Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools

Dear DR Community,

We've kicked off another school year on a positive note, and I hope everyone is settling into their daily routines. As the days become shorter and the crisp autumn weather settles in, I encourage you to take a moment to enjoy the natural beauty that New England offers during this season.

Just like the changing colors of the leaves, our students and educators are undergoing their own transformations throughout the school year. New learning experiences, challenges, and opportunities ignite curiosity and learning, with fall representing a fresh start after the summer. Fall is a time of fresh beginnings, and the vibrant autumn colors remind us of the many different ways our students are achieving and learning along their unique paths.

Together ... We Are DR!

Take care,

Bill

On Thursday, October 17 from 6-8pm, our high school extends an invitation to all 7th and 8th graders and their families as we will host another Green & Gold Night. This is an opportunity for us to showcase our high school and all it has to offer. We’re incredibly proud of the work we’re doing, and we encourage you to come see for yourself! As you shape your future, join us to see why DRRHS is the place to be.

Click the image below for our MSBA webpage.

We are thrilled to announce that Beckwith Middle School, a school with Special Olympics Unified Champion School® programming, has been recognized with a prestigious national banner for its exceptional commitment to providing inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. This prestigious status is a testament to the hard work of Carol Jerauld and the staff and families who support Unified. BMS achieved this remarkable honor by meeting ten national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. Among only 19 schools in Massachusetts and 202 schools nationwide, Beckwith Middle School has achieved this honor for the 2023-24 school year. Read more about this here.

Congratulations to those who have changed roles and those who have joined the team!

• Katelyn Lima - Principal, DES - formerly Assistant Principal at DES
• Christina McGourty, Assistant Principal DES - formerly Assistant Principal at DMS
• Lauren Harwood - Director of Technology and Operations - new to DR
• Sean Kinney - Assistant Principal at DMS - new to DR
• Michael Strojny - CTE Director - formerly CTE Automotive Teacher

If you have not yet met or congratulated those listed above who have been recently named to their roles, please do. DR continues its commitment to furthering staff in the progression of their careers and hiring excellent talent to join our ranks. #WeAreDR

What Is Indicator 14?

Indicator 14 is one of the 17 Indicators that the United States Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) uses to see whether school districts are following special education law and whether special education is improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Indicator 14 reports whether our students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are in school or have a job one year after they leave high school by graduating, aging out at age 22, or dropping out.

Why Is Indicator 14 Important?

Indicator 14 tells us about the lives of our students with IEPs one year after they have left high school. It is one way to help us understand whether students' education prepared them for adult life.

Surveys

To date, we have collected 14 surveys from past graduates.

Please see HERE for additional information

We are excited to announce that our Director, Dr. Marie-Juanita DiGioia, is participating in a year-long institute aimed at enhancing the expertise of seasoned Special Education Administrators. This program offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges in special education, featuring seminars, personalized coaching, and collaborative problem-solving experiences. Through these initiatives, Dr. DiGioia will develop innovative strategies to strengthen collaboration among district administration, school staff, and our community, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive.

The institute focuses on several key areas, including the implementation of effective tiered systems of positive behavioral support, the new 2024-2025 IEP and transition strategies, and the utilization of the Educator Effectiveness Guidebook for Inclusive Practices. Participants will also explore topics such as cultural responsiveness, equity, and the legal frameworks governing special education. By participating in this program, Dr. DiGioia aims to bring back valuable insights and actionable strategies that will enhance our district’s special education practices and foster a more inclusive environment for all students. Thank you for your continued support as we work towards providing the best possible educational experiences for our students

The next SEPAC meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2024 at the High School's Media Center.

Please visit HERE for more information.

Presented by: Patrolman Aaron Swartz of the Dighton Police Department

Date: 10.7.24 Time: 7pm

Overview: As First Responders, it is imperative we serve all residents of our community to the best of our ability. In times of an emergency, no matter the age, communication level, or diagnosis, interactions with first responders can cause fear and anxiety. Though emergencies involving individuals requiring an altered response are rare, it does happen. This program is geared to ensuring a more efficient and effective response that will also lead to a more positive and effective interaction

Please learn more HERE about this opportunity.

We’re excited to announce our Preschool Advisory Committee meetings will be beginning for the 2024-2025 school Year. These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss important topics such as our new curriculum, areas for improvement, and resources to support our students’ development. We will be sure to share updates on what we discuss and any next steps we plan to implement.

The Early Learning Team, in collaboration with EEC, is in the process of finalizing Welcome to Kindergarten! A Planning Toolkit for Massachusetts’ Schools, Families, and Communities (Kindergarten Toolkit). The Kindergarten Toolkit will support teams of families, administrators, educators, and community organizations in planning students' seamless transition to kindergarten. More details will be shared as they are shared with the district.

Here is the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

• Linked here