DHS December Newsletter
Principal's Message
I am delighted to share the progress we've made on our school-wide attendance initiative for the 2025-2026 school year. We set a clear and ambitious goal: to reduce the number of students identified as chronically absent from 14% in the previous year to under 10% for the 25-26 SY. Thanks to the collective commitment of our students, parents, and staff, we are on track to meet this goal. As of the close of Quarter 1 on November 14th, 8.9% of our student body is currently identified as chronically absent, marking a significant 3 percentage point reduction compared to the same time last year. This improvement means more students are consistently present, engaged, and building the essential habits needed for success. As the busy holiday season approaches, it is critical that we keep up this great work and continue to prioritize consistent daily attendance. Let's make it our New Yearβs resolution to double down on showing up!
Additionally, as we enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish all of our students, families, and staff a joyful holiday season. This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect, rest, and reconnect with loved ones.
Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health in the year ahead.
With Husky Pride,
Mr. Garcia
π October Students of the Month π
Congratulations to Madelyn and Malvi, our October Students of the Month!
Madelyn is a student who combines exceptional creativity and technical skill with remarkable responsibility and follow-through, particularly within our theatre program's Prop and Projection Crews. Her innovative stagecraft, like transforming a musical prop into a gravestone, showcases her flair for visual storytelling, which she balances with strong academic performance and involvement in multiple honor societies, demonstrating excellent time management and a cooperative spirit.
Malvi is a naturally gifted designer, engineer, and creative problem-solver who embodies the mantra, "Seek the moment of excited curiosity for the acquisition of knowledge." He is an exceptionally intelligent, articulate, and clever student whose mature sense of logic and inquisitive demeanor enable him to quickly grasp and effectively apply complex tools and concepts. Malvi's passion and tenacity are further demonstrated by his ambitious decision to teach himself German in preparation for applying to engineering colleges in Europe.
π¨ Bergen County Art Teachers Exhibit π¨
π November Recap π
Teacher v Student Volleyball Fundraiser
The gym was rocking during our Teacher vs. Student Volleyball Fundraiser! Our students put up an incredible fight, but the teachers just managed to squeeze out the victory in a thrilling match! It was all for a great cause, and we had a blast!
DHS Theater Presents 12 Angry Jurors
What an incredible run for the Dumont High School Drama Club's production of 12 Angry Jurors! Our talented student actors brought the intense, gripping drama of the jury room to life last weekend, and the performances were truly unforgettable. From the heat of the arguments to the suspenseful turns, our cast and crew captivated the audience, proving that drama isn't just entertainmentβit's a powerful conversation. A huge round of applause for the dedication, passion, and long hours put in by everyone involved.
Cyber Huskies
The DHS Cyber Huskies Robotics Team (dhscyberhuskies) officially launched their 2025-2026 season at their first meet at Hackensack High School! Our team showed great skill and determination, finishing the day with a solid 3-3 record. More importantly, they gained invaluable experience and insight that will shape their strategies moving forward. Currently, the team is ranked an impressive 8th in the League!
Veterans Day
On November 11, Dumont High School proudly honored our nationβs heroes during our annual Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony. Students, staff, and community members came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms. Thank you as well to everyone who joined us to make this meaningful tradition a heartfelt celebration of respect and gratitude.
Art Honor Society - Teacher of the Month
Last year, members of the Art Honor Society launched a fun and meaningful tradition by selecting a Teacher of the Month! Each month, students vote to recognize a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students and our school community. The winning teacherβs parking space is then creatively decorated by the Art Honor Society to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and positive impact at DHS.
Field Trip to The Guggenheim
The recent field trip to the Guggenheim was a truly enriching experience for our students. They enjoyed stepping outside the classroom to critically examine how art plays a vital role in our community, our lives, and the broader world. We were thrilled to facilitate meaningful discussions and hear their unique interpretations of the artworks.
π Upcoming Events & Important Dates π
December 1 - 5
- Winter Wonderland Window Decorating Contest (flyer attached below)
December 2
- Athletic Boosters Meeting 6-8pm @ DHS Media Center
December 4
- Music Boosters Meeting 7:30-9pm @ DHS Media Center
- ATTN Students: Universal Technical Institute is visiting Dumont High School. Students must sign up to participate. Drop by guidance to register.
December 15 - 19
- DHS Holiday Spirit Week (flyer attached below for details)
December 16
- Holiday Concert 7pm @ DHS Auditorium
December 23
- One Session Day
December 24 - January 2
- No School - Winter Recess