DR LAX 2015!!

DR Lacosse Teams ready for the upcoming season . Go Falcons! 

Regional Agreement Amendment Committee

The Regional Agreement Amendment Committee has been working on amending the school district's regional agreement and is now ready to ask for the public's input. There will be a public forum on April 9th at 7:00 pm n the auditorium at the D-R High School. Click here for an article describing changes and updates, and click here an informational sheet which breaks down the process.

The Redesigned PSAT

The redesigned PSAT will be offered for the first time this October. To help students prepare, College Board just released a full-length practice PSAT.  You can copy and paste the link below to access the practice test and answer key.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-suite-assessments/practice/practice-tests?ep_ch=PR&ep_mid=11076383&ep_rid=42898293

Daily Announcements 3/31

Attention Seniors, Your last opportunity to pay Senior Dues is at the Senior breakfast April 10, 2015. 

Please check your dues status with Mrs. O'Gara or Mrs. B before that date. Remember only those students who are paid in full will get a free yearbook, free cap & gown, and reduced prom ticket.

The following girls have been named Varsity Cheerleading captains for next years football season.  Congratulations to Kristina Perez, Gloria Garcia, and Alexis Braz. 

The Honor Bowl tryouts scheduled for today after school has been canceled due to not enough participants.  The students who signed up on Mrs. Payne's door will be the students going to Honor Bowl on Wednesday.  Please see Mrs. Payne or Mr. DeLano for further questions.

Chess club will meet this afternoon.  All are welcome to attend!  Thanks!

A reminder to Tennis  Team players that the user fee of  $160.00 is due by tomorrow.

Unified Track will be practicing this week after school on Wednesday and Thursday. Athletes should meet in the gym and dress to go outside. Please see Mr. Antani with questions.

There will be NO student government meeting on Thursday after school. See you all next week.

Unified track practice will be after school Wednesday and Thursday this week. Athletes should meet in the gym and be prepared for practice outside. See Mr. Antani with any questions.

There will be a Portuguese Club meeting on Thursday after school in room 122. Our next outing will be discussed. Thank you.

A reminder to Leos, our meeting this week is today--Wednesday--instead of Thursday, due to the day off on Friday.  The meeting will be held at the regular 4:30 time.

DR Softball Team.

DR softball team finally gets outside!! GO FALCONS

Daily Announcements 3/30

This is Haley-Jade Araujo's transition piece from a light bulb to a penguin. 

Daily Announcements 3/30

The Varsity Cheerleading team would like to announce and congratulate the three captains for this upcoming football season: Gloria Garcia, Kristina Perez, and Alexis Braz. Congrats Girls!

The Boys Tennis Team is to report to the locker room toady after school. The boys play their first match tomorrow at Old Rochester.

All softball players should report for practice at 2:00. All freshman will end practice at 3:30. Returning players will end at 4:30. We will be going outside. Please dress appropriately.

Attention Seniors, Your last opportunity to pay Senior Dues is at the Senior breakfast April 10, 2015. 

Please check your dues status with Mrs. O'Gara or Mrs. B before that date. Remember only those students who are paid in full will get a free yearbook, free cap & gown, and reduced prom ticket.

Beauty and the Beast

Just a huge shout to the cast, crew, pit ,parents and directors for an awesome effort on Beauty and the Beast!!  So many rehearsals cancelled due to the weather and you all knocked it out of the park!  Every show was so well attended. Individual and group performances were very impressive. I was at every show and you could just see it building momentum with every perfomance.  On behalf of the entire DR school system. Thank you and Bravo!! That's the DR Difference!!    Mr Kelley

Scholarship Information

DUE DATE	SCHOLARSHIPS (updated 03/27/15)	CRITERIA
	www.scholarships.com / www.fastweb.com / www.mefa.org  www.collegenet.com / www.localstudentfunding.org www.srnexpress.com / www.supercollege.com www.finaid.org / www.massmentor.edu / www.cappex.com www.wiredscholar.com / www.studentscholarships.org  / www.highfivescholarships.com
04/03/15	Massachusetts Broadcasters Association $2,000 Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in a broadcasting field
04/10/15	Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship $3,000 to $15,000 Apply on-line www.phillips-scholarship.org	Minimum 3.0 GPA, community, school, and work activities
04/10/15	Taunton Women’s Club 3 @ $500 each Application available in Guidance	School and community activities
04/12/15	St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Application available in Guidance	Member of St. Andrew’s Parish in Taunton, MA
04/15/15	Alyssa E. Correira Memorial Scholarship 5 @ $2,500 each Application available in Guidance	Financial need, paid and volunteer work history, academic achievement
04/15/15	American Legion Auxiliary Unit 302 $250 Application available in Guidance	Female graduating senior
04/15/15	Somerset Federal Credit Union 2 @ $1,000 each Application available in Guidance	Civic activities and community service
04/15/15	South Coast Community Chorale Scholarship Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in a music field
04/15/15	Stony Brook Camera Club Scholarship 2 @ $500 each Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in a photography related field
04/15/15	Taunton Art Association $500 Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in a visual arts related field
04/17/15	Portuguese American Civic Club 6 @ $500 each Application available in Guidance	Student successfully completed two or more years of Portuguese language study
04/18/15	Somerset Garden Club $500 Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in biology, earth sciences, horticulture, environmental studies, flower design, landscape architecture, or weather
04/22/15	Student-View Scholarship Program 1 @ $4,000; 1 @ $1,000 each; 10 at $500 each Apply on-line www.student-view.com	Complete survey about colleges in this area
04/24/15	Mechanics Cooperative Bank Scholarship 4 @ $500-$1,000 each Application available in Guidance	Top 30% of class, character, extracurricular activities
05/01/15	David G. Borden Scholarship 2 @ $1,000 each Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in a business related field
05/01/15	Citizens for Citizens Edward J. Sullivan Scholarship $1,000 Application available in Guidance	Academics, financial need, extracurricular activities, community service
05/01/15	Honey Dew Donuts Scholarship $250 Application available in Guidance	Honey Dew Donuts employee with B average or better who participates in community and charitable activities
05/01/15	Prince Henry Society $500-$1,000 Application available in Guidance	Resident of Dighton and of Portuguese descent
05/15/15	Rehoboth American Legion Post 302 3 @ $500 each Application available in Guidance	Descendant or sibling of a United States military veteran
05/22/15	Little Theatre of Fall River $1,500 Performing Arts Scholarship $1,100 Jimmy Tavares Memorial Scholarship $500 REX Performing Arts Scholarship Application available in Guidance	Planning to major in theater arts, music, or dance
05/31/15	Rob Roy Academy Application available in Guidance	Planning to attend Rob Roy Academy
06/01/15	Aspiring Fashion Professional Scholarship $1,000 Apply on-line http://www.fashion-schools.org/aspiring-fashion-professional-scholarship-program	Planning to major in a fashion related field
06/01/15	Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship $1,000 Apply on-line http://www.animationcareerreview.com	Planning to major in an animation related field
06/15/15	Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program $1,000 Apply on-line www.abottandfenner.com/scholarships	Essay
06/30/15	Aspiring Nurse Scholarship $1,000 Apply on-line www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com	Academic excellence in science and math and planning to major in a healthcare field
07/01/15	College Sports Recruiting Scholarship $1,000 Apply on-line www.collegesportsscholarships.com	Essay

This Week Ahead

            The snow is melting and the weather is getting a little warmer.  Our spring musical Beauty and the Beast hosted their first performance last night and there will be two additional shows tonight at 6:30 pm and tomorrow at 1:00 pm.  Last night was a great performance from our students and we encourage all to attend.  In addition, we celebrated Falcon Friday today where students and staff displayed their DR Pride. 

Budget Update:       

On Tuesday, March 24^th, the School Committee approved the 2015-2016 budgets, which was a 3.44% increase.  The budget will not be finalized until both Dighton and Rehoboth towns vote to approve the budget.  In developing our budget, we looked at our School Improvement Plan and used data to drive the budget process.  In order to meet some of our needs this year, we reallocated funds to maximize our budget.   

·         Goal 1: Student Achievement: increase and improve all aspects of student achievement.

o   Blended Learning:

§  Edgenuity: allows us to create courses based on students’ needs

§  VHS: Expands our course offerings and adding 10 additional Advanced Placement opportunities

o   Freshman Transition: previously paid through grants, however, the grants have expired

§  60% enrollment increase and 60% of grant decrease

·         Goal 2: Instruction and Learning: improve instruction and learning for all students.

o   Professional Development: decrease the gap in special education in both Math/ELA

o   Pilot E-Books for Math

o   Increase text complexity in ELA

o   Rigorous Programming

§  Medical Assisting

§  Environmental Engineering

§  Engineering Technology

§  Culinary Arts

·         Goal 3: Technology: increase/maximize the use of technology for teaching and learning.

o   Infrastructure:

§  Improving Wifi Access

§  Upgrade to computer server and network

o   Hardware:

§  Chromebook cart for classroom use

§  Teacher computer upgrades

·         Goal 4: Facilities and safety:

o   School Resource Officer

The following reduction in personnel for DRRHS for FY15 was approved on Tuesday:

1. 1.0 FTE School Psychologist
2. 1.0 FTE Health Teacher
3. 0.5 FTE Business
4. 0.5 FTE Office Technology
5. 0.5 SY   Secretary

**Based on these reductions we will be able to offer our students 4 rigorous pathways (Medical Assisting, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology, Culinary Arts) at no additional increases in terms of salaries.

Last Day of School:

The School Committee approved the last day of school for students which will be Friday, June 26^th.  The final exam schedule will be released at a later date.  The School Committee voted to reduce the 181^st school day to the state minimum 180^th school day (Friday, June 26^th).  As faculty we will be required to attend on Monday, June 29^th. 

ALICE Informational Parent Night:

            On Thursday, April 2^nd @ 7:15 pm the Dighton-Rehoboth Crisis Team will be making a presentation to our community on the enhanced security protocols of ALICE in the high school Auditorium.  Last week the Sun Chronicle published a story about “getting teachers prepared-for anything.” This eight minute Auburn University video gives a brief overview of the ALICE philosophy.  On April 9^th, students will be receiving the 1^st part of the 3 series trainings of ALICE.  During this presentation, students will be informed on ALICE protocols and procedures and how this enhances their security while in school.  If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Braga (KBraga@drregional.org).

MCAS Next Week:

Attention Parents/Guardians of Class of 2017:

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School is about to administer the state-wide testing program, known as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).  Due to the inclement weather this year, the Department of Education has granted an alternate testing window.  Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has opted to take advantage of this extended testing period.  See the new extended testing window dates below:  

MCAS Test	Extended Testing Window
Grade 10 ELA	March 31-April 1, 2015
Grade 10 Math	May 19-20, 2015
Grade 10 Science & Tech	June 8-9, 2015

Any students who are absent for a testing session will be required to take the missed test during a make-up session.  The ELA Composition Make-up testing date is scheduled for April 8th.  All other make-up sessions will take place when the student returns to school.  Please have your child plan accordingly.

8^th Grade Parent Night:

            On Thursday, March 26^th the Freshman Transition Team held an informational student and parent night presentation about the Freshman Transition program.  This will be our 4^th year offering this program to our incoming freshman.  The Freshman Transition Program aims to provide an open environment for all 8^th grade students to transition smoothly into their first year at Dighton- Rehoboth Regional High School. The main objectives of the program are to focus on strategies that center on study skills, interpersonal relationships, and team building exercises.  Students will have a network of peer mentors and advisors they can use to guide them through their first year of high school.  There are four phases of the program that have different objectives, but the same goal of a smooth transition into the high school. Click here for more information on the Freshman Transition program.  Any incoming freshman, who would like to register for the summer program in August, can fill out the Summer Registration online by clicking this link.  Click here for our FAQ handout. 

Congratulations to our Art Students:

Our seniors are hearing back from colleges and universities about their acceptance and our talent at DRRHS is recognized among the finest art institutions in the country.  The following students will be attending colleges and universities with a major in Art:

Alyssa Domingos –Massachusetts College of Art and Design -  Animation
Brittany Hunt- Munroe College Major- Graphic Design
Kerri Sullivan -Bridgewater State University  Major- Fine Arts
Clarice Lemay - Montserrat College of Art  & Massachusetts College of Art and Design  Major-  Fine Arts
Emily Moran – Maryland Institute College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design,  & Pratt Institute - Major Painting
Ashley Rossi - Roger Williams University  Major- Graphic Design
Sam Strojney- Maryland Institute College of Art-  Major - Illustration

Headlines:

Art Work of the Week: Jaime DeSousa's pitbull relief sculpture with cardboard and duct tape.

DRRHS Marching Band

London, Paris, and Rome Trip April 2016:

Monday, Mar 30, 2015-GREEN

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015-GOLD

MCAS:  Schedule Modification: Period 1, 4, 3, 2

Time	Event	Details
3:30pm	Tennis: Boys Varsity Match	Old Rochester Regional @ Old Rochester Regional High School
3:30pm	Tennis: Girls Varsity Match	Old Rochester Regional @ Old Rochester Regional High School

Wednesday, Apr 01, 2015-GREEN

Thursday, Apr 2, 2015-GOLD

MCAS:  Schedule Modification: Period 4, 2, 3, 1

Time	Event	Details
3:30pm	Outdoor Track:Girls Varsity Meet	vs. Greater New Bedford RVTHS @ Dighton-Rehoboth
3:30pm	Outdoor Track:Boys Varsity Meet	vs. Greater New Bedford RVTHS @ Dighton-Rehoboth
3:30pm	Tennis:Boys Varsity Game  (Rescheduled to 04-17-15)	vs. Seekonk @ Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School

Friday, Apr 3, 2015-NO SCHOOL 

Time	Event	Details
3:30pm	Baseball: Varsity Game	vs. Bourne @ Dighton-Rehoboth
3:30pm	Baseball: JV Game	vs. Bourne @ Dighton-Rehoboth
3:30pm	Softball: JV Game	Bourne @ Bourne High School
3:30pm	Softball: Varsity Game	Bourne @ Bourne High School