The DPS Inside Scoop

As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves cascade around our beautiful town and the crispness in the air hints at the approach of a new season, there's an equally refreshing and invigorating energy buzzing through the halls of the Dracut Public Schools.

I'm thrilled to embrace not only the start of another promising school year, but also the beginning of our monthly communication, "The DPS Inside Scoop." Each month, this platform will serve as a window into the heart of our schools, illuminating myriad achievements, activities, and stories that exemplify what makes DPS truly exceptional.

As we embark on this exciting journey, I want to personally thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our students. I look forward to using this outlet as an opportunity to share stories and highlights from each of our six schools, and celebrate the brilliance and dedication that characterizes The Dracut Difference.

Warm regards,

Superintendent Steven Stone

In the world of music education, our third-grade students have been having an absolute blast in their Music class! They've been diving into the fundamental elements of music, which include tempo, pitch, rhythm, and harmony. These elements are just a glimpse of the rich tapestry of skills and knowledge our students are cultivating within our program. Pictured below, our young musicians have been creating beautiful harmony on the xylophones, demonstrating their mastery through delightful performances and practical application.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to share that our school chorus, featuring students from third to fifth grade, is thriving. With 73 talented and passionate members, our chorus meets diligently after school each week to rehearse and share the joy of singing together. The dedication and enthusiasm of our chorus members are awe-inspiring.

In fifth grade this month, our students have been making great strides in their reading and social studies lessons. They've been focusing on teamwork and communication, sharing their ideas and thoughts with their classmates. In math, the topic of volume has been keeping them engaged. The students are working as a team to tackle math problems and sharing their solutions with each other. This collaborative problem-solving approach is a part of our exciting new math curriculum.

Our SY23-24 Greenmont Community and Caring Committee is up and running! We have four student members who are excited to join us in supporting our initiatives. Our first planning meeting was filled with many creative ideas on how to best support our school and community. We’re wasting no time! Our first action will be a Food Drive running in the month of November!

Our second graders embarked on a field trip to Topsfield Fair on October 5th. They delved into the significance of bees and got a close look at various farm animals and vegetables.

On the 17th of October, the Kindergarteners from Brookside journeyed to Parlee Farm. There, they delighted in apple picking, explored a whimsical pumpkin patch, and took memorable tractor rides.

Venturing to the Pilmoth Patuxet Museum on October 17th, our third graders experienced the rich history and culture of the Wampanoag People firsthand.

On the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2023, fifty-nine RMS eighth graders were inducted into the William F. O’Neill Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Along with family and friends, in attendance were Superintendent Stone, School Committee Members Dr. Rebecca Duda and Rob Shepherd, Principal Maria McGuinness, Assistant Principal Robert Molloy and NJHS Advisor and Teacher, Kimberly Ducharme.

On October 12th, our high school's talented Band, Orchestra, and Chorus students were treated to a remarkable opportunity that will be etched in their memories for years to come. They had the privilege of attending an open rehearsal at the prestigious Symphony Hall in the heart of Boston. As if that wasn't fantastic enough, the highlight of the day was witnessing the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform alongside the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra, presenting Shostakovich's captivating Cello Concertos 1 and 2. It was an extraordinary performance by a true virtuoso, and our students had front-row seats to this unforgettable experience.

Following the mesmerizing performance, our students basked in the delightful autumn weather by enjoying their lunch beside a serene Reflecting Pool. The picturesque day in Boston provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible and enriching outing. Our students are grateful for this extraordinary opportunity, and we look forward to more such experiences in the future.

"The trip was a huge success! The students were so inspired by Yo-Yo Ma and the entire orchestra. Thank you so very much for the support for this trip, it was an amazing experience for the students."

Our Dracut Best Buddies program attended the Best Buddies Walk in Boston, MA on Saturday, October 14th. We had an amazing turnout for Dracut! Peers, buddies and parents attended the event which included a walk around the Schrafft’s City Center, face painting, mini-golf, witch hat ring toss, cornhole, dancing and connecting with other chapters in the area. We had a lot of fun with some exceptional people!!

We are excited to share that each school in Dracut now has a Book Vending Machine! You hear us right: a vending machine for books!!

Each vending machine comes with reusable tokens that students can use to “buy a book”. While students can earn or receive tokens in a variety of ways, our schools will focus on using this to recognize students who are being positive and supportive toward others through the demonstration of our Community of Caring values. The schools are thrilled to support positive student behavior while also promoting the love of reading!

Middle school students and their families are invited to attend our annual open house. Mark your calendar: Thursday November 9th from 6:00-7:30PM

Looking for a successful path to a college degree for you or your child? Did you know Dracut High graduates are better prepared to earn that degree than those from other schools? THAT is The Dracut Difference!