The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools - November Edition
Dear Dracut School District Families,
As we embrace the holiday season and say goodbye to November, a month centered on gratitude, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible teams, students, volunteers, parents, and community members who make our schools extraordinary. Your dedication, hard work, and support create a strong foundation for our students to learn, grow, and succeed.
From the teachers who inspire daily to the volunteers who give their time and energy, the parents who partner with us in their children's education, and the community members who champion our schools, your contributions make a lasting impact. Together, we create a welcoming and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
This month's newsletter highlights the accomplishments, events, and activities that showcase the heart of our Dracut school community. We are proud of all that we achieve together and look forward to continuing this journey with your partnership.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. May your Thanksgiving be filled with moments of connection, reflection, and gratitude.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Stone
Campbell/Greenmont School Building Project Public Information Meeting
Date: Thursday, December 5th
Time: 6PM
Location: Campbell Elementary School Cafetorium
Fresh & Local: Dracut Schools Partner with Local Farms for Healthy Meals
Kale & Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups Trimmed kale without stem
- 1 cup of diced apples (Macintosh, or gala)
- ¼ cup Ken’s Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Preparation For 4 servings
- Dice Apples in a ½ inch dice
- Take the kale, cut the stem out, and rip the kale leaves into bite-size pieces.
- Place all ingredients into a bowl, add Vinaigrette.
- Mix together and enjoy.
Brookside Elementary School
Kindergarten students learned about Veterans Day, the armed forces, and the importance of honoring those who have served our country. Each flag displayed on the bulletin represents a family member who has served or is currently serving.
This tree represents possibilities, ideas, and dreams. It all started with a simple question from astronaut Stuart Roosa: could seeds germinate in space? This question led to the Moon Tree project, a symbol of curiosity and exploration.
We want to encourage our children to ask questions, be curious about the world around them, and believe in the possibilities of their dreams and ideas.
The celebration was a huge success! We were honored to have Representative Colleen Garry join us, along with Mrs. Santos, a dedicated daily volunteer and Mrs. McCarthy our Title One teacher.
A special thank you goes to:
Campbell Elementary School
Englesby Elementary School
November Students of the Month
This month, we are proud to celebrate our November Students of the Month. These students have demonstrated exceptional kindness, responsibility, and dedication to learning. They consistently show respect for peers and staff while being a positive role model in the classroom and beyond. Congratulations to these students on this well-deserved recognition! Keep up the amazing work!
Pictured:
Jameson & Julian Ngumba, grade 1
Lillian & Ryder Im, grades 5 & 2
Greenmont Elementary School
At the Greenmont we are continuing to celebrate being kind. November 13th was National Kindness Day and our school community rose to the challenge of making someone smile with their random acts of kindness. They opened doors, wrote positive messages, asked peers to sit with them at lunch and made to sure to greet their peers with a smile!
"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change' - Bob Kerrey
Dracut High School
DHS Newspaper Editors Travel to Philadelphia
The editors of the Dracut High School newspaper, The Navigator, recently attended the National High School Journalism Conference in Philadelphia, escorted by Navigator advisor Ms. Hayes Frohock. The editors went to workshops that developed their journalistic skills to become better writers, photographers, and editors. After spending long days networking with peers and learning all about high school journalism, students had time to explore the city of Philadelphia and learn of its rich history. Pictured here, L-R: Nixon Noeuk, Madison Doyle, Lily Cockerline, and Mackenzie Doyle.
Dracut High School
Cheers! The Giving Tree Rises To Welcome the Holiday Season!
Once again, our students will join with the Salvation Army to provide toys and basic necessities to Dracut families in need. Right now, the Tree is in need of "Holiday Helpers" to make the season a little brighter for those children and teens whose families rely upon assistance during the holidays. The Dracut High School Giving Tree actually gives twice! First, area children get toys and clothes that they might not otherwise receive. Then, students who contribute to the Giving Tree receive the "gift" of a growing sense of empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate than themselves. The development of these traits is a gift that keeps on giving not just throughout the holidays but throughout the year (and one's life)!
(Attached to the Giving Tree are paper ornaments listing gifts that are needed. Alternatively, students/parents can donate gift cards of $25 to area stores. All donations, whether gift cards or unwrapped presents, should be delivered to Ms. D'Amato.
Teaching and Learning Department
On November 5, 2024 educators across the district participated in a variety of professional development sessions.
The highlights of the day were:
• Middle School staff reviewing student diagnostic data and strengthening their knowledge of curriculum/programs
• High School staff working on Parent Square and continuing their work with Practitioner Inquiry
• Elementary staff sorting through MCAS and diagnostic data and learning more about the new Literacy Curriculum
• Counseling staff discussing behavioral data
• Special Education staff meeting with Director Lawrence to continue their work with the new IEP
• Physical Education and Health staff attending the MAHPERD conference
• Fine and Performing Arts staff attending the Artistry Unleashed conference at Lawrence High School