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Tiger Times

Superintendent's Weekly Update: August 28th August 29th

Tiger Times Superintendent's Weekly Update: August 28th August 29th
Tiger TimesSuperintendent's Weekly Update: August 28th August 29th

Douglas Public Schools Mission Statement

“The Douglas Public Schools offer diverse learning experiences that meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of all students. We provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment in which students may achieve academic success and personal growth.

Decisions are made in the best interest of students.”

Thank You!

I hope everyone has had a great start to the school year. As we wrap up the first few days of the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to express all of our excitement and gratitude for such a positive start. It has been awesome to see our hallways filled with the energy, smiles, and the enthusiasm of our students.


Students have done an excellent job adjusting to their new routines, and it's clear that they are ready to learn and grow. Teachers are working closely with students to build relationships and establish routines in order to build a foundation for success.



Thank you to everyone that made these first few days such a success. We are looking forward to an amazing year ahead. Enjoy the long weekend!

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT

Ann Scales, Ann.Scales@mass.gov

Danielle Burney, Danielle.Burney@mass.gov


State Officials Announce Plans to Spray for Mosquitoes in Sections of Worcester and Plymouth Counties Due to EEE

Spraying for mosquitoes is one component of a public health response to reduce risk from the rare but serious EEE virus


BOSTON (August 24, 2024) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced plans to conduct aerial spraying for mosquitoes in areas of Plymouth County, and truck-mounted spraying in parts of Worcester County. As of today, 10 communities in Massachusetts have been raised to high or critical risk for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus by DPH.


The State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB), with the assistance of MDAR, will conduct and monitor aerial spraying in parts of Plymouth County and oversee truck-mounted ground spraying in parts of Worcester County.


The eight communities in the aerial spray zone are Carver, Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, and Wareham.

The five communities in the truck spray zone are Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Sutton, and Uxbridge.

The planning and coordination for the upcoming spraying operation are in progress. Details on the exact timing will be provided as soon as possible, but spraying is expected to occur during the week of August 26th. Spraying is scheduled to take place at night, starting shortly after dusk and ending in the early morning. Please be aware that this schedule is weather-dependent and may change on short notice. Residents will be able to visit DPH’s website for further information as it is made available.


EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. On August 16, DPH announced this year’s first human case of EEE virus infection, a male in his 80s who was exposed to EEE in Worcester County. During the last EEE outbreak in Massachusetts in 2019-2020, there were 17 human cases and seven deaths.


“We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. MD, PhD. “This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.”


“Due to the increased EEE risk and the first human case of the season, the state is taking decisive action to protect public health,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Aerial spraying will target mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus. While these measures are crucial for reducing transmission risk, it's vital for everyone to stay vigilant and follow personal protection guidelines to safeguard our community.”


The pesticide used is Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes. Compounds in this product have proven to be highly effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years.


Anvil 10+10 is applied using an ultra-low volume (ULV) aerosol that uses very small quantities of the insecticide. It is unlikely a person would be exposed to amounts that would cause adverse health effects. Although special precautions are unnecessary, residents in the affected areas who prefer to avoid or minimize exposure can stay indoors during spraying. People with known sensitivities to chemicals or existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are encouraged to stay indoors during spraying to reduce the chances of aggravating those conditions. Consumption of vegetables and fruits grown in the treated area or drinking water that might be taken from surface water bodies near spraying operations is considered safe.


Fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are likely to be in their hives during evening spraying. Owners of small ornamental fishponds in the aerial spray area of Plymouth County should cover them during the night of spraying. For beekeepers, if bees are congregating outside the hive box(es), consider applying a cover to the hive entrance or over the entire hive box(es) using a loose wet cloth (burlap, sheet, etc.) to prevent bees from exiting and coming into direct contact during the application. It's not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, but keeping pets inside will minimize their exposure.


While these mosquito control sprays are necessary to reduce human risk from EEE, they will not eliminate it. All residents are reminded to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient whenever they are outdoors. Communities at high and critical risk are advised to schedule outdoor activity to avoid dusk to dawn hours, in order to minimize exposure to the mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE. The DPH recommends the following precautions:


Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.


Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.


Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.


Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.


For an FAQ regarding mosquito control and spraying, please visit the DPH website here.

For questions about spraying, contact the MDAR Crop and Pest Services at mosquitoprogram@mass.gov.


For the most updated information on EEE risk and disease, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology at (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov for updated risk levels, mosquito results, maps, and incidence of positive mosquito samples.

For questions about mosquito control in your city or town, contact your local board of health.

For general information about mosquito control, contact the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board within MDAR at (508) 281-6786 or email mosquitoprogram@mass.gov.

New Student Information System - PowerSchool

Dear Parents and Caregivers,


We are excited to announce that the new Parent Portal self-service registration process is now open for the 24-25 school year!



*PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENT SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE THROUGH WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28th AS WE ARE STILL MAKING LAST MINUTE CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE.*


Please see the attached letter and step by step instructions for information regarding setting up your accounts and linking students. We also encourage you to download the PowerSchool mobile app as well for on-the-go convenience. Instructions for downloading the PowerSchool mobile app for parents and students on iOS and Android devices are attached to this email.


Important things to note regarding your parent portal account:


1. Please only create ONE account. You do not need to create a new account for adding/linking additional students or siblings.

2. You do NOT need to create a new account every year or re-register every year.

3. If you forget your password after signing up, please use the “Forgot Username or Password?” link so that you can reset it yourself.

4. Please do NOT create a new account if you forgot your password.

5. Do NOT share your password with anyone else. If additional parents/family members want access, they can create and set up their own account and link to the student(s)

6. You will need an Access ID and Access Password to link your student(s). Please email parentportal@douglasps.net to get that information.


As is the case with any major software conversion, we are trying to minimize any issues that you may experience. We have created the following email for PowerSchool support if needed (parentportal@douglasps.net). Should you have any questions or issues, please use the above email to let us know.


Thank you for your patience,


Thank you,

Domenic Sergio

Director of Technology,

Douglas Public Schools

Traffic Update

From Officer Fulone

To all Parents/Guardians:


With the arrival of the 2024-2025 school year fast approaching, I’d like to share and/or remind everyone of the following. In the interest of making our school campuses safe environments for everyone at all times, it is important that we all share in this responsibility and do our part.


The busiest times at our schools tend to be during the arrival of students, parents and school busses in the morning and the dismissal of students in the afternoon. During these times, we should all use caution, exercise patience, and extend courtesy to others while on school property.


Having that in mind, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the following restrictions and safety measures in-place throughout the district. First and foremost, the speed limit on school property is 15 M.P.H. This is clearly posted in both directions along the driveway at the high school. It is also marked on the pavement beginning at the primary school and continuing past the elementary school and the middle school. These roadways are used by students, faculty, staff, parents, visitors, school busses, and emergency vehicles, etc. It is imperative that the speed limit is adhered to.


There are several clearly marked and posted crosswalks through the school’s campuses. Please pay close attention to students and parents in these crosswalks. Watch for the very youngest children in these areas as well, and if you are a parent or guardian with a child using the crosswalk, please be sure that traffic has stopped before stepping into the crosswalk.


Familiarize yourself with the established one-way traffic pattern from the primary school to the middle school during school hours. When entering these campuses, please use Gleason Court from Main Street in the center of town. When leaving, please exit onto Rte. 16 (Davis Street) at the bottom of the hill beyond the middle school. Personal vehicles are not permitted to travel behind any of the four school buildings during normal school hours and there are several posted signs in place reinforcing this restriction. If trying to reach the middle school from Rte. 16 (Davis Street), you may only drive as far as the skate park or the adjacent parking lot and must walk by foot to the main entrance.


When dropping off or picking up a student, please be cautious and courteous. Please maintain a single-file fashion along the school sidewalks at the elementary school. When pulling away, be sure to do so only when it is safe. Avoid pulling out into traffic blindly. Also, this lane is strictly for parents who are dropping off a student. This is not a parking lane. Adherence to this restriction will permit the flow of traffic to move smoothly and relatively unobstructed.


Finally, please use extreme caution around all school busses and school vans both on campus and off. An overwhelming majority of the concerns we investigate involve the unsafe operation of personal vehicles around school busses while students are loading onto or getting off busses, both on school property and at school bus stops throughout town. A reminder that M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 14 requires all vehicles to stop whenever a school bus is allowing students to unload or board and whenever its warning signs and red lights are activated. This includes parking lots and applies to traffic traveling with or against the direction of the bus. Bus drivers have been instructed to provide the number plate information of anyone they observe in violation of this regulation and could result in the issuance of a civil citation and/or fine. Whenever busses are parked at any of the schools to load or unload students, please avoid walking between them; either in front of or behind them as they are lined up along the curbs. This will prevent any unfortunate accidents or mishaps.


With the new school year soon underway, please be mindful of the increase in activity on and around the school campuses. Slow down and be patient, and above all else, use common sense and courtesy to ensure that everyone, especially the students, stay safe. With everyone’s help and cooperation, we will have another safe, successful school year.


Thank you,

Brett Fulone

School Resource Officer

2024-2025 BUS STOP LISTINGS- PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 🚍

2024-2025 BUS STOP LISTINGS-MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS 🚍

New School Resource Officer

Officer Adam Wright

Through an expanded partnership between the Douglas Public School District and the Town of Douglas, we are pleased to announce that Officer Adam Wright will be joining Officer Brett Fulone as our second school resource officer (SRO) beginning this school year. Both officers will provide joint support to the Douglas Public Schools each day.


Officer Wright started working for the Town of Douglas as a Dispatcher in 2014. In 2018, he was promoted to Full Time Officer. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice as well as a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice with a Certificate in Law Enforcement Leadership and Administration. Officer Wright is also a certified A.L.I.C.E. Instructor, D.A.R.E. Instructor, A.L.E.R.R.T. Responder and a Child Passenger Safety Technician. In his spare time, Officer Wright enjoys playing volleyball in leagues in the summer and fall.


We are excited to see the positive impact he will bring to our students and learning community here in Douglas!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT

Great opening day with staff! Started with keynote speaker, Alex Kajitani, California Teacher of the year, speaker, author, rapper!

The Primary staff was up to a STEM challenge- collaborating in teams and creating a product!

Last weeks student "Kickoff 2024" at the Middle School. Over 100 parents, caregivers, and students who attended. What a great turnout!

1st Day of School at the High School. I'd say the view is pretty nice up there.

Care Solace

Dear Parents and Guardians of the Douglas Public Schools School Community,


As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade, perhaps a new school, and are all in turn learning and growing into who they are.

We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and teachers who are navigating through this time. Click here to access to the flyer.


By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. Remember, Care Solace offers valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.


To access Care Solace:

  • Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
  • Visit www.caresolace.com/douglas: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

By joining hands as a community, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's prioritize their emotional growth and create a brighter future together.


Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Douglas Public Schools community. Your commitment to our youth is truly commendable.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HELPLINE (BHH)

Mental health and substance use crisis services in Massachusetts are now covered for everyone, with or without insurance!



If you're in crisis and want immediate support, call or visit a Community Behavioral Health Center and get the care you need — no insurance required.


Visit mass.gov/CBHCs to learn more.

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER (CBHC)

You know mental health matters. But you may not know where to go for help. Now, you have options:


- Call or text 833-773-2445 and work with a trained clinician or peer coach to get connected directly to the right services for you.

- Walk into a Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) and access immediate mental health crisis support, no insurance needed.


Learn more at mass.gov/BHroadmap.

2024-2025 School Choice

School Choice

School Choice is now OPEN for the 2024-2025 school year and will close on October 1, 2024.


Please click HERE to fill out the Districts School Choice Application. For questions pertaining to School Choice, please contact Lauren Tibbetts, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at 508-476-7901 ltibbetts@douglasps.net

Douglas High School Opportunities

After Middle School...

It can be a major decision whether your student is deciding to attend a vocational school or traditional high school after Middle School. For students trying to decide between these two educational paths, the choice often comes down to your skills, interests, and what you want to do after graduating. Please take a look at what the Douglas High School has to offer.


High schools play a crucial role in shaping the academic and personal development of students. They provide a broad academic foundation, a college preparatory focus, and a range of extracurricular activities to enhance students’ overall growth.


Douglas High School offers advanced placement (AP) courses and college-level classes, allowing motivated students to earn college credits while still in high school. Additionally, Douglas High School provides guidance and support in the college application process, helping students navigate through the complexities of college admissions.

Douglas High School: A Hands-On, Rigorous, and Flexible Education

THE DOUGLAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE HIRING!

Custodial and Cafeteria Workers

Douglas Public Schools has Custodial and Cafeteria Worker job opportunities available (Regular positions and Sub positions). Please apply on School Spring.

Full and Part-Time Positions

We are currently recruiting for open positions and would love to hear from you. Apply online at: SchoolSpring.com. Your application will require a CORI check, which can be done through DPS in our Central Office and a SAFIS fingerprint background check, which will need to be completed at one of many local Indentogo facilities.

Become a DPS Substitute!

DPS is in need of substitutes - both classroom teacher and other support roles. The district will provide training to help applicants understand the expectations and feel comfortable in the role.

Substitute School Nurses Needed!

We need Substitute School Nurses! Join the DPS Health and Human Services Team as a Substitute School Nurse to support the health and well-being of the Douglas Public School students. Substitute School Nurses work as needed, with a minimum commitment.

Apply to be a School Nurse

Blue Print for Student Success

Douglas Public Schools Blue Print for Student Success

The Blue Print for Student Success is our version of a Strategic Plan. This is a living and breathing document that guides our decision making and is our plan to move the district forward and ensure that our students succeed at a high level. Click here to view the 23-24 Blue Print.

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

Click on any of the tabs below to access useful information

Contact Us

Website: www.douglasps.net

Address: 21 Davis St. Douglas, MA 01516

Phone Number: 508.476.7901

Twitter: @DouglasSuper1

Paul Vieira
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