The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools - March Edition
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the days grow longer and we welcome more daylight in March, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to each of you. It is with great pleasure that I share these updates from our dedicated teachers and staff, aimed at keeping you informed and involved in your child's educational journey. Your ongoing support and partnership are invaluable to us as we strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment for every student in our school system.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Steven Stone
Brookside Elementary School
We're fortunate to have a vibrant community of volunteers who play a crucial role in enriching our students' learning experiences across the district. These dedicated individuals provide invaluable support to our teachers and students, making a significant impact in our classrooms.
Volunteers offer one-on-one or small group support to students, especially those who may benefit from extra assistance with their learning. By addressing the diverse needs of our students, volunteers help teachers create more inclusive and effective learning environments.
Their contributions go beyond academic support. Volunteers enrich the learning experience by bringing diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and nurturing a sense of community within our schools. Our students greatly benefit from the guidance and support provided by our volunteers.
We would like to highlight one of our exceptional volunteers, who is not only a parent but also a bus driver for the district. She generously volunteers in Grade 1, working with students to develop their literacy skills. Her dedication and commitment to our students' growth are truly commendable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication to our students' success. Your contributions make a difference every day.
Campbell Elementary School
Students at Campbell School recently had the delightful opportunity to experience a presentation by the renowned speed painter, Rob Surrette, titled "Amazing Hero Art." Rob inspired our students with his compelling message to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams passionately. The presentation was a hit, captivating the students with its powerful blend of art and inspiration!
Englesby Elementary School
Ms. Dowling, the school counselor at Englesby, has been diligently leading classroom sessions focused on bolstering students' social and emotional skills, particularly in areas of self-awareness, social awareness, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving. A significant part of her initiative includes two key lessons aimed at understanding and addressing "Double D behaviors" (Dangerous and Destructive) and distinguishing between tattling and telling.
Through discussions on Double D behaviors, Ms. Dowling encourages students to recognize and report actions that are harmful or pose a risk, emphasizing the importance of approaching trusted adults in such situations. This lesson aligns with broader efforts to educate students on the serious implications of bullying and the collective responsibility to maintain a safe school environment.
The Tattling versus Telling lesson aims to teach students the critical difference between seeking attention for minor issues (tattling) and reporting serious, harmful behaviors (telling). These lessons equip students with the discernment necessary to navigate complex social situations and contribute to a supportive, safe school community.
Supporting these discussions, the "Weird" book series by Erin Frankel has been an invaluable resource. By exploring bullying from the perspectives of the aggressor, the target, and the bystander, the series facilitates deep connections and understanding among students regarding the discussed behaviors.
Ms. Dowling's efforts are an expansion of our RULER program and have supported the establishment of common language and expectations across all grade levels, enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of our school's approach to student well-being and safety.
Greenmont Elementary School
For this March newsletter, we reflect on the vital lessons imparted during American Heart Month in February, a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. This leading cause of mortality among men and women globally highlights the importance of maintaining heart health throughout our lives.
Throughout February, our school nurse, Mrs. Cunha, embarked on a school-wide initiative, visiting classrooms to educate our students on the essentials of heart health and how to keep our hearts functioning optimally. The focus was on instilling healthy habits, such as:
- Physical Activity: Emphasizing the need for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily for school-aged children.
- Nutrition: Advocating for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and minimizing unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
- Sleep: Stressing the importance of 9 to 12 hours of sleep nightly for children aged 6-12, critical for their overall health and well-being.
- Regular Check-ups: Highlighting the importance of periodic health evaluations.
- Stress Reduction: Encouraging practices like meditation, yoga, or simple relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.
- Limited Screen Time: Recommending no more than 1 to 2 hours a day on digital devices to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
In an engaging hands-on approach, students learned to check their pulse rates before and after physical activities and listened to the rhythm of their own hearts using a stethoscope. Additionally, each student crafted a personal stethoscope from a toilet paper roll and stickers, bringing home not only a creative project but also a tangible reminder of the importance of heart health.
As we move forward into March, let's carry with us the valuable lessons of American Heart Month, continuing to prioritize our health and well-being.
Richardson Middle School (RMS)
In our continuous effort to enhance the academic success of our students, Richardson Middle School's dedicated math teachers have been actively engaging in collaborative discussions centered on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) constructed responses. Recognizing the importance of these responses in evaluating students' understanding and application of mathematical concepts, our teachers are focused on developing strategies to better support our students in this critical area.
Through these meetings, the team is exploring innovative teaching methodologies and reviewing best practices for instructing students on how to effectively articulate their mathematical reasoning in written form. The goal is to empower our students not only to solve mathematical problems accurately but also to clearly communicate the processes and reasoning behind their solutions.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and tips on how you can support your child's mathematical development at home. Together, we are building a strong foundation for our students' future achievements.
Dracut High School Embraces Sandy Hook Promise: A Commitment to Safety and Community
In a powerful display of unity and commitment to creating a safer environment for all, students at Dracut High School have recently pledged their support for the Sandy Hook Promise. This initiative aims to prevent gun violence and nurture a culture of safety, awareness, and responsibility within homes, schools, and communities.
Driven by the student council's initiative, our students have actively participated in this campaign, with many adding their signatures to a banner that now proudly hangs in the Learning Commons. This gesture symbolizes their collective pledge to adhere to the foundational principle of the Sandy Hook Promise: "See Something, Say Something." Research supports the critical role students play in enhancing school safety through vigilance and communication.
Amidst this backdrop of student-led activism, we are proud to introduce SRO Derek Scribner, a veteran of the Dracut Police Department, as our newest Middie School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Scribner, with his extensive experience serving the town of Dracut and background as a former US Marine, is primarily assigned to Dracut High School. Alongside SRO Cotnoir, who focuses on the Richardson Middle School, they extend their protective services to Dracut's elementary schools as needed. "Welcome Aboard," SRO Scribner. Your presence reinforces our commitment to safety and complements the proactive steps our students are taking through initiatives like the Sandy Hook Promise.
This collective effort, combining the proactive measures taken by our students with the dedicated support of our SROs, marks a significant stride towards ensuring a safer, healthier, and more secure environment for our educational community. Let's continue to support and celebrate these initiatives and the individuals who are making a tangible difference in our schools. Together, we are forging a stronger, safer community for everyone.
Advancing Literacy: Into Reading Phase I Implementation Team Collaboration
Recently, our K-5 Instructional Coach and the Into Reading Phase I Implementation Team convened for a collaborative meeting. During this session, educators discussed strategies to effectively implement the Into Reading curriculum in our elementary schools. This comprehensive program is designed to foster a love for reading and support students' literacy development from a young age. By leveraging the expertise of our instructional coach and dedicated team members, we are committed to providing our students with engaging and enriching learning experiences that promote literacy skills essential for academic success. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work together to support our students' growth and achievement in reading.
