NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022: Due to the impending snow expected to begin overnight and continue throughout the day Friday, the Dracut Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, 1/7/22.
1/2/22 COVID UPDATE: Please see my update to the community regarding changes to state-wide COVID protocols and more: https://5il.co/13mr8
More evidence showing TikTok is dangerous & undermines the mental health of children & adolescents: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tiktok-diagnosis-videos-leave-some-teens-thinking-they-have-rare-mental-disorders-11640514602?st=ry51xtzy7udkpog&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
TikTok is NOT a harmless platform. Parents, do you know your children are being exposed to harmful and dangerous content? See: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-tiktok-inundates-teens-with-eating-disorder-videos-11639754848?st=kwu9j9o0fh7dmrh&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
The district is aware of the latest nationwide social media challenge related to making threats of violence toward schools. In close collaboration with the DPD & DFD, we will aggressively investigate & pursue charges for those who make threats against our schools. @DracutMAPD
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC: The district is sponsoring another vaccine clinic on Thursday 12/30 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ DHS. To register, please go to: https://www.appointmentquest.c...
BUS DELAYS: Our bus vendor is operating short staffed this week given COVID disruptions . For the remainder of this week parents should anticipate delays both AM & PM on various routes. Inclement weather may further impact this issue. We appreciate your continued patience.
Remembering those who have and continue to defend freedom: "...December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy..." -President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
COVID UPDATE 11/28/21: Please see my latest important COVID-related letter to the community: https://5il.co/12cg2
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS: District sponsored opportunities to receive 1st, 2nd, or boosters of the Pfizer vaccine for Dracut residents ages 5 and older: 11/18 from 5-7 PM & 12/9 from 5-7 PM @ DHS: https://www.appointmentquest.com/scheduler/2180061935?schedule=dracutschools
FUNDING FOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS (new elementary playgrounds, RMS repairs, & a new roof for Greenmont) part of only a handful of articles at TOWN MEETING TONIGHT. An hour or so of your time to get the business of the Town completed. I'll see you at 7PM at DHS.
Halloween Esprit de Corp: Friday was the 9th Annual School Staff Halloween Costume Contest (winner announced tomorrow). What started as a lighthearted opportunity for camaraderie has become serious business. Examples include the RMS Admin Team, RMS staff, & the GES staff.
Support our Best Buddies Program by attending a basketball game between the DHS Unified Team vs. members of the Dracut Police and Dracut Fire Departments on 11/10: https://5il.co/10viz Huge thanks to members of the DPD & DFD for their support. #MIDDIEPRIDE #DRACUTPRIDE
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE DRACUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS & DRACUT POLICE DEPARTMENT 10/19/21: Please see a statement related to an anonymous tip that was received this morning related to Dracut High School: https://5il.co/10p5o
YOUNG CHILDREN EXPOSED TO NEW VIOLENT TV-MA SHOW BEGINNING TO EXHIBIT CONCERNING BEHAVIORS IN SCHOOL: For more info please see my latest news story: https://www.dracutps.org/article/561739?org=dps
"Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic For Teen Girls, Company Documents Show" The title says it all. A must read: https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739?st=ysa0c4snel9izky&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
COVID TESTING, TRAFFIC, BUSES, & MORE: Please see my latest letter to the community for information on important and timely issue: https://5il.co/yh2o
WELCOME BACK & IMPORTANT COVID UPDATES 8/29/21: Please see my latest letter welcoming everyone back for the 202102022 school year, and providing important COVID-related updates: https://5il.co/y28x
COVID UPDATE: MASK POLICY, TESTING & MORE: Please see my latest letter to the community related to the newly updated mask policy, new testing program, and ongoing mitigation strategies: https://5il.co/xep1
TOWN COOL ROOM: In response to the current heat wave, the town has established a cooling room at the police station (110 Loon Hill Rd) through Monday, 7AM-7PM. Please pass on to those who may be vulnerable to the heat and do not have air conditioning. 978-452-1227
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic EXPANDED HOURS: The vaccination clinic scheduled for this coming Thursday, August 12th has been expanded to 5 PM-7 PM at DHS to accommodate additional appointments. All members of the community are welcome. To schedule click here: https://www.dracutps.org/article/508094?org=dps
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS: Please see my latest news post for information on vaccination opportunities next week for students 12 and up as well as family members: https://www.dracutps.org/article/506164?org=dps
UPDATE: COVID & MORE 7/31/21: Please see my latest update to the community related to the state's newly released COVID guidance and more: https://5il.co/wd4h
LARGE GRANT AWARD FOR DRACUT HIGH SCIENCE: DHS has been awarded a $63,541 grant from the Mass Life Science Center. This award will be used for 2 new Biomedical Science courses & the purchase of equip for Biology, Biotech, Biomed, & AP Biology. @malifesciences @MALifeSciences
Another Middies State Championship: Congratulations to the Dracut High Middies Cheerleading Team. In winning the Massachusetts D3 Championship, the Middies have secured their 16th state title. Great job! #MIDDIEPRIDE
Miss Massachusetts 2021 is a MIDDIE! Congratulations to Sarah deSouza (Class of 2014) and best of luck as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Miss USA event. #MIDDIEPRIDE
WE HAVE A STATE CHAMPION! Junior Ava Soucy is the 100m State Champion! She won by running the 100m in 12.69 seconds. Congratulations! #MIDDIEPRIDE
Acknowledge Flag Day by participating in the Democracy of Town Meeting! Tonight, 7PM at Dracut High School. Many items involving the town and schools need your vote. Give a couple of hours so your voice can be heard!
WE HAVE A PLAN TO RENOVATE THE ENGLESBY ELEMENTARY GROUNDS & IMPROVE COMPLEX RD TRAFFIC. Interested in participating in a plan to increase safety and improve traffic? ATTEND TOWN MEETING, MONDAY 6/14 AT 7PM AT DHS. A couple of hours of your time to have your voice heard...
FUNDING SUPPORT FOR A NEW K-8 MATH CURRICULUM REQUESTED: The district is seeking to save $133,000 and ensure prompt implementation of our new program. Interested? ATTEND TOWN MEETING MONDAY, 6/14, 7PM AT DHS. A couple of hours of your time to have a voice in the decision...
PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, GUARDIANS, & YOUNG ADULTS, YOUR VOTE IS NEEDED! Town Meeting had to be rescheduled due to a lack of a quorum. Now Monday, 6/14 @ 7PM at DHS. SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS! A couple of hours supporting the educational needs of Dracut's children is a small sacrifice
UPDATE ON LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Please see what I hope is my last COVID update regarding the last day of school: https://5il.co/tx78
EARLY RELEASE WED. JUNE 9: Given temp of 90 degrees, continued humidity, & mandatory mask wearing, tomorrow, Wed. June 9th will be a MODIFIED EARLY RELEASE DAY. RMS: 10:55AM; DHS: 11 AM; Elementary schools: 12PM. No PM preschool; Lunch will be served; YMCA program will operate.
EARLY RELEASE WED. JUNE 9: Given temp of 90 degrees, continued humidity, & mandatory mask wearing, tomorrow, Wed. June 9th will be a MODIFIED EARLY RELEASE DAY. RMS: 10:55AM; DHS: 11 AM; Elementary schools: 12PM. No PM preschool; Lunch will be served; YMCA program will operate.
EARLY RELEASE DAY June 8th: Due to the combination of heat, increasing humidity, and mandatory mask wearing in school buildings, tomorrow, will be a modified early release day: RMS 10:55AM; DHS 11AM; Elementary schools 12PM. See my letter with more details: https://5il.co/tr5z
TOWN MEETING TONIGHT: Have a voice in many funding items including a number related to the Dracut Public Schools. 7PM in the air conditioned Dracut High School Performing Arts Center.
UNIFIED TRACK INAUGURAL SEASON: Congratulations to our Unified Track & Field team. Our Middies competed against rival Methuen this week in javelin, shot put, long jump, 100m and the 4 x 100m relay. Great job. #MIDDIEPRIDE @MIAA033 @SpOlympicsMA @MVConference @methuensports
LONG JUMP SCHOOL RECORD SET: Junior Ava Soucy, competing in the Long Jump FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, broke the DHS school record by Long Jumping 17', 6". She surpassed the old record by 8 INCHES! Congratulations. #MIDDIEPRIDE
INDOOR TRACK: NEW SCHOOL RECORDS! Junior Ava Soucy set a new school record by running the 55 meter in 7.34 seconds. In the 4x200 relay, Junior Ethan Luxene, & Sophomores Nate Mugford, Reid Dubois, & Adlai Soucy set a new school record of 1:33.84. Congratulations #MIDDIEPRIDE
END OF YEAR EVENTS UPDATE: Please see my letter to the community regarding the district's efforts to provide end of year events in response to ever-changing guidance: https://5il.co/te20
Celebrating the Class of 2021: In acknowledgement of the some of the lost opportunities caused by COVID, banners recognizing the Senior Class are once again being installed along Lakeview Ave. May this be the last class impacted by a pandemic EVER. #MIDDIEPRIDE
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 Top 20 Scholars! A talented group headed to Harvard, Northeastern (2), Worcester Polytechnic, UCONN (3), UMASS (3), UMASS Lowell (4), UMASS Boston, UMaine, MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, UHartford, Endicott, & Rivier. #MIDDIEPRIDE
REMOVAL OF OUTDOOR MASK WEARING REQUIRMENTS FOR STUDENTS 5/17/21 - Please see my latest letter to the community: https://5il.co/ss0z
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE DRACUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS & THE DRACUT POLICE DEPARTMENT: Please see a statement by the DPS and the DPD regarding a matter involving an investigation related to Dracut High School: https://5il.co/sp69
Vaccine Opportunities for Children 12 and Older: The Pfizer vaccine is available for children 12 and older at LGH's Cross River Center, 1001 Pawtucket Boulevard East, Lowell. Appointments are available 7:15-3:15 weekdays and Saturdays. https://www.lowellgeneralvaccine.com/
It's Diploma Signing Day! Graduation Day is fast approaching for the Class of 2021. #MIDDIEPRIDE
4/28/21 COVID RELATED UPDATE: Please read my letter to the community that provides information on changes to the process of identifying close contacts in school settings: https://5il.co/s2kh
Once again DPS has been named a "Best Communities for Music Education" district! Congratulations and thanks to our outstanding performing arts teachers: Mss. Bamford, Callahan, Lasyone, Lewis, Lorenzetti; Messrs. Carotenuto & Cooper, & our coordinator, Dr. Cardella. #MIDDIEPRIDE
The 1st day of school all over again in our elementary schools. Classrooms full of happy students. Students recognizing classmates they had only met via Zoom until today. I felt the positive energy walking through the schools! (Pictured: Mrs. Lesage's Gr 1 class at Greenmont)
IMPORTANT REOPENING UPDATE 4/2/21: Please read my latest update to the community regarding a number of issues related to the return of full in-person in our schools: https://5il.co/r6j8
MEET THE NEWEST DHS SPORTS TEAM: MIDDIES UNIFIED BASKETBALL! Our Middies began their inaugural season yesterday as the newest members of the MVC in this outstanding collaboration between the Special Olympics & the MIAA. #MIDDIEPRIDE @MIAA033 @SpOlympicsMA @MVConference
RICHARDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDED $46,500 SCIENCE GRANT: https://5il.co/qzum Huge Thanks to the One8 Foundation for their generosity @OpenSciEd @Mass_STEMHub
RETURN TO FULL IN-PERSON LEARNING UPDATE 3/19/21: Please read my update to parents/guardians regarding the return of full in-person learning: https://5il.co/qsu2
Dracut High School Virtual Open House: Discover the Dracut Difference by watching our celebration of all that DHS has to offer: https://youtu.be/zZXzYpj841c
POOLED TESTING PROGRAM - TIME SENSITIVE: Please read my letter to parents/guardians of students in our hybrid learning model regarding the start of a pooled testing program: https://5il.co/q1uv as well as a slide presentation on the program: https://5il.co/q1uk
REMOTE LEARNING DAY 2/9/21: Due to the impending snow event forecast to begin this morning; today, Tuesday February 9th, the Dracut Public Schools will conduct a FULL REMOTE LEARNING DAY for all students.
My memories of shoveling a playing field as a high school athlete have mellowed into something like the "good old days." As a coach I always told my athletes shoveling was character building. Now? No shovels. No mud. Just brand new playing surfaces glistening in the sun...
Congratulations to Freshman Ciara Kehoe, part of the undefeated DHS Gymnastics team (6-0), who has set a new DHS record in the Vault, scoring a 9.8 (last week she set a record in the Floor Exercise). You can see it here: https://youtu.be/yyeOSVYp_HU #MIDDIEPRIDE
FOLLOW UP TO REMOTE LEARNING DAY MESSAGE 2/1/21: It has come to my attention that some families may not have received my voice call from earlier this evening. The text of the call which includes details beyond those in the original post may be reviewed here: https://5il.co/p71k
REMOTE LEARNING DAY 2/2/21: Because of the storm, tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, the DPS will conduct a FULL REMOTE LEARNING DAY FOR ALL STUDENTS. Please note that If wide spread power outages occur overnight I may need to alter the status of the day & would do so early in the AM.
EARLY RELEASE, MONDAY FEBRUARY 1st: Due to the impending snow storm, tomorrow, Monday, February 1st will be an early release day for the Dracut Public Schools.
FRESHMAN GYMNAST SETS SCHOOL RECORD: Congratulations to Freshman Ciara Kehoe, who recently set a DHS school record in Floor Exercise with a 9.7. See part of her performance here: https://youtu.be/I1oWjUsTuow Keep an eye on the team as they are 5-0 this year. #MIDDIEPRIDE
APPOINTMENT OF NEXT BROOKSIDE PRINCIPAL: Please see my letter announcing the appointment of Lindsey Howe as the next Brookside principal, upon the retirement of Principal Dawn Smith later this year after 10 dedicated years of service: https://5il.co/p51z
Comcast Limiting Data For Some Residential Customers: Please see my letter regarding a new Comcast policy that may impose data limits on certain customers: https://5il.co/p1rd
CHANGES TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR: Please see my letter to parents and guardians regarding the addition of two early release days to this year's calendar: https://5il.co/osgo
1/8/21 GREENMONT FULL REMOTE DAY: Due to a pipe break at the Greenmont Avenue Elementary School, the school will operate fully remote today, Friday, January 8th.
It's not the holidays without performances by our students. Huge thanks to the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra for their support of public schools performing arts. Great job by the DHS Orchestra, Mrs. Callahan and neighbors: https://youtu.be/JJTXQddrlRQ @BillericaPS @CPS_CCHS
FULLY REMOTESCHOOL DAY 12/17/20: Due to the approaching storm, Thursday, December 17th has been designated a FULL REMOTE SCHOOL DAY. All schools will follow their regular schedule remotely. Students enrolled in the Remote Learning Academy will follow a regular schedule.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING SNOW DAYS 12/15/20: Please see my latest update regarding snow days and the possibility of having them become full remote days: https://5il.co/nxxm
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 12/11/20: Please see my latest update to the community related to a shift in the learning model at three of our schools beginning next week: https://5il.co/ntir
WINTER SPORTS JOINT MERRICACK VALLEY CONFERENCE STATEMENT: Please see a joint release from MVC leaders on winter sports: https://5il.co/no2i
ATHLETIC FIELDS VIDEO CELEBRATION: We couldn't have a grand opening for our newly renovated athletic fields but we wanted to celebrate the collaborative effort of residents and to thank everyone. Please watch our video celebration: https://youtu.be/_jDNfsgV66w
SUPERINTENDENT'S COVID UPDATE 11/25/20: Please see my latest COVID update: https://5il.co/nd1u #HAPPYTHANKSGIVING #MIDDIEPRIDE
Congratulations to student-athlete Calvin Desmarais who has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. #MIDDIEPRIDE @RiverHawkMLax
Congratulations to student-athlete Leah Durkin, who has singed a National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Hartford. #MIDDIEPRIDE @HartfordHawks
Congratulations to Junior vocalist Rachel McIntosh who has been recognized for her talents by being accepted into the Senior District Chorus. As further recognition, Rachel also received an All-State recommendation. #MIDDIEPRIDE @MMEA_NED
Congratulations to Senior violist Samantha Vitale who has been recognized for her talent by being accepted into this year's Northeast Senior District Orchestra. #MIDDIEPRIDE
@MMEA_NED
Superintendent's COVID-19 Update 11/18/20: Please see my latest update introducing our new COVID Dashboard and more: https://5il.co/n6zk
CROSSING GUARDS WANTED: Interested in a part time job supporting the community? The Dracut Police Department is seeking crossing guards. $14.97 per hour for part time work ensuring the safety of our students. If interested contact the Town of Dracut HR Department at 453-9492.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES: To support parents and educators for our upcoming virtual conferences, we have established a common platform to make signing up easy.
One stop shopping at: https://www.dracutps.org/o/dps/page/parent-teacher-conferences--51
COVID UPDATE 11/4/20: Please see my letter to the community that includes updates on the impact of COVID on our schools: https://5il.co/mrlm
2nd FLU SHOT CLINIC: Due to interest and demand, a 2nd Flu Shot Clinic for students has been arranged with CVS Pharmacy on 11/10/20 at the Richardson Middle School. For more information and to register please see: https://5il.co/mln7
FLU SHOT CLINIC: Massachusetts has mandated that all school children (including fully remote students) must get a flu shot. In support of our families, we have partnered with CVS Pharmacy & will host a flu shot clinic on 10/29/20 For more info & to register: https://5il.co/m76w
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Please see a joint statement by Merrimack Valley Conference superintendents regarding interscholastic sports: https://5il.co/lqhs
Reopening Update 10/1/20: Please see my latest and likely last reopening update in advance of the start of in-person learning: https://5il.co/lqii
Please see my important letter to families as we prepare for in-person, hybrid learning. Ensuring everyone stays healthy requires a partnership... https://5il.co/llpg
Please see this joint Dracut Public Schools-Dracut Police Department press release. There is no place for this in our schools... https://jgpr.net/2020/09/17/dracut-police-and-schools-investigating-racist-anti-police-graffiti-found-at-elementary-school/
It's Here! The School Year is About to Begin! Please see my welcome back message to the community : https://5il.co/l2i9
Our fantastic partnership with the @GreaterLowellY continues. The Y has created a school day childcare program in Dracut to support families. Please see their application packet: https://5il.co/l14n For additional info, call the Greater Lowell YMCA at 978-454-7825
Reopening Update 8/31/20: Please see my latest reopening update which includes important information about the start of the school year: https://5il.co/kgfu
Bus Passes will be available for pick up at Dracut High School at the following dates and times:
September 1st: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
September 8th: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
September 10th: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
September 15th: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For more information click here: https://5il.co/k386
8/18/20 Superintendent's Reopening Update. Please see my latest update for information on our Remote Learning Academy and more: https://5il.co/jtw5
What a great graduation ceremony today! Thanks to all. Best of luck to the Class of 2020.
70 days in the making... We are only hours away from graduation! Nothing was going to stand in the way of ensuring the Class of 2020 gets their rightful sendoff. We have the bagpipes, we have the ship, and we have matching masks for the graduates. 10AM. The clock is ticking!
Reopening Update 8/7/20: The District Reopening Plan Working Draft is available: https://5il.co/j9dh I will be presenting the document & other presentation materials at the Public Hearing on 8/10/20. For info on that meeting see: https://www.dracutps.org/article/282339?org=dps
Reopening Radio Interview: The audio of my 7/18/20 interview on AM 980 WCAP Saturday Morning Live: https://5il.co/imhe Thanks to @980WCAPSML
Reopening Update 7/24/20: See my latest letter to the community regarding the reopening of schools: https://5il.co/imdp
I have uploaded an updated version of our virtual Pride Night 2020. A small technical glitch has been corrected. Almost 1,000 views to date demonstrates support for the Class of 2020! Great viewing as Graduation 2020 approaches: https://youtu.be/ctXRi7nipSk
Looking forward to discussing current information on the reopening of schools on 980 WCAP's Saturday Morning Live from 7-8 AM this morning.
GRADUATION UPDATE: Graduation will indeed be occurring at 10AM on Sat, August 15th. The ceremony will take place on the lawn in front of the Englesby. Lakeview Ave will be closed for the ceremony. Mr. Manley will provide details to graduates & families next week. #MIDDIEPRIDE
Pride Night 2020 is Here! Pride Night 2020 is Here! Our annual celebration of awards and scholarships for our graduates and the generous community organizations and individuals who help us celebrate #MIDDIEPRIDE presented virtually. See it here: https://youtu.be/JzSwiyslT3o
Parent/Guardian Survey: A letter with updates on reopening & links to a survey for parents on reopening has been sent via Aspen (grades 1-12), & via FamilyID for incoming K families who registered online. Contact school secretaries if you need assistance accessing the document.
The new Website and App are here! Be sure to check it out at www.dracutps.org and download the Dracut Public Schools Apptegy app in the Apple and Play Stores!
TOWN MEETING TONIGHT: 7PM at Dracut High.
CELEBRATING OUR MILITARY-BOUND SENIORS: Samantha Cardillo (Army Nat Guard) & Christian Soriano (US Naval Acad) won't be able to join us for graduation in August so today Mr. Manley presented them with their diplomas. Best of luck and thanks for making a commitment to our country.
