DHS Newsletter

MISSION

Our mission is to prepare all learners for life-long success through a safe, collaborative, and innovative learning community.

VISION

Success for all!

DHS ADMIN

• Jeff Brandt, Principal - jbrandt@dpsnd.org
• Randy Cranston, Asst. Principal - rcranston@dpsnd.org
• Holly Schild, Asst. Principal - hschild@dpsnd.org
• Guy Fridley, Athletic Director - gfridley@dpsnd.org

Hello DHS Families,

It has been almost two weeks since the referendum for the renovation/addition to the high school and secure entrances to elementary schools passed. I will be honest with you, I'm still in a little bit of shock that this will be a reality! This is such an important step for our school district and community. I have immense pride in what we have done and look forward to what we will continue to do.

I want to thank all of our parents and community members for their hard work and support throughout this process. Thank you for voting and letting your voice be heard. The support that we have received from numerous groups and organizations was overwhelming. This is such an exciting time for DHS, DPS, and the Dickinson community.

Over the course of the next few weeks, months, and years, there will be opportunities for public comments and feedback. I want to encourage you to take advantage of those opportunities as they come. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or to our Central Administration Office.

Thank you again for your continued support of our students, our teachers, and our staff!

Jeff Brandt,

Dickinson High School Principal

Nov 10th - No School

Nov 22nd - 24th - No School

Back in September, many band and choir students sent in audition recordings hoping to be selected as participants for two different college music festival in the month of November. The following students were selected.

Northern Plains Music Festival at Dickinson State University:

Band: Ellayna Berg-Flute, Avery Mann-Clarinet, Nevaeh Pierce- Clarinet, Evelyn Geroge-Clarinet, Annabelle Dolechek-Bass Clarinet, Gavin Dvroak- Alto Saxophone, Jackson Halverson- Tenor Saxophone, Lincoln Goettle-Trumpet, Avery Welk-French Horn, Toby Spangler- Trombone, Gabe Ricks- Tuba, Elizabeth Goettle- Percussion, Rainey Zettle-Percussion, Phaden Schrum- Percussion

Choir: Aaliya Cisneros, June Devero, Karson Jung, Parqer Fred, Erick Silva Cruz, Jared Petersen, Faith Hernandez, Geena Mathiason, Reina Williams, Sadye Kasper and Marlee Winkelspecht

Northwest Music Festival at Minot State University:

Band: Lincoln Goettle-Trumpet, Gabe Ricks-Tuba, Christian Duchscher-Percussion , Toby Spangler-Trombone, Ayden Whitney- Trombone, Jackson Halverson- Tenor Saxopohone, Rainy Zettle- Percussion, Phaden Schrum- Percussion, Avery Welk- French Horn, Annabelle Dolechek- Bass Clarinet, Avery Mann Clarinet, Nevaeh Pierce-Clarinet, Evelyn George-Clarinet

Choir: Lela Dickson, Aaliya Cisneros, Reina Williams, Faith Hernandez, Keziah Dvorak, Parqer Fred, June Devero, Erick Silva Cruz, Jared Petersen, and Karson Jung

Dickinson Dynamic Sound Childrens Choir

The DHS A Cappella choir students have been busy traveling to elementary schools to help teach 4th and 5th grade students what it is like to sing in a choir. The Dickinson Dynamic Sound children’s choir is made up of 84 4th and 5th grade students from Dickinson. They will be putting on a performance on November 20th at 7:00 PM in the DHS Auditorium, with the DHS A Cappella students by their side.

Courtney Sadowsky, one of our Roughrider Area Career & Tech teachers, is the first educator in the nation to meet all the requirements and complete all the assignments to receive a SkillsUSA Certified status in the SkillsUSA comprehensive chapter cohort program.

North Dakota was one of 5 states selected for this ongoing professional development program which included 2 in-person and 6 virtual meetings to grow as SkillsUSA advisors and help them serve the secondary students in the CTE programs. Their mission is to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. Ms. Sadowsky has proved that student development and their career opportunity are a priority for her through her gained expertise in SkillsUSA Framework, Program of Work, and chapter management.

Congratulations Ms. Sadowsky!! We are lucky to have you!

Foreign Exchange Students and Culture Shock

Written by ELL instructor Lia Bradley

Culture shock is defined as the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes. Such is the case of 5 foreign exchange students at DHS who have been in the country for just under a month. Having lived in England with my aunt at the age of 9 and having been a foreign exchange student in France at the age of 15, I know this feeling.

I conducted an interview with these students to create a video on culture shock. I’ll take a moment to share with you some of the things they had to say about ways in which they were experiencing culture shock.

Francesca from Italy and Oliva from Spain both said that it has been difficult for them to adjust to the different schedules in which people do things in the US. Olivia said that while people in the US are having lunch at 11:00 a.m., people in Spain are just barely having breakfast. Also, while dinner in the US is at 5:00 p.m., in Spain and Italy, people don’t sit down to eat dinner until 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.

These two students, along with Clara from Germany, also noted how sports and extracurricular activities are taken so seriously in the US. In Europe, most students join a sport or an activity for the social aspect. In contrast, here, much focus is placed on the competition aspect. Although this often discourages foreign exchange students from remaining in the sport for the whole season, Clara and Olivia have enjoyed this attitude of competition, which has motivated them to strive to become better swimmers.

Maialen from Spain also talked about the loneliness a foreign exchange student can experience and the importance of being a responsible young adult since you’re away from your family and you’re faced with having to be more independent.

Anderson from Brazil talked about how different schools in America are from Brazil. He comes from a small private school, so DHS initially seemed huge for him. Learning the A/B schedule was so difficult for him since, in Brazil, students stay in the same class all day long. It took him a couple of weeks to finally know where and when to be at a certain class.

The food also has been an adjustment for all of them. Although I didn’t hear a lot of complaints about American food, the food here is very different from what they are used to. One thing they miss about back home is that sometimes people here get too busy and grab food on the go instead of sitting down for a family meal around the table.

Although culture shock is unavoidable, it’s part of the adaptation process. All these five students have great personalities and different interests, that I know as the year goes by, they will become more and more adjusted to the US way of life. I’m excited to see how they will flourish and make an impact as they share their cultures and experiences with us.

Left to right: Clara Heller, Francesca Mennella, Maialen Garcia, Oliva De Santiago, Anderson Babetto

• Call 701-456-0030 and choose option 1 for attendance.
• Give us your student’s name and requested dismissal time.
• PLEASE notify us at least 2 hours before requested dismissal time. We cannot guarantee your student be released on time without sufficient notice.
• Phone calls must be placed by a parent or guardian.
• At the time of dismissal, your student is free to leave campus. Parents do not need to enter the building.
• All medical appointments require medical documentation to be considered excused.

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