From Jonathan Davis, MS Principal

Greetings Middle School Families,

We are working on the finishing touches in preparation to host all of you this week.  Middle School Back to School Night is Thursday, September 20, from 6:30-9:15. Please come, meet your student’s teachers, and get a small sampling of what life is like in the Middle School.  This adults-only event is also a great way to connect with your fellow parents.  You need to know your student’s HomeBase advisor, but we will have all of the other needed information and directions.

Please plan to arrive a bit early: There will be light appetizers and drinks starting at 6:00 in the Schenck Auditorium Lobby.  Also at 6:00 in Umpleby, Mr. Egan will be presenting on the D-E 360° International program’s Spring Break 2019 Peru trip that is open to all interested 8th graders. Then, as part of a “soft start” at 6:15 in the Auditorium, Grade 8 Dean Mr. Aitken will also be presenting on the Discovery classes. 

For a Back to School Night parking map click here; additional details are noted below, and we’ll look forward to seeing you this Thursday evening! 

Tech Tip of the Week:

Seemingly every week there are new apps and games that seem to pop up. The kids know about them and want them, and of course ask to get them at the time when you are least prepared to answer (at least that’s how it is in my house!). Fortunately, there is a great parent resource at Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org). Common Sense Media not only rates movies and TV shows, but also apps and games. It describes the upside and downside of them and allows you to make an informed choice for your student. If you’ve never used it, consider adding it to your bookmarks.

Upcoming Calendar of Events:

  • Thursday 9/20 – Back to School Night 6:00 PM (see below for additional details.) 
  • Friday 9/21 – D-E Parents’ Association All-Volunteer Kick-Off & Volunteer Fair: 8:15 AM Clinton Inn, Tenafly (For details click here.)
  • Saturday 9/22 – Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs (You can still register the day-of, starting at 9:30 AM on Graham Field. For event details click here. )
  • Wednesday 9/26 to Friday 9/28 – 7th and 8th grade overnight trips
  • Thursday 9/27 to Friday 9/28 – 6th grade overnight trips

I’ve spoken with the Middle Schoolers about making Fridays a D-E Bulldog spirit day.  Please encourage your students to wear their various D-E shirts, jackets, etc. to school on Fridays.

The Washington Post had a thought provoking article about parenting Middle School aged students.  I think reading Treat Middle School Like a Dress Rehearsal

(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/08/31/to-raise-independent-kids-treat-middle-school-like-a-dress-rehearsal-for-life/?utm_term=.f4d5fe33b5fc&wpisrc=nl_parent&wpmm=1) is worth your time.

See you on campus soon!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Davis

MS Principal