W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Week at a Glance, News and Notes
September 6, 2022
Note from the Principal:
What a fantabulous start to school! This week was very smooth, which is quite an accomplishment for middle schoolers returning from the summer. It was so amazing to have the students back, and it really felt like the start of a regular school year–quite an accomplishment after these past two plus disrupted years. The kids came back full of energy and eager to jump into community activities and classes. We had a great all-school assembly this afternoon where we celebrated our new fifth graders and all the new students in grades six, seven and eight.
I want to highlight the work and preparation of our staff. The school building is in tip top shape and looks great after a summer of custodial work. The school office is organized and supporting the staff and families so students can have the best experience. Our cafeteria staff welcomed our students this week for breakfast and lunch. And our educators did so much detailed and effective work in planning for the first week. It was amazing to be in classes with teachers jumping right into content, paras supporting our students intensively, Crew Leaders gathering their groups in circle to talk about coming back to school, and seeing the grades gather in their neighborhoods for community meetings. It takes a village, and we have a thriving one full of ten to fourteen year olds, facilitated by a committed staff. It is going to be a great year!
Our Du Bois Family Crew is putting on a fun event next Thursday evening. Join me and Miles Wheat, along with many of school and community programs for an informative evening. Miles and I will explain how the school works and what the educational and social programs in the school are. There will be pizza and an ice cream truck, and many of our community partners will be here to share about their programs. It will be an informative start to the year!
Please drop me a note if you have feedback or questions at ben.doren@bhrsd.org.
Be well!
Ben Doren
Principal
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Monday, Sept. 5
Labor Day Holiday–No School Today
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Regular School Day
Wednesday, Sept. 7
Regular School Day
Thursday, September 8
Regular School Day
Friday, September 9
Regular School Day
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Pizza, Ice cream, and Our Community this Thursday! 9/8 6 pm
Hello Families!
The Pizza and Ice Cream Community Gathering is this Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:00 – 7:30 pm!
At this family forum and resource fair, we will celebrate the new school year with complimentary pizza and the Mr. Ding-a-Ling ice cream truck! Meet up with other middle school families, and learn more about what’s going on at our school and in our community. Principals Ben Doren and Miles Wheat will welcome families and give a brief overview of school programs from curriculum to student support.
You will get a chance to connect with some great community groups with programs for kids and families.
- Greenagers
- Vocalis Youth Choir
- Berkshire Food Coop
- Berkshire Environmental Action Team
- Berkshire Museum
- Berkshire Pulse
- Berkshire South Community Center
- Elizabeth Freeman Center
- Railroad Street Youth Project
- Berkshire Martial Arts
Plus you can learn more about programs at Du Bois for student and family enrichment, including from the Counseling office, afterschool Project Connection, the newly relaunched Music program, and the Family Crew.
We hope to see everyone there to welcome new and returning families and connect with the excellent organizations that support our entire community.
Pizza and Ice Cream Community Gathering
Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Middle school cafeteria (indoor and outdoor event)
This community gathering is organized in partnership with the Du Bois Middle School Family Crew—stop by the Family Crew table on Thursday to learn how to get involved! Our first monthly Zoom meeting will be on Wed. Sept. 14th at 7pm.
Please note – Family Crew will also be present at Meet the Teams night at Du Bois, on
Tuesday, September 20, 6:30-8:00 pm, where families meet their student’s teacher teams.
Summer Reading Ice Cream Party, Thursday, September 8 – before the Family Forum/Community Resource Fair event. Students who read 500 or more minutes for the Mason Library/DBM Summer reading challenge are invited–along with their families!–to a special make-your-own-sundae celebration before the fair. Participants and parents will receive a personalized invite. Drop by the library between 5 and 6 p.m. to join us!
Scholastic Book Fair, September 16-23 – in the school library. Students will be able to visit during crew time, ELA classes, and Meet the Teams night, and families can shop online as well. The easiest way to participate is to set up an e-wallet for your child to eliminate the need to bring cash to school. Families who wish to may also donate to the “DBM Book Fairy” account (money used to be sure EVERY child in grades 5-8 who wants a book can buy one). Visit our book fair home page for more information about books, e-wallets, and volunteer opportunities.
School Picture Day
Wednesday, Sept. 7th is school picture day with O’Connor’s Studios. Your student received a packet on the first day of school. If you are paying by cash or check, please send it in with your child on Tuesday. If you prefer to pay online, go to www.oconnorstudio.com to order. You will need an access code that is on your child’s order form. Your child will not need to bring the packet if you order online.
Heart and Sole
Calling 5th-7th grade girls!! Heart & Sole is back! Let’s grow and learn about ourselves while strengthening our minds and bodies. Practices are on Tuesday & Thursday from 3-5pm, beginning on September 13th.
For any questions email:
Coach April- ashoskeer@gmail.com
Coach Ullrich- Krista.ullrich@bhrsd.org
Handicapped parking spaces
In the front of our building we have a designated parking spot for people with disabilities. People who park or idle in that spot must have a plate or placard allowing them to park in this designated spot. Please do not park or idle in this spot, or block it, if you do not have a permit.
Student Information Report
It is very important that you review the student information report enclosed in the mailing we sent to you. Make any necessary changes by crossing out incorrect information and adding updated information. Then sign the report, whether you have made changes or not. Please return to the main office before school starts or to your child’s Crew Leader on the first day of school. We will make any updates in PowerSchool. On the first day of school you will receive a folder with information and forms, picture packages, and more.
Important Dates
Here are some opportunities to connect with us in the next few weeks and the start of school:
- Family Forum and Community Resource Fair on Thursday, September 8, 6:00-7:30 pm. This is for any family that wants to hear about the school year, programs and opportunities in the community for youth and families. The principals will give an overview of the school programs from curriculum to student support. Community partners will share programs for kids and resources for families. Then open time for folks to talk to the school leaders and the community partners.
- Meet the Teams evening, Tuesday, September 20, 6:30-8:00 pm. Join us for an informative evening on the school programs for your child’s grade, meet the educators working with your student, and connect with other families.
Bus Routes
Here is a link to the bus routes:
https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/2022/08/08/bus-routes-2022-2023/
Team School Supply Lists
Fifth grade https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/2022/08/03/fifth-grade-supply-list-2022-2023/
Sixth Grade https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/2022/08/03/sixth-grade-supply-list-2022-2023/
Seventh Grade https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/2022/08/03/sixth-grade-supply-list-2022-2023/
Eighth Grade https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/2022/08/03/eighth-grade-supply-list-2022-2023/
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REMINDERS:
Lunch Menu https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/food/lunch/
School Calendar 2022-2023 https://www.bhrsd.org/school-calendar-2022-23/
Message from Massini Bus Company
Transportation is provided for in district students from home to school and back. Some students may need to gather at group stops.
Family choice for student name and identity
Massachusetts now allows for families to tell their child’s school to use a different name for a student that is not the same as the name on the birth certificate and other legal documents. Please use this form to tell us at the middle school that you want us to use a name for your child that is different from the legal documents we have from when you enrolled them at the school or in the district. We will update our Student Information System, PowerSchool, with the information you tell us to use, so your child’s name appears as you direct. If this is a legal name change, please provide the documents to us so we can make the update for the legal name of the student. Email ben.doren@bhrsd.org if you have any questions about this form or this process.
Form in English: https://forms.gle/PALB99wyuE29gW1Z7
Forma en Español: https://forms.gle/jcFoaQAB8KkGPWhH6
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Flyers and School Letters
Flyers and School letters are available on our website at this link: https://dbrms.bhrsd.org/category/families/flyers/
This week’s flyers:
- Heart and Sole
- Berkshire HorseWorks Fall Programs
- Ski Butternut Student & Family Season Pass Application
Recent flyers:
- BCAC Elf Warm Clothing Program applications due 9/30
- Free School Supplies from Berkshire Money Management
- School Supply Lists
- Bus Routes
- Family Forum in Spanish
- Family Forum in English
- Blue Rider Pony Rides for Rico
- Read-Learn-Play: Wingmaster’s
- The Children’s Attic Fall/Winter Consignment Sale
Older flyers: