The DPS Inside Scoop
What's Happening at Dracut Public Schools -January Edition
Dear Dracut School District Parents and Guardians,
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and that you had a wonderful holiday break. As we welcome 2024, I want to extend my wishes for a year filled with growth, learning, and continued success for your children in our schools.
January marks the beginning of a new chapter in our educational journey, and it's a time for fresh starts and renewed determination. Our schools are buzzing with excitement as students and educators return to the classrooms after a well-deserved break.
As we move forward into 2024, our focus remains on providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every student can thrive. Together, as a community, we will continue to support our students' growth and development, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.
Stay tuned for the latest news and updates in this month's Inside Scoop, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Your partnership is invaluable to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Steven Stone
Brookside Elementary School
Developing Young Artists
In Ms. Anderson's second-grade class, our young artists have been on an exciting creative journey! They've been exploring the world of art and learning about different types, such as landscapes, still life, and portraiture.
Recently, they drew inspiration from the renowned contemporary artist, Kehinde Wiley. Wiley is known for his captivating portraits, and our students have been fascinated by his use of vibrant floral designs in his artwork.
Kindergarten Spreads Holiday Cheer at Dracut Senior Center
Our Brookside Kindergarten students brought joy to the Dracut Senior Center as they sang festive songs, spreading holiday cheer to the members. 🌟🎄🎤"
Campbell Elementary School
Leader of the Pack
We had seven "Leaders of the Pack" this month! We are so proud of our students who go above and beyond to show kindness and care for others. They enjoyed a pizza with Principal Faulkner and Vice Principal Greenberg, and were able to purchase a book out of our Coyote Vending Machine! We can't wait to see who is a leader of the pack for next month!
Englesby Elementary School
All aboard the Polar Express! 🚂 Our Kindergarten students recently embarked on a magical journey as they listened to the enchanting story, guided by Conductor Wocjik. Afterward, they enjoyed hot cocoa and candy canes!
But the adventure didn't end there. Throughout the day, our young learners engaged in literacy and math centers, further enhancing their skills and having a blast.
Greenmont Elementary School
We are delighted to share the exciting news that our Greenmont Newspaper Club is now in full swing! Our enthusiastic fifth graders are eagerly working on their inaugural edition of the Gator Gazette. This upcoming publication promises to feature interviews, school events, surveys, an illustration corner, and so much more!
Our dedicated student members will be taking on key roles, including article writing, photography, editing, and overseeing the printing process. We're thrilled to announce that the first edition is scheduled for release at the end of February. Be sure to stay tuned for this much-anticipated debut!
Richardson Middle School (RMS)
In early November, Richardson Middle School warmly welcomed a new addition to our staff - Mia, the therapy dog! Mia, a four-year-old golden mix breed, was rescued by Principal McGuinness and has been undergoing extensive training to be certified as a therapy dog. Mia recently passed her American Kennel Club Good Citizen Canine Test and is now a full member of the Richardson community.
The introduction of Mia as a therapy dog at our school aims to enhance the social and emotional atmosphere, fostering a positive and supportive environment for all our students.
Dracut High School
The Dracut High School Theatre Arts Department's Fall production of 'The Crucible' was a resounding success! We are thrilled to share that both the Friday and Saturday evening shows were sold out, with audiences treated to a unique experience – being on the stage with the talented cast!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated cast and crew for their hard work in bringing this exceptional performance to life. It was an unforgettable theatrical event!
Student Services: On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Best Buddies hosted its 3rd annual fundraiser, and what an incredible event it was! The Dracut Unified Basketball team faced off against the Dracut PD/FD in a thrilling match, with a final score of 68-60 in favor of our talented students.
Coach Heather Pattangall and Assistant Coach Jessica Gilliland couldn't be prouder of our students and their remarkable skills. The evening commenced with a moving rendition of the national anthem, led by recent graduate Mikayla Landry, who graciously stepped in at the last minute. Senior Chuck Maraganis took the helm as the event's emcee, guiding us through a memorable evening.
The funds raised during this event will play a crucial role in supporting inclusive activities, including field trips, prom, get-togethers, and more. It was a night filled with excitement and success, leaving athletes and spectators alike with lasting memories of a fantastic event.
Teaching & Learning: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all administrators, directors, and coaches for their outstanding contributions during the December 6th Professional Development afternoon. Here's a glimpse of the valuable work that took place:
Elementary staff dedicated their time to develop Student Success Plans, drawing insights from Literacy and MCAS data. This effort is instrumental in enhancing our students' academic journey.
Over at Richardson, our dedicated staff engaged in a staff meeting and a follow-up session to the November 7th Professional Development day. This follow-up focused on delving deeper into homework practices, ensuring that our students benefit from effective learning strategies.
Meanwhile, the team at Dracut High School had the opportunity to collaborate within their departments and further their growth through Practitioner Inquiry Professional Development.
We truly appreciate the commitment of our educators and staff to continuous improvement, ultimately benefiting our students and our entire school community.
