The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools - April Edition
Dear Dracut School District Parents,
Welcome to the April edition of our monthly newsletter. As we transition into spring, I am thrilled to share with you the latest updates, achievements, and exciting happenings from our schools. From academic achievements to extracurricular activities, this newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged in your child's educational journey.
I'd like to take this opportunity to extend a friendly reminder to register your soon-to-be kindergarteners early. If your child is turning five on or before August 31, 2024, they should be registered for Kindergarten. Early registration ensures a smooth transition into our kindergarten program and helps us better prepare to welcome your child into our school community. More information about our kindergarten program and registration process can be found here.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Steven Stone
Brookside Elementary School
Our First Graders celebrated Read Across America Day in style by dressing up as their favorite characters from various stories! It was a joyous day filled with literary fun and creativity.
Meanwhile, Grade 3 embarked on an exciting learning adventure, discovering the process of making maple syrup. From understanding how taps are inserted into maple trees to the collection process, students gained hands-on knowledge about this sweet treat.
In the spirit of giving back, all grades participated in the Heart Association Kids Challenge to support children with heart disease. Through various physical education activities, from basketball to obstacle course races, our students showed their dedication and raised an impressive $7,000 as a school community! Special congratulations to Miss Giglio's Grade 1 class for raising the most funds. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!
Campbell Elementary School
Souper Bowl" Food Drive Success!
The Campbell Coyotes showed their generosity and community spirit by participating in our annual "Souper Bowl" food drive to support the Dracut Food Pantry. Together, our students collected an impressive total of 497 food items! Thank you to all the families and students who contributed to this wonderful cause. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference in our community!
Englesby Elementary School
Becoming Math Royalty in Third Grade!
Our third graders are on a quest for math excellence! Each week, they tackle fact fluency sheets covering all four math operations. With a determined spirit, students strive to complete the task error-free within a set time frame to earn the prestigious title of math kings and queens! We emphasize the importance of perseverance, reminding students that we can conquer difficult challenges with patience and effort. As a symbol of their achievement, student pictures adorn the revered "Math Royalty Hall of Fame" in the third-grade hallway. We are immensely proud of our students' dedication and commitment to doing their best in math!
Greenmont Elementary School
Exciting STEM Adventures at GES!
At GES, our students are diving into hands-on STEM activities with enthusiasm! In fifth grade, students embarked on a challenge to filter particulates from water by designing simple filtration systems. Using the Scientific Method, they engineered various prototypes using different materials. Through experimentation and revision, they aimed to produce the cleanest water possible—a testament to their ingenuity and problem-solving skills.
Meanwhile, fourth graders honed their engineering skills by investigating energy transfers during collisions. Collaboratively, they designed and built team rollercoasters to conduct trials—an engaging way to explore concepts of motion and energy in action. We're thrilled to see our students' creativity and critical thinking skills in action through these dynamic STEM projects!
Richardson Middle School (RMS)
We had a special guest at RMS on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Mark Binder, an accomplished author and storyteller from Providence, Rhode Island, delighted our seventh-grade students with tales from his writing journey. With over two dozen books and audiobooks for children, families, and adults under his belt, Mr. Binder captivated our students with his stories.
During his visit, Mr. Binder led engaging writing workshops, inspiring our young writers to explore their creativity and hone their skills. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from such an experienced author.
We're thrilled to announce that there will be a follow-up visit from Mark Binder on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, where the writing workshop will continue. This is an excellent chance for our students to further develop their writing abilities.
A huge shoutout to the RMS PTO for making this visit possible! Their support is invaluable in bringing enriching experiences like this to our students.
For more information about Mark Binder and his work, please visit his website: https://markbinderbooks.com/bio
Let's keep the excitement for reading and writing alive!
Dracut High School Show Choir Presents: "Cirque Du Middie"
**Dracut High School Show Choir Presents: "Cirque Du Middie"**
This spring, Dracut High School's Show Choir, led by Mr. Alex Morrow, is thrilled to showcase their latest production, "Cirque Du Middie." Featuring a vibrant circus theme, the performance includes captivating renditions of songs such as "Topsy Turvy" from Hunchback of Notre Dame, "That Green Gentleman" by Panic! At the Disco, "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, and "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. With standout solo performances by Cici Magdalena, Julia Pesina, and Zoey Jasmin, and the support of the talented 21-member cast, audiences can expect an enchanting blend of singing and dancing across a range of emotive musical numbers.
The Show Choir recently showcased their talents at the New England Show Choir Showdown on Saturday, March 16th, and the UMASS Lowell Choir Invitational on Sunday, March 17th. This marks the Show Choir's eagerly anticipated return to competitive season following the challenges of the pandemic.
Credit for Life Fair Preps Seniors for Adulthood
Once again, Dracut High School welcomed over fifty local business representatives to conduct the Credit for Life Fair, an invaluable experience for our graduating seniors. These community partners provided real-world insights into the financial responsibilities of adulthood. Through interactive activities, students explored essential topics such as rent, car payments, insurance, utilities, college expenses, and more. The fair challenged students to make difficult financial decisions based on their career paths and income expectations. Even factors like early parenthood were incorporated into the mock financial planning, prompting eye-opening realizations about lifestyle adjustments. Following the fair, seniors enjoyed a special luncheon and ice cream social, courtesy of Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to guide our students as they embark on their journey into adulthood.
DHS Student Council Takes the Plunge for Special Olympics:
Members of the Dracut High School Student Council had an exhilarating experience at the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils' Annual Conference in Hyannis. Over three days, students engaged in leadership workshops, listened to inspiring keynote speakers, and networked with peers from over 70 high schools across Massachusetts. Adding to the excitement, our students bravely participated in the "Polar Plunge" and raised an impressive $650.00 in support of Special Olympics Massachusetts. We commend our Student Council for their enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
