Week 4: DHS Weekly Update
September 25, 2023
September 25, 2023
From The Desk of The Principal
This week, we have our senior post-secondary planning night. As the seniors are planning for their future, I want the underclassmen to think about what they are doing to build a strong resumé. Academics are only one component of a student's resumé. What are students doing to build the other aspects? Fine arts, clubs, and athletics are all opportunities for students to get involved, show commitment, and exhibit leadership. Whether it's college admissions or a potential employer, a more involved student has a leg up on the competition. It's never too late to get involved!
-Jim
Upcoming Calendar Events:
September 25: No School - Yom Kippur
September 26: School Pictures & NHS tutoring Center Opens
September 27: Senior Post-Secondary Planning Night at 6 p.m.
October 2-6: Spirit Week & Senior Seminars
October 3: Students ½ day. Staff PD
October 4: School Committee Mtg @ Town Hall
October 5: DHS Open House
School News
Picture Day Is Tomorrow!
Tomorrow is picture day at DHS! All students will have their pictures taken for their school ID. Pictures are also available for your purchase, by using the link and the code below.
Picture Day ID: EVTCF9JFZ
ELA News
English I Grade 9: Students in Mrs. Jacques’ class practiced writing sample thesis statements and voted to see which group had the best thesis statement for each topic!
The National Honor Society Tutoring Center
The tutoring center will open in room A212 during X-block on Tuesday, September 26. The Tutoring Center is open during X-block on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parents, teachers, and students can request peer tutoring help in almost all academic subjects. If you want a referral form or have questions, please contact Carol Margolis at cmargolis@dedham.k12.ma.us or Liz Hellman at ehellman@dedham.k12.ma.us.
DHS Handbook Sign-Off
We ask that parents and students read through/make themselves familiar with our handbook. After doing so, please use this form to sign off on reading the handbook.
News From The Nurse
As we only have one nurse at DHS this year, the Health Office is closed from 1-1:45 for lunch. During the lunch break, the nurse will remain in the building and handle emergencies and pre-planned medication visits.
Science Happenings
The AP Environmental Science Class visited Mill Pond Park to measure water quality. Special thanks to Mr. Morton for joining us. Some highlights included finding a Flat Periwinkle Snail and a baby catfish. Students look forward to the next field trip to the Cape Cod Canal on October 5th.
The Parent Connection
The Parent Connections is hosting welcome-back breakfasts this week! Breakfasts will be in the cafeteria from 6:30-7:45 a.m. The schedule is as follows:
These days cannot happen without the help of all our parents.
Class of 2024 Breakfast: Friday, September 29th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549A5A62BA1FE3-senior2
Class of 2025 Breakfast: Thursday, September 28th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4CAEAA2FA3FA7-junior/38499033#/
Class of 2026 Breakfast: Wednesday, September 27th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A44AFA623A0F58-sophomore
Class of 2027 Breakfast: Tuesday, September 26th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848AFAB2AA5F8C34-44317511-freshman
Staff Breakfast: Friday, September 29th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549A5A62BA1FE3-dhsstaff1
Thank you from the DHS Parent Connection
DHS Summer Reading 2023
On Friday, September 22, DHS paused our regular schedule to hold our summer book discussions. This is an annual event where students and staff meet in small groups to discuss the common book each group read over the summer. The conversations were lively and offered many different perspectives on the books!
Guidance
College Planning Workshop
On Wednesday, September 27th, please join the DHS Counseling Team and 3 college admissions representatives from UMass Lowell, Curry College, and Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, for a virtual webinar open to all Senior students and families.
This workshop will explore post-secondary options, the college admissions process, and conclude with an interactive Q+A session with all panelists.
We are looking forward to this Senior event!
Date: Wednesday, September 27th
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Zoom Link:
https://dedham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/94937713982
College Admissions Visits at DHS
College Admissions Representative Visits at DHS will begin on Tuesday, September 19, during x-block in the cafeteria. Seniors can sign up through Flex Time to attend. Below is a list of schools visiting the month of September. Visits will continue through November. This is a great opportunity for students to connect with an admissions counselor, learn more about a school, and ask questions.
September 26 @ 9:45am
Bryant University
September 26 @ 9:45am
University of Massachusetts-Boston
September 28 @ 9:45am
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
DHS Athletics
This year, field and gym cameras are filming all of our athletic contests at DHS! Information on how to subscribe to the viewing service is available here: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/dedham-high-school-dedham-ma
Staff Spirit
Fridays are staff spirit days!
District News
Save The Date: District Curriculum Night
REMINDER! Have You Paid Your Technology Fee?
DHS & DMS families who have not yet paid their annual Technology Fee will begin receiving reminder phone calls this week. The annual technology fee covers licensing, service and warranty costs for student chromebooks. An online form for each student must also be completed. Click here for fee details and form link.
Playground & Fields Reminder
A friendly reminder that all Dedham Public Schools fields and playgrounds are closed for public use during the school day! We also ask that our furry dog friends are not allowed on school grounds, fields or playgrounds to ensure student safety.
Have you seen the new track and turf installed at DHS? This was an important project to ensure that the field was in good condition and safe for our student athletes.
FAMILY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Have a Student Who Loves Sports?
Follow DHS athletes by checking out the game schedule online here. DHS Fall sports include: Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Boys/Girls Cross Country, Golf, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Unified Basketball
September Is Suicide Prevention Month
The following resources may be of help to assist individuals and families who may be dealing with mental health symptoms and/or adolescent substance use. Students and families can always reach out to the DPS School Counseling team if you have any questions, concerns or need help. Find your school counselor information here.
Community-Based Mental Health Services:
Riverside Community Care - Dedham Office (781-329-0909)
Riverside Mobile Crisis (800-529-5077)
William James Interface Referral Service (888-244-6843)
Dedham Youth Commission: Angela Osei-Mensah, Youth Services Counselor, (781) 751-9190 aosei-mensah@dedham-ma.gov
.Find It Fast:
Download and print the full District Calendar for No School / Holiday and Early Release Days.
Share medical information, upload new physicals and connect with the school nurses via SNAP Health Portal.
If you do not know how to log-in to PowerSchool, you can find information here!
School lunch menus can be found here.
Email hometechservice@dedham.k12.ma.us if you need support with your Chromebook.
2023-24 DPS Back to School email sent August 31, 2023
COMMUNITY & PTO NEWS
Community Input Needed!
The Town of Dedham is seeking community input for the use of opioid settlement funding via a survey on our website at www.dedham-ma.gov/health. The survey is available for all community members to help the Town understand the needs and preferences of the community and guide the allocation of funds that the Town will receive from settlements with opioid producers and distributors.
Be Part of The New Elementary Building Project!
The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee is accepting applications for ex officio (non-voting) members to join us as the Greenlodge-Oakdale Project continues through the critical design phase and beyond. They are looking for individuals with particular experience in school construction or a parent of a child enrolled in the Dedham Public Schools. Additional information can be found at this link :https://www.dedham-ma.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/788/914
Community Events & Flyers
Local organizations, events and happenings are often shared with Dedham Schools. As a community service, we post all shared flyers and information here. These events are not sponsored by DPS, but we encourage you to check them regularly to learn about fun things happening around town!
District Dates
September
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - SBRC Meeting - 6:30pm at Dedham Town Hall
Wednesday, September 27, 2023: DHS College Admissions Panel for Seniors/Families - 6:00-7:30p live, Zoom webinar
October
Tuesday, October 3, 2023: EARLY RELEASE - Professional Development
Thursday October 5,2023 : Town Flu Clinic 5:00-7:00 PM DMS Gym
Monday, October 9, 2023: NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples' Days
Monday, October 23, 2023: McLean Virtual Seminar: Crabby Kids - 12:00p
November
Wednesday, November 1, 2023: EARLY RELEASE - Professional Development
Friday, November 10, 2023: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023 : District Curriculum Night 6:30pm – 8pm at DMS