W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Week at a Glance, News and Notes
4/2/2021-4/9/2021
Note from the Principal:
I am so excited that our fifth graders are coming back for five days of school! This Monday, April 5, we get the fifth grade back full time, five days a week. On Wednesday, April 28, a few days after April break, we get the sixth, seventh and eighth grades back at Du Bois, full time, five days a week! I sent a note today in a separate email to fifth grade families detailing the transition, with a recording of last night’s Family Forum to share with folks who were not able to join online. Next week I will also share the transition plans for the return of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades after the break. Families will still be able to choose remote attendance for their children through the end of the year; we understand that for some families it is not medically sound or you still do not want your children to return yet to in-person learning.
Family Conferences will occur on the afternoon of 4/6 and the evening of 4/7 for sixth, seventh and eighth grade families. We are postponing fifth grade conferences until after the transition back to full time in person school. Crew Leaders will reach out for times and make appointments to have an online conference. 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 questions or concerns about a specific class please reach out to the teacher at any time. This conference is to help you understand how the year has gone for your child, what support you can provide to your child through the end of the year so they can grow to their potential in our program, and what to expect as we look to next year.
Below is also a link to our first meeting of the Du Bois Family Advisory Council. This is a group that parents and guardians are organizing to help our middle school become a more equitable learning community. Equity–the idea that all members of our community have the same opportunity and support for beneficial outcomes–is a core value of our district. Berkshire Hills is doing a lot across the schools and with our community to figure out how to make our outcomes more equitable. Please join us if you want to be a part of helping us be the best we can be!
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
*****
Monday, April 5
Regular School Day for all fifth grade students
Hybrid Learning Day grades six, seven and eight: Group B In Person (Group C Remote and remote classes)
Tuesday, April 6
Regular School Day for all fifth grade students
Hybrid Learning Day grades six, seven and eight: Group B In Person (Group C Remote and remote classes)
Wednesday, April 7
Early Release School Day for all fifth grade students: Regular start time (7:45 am), Early Release at 1:00 pm
Remote Learning Day for grades six, seven and eight: Crew and Synchronous Learning 8:00-9:30
Thursday, April 8
Regular School Day for all fifth grade students
Hybrid Learning Day grades six, seven and eight: Group C In Person (Group B Remote and remote classes)
Friday, April 9
Regular School Day for all fifth grade students
Hybrid Learning Day grades six, seven and eight: Group C In Person (Group B Remote and remote classes)
*****
Food Service Update
With all Pre-K-grade 5 students returning to school full-time (5 days/week) on April 5th, we will be suspending our weekly food distribution and deliveries on Wednesdays. Our last day will be Wednesday, March 31, 2021. If you continue to need food support, please review the attached flyers for information on SNAP, WIC & local food pantry resources. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Kathy Sullivan directly kathy.sullivan@bhrsd.org, 413-644-2325 or 855-255-8666.
Pool Testing
We started pool testing this week and it is going great. If you want to sign up your children, please complete this survey. As a reminder, we are doing the simple and easy swab in the lower part of the nostril. Participation is optional and it gives us another valuable tool to manage Covid-19. If you have questions, please reach out to our school nurse, Hilary Bashara, at Hilary.Bashara@bhrsd.org, or by phone.
Du Bois Family Advisory Council
Wednesday, April 14 · 6:00 – 7:00pm
Google Meet Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bfr-cxpq-idh
Or dial: (US) +1 619-728-5037 PIN: 415 812 408#
Du Bois Family Advisory Council will have its initial meeting via Google Meets on Wednesday, April 14th from 6-7pm. Please join us to discuss ways to make DuBois Middle School more supportive, just, and equitable for everyone. Equity is a core value of Berkshire Hills, and we want to be active in ensuring the same outcomes for all of our students and families, If you are interested in joining but can’t make the initial meeting, please send an email to ben.doren@bhrsd.org so we can get you involved.
Project Connection
The Project Connection Spring session will start Monday, April 12th. We will continue to offer remote programs five days per week, with a limited number of onsite programs available after school Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Course information and application forms will be posted to the school website next week.
Report Cards
Please make note that 2nd Trimester Report Cards were mailed home on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Thank you!
Portrait of a Graduate (and recess!)
Back in the Fall of 2018, Monument Mountain Regional High School was awarded the Mass IDEAS grant from Nellie Mae and the Barr Foundation and received a follow-up grant last spring. Through the work in these grants, both the high school and the District have begun the process of programmatic redesign. Last year, we were beginning our conversations on Portrait of a Graduate. Unfortunately, our work was set back by COVID and the adjustments that were necessary. We are now turning the corner and it’s time to re-engage in the work. We need ALL DISTRICT families to be at the table for these conversations in order to build a shared vision for our community that will serve the next generation of graduates. We will be hosting a series of Family Forums over the next four months and into next year and invite you to join us to learn with us, look critically at our success and areas of growth, and provide feedback and input in moving us forward. The dates and topics are:
March 30: Proficiency & Portrait of a Graduate and Programmatic Changes
April 13: Follow up session
April 27: Student and Family Voice & Governance
May 11: Follow up session
May 25: Advisory & Crew – intentional culture building & support
June 8: Follow up session
June 16: Launch of the Portrait of a Graduate development
Our first Family Forum will be next Tuesday, March 30th. There will be two virtual one hour sessions at 8:00 am and at 6:30 pm. You can access the forum through this Google Meet Link:
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/jwi-ofii-viq
Phone Numbers: (US)+1 530-420-7438 PIN: 235 939 320#
CMC Berkshires Jeff Foote Talk
Looking for ways to help a loved one or community member dealing with substance use? Railroad Street Youth Project and the Southern Berkshire Health Coalition present the CMC Berkshire’s Jeff Foote, phD, on the Invitation to Change Approach. The link to the live recording of our community forum held on January 25th or 2021 is now available on the Railroad Street website. RSYP
ENGIN Program Resources for Middle School Girls interested in Engineering!
ENGIN (Engineering. Girls. Innovation) is a STEM outreach program for girls started by Miss Hall’s School students with the support of the National Academy of Engineering. During the five-week-long program, middle school girls will explore four types of engineering, hear from women engineers and innovators, do fun hands-on activities, and receive educational resources that will help them learn more about STEM. You can learn more about ENGIN here: https://enginmisshalls.wordpress.com/. Website: https://enginmisshalls.wordpress.com/
See poster and schedule below.
BC Splash
BC Splash is a 1-day event held at Boston College each semester where students in grades 7-12 can take fun, engaging classes that are taught and designed by our undergraduate and graduate students! In response to COVID-19 our event will be virtual and free of charge this semester, but we have put together a great day and fantastic lineup of classes over zoom for the students. They can take classes such as The Science Behind Photography, Intro to Irish Mythology, How to Win Any Argument, and many others! BC Splash will be held virtually on Sunday, March 28th from 9:30am – 4:15pm.
Students can register at our website, bcsplash.learningu.org See flyer below.
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:
Fifth grade return letter
GB Libraries Newsletter
BSRCC-Hip Hop Dance Flyer
Recent flyers:
Food Distribution on Wednesday
Utility Assistance
COVID-19 Housing Resources
GB Girls Softball Registration
CMC Berkshires Jeff Foote Talk
ENGIN Program Resources for Middle School Girls interested in Engineering
BC Splash
Beginner’s Ballet @ BSRCC
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
Julie C. Duffin
Principal’s Secretary
W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
313 Monument Valley Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-644-2300
413-644-2300 julie.duffin@bhrsd.org