The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools - February Edition
As we embrace the chilly winter weather, I note that February marks the transition to the second half of the school year. By the end of the month, we will hopefully begin to see signs of spring.
In this edition of our newsletter, we'll highlight the outstanding accomplishments of our students and educators, showcase the creative initiatives taking place in our classrooms, and provide a glimpse into the upcoming events that will fill our days with #MiddiePride.
Wishing you all a February filled with warmth, achievement, and the joy of learning!
Best regards,
Superintendent Steven Stone
Brookside Elementary School
We're thrilled to share some wonderful updates from our classrooms! In Grade 3, our teachers devised a creative incentive to encourage completion of iReady lessons by creating a heartwarming grid where students could track their progress and help the Grinch grow his heart. We're delighted to announce that our third graders rose to the challenge, with an impressive 97% of students completing 100% of their iReady lessons in December!
Meanwhile, over in Grade 1, our young learners have been immersed in exploring three-dimensional shapes and their attributes. From spheres to cones, cubes, cylinders, and rectangular prisms, our students are not only identifying these shapes but also delving into their specific features like vertices, corners, and bases. It's incredible to witness our students' dedication and engagement in their learning journey!
Campbell Elementary School
Exciting news from Campbell School: Our Safety Patrol is officially up and running! Comprising 16 dedicated members from our fifth grade, this team is playing a crucial role in supporting the arrival and dismissal process. From ensuring students' safety to maintaining orderliness, our Safety Patrol members are making a positive impact on our school community every day.
Greenmont Elementary School
We're thrilled to announce that our beloved Book Buddies program is back and in full swing! This wonderful initiative brings together students from different classrooms to share the joy of reading their favorite books each month. Not only do they engage in reading activities, but they also collaborate on fun crafts, enhancing their communication, sharing, and teamwork skills along the way. The bonds formed during these sessions are truly special, and our younger students light up with excitement when they see their older book buddies in the hallway—it's like spotting a celebrity! Fostering a love of reading is a top priority for us, and the success of our Book Buddies program reflects our collective investment in this important endeavor.
Richardson Middle School (RMS)
We're proud to share the impactful journey of our eighth-grade RMS Project 351 Ambassador, Lucas Hart. On January 13, 2024, Lucas joined 350 ambassadors from across Massachusetts for Project 351's Launch Day at the JFK Library in Boston. This marked the beginning of a year dedicated to service work. Lucas had the honor of attending a program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, where he heard inspiring speeches from Governor Maura Healy and other community leaders.
Following the launch event, Lucas, alongside Principal McGuinness, continued his dedication to service by participating in a food distribution initiative in Chelsea, organized by hundreds of volunteers. Later in the day, they engaged in service at La Colaborativa, a Latina-led organization serving immigrant communities in Greater Boston.
Lucas's commitment to service doesn't end there! He's already planning a spring clothing drive to benefit Cradles to Crayons, showcasing his ongoing dedication to making a positive impact in our community. We're incredibly proud of Lucas's leadership and service efforts, representing RMS and the Dracut Community with distinction.
Dracut High School Earns Bronze!
Dracut High School recently earned Bronze status on the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll. Nationally, only 30% of eligible United States high schools, earned a place of recognition on the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll.
To earn Bronze status on the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, a school must: a) have 40% or more of their graduating class take an Advanced Placement exam at any point in high school, b) have 25% or more of the graduating seniors earn a score of three or higher on any AP exam in high school, and c) have 2% or more of the graduating class enrolled in five or more AP exams while in high school.
Spotlight on Food Services Director Nathan Langevin
In a heartwarming moment captured at Dracut High School, 1st-year Food Services Director Nathan Langevin stands proudly alongside the school's dedicated cafeteria staff, affectionately known as the "lunch ladies." Their shared passion for providing the nourishment our students need earned them a well-deserved tribute with a sign proclaiming "Lunch Ladies Rock."
Mr. Langevin graciously shared insights into his culinary journey, beginning at the age of 14 and culminating in a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. His extensive background includes notable experiences such as working at Walt Disney World and preparing meals for renowned figures like Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Buffet, Tiger Woods, and Bill Clinton.
Transitioning to school food service, Mr. Langevin's path led him to Dracut via Andover High and Billerica High. He explains the seamless process behind free school lunches for all students, a state-funded initiative. This program ensures that every student in Massachusetts can enjoy nutritious meals at no cost to their families.
In adherence to state and federal guidelines, the meals served at Dracut High School must meet specific nutritional standards. Among the student favorites are classic offerings like chicken filet, "Taco Day," General Tao's chicken, and, of course, pizza.
Looking ahead, Mr. Langevin aims to expand students' culinary horizons by introducing Indian and African cuisines to the menu. Dishes like chicken tikka masala and jollof rice with grilled curry chicken will provide exciting new flavors for our students to enjoy.
Beyond his culinary expertise, Mr. Langevin shares a delightful tidbit about his passion for Disney World. During school vacations, he indulges in park-hopping adventures and savors the diverse culinary offerings, including African cuisine at BOMA, panoramic views and fireworks at California Kitchen, and the delectable "grey stuff" at the Beauty and the Beast Castle.
As Food Services Director, Mr. Langevin's commitment to enhancing the dining experience for our students reflects his dedication to their well-being and culinary education. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Langevin and the entire cafeteria team for their invaluable contributions to the Dracut Public Schools community.
The Dracut Public Schools, with the support of the town's insurance provider, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), is providing training opportunities for district staff in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation.
Our first session was held on January 18th at the Campbell Elementary School with future sessions to be held at other schools within the district complex. This invaluable training prepares staff to be ready to assist in an emergency.
