W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Week at a Glance, News and Notes
February 17, 2023
Note from the Principal:
My dear families, this was a very difficult week for all of us across the district. I am sorry that your children and our students had to experience such a scare on Tuesday. It was hard for the adults too–the educators and staff here who had to endure it with your kids, and you at home who had to process and hold your kids after a harrowing day. I am grateful to our community here at Du Bois who took care of the kids as this unfolded, and through the week as we talked together and got back to the regular school days. I am also so appreciative of the families who shared support and feedback with us about the experience. It is sad that we have to endure these events, but that we do it together means a lot. We will be reviewing our safety practices in light of this experience, and will be refining our protocols soon and over the next year. A big thank you to the Family Crew for providing treats and appreciation for the staff this morning–the gesture was very much felt by hard working folks!
Please drop me a note if you have feedback or questions at ben.doren@bhrsd.org.
I hope the kids enjoy this vacation and get some time outside in the fresh air!
Be well,
Ben Doren
Principal
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February 20-24
No School–February Break
Monday, February 27
Regular School Day
Tuesday, February 28
Regular School Day
Wednesday, March 1
Regular School Day
Thursday, March 2
Regular School Day
Friday, March 3
Regular School Day
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Yearbook
Just a week left to order your yearbook!
Buy at Jostens.com
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REMINDERS:
Student Led Conferences Feedback
Most students have completed their conference, and we are asking for feedback by filling out this quick survey. We received many responses so far, but really want as many as possible. We want to know how the conference went for your family so we can continue what is working and gain insight on what you think needs to improve. For example, this recent survey has let us know how much you like and appreciate the conferences, but there are several of you that want and need more information on specific classes. Your input helps us make this an experience that works for you, and figure out how to be helpful in communicating how your kid is doing at school.
Report Cards
Report Cards were emailed home two weeks ago. Please reach out to Debra Spence in the main office (Debra.Spence@bhrsd.org or 413-644-2300) if you have not received it, or if you want a paper copy mailed home. The report cards are an important milestone that captures where a student is in the school year. The best way to stay up on your child’s progress is to check PowerSchool for updates through each quarter.
Message from the Superintendent
Dear BHRSD Families and Staff: I hope you are doing well. We are noticing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, flu, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Please continue to monitor your children for potential symptoms and reach out to school nurses and/or your own health care providers for advice. If a student doesn’t feel well, please keep them home and consider testing. We have masks available and encourage students and staff to use them. Please notify the school immediately if your student tests positive. They should stay home for 5 days and wear a mask for 5 days upon their return. The school nurses will help on the timelines. Hoping we can navigate this well together. –Peter Dillon, Superintendent
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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:
- Mass Audubon Camps
- YMCA Camp Hi-Rock
- Southern Berkshire Babe Ruth Sign Ups
- Portrait of a Graduate: Community Input Feb. 27th 6-7:30
Recent flyers:
- Dine to Donate for MMRHS Ski Team
- Overcoming Overwhelm & Stress: Feb 8 @ 7pm
- Vocalis Youth Choir Auditions
- Flying Cloud Institute: February Break Programming
- Portrait of a Graduate Meetings
- MassHealth Renewal Reminder
- Special Kids, Special Diet: A Virtual Workshop to Explore Ideas and Speak to a Nutrition Team
- Paper Bag Drive
- Vaccination letter-English and Spanish versions
- RSDPB January 2023 Update
- Project Safe Childhood
- Overcoming Overwhelm & Stress: Online workshop for parents and caregivers of adolescents
- Great Barrington Libraries “For the Love of Reading” 2023 Reading Challenge https://gblibraries.org/event/beanstack-reading-challenge-for-the-love-of-reading/
Older flyers:
- Berkshire Children’s Chorus: Now enrolling singers Grades 3-8
- CHP Special Virtual Event: The Secret Life of Autism
- Night Wood An Outdoor Sound & Light Experience @ The Mount
- GB Libraries December Newsletter and Gingerbread House take home kits
- CHP December playgroup Schedule
- Stateline Youth Wrestling 2022-2023
- Winter Workshops @ Berkshire HorseWorks
- DBM Musical Information Session Nov. 28, 3-3:45
- Berkshire Children’s Chorus Fall 2022
- BRTA FREE! Nov. 25-Dec 31
- Community Thanks Supper @ BSRCC
- Shining Star Supplemental Holiday Program@ BSRCC
- Holiday Shop, Sip & Stroll
- Concerning Screen Time: A Workshop for Middle School Parents
- Movie Night Fundraiser for Class of 2024 @ MMRHS for district students, parents and staff
- Dine to Donate Nov. 9 and 10 for MMRHS Class of 2024
- “Shine The Light” A Screening and Conversation about Youth Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention
- Project Connection Food Drive
- CHP Family Services November Playgroup Schedule
- Girl Scouts
- Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
- Ski Butternut 22/23 Lesson Program Application
- Ski Butternut 22/23 Student & Family Pass Application
- Southern Berkshire Winter Coat Drive
- Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
- Housatonic Youth Basketball Registration
- Teen Chefs: Learn & Master
- Great Barrington Libraries Newsletter
- CHP Family Resources Oct 2022 Paygroup Schedule
- Truck Day
- Berkshire County Steam Challenge Night
- Community Boxing Gym
- An afternoon of Outdoor Fun for the Special Needs Community Oct. 9
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) Tiered Focused Monitoring Review
- YA Author Barbara Newman @ The Mount
- Southern Berkshire Winter Coat Drive
- Cub Scouting for Boys and Girls K-5
- Yearbook staff needed
- Halloween Painting Contest
- Housatonic Party in the Park
- Festival Latino
- Latinx Festival–English and Spanish versions
- RSYP Bilingual Club–English and Spanish versions
- Great Barrington Libraries Newsletter
- Du Bois Yearbook Cover Contest for 8th Grade Students
- Babysitter Training: BSRCC
- Free Story Walk and Live Bilingual Concert @ The Mount, Sun. 9/11/22
- Heart and Sole
- Berkshire HorseWorks Fall Programs
- Ski Butternut Student & Family Season Pass Application
- 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