W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Week at a Glance, News and Notes
Oct. 18 – Oct. 22, 2021
Note from the Principal:
Folks are working hard at the middle school, and this week was one where we were all in. The school year has taken off, and it is amazing to see how much we are getting done. The weather is still pleasant, so a lot of outdoor study is happening. It is fabulous seeing the energy in our learning community.
Please help us maintain a safe place for students and staff. A big part of that is keeping your child home if they have symptoms, and alerting the school. We will likely advise you to reach out to your pediatrician to review the symptoms, and the doctor will likely have your child get a covid test. This helps us keep Covid out of the schools, and stops the spread. If your child is home sick we will catch them up when they return. And if your child is directed by the school or doctor to quarantine we will provide work once they feel well. Let’s all do our part to keep it safe!
Also see below for the celebrations on W.E.B. Du Bois this weekend. There are opportunities for self-guided tours to learn more about him and his boyhood home. On Monday students and families are invited to the 52nd anniversary of the dedication of the boyhood site on Route 23 right south of Great Barrington, happening afterschool–see below for details.
Please drop me a note if you have feedback or questions at ben.doren@bhrsd.org.
Have a great weekend!
Ben Doren
Principal
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Monday, October 18
Regular School Day
Tuesday, October 19
Regular School Day
Wednesday, October 20
Half day of School today – 11:25 dismissal
Thursday, October 21
Regular School Day
Friday, October 22
Regular School Day
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School Pictures, again
We had picture day this week but were not able to get to all classes and students. We will finish the pictures on November 4, and also schedule a make up day after that for anyone who misses that day. Our apologies for the confusion.
Student Devices in 7-8 grade
The district is investing in technology, and we can once again move to a device supported curriculum. We have enough ChromeBook devices in fifth and sixth grade that we can use them in school to support the curriculum. In seventh and eighth grade we are going to restart the device based curriculum. We are asking each family in seventh and eighth grade that can provide a device from home to their student to send them into school with the computer each day. And we have ChromeBook devices for students who do not have a computer to bring from home to school every day. Families can request a school device using this agreement: print and sign and return with your student to their Crew Leader, and we will also hand out paper copies to students in Crew to bring home next week. We plan on deploying and using devices from home and school the week of October 12.
Celebrating W.E.B. Du Bois and Indigenous People’s Day in GB
We hope that you will join the Great Barrington Legacy Committee to celebrate Du Bois, the dedication of the Homesite and our beautiful Berkshire home. On October 17, the Town of Great Barrington Du Bois Legacy Committee invites us to take a walk on the interpretive trail at the Du Bois Boyhood Site at 612 Egremont Road, Great Barrington, MA 0123 in honor of the dedication of the site just over 50 years ago.. The Legacy Committee will be hosting an on-site Reflection Board where visitors will be invited to leave messages of inspiration, learning, and reflection.
On October 18th, in honor of the 52nd anniversary of the dedication of the boyhood site, families are invited to gather with members of Town of Great Barrington Du Bois Legacy committee, Du Bois Regional Middle School, BRIDGE Youth Corps from Happiness Toolbox and Real Talk, and community members, to lift up Dr. Du Bois and his legacy in education, civil rights, economic justice, and racial equity. Join us from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. We will have several middle school students sharing their experience here at Du Bois, and reflecting on the meaning of the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois to them.
For more information about WEB Du Bois and Great Barrington efforts, please click on this link: https://dubois150th.com/ and for any questions please contact julianne@multiculturalbridge.org or call 413-394-4305 and we will direct your inquiry.
Pool Testing
We had another great day of Pool Testing this week! Please sign up if you want your student to participate. Pool Testing allows us to stop the spread and know where Covid is in the community. The more who participate, the better we can keep our community safe. If your student or members of your household are unvaccinated, we strongly encourage your student’s participation, and anyone can participate in the pool testing regardless of vaccination status. Please use this LINK for more details and to complete the electronic consent form. Each student in your household will require an individual consent. The link defaults to Muddy Brook. Select the drop down for your child’s school — Muddy Brook, Du Bois, or Monument Mountain. The video is available in multiple languages–click the link on the top right to choose the language you want.
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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:
- Ski Butternut Student Application
- FUNK BOX BREAKING: Berkshire Pulse
Recent flyers:
- Golden Knights House League Registration
- American Red Cross Swim Lessons: BSRCC
- Oct. 2 ThinkFOOD Conference FREE for all students
- Talking to Teens so that they Talk Back
- Flying Cloud Institute: SMArt Kit Flyer
- Parent Child+: Equal Possibilities from the Start
- Yearbook Cover Contest
- Project Connection Fall Packet
Older flyers:
- Action Adventures Out of School @ BSRCC
- Ballet Ages 5-8 @ BSRCC
- Berkshire Hills Youth Soccer House League Registration
- Ski Butternut Student & Family Season Pass Application