining cohesion throughout a literary piece. Many students drew on personal memories, family traditions, and cultural influences to create poems that were both meaningful and authentic. For the next several weeks, we will feature one poem in our newsletter.

I am from my little apartment where I mindlessly walk in circles,

Each loop calms and grounds me.

I am from my house,

Where every door represents the opportunities awaiting me.

I am from the advisories of my parents and brother,

The veil of protection and care they lay on me.

I am from my church community,

Where aunties talk about Saris,

Where uncles play cards,

Where kids can just have fun.

I am from every fall,

Where each fall was like a rite of passage.

I am from all the curries my mom has made,

Where every one of them was a journey of spices.

I am from every dance I perform,

Where I know every lyric.

I am from my two cats,

Where every one of their glances remind me how blessed I am.

I am from every challenge that has come my way,

Where they have only made me stronger.

This is where I am from,

Where I can truly just be.

DHS Link Crew Leaders recently attended the Fall Student Link Crew Conference at Pomperaug High School in Southbury, joining about 150 student leaders from across the region for a day of learning, sharing ideas, and building leadership skills.

Students took part in interactive activities designed to help them become stronger Link Leaders, with a focus on peer mentoring, building connections, and creating a welcoming school community. They also had the chance to swap ideas with other student leaders and hear new strategies they can bring back to DHS.

Our Link Crew Leaders play an important role in helping our incoming freshmen feel connected and comfortable as they make the transition to high school. We’re excited to see what they bring back to DHS and how they continue to make a positive impact on our school community!

Every Thursday, DHS students look forward to Clubs Day! Every student gets to participate in a club, giving them a chance to explore interests, try something new, and spend time with friends.

And there is definitely something for everyone! Our clubs include: American Sign Language, Basketball, Best Buddies, Board Games, Chess, Cursive Writing, Dungeons & Dragons, Embroidery, FBLA, Gaming, Garage Band, Just Dance, Kindness Club, Movies, Nutrition, Podcasting, Puzzles/Games/Legos, Rotary Interact, Scopa, Scrabble, SkillsUSA, Spanish Club, Thrift Shop Retail, Weightlifting, Yearbook, and Yoga.

Mr. Walker’s Podcasting Club is jumping right into creating their own content. The group decided they wanted to try a video podcast instead of sticking with audio, so they’re learning the process as they go.

Their goal? To make something that is different from WRBR and give students and staff another way to share their stories and ideas.

The club is already working on one-on-one interviews with DHS students and staff, with plans to record more segments in the coming weeks. Check out their first "Raider Roundtable" talking about Halloween movies. We love seeing our students take an idea and run with it! Who knows what they’ll come up with next?

On November 4, DHS students and staff headed to Rocky Hill High School for the CIAC Unified Sports Leadership Summit. More than 450 students, coaches, and staff from over 40 schools across Connecticut came together for a day focused on inclusion, friendship, and student leadership.

Our students took part in interactive activities, workshops, and discussions about how we can continue to make our school communities more welcoming and inclusive. It was a great opportunity to meet students from other schools, share ideas, and celebrate everything that makes Unified Sports so special! We’re proud of our DHS student leaders for representing DHS so well!

DHS students recently attended ACM’s 24th Annual Aerospace Alley Future Workforce Opportunities Fair & Tradeshow at the Connecticut Convention Center with Mr. Abelli and Ms. Hoffman. More than 1,400 students from 65 schools had the chance to explore careers in aerospace manufacturing and connect with representatives from 100 local companies.

Students got a hands-on look at careers involving robotics, CNC machining, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, while learning about internships, apprenticeships, education requirements, and potential career pathways. It was a great opportunity for our students to see the many high-tech, high-demand careers available right here in Connecticut!

Each year, the Derby High School National Honor Society proudly organizes a Thanksgiving food drive to support DHS families who may be facing financial hardships. Our goal is to provide complete Thanksgiving dinner packages including a turkey and all the traditional fixings to help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need. Students will be collecting disposable roasting pans, turkey, canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, canned vegetables (corn, yams, green beans, peas, etc), jars of gravy, boxed cornbread mix, pies, brownie mix.

Please consider making a donation of a food product, or gift card to a local grocery store. It is a great way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families. There will be decorated donation boxes placed throughout the building, including near the School Counseling Department and the main entrance. Your generosity is appreciated and will help others enjoy a holiday meal with their loved ones. Donations will be accepted through November 23rd. If your family is in need and would like to request assistance, please reach out to our counselors and NHS advisors, Mrs. Ostrosky and Mr. Nutcher.

National School Psychology Week is November 9–13, 2026, and this year’s theme, “Inspire Connection,” highlights the important role school psychologists play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful.

At DHS, we are lucky to have Ms. Karen Ference as our school psychologist. Every day, she works with students, families, teachers, and staff to help our students navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their goals. We’re especially excited to celebrate Ms. Ference this year as she is currently home enjoying some special time with her beautiful new baby! While we miss seeing her at DHS, we are so happy for her and her growing family. Thank you, Ms. Ference, for all you do for our students and school community. We can’t wait to have you back!

If you would like to learn more about a career in school psychology visit the National Association of School Psychologists at www.nasponline.org or speak to your school counselor.

Keep the tradition alive and show your Derby High School pride with a DHS Varsity Jacket! These jackets are more than just gear—they represent your hard work, dedication, and school spirit.

Don’t wait! Complete your online order form and turn in cash or money order to AD Moffat by Monday, 11/30. Be part of the tradition and wear your DHS pride with pride! Look for the order form coming out this week.

DHS hosted a Special Olympics Unified Sports Spooky Soccer Game against Thomaston High School, and it was a great day of soccer, teamwork, and Halloween fun!

The field was full of energy as athletes gave it their all, cheered each other on, and celebrated every play. The Halloween spirit was everywhere, making the day even more fun and memorable.

Unified Sports is all about bringing students of all abilities together to play, have fun, and build friendships. We’re so proud of our athletes and grateful to the coaches, volunteers, and staff who helped make the day such a success.

What a great way to celebrate soccer, friendship, inclusion, and a little Halloween spirit! 👻⚽🎃

We’re excited to share that Derby High School was selected as a CIAC Michael’s Jewelers Achievement Cup Exemplary Program recipient! Members of the Derby Cheer team proudly represented DHS and accepted the recognition at the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference at the Aqua Turf Club.

The award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to promote positive sportsmanship, leadership, school spirit, and community involvement. We’re proud of the work our student-athletes, coaches, and staff do every day to make DHS athletics such a positive part of our school community.

DHS staff members proudly represented our school community at the annual Vicki Soto 5K on Saturday morning! The race, held in honor of Vicki Soto, a beloved Sandy Hook teacher whose legacy continues to inspire others, raises funds to support literacy and education initiatives for children. It was a great morning filled with energy, community spirit, and lots of flair! Thank you to all DHS staff who organized, participated, or supported this meaningful event.

Attention DHS/DMS Athletes! We will be offering a FREE Sports Physical Clinic provided by Dr. Schweitzer. Make sure to get your sports physicals to be eligible for winter and spring sports! If you have any questions, please speak with Nurse Erin (203)-736-5032 x2309.

• When: 11/18/2026 from 2:00PM-4:00PM
• Where: Derby High School Nurses office
• Who: All DHS and DMS students

Please register at: https://derby-ct.finalforms.com and follow the prompts. (Help is available if you need it by emailing jmoffat@derbyps.org

• PHYSICALS: Please be sure your sports physical is up to date with the school nurse (13 month expiration date from time of physical).

• GRADES: Please note students must be passing 5 classes to be eligible to participate in for winter sports.

Derby High School Winter Sports Offerings:

Basketball – Boys – 6 day/week commitment & during vacation periods

Basketball – Girls – 6 days/week commitment & during vacation periods

Cheerleading – 6 days/week commitment & during vacation periods

Indoor Track – Boys – 6 days/week commitment & during vacation periods

Indoor Track – Girls – 6 days/week commitment & during vacation periods

Wrestling – (Co-ed) – 6 day/week commitment & during vacation periods

Unified Sports (begins November TBD)

Derby High School Spring Sports Offerings: (begins in March)

Baseball – 6 days a week commitment & during vacation periods

Outdoor Track & Field- Boys – 6 day/week commitment & during vacation

Outdoor Track & Field–Girls – 6 days a week commitment & during vacation

Softball – 6 days a week commitment & during vacation periods

Big Y is offering college scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, and community college students! This opportunity is open to Big Y customers, employees, and their dependents.

Application Window
November 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027 (No deadline extensions!)

- Academic transcript (unofficial copies accepted)
- One academic letter of recommendation (from a teacher or professor)
- Personal resume/fact sheet
- Optional: College Board exam results
- Essay (required for some scholarship categories)

💬 Notifications
Scholarship award results will be emailed in May 2027, and recipient names will be posted on www.BigY.com

🌐 Apply and Learn More:
👉 www.bigy.com/page/community/scholarships
📧 Questions? Email: scholarship@bigy.com
📞 Call: (413) 504-4080

Monday, 11/9

• Recruitment for American Legion Oratorical Contest

• Morning announcements will introduce Ruby Bridges

• Special Advisory- NHS Meeting @ 9:45 – 10:15am

• PPT Meeting @ 10:21 (P4)

• CIAC - Unified Sports Words Matter Activity During Lunch Waves for Kindness Week

• Girls Varsity Volleyball State Tournament Game @ 5 at East Granby BEST WISHES!!!!

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Tuesday. 11/10 (Early Dismissal-Modified Schedule) Report Card Conferences

• BH Care-School Based Clinician Day
• DHS Report Card Conferences (By Appointment)
• Afternoon Conferences (By Appointment) @ 12 – 2:25pm
• Evening Conferences (By Appointment) @ 5 – 7:30pm
• School/Community Relations and Policy Committee @ 5:30 pm

Wednesday, 11/11

• No School (Veteran's Day)

Thursday, 11/12

• BH Care-School Based Clinician Day
• Rotary Interact Pinning Ceremony@ Brownson Country Club @ 12:15 pm
• Girls & Boys Soccer Banquet @ 6-8 pm at JR Payden Fieldhouse Congrats on great seasons!!

Friday, 11/13 (Early Dismissal-Modified Schedule)

• Early Dismissal Day (Modified Schedule)
• Q1 Report Cards Issued
• Ruby Bridges Walk To School Program
• Boys Varsity Football @ 6 pm at Ansonia Best wishes!

**SAVE THE DATE! November 24th Powderpuff Football Game @ 6 PM @ Oxford High School!

We are here for you if you need to help! The main office is open from 7:00 - 3:30 PM.

• Principal Mrs. Jennifer Olson jolson@derbyps.org
• Assistant Principal: Mr. Ray Coplin rcoplin@derbyps.org
• Special Education Supervisor: Mr. Mike Giordano, mgiordano@derbyps.org
• Freshman Academy Coordinator: Mrs. Carlin Ali cali@derbyps.org
• Admin Assistant: Mrs. Angela Lillemoe alillemoe@derbyps.org
• Guidance Administrative Asst: 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
  
• Athletic Director: Ms. Jennifer Moffat jmoffat@derbyps.org

Principal

Derby High School

#GoBigRed!

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