W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Week at a Glance, News and Notes
3/12/2021-3/19/2021
Note from the Principal:
The spring weather is a blessing! It was great to see kids outside and enjoying the sunshine this week during recess. I was in a lot of classrooms again this week. I heard students grapple with how to say the negative of a sentence in a language class. I watched as students sought to challenge themselves with harder problems on a math quiz, and in another math class match equation solutions to the right method. I got to participate in a discussion of a novel I read when I was in 8th grade called The Wave about how fascism can grow in our own community unless we are vigilant about our language and actions. I joined the School Council student reps to discuss how to support our new name change to Du Bois Middle, and supported student leaders in our World of Difference program. And I was a guest in a Crew this afternoon–so much fun. I love middle school, even in this weird year.
Speaking of weird years, the good news is students are coming back to school five days a week in the near future! I will share our plans in a week or so once we know the details of when and how. But by April 28 we should all be back at school! I imagine there will be lots of questions, so once we have a solid plan I will share it out, and hold a forum for families, which will also be recorded. Stay tuned! We are excited about coming back!!!
I am giving you another heads up that we will hold Family Conferences in early April. They will occur on the afternoon of 4/6 and the evening of 4/7. Crew Leaders will reach out for times and make appointments to have an online conference. I will detail the format next week, and here is a synopsis: you will connect with your child’s Crew Leader to get an overview of their experience and growth in classes and as a student, as well as an understanding of what to expect for next year.
As always, if you have any questions please email me at ben.doren@bhrsd.org. If you have questions about classes please email your child’s teacher, and if you have questions about the grade please email your child’s Crew Leader.
Have a good weekend!
Ben Doren
Principal
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Monday, March 15
Hybrid Learning Day: Group B In Person (Group C Remote and remote classes)
Tuesday, March 16
Hybrid Learning Day: Group B In Person (Group C Remote and remote classes)
Wednesday, March 17
Remote Learning Day for all-Crew and Synchronous Learning 8:00-9:30
Thursday, March 18
Hybrid Learning Day: Group C In Person (Group B Remote and remote classes)
Friday, March 19
Hybrid Learning Day: Group C In Person (Group B Remote and remote classes)
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Weather and Your Internet
People often remark that Internet and wireless access can be affected by the weather. Is there any truth to this? How the weather affects your Internet from Allconnect explains how weather might, or might not, affect your service, and includes self-help do’s and don’ts.
Food Service Update & Reminder
As a reminder to families receiving grocery deliveries – we are asking that you please keep your driveways, walkways, stairs or other house access clear for our staff. Please keep these areas safe. If we should have “winter weather” on a Wednesday and the road conditions are not safe, we would not be able to have pick-ups or deliveries.
Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly. Many thanks as always, Katherine Sullivan, Director of Food Service (413)644-2325 or (855)255-8666.
Hand Hold Massachusetts, a program from the MA Department of Mental Health
You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your child’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out. Follow this link to see advice and resources for families like ours: https://handholdma.org/ And as always, please reach out to us at school if you have concerns about your child or want help or advice on your child’s health.
News from the yearbook club!
Yearbook Club is still looking for yearbook staff. Open to ALL grades!
Contact Mrs. Malone-Smith Katharine.malone-smith@bhrsd.org
Yearbooks
Order at jostens.com
School Calendar
The school calendar can be found here: https://www.bhrsd.org/school-calendar-2020-21/
Flyers and School Letters
Flyers and School letters are available on our website at this link: https://mvrms.bhrsd.org/category/families/flyers/
This week’s flyers:
- No new flyers this week
Recent flyers:
Southern Berkshire Health Coalition – Parent Subcommittee
Great Barrington Little League Registration Information
Great Barrington Libraries Newsletter
Berkshire Hills Youth Soccer House League Spring 2021
Berkshire Hills Youth Soccer Travel League Spring 2021
BSO Virtual Concert 2021
STEM Opportunity: FREE Virtual Engineering Program for Middle School Girls
Babysitter Training Certification
Older flyers:
Parent Education Workshop, Monday, Jan. 25 – SBCHC
ZOOM Dance Classes – BSRCC
Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County
Project Safe Childhood in the Berkshires Education Series – Internet Safety – Resources
Yearbook Order Form
Attend BFAIR & UCP Present: Listen to My Actions
Yearbook Cover Contest
BSRCC’S Shining Star flyer for families that need help this Holiday season
Berkshire Museum – 24 hour Pajama Read-a-Thon
Ski Wednesday’s at Ski Butternut
SC COVID Situation Webinar – Description for Registration Nov 5 2020
Family Newsletter from Great Barrington Libraries
Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop at BSRCC
Holiday Food Service Schedule
Ski Butternut Program Proposals
Warm the Children Donations
STEM Week: Berkshire Museum
Flu Vaccination Clinics
Great Barrington Family Resource Center Information
Parent Support Group
Homework Help
Weekly Activities
Mindfulness Mondays
Babysitter Training @ BSRCC
Family Forum Video and Thank You!
Health Office letter
5th Grade Family Letter
Grade 6 Letter to Families
Letter to Grade 6 Parents – Important!
Team Green Welcome Letter
Team Orange Information Letter
Help with P-EBT Card Use
413-644-2300