The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools - February Edition
Dear Dracut Families,
As February unfolds, we are reminded that this month is often associated with love and kindness—values that are at the heart of our school community. At Dracut Public Schools, we strive to foster an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.
This month’s newsletter highlights the incredible accomplishments, events, and learning taking place across our district. Together, let’s continue to show care for one another and celebrate the progress our students and staff achieve every day.
Wishing you a wonderful February filled with positivity and connection!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Stone
Brookside Elementary School
Brookside Elementary Highlights
Brookside students have been busy with fun and meaningful activities lately!
Music Therapy Magic: Students in our RISE Program joined in on music therapy sessions filled with group activities that encouraged teamwork, communication, and social skills—plus lots of smiles and laughter!
Money Lessons Made Fun: Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union brought financial literacy to all grades, teaching students about wants vs. needs and the basics of banking. Kindergarteners loved listening to "Bunny Money" and then “spending” their bunny bucks to decorate adorable craft bunnies.
Celebrating 100 Days Smarter: Kindergarteners had a blast dressing up as their 100-year-old selves to celebrate the 100th day of school. From gray hair to glasses, their creativity was on full display. Looking sharp, future centenarians!
Campbell Elementary School
Campbell Elementary Read Bowl Challenge 2025
The Campbell fifth grade class is competing in the nationwide Read Bowl Challenge. Former New England Patriots player and author Malcom Mitchell created a reading competition to encourage children to read. Over the four weeks of the Challenge, the students each get a reading log to track their minutes and then the Campbell Library Kristen Palmerino calculates all minutes read and logs them onto the read bowl website weekly. So far our fifth graders have read over 55,000 minutes the past 3 weeks! The students are really reacting positively to this challenge. They are also enjoying weekly videos sent by NFL players and coaches. The fifth graders are hoping they win the challenge so Malcom Mitchell could come visit our school.
Here are some photos from students taking the Read Bowl Challenge!
Englesby Elementary School
Fifth Grade Book Clubs Foster a Love for Reading
At our schools, fifth-grade book clubs are a favorite way to inspire a love for reading while enhancing comprehension and writing skills. These clubs provide differentiated learning opportunities that engage all students, from reluctant readers to the most avid book enthusiasts. Through discussion and collaboration, students develop critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for literature.
Students are diving into a variety of captivating titles, including Holes, Refugee, Among the Hidden, Wild Robot, One for the Murphy’s, Shiloh, Hatchet, Middle School, Hoot, The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell, The Forgotten Girl, and many more. The excitement around book clubs extends beyond the classroom—one student even shared how a former classmate recommended a title during a football game, sparking his eagerness to read it.
These connections highlight the power of books to bring students together, creating a community of readers who inspire one another.
Greenmont Elementary School
Attendance Matters at Greenmont Elementary
At Greenmont Elementary, we’ve been emphasizing the importance of strong attendance and how missing school impacts a child’s education. To support this effort, our biweekly Attendance Matters section in the family newsletter shares valuable facts about absences and helpful tips to ensure children are present each day.
We’re also excited to introduce our new Greenmont Brag Tags initiative! Each month, students with perfect attendance will earn a special "brag tag" to add to their chain. Every student has already received a "We're Glad You Are Here" tag to kick things off.
We love seeing our hallways bustling with students each day and are here to support families in maintaining consistent attendance. Together, we can help every child succeed!
Richardson Middle School (RMS)
RMS Updates for February
National School Counseling Week (Feb 3-7): RMS celebrated and appreciates our school adjustment counselors, Mrs. Pinto and Ms. DeGrazia, who support students through individual counseling sessions and provide assistance whenever needed. Their dedication helps students manage challenges and thrive.
Project 351 Ambassador: Congratulations to 8th grader Nolan Mann for being selected as RMS's 2025 Project 351 Ambassador. Nolan joined state leaders in Boston for a day of service, including volunteering at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, MA. His Service Hero Team honored Martin Richard, reflecting on the values of kindness and service.
High School Musical Jr.: The RMS cast, featuring 48 talented students from grades 6-8, will perform Disney’s High School Musical Jr. on March 7th and 8th. After months of rehearsals, the show promises to dazzle. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out!
Second Quarter Honor Roll: RMS recognizes students for their academic achievements. Congratulations to all who made the High Honor and Honor Roll for Quarter 2! Check the links to see the full list of students for grades 6, 7, and 8.
Dracut High School
Dracut High School Highlights
At Dracut High School, we dedicate our time and energy to preparing students for their future. Over four years, they gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life beyond high school and transition into adulthood.
This growth happens within an “academic ecosystem” we call school culture. Research shows that a positive school culture fosters better learning outcomes and deeper understanding. Recently, 100 students came together to discuss what shapes school culture and the role they play in creating it. Led by Mr. DiGeronimo, our student ambassadors and teachers continue to promote and strengthen the positive culture at Dracut High.
After the February break, students will watch a segment of "Eyes on the Prize," the acclaimed documentary series. The focus will be on the history of school desegregation in the South, offering insights into how students of the past helped shape school culture during pivotal moments in history.
As the pace of the school year picks up, the Class of 2025 edges closer to their big day. This year’s commencement will be held on June 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.. Until then, we hope everyone enjoys a safe and warm February break.
Once a Middie, Always a Middie!
Dracut pride was on full display recently as alumni from the Classes of 2021-2024 returned during their winter break to share their post-graduation journeys. These former Middies spoke to current students about making the most of high school and shared insights from their college and career paths.
Hearing about alumni studying to be dentists, nurses, engineers (including one aiming to become an aerospace engineer at WPI!), and construction contractors reminded us of the potential our students carry. Their willingness to come back and inspire the next generation is a testament to our motto: “Once a Middie, Always a Middie!” It was a proud moment to see how our former students are charging confidently into their bright futures.
