Hello, this is Kristen Faircloth, principal at Durant Road Middle School, with your weekly message.  

It is another exciting weekend to be a Dolphin!  Congratulations to our DRMS Cheerleaders for winning State Championship in their division on Saturday afternoon in the State Competition.  A huge shout out to Jodi Dimond for coaching our girls to victory two weekends in a row!  The DRMS Robotics Team were awarded the 2018-2019 North Carolina State Championship this weekend as well!  Both these wins are contributed to a lot of hard work and time outside of school hours and the dedication of committed coaches.  

It is with great pride that WCPSS celebrates school counselors during National School Counseling Week, February 4-8!  Please help us and take time during this week to not only celebrate DRMS' school counselors, but also to celebrate their dedication and work focused on promoting student success and improving outcomes for all students.  DRMS is very lucky to have Ms. Jenna Warren, Ms. Ada Deen and Ms. Meredith Van Rensburg as counselors and members of our family.  

This week is interim week for Dolphins on tracks 1 & 2.  Please make sure you are on the look out and in communication with your child's teachers regarding their academic progress.  

We have another busy week in athletics.  The DRMS Boys and Girls Basketball teams will play on Monday, February 4, 2019 AT Wakefield Middle School starting at 4:00 PM.  First in Fitness tryouts for selected 6th grade Dolphins will take place on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM.  The selected 6th grade students will change in the locker room at 3:00 PM and meet in the PE hallway.  Finally, spring sport sign ups and wristband distribution will take place all week in healthful living classes.  

Spring pictures will be taken on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 for tracks 2 & 4 and on Thursday, March 7, 2019 for tracks 1 & 3.  All students will be photographed during their PE classes.  No payment is necessary on picture day.  Proofs will be sent home 3 to 4 weeks after the designated picture date.  Spring sports pictures are scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2019 after school.  The coaches will send information home for pre-orders.  

We would love to hear from you!  Ms. Amy Myers, media specialist, is collecting feedback in regards to the learning commons.  Please take a moment and complete this parent survey and let your voice be heard.

DRMS' Student Council is having an "Adopt a Dolphin Valentine Sale" starting this week.  Those interested can choose a dolphin-themed valentine to send to a friend during lunch on February 7, February 8, February 11 and February 12.  The valentines will cost .25 cents each and will be delivered on Valentine's Day.   All proceeds will go to the World Wildlife Foundation to adopt a dolphin.  

Mark your calendars for Student Led Conferences!  Student Led Conferences for tracks 3 & 4 are scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2019 and on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 for tracks 1 & 2.  Students will begin preparing for Student Led Conferences this week by completing the February Page in their agenda "Student-Led Conference Preparation".  Make sure to ask your child about their progress.  

DRMS' next Parent Academy and School Dance is scheduled for March 1, 2019 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.  Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about keeping their children emotionally and physically safe with a focus on alcohol while our students will be dancing the night away!  Be on the lookout for an invitation coming soon.  

Thank you for supporting DRMS,

Kristen Faircloth

Principal