Hello, this is Kristen Faircloth, principal at Durant Road Middle School, with your February 2, 2020 weekly message.

Our Dolphins did an amazing job tracking in this past week!  Students reviewed and followed expectations and were focused on their learning.  The slight changes in our bell schedule have made positive impacts on the learning environment.  The Illuminate Benchmark Assessment was administered in math classes on Thursday and Friday and students worked hard during the assessment.  The Illuminate Benchmark Assessment will be administered on Monday, February 3, 2020 and Tuesday, February 4, 2020 during ELA classes.  We are excited for students to have an opportunity to show what they know and gather data to drive our instruction for the remainder of the school year to support academic success.  

We continue to enjoy many student celebrations at DRMS.  Congratulations to Kathryn H. for winning the school spelling bee on January 28, 2020.  We had several students participate in All District Band with rehearsals on January 31, 2020 and ending in a phenomenal concert on February 1, 2020.  The DRMS cheerleaders competed at the State Competition on Saturday, February 1, 2020 and brought home a second place trophy.  Congratulations to Ms. Dimond and the cheerleaders for another successful season.  

February 3-7, 2020 is National School Counseling Week!  It is with great pride that WCPSS and DRMS celebrates Meredith Van Rensburg, Jenna Warren, and Ada Deen during National School Counseling Week.  DRMS has three of the best School Counselors in the county and we appreciate their dedication and work focused on promoting student success and improving positive outcomes for ALL students.  

February 10-14, 2002 is Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Every day, we appreciate school bus drivers.  They are always there to make sure that children go to and from school safely.  Because of the hard effort exerted by our bus drivers, we are excited to celebrate them in February.  What better month then February to show love and appreciation?  Please take some time to tell your bus driver how much you appreciate all they do.  

We have enjoyed and look forward to the continuation of celebrating our learners who have made Principal's List or Honor Roll this year.  Students will enjoy a brief Academic Achievement Breakfast on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 for second quarter.  Academic Achievement students will also have the opportunity to eat lunch outside on Fridays.  Way to go Dolphins!

The DRMS PTA will be selling Valentine's during arrival (7:45 AM - 8:15 AM) at the top of the hallways for $1.00.  Valentine sales will take place starting Wednesday, February 5, 2020 and run through Wednesday, February 12, 2020.  Students and staff will have the opportunity to write a message to a friend, peer, colleague, etc at the time of purchase.  The message will be attached to a heart sucker and be handed out during homeroom classes on Friday, February 14, 2020.  

Our next Spirit Night is Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at City BBQ and it lasts all day long!  Between 10:30 AM to 9 PM, 25% of all sales to DRMS friends and families will go toward supporting our school.  A flyer is coming home this week and a digital flyer is attached here – you’ll need to show the printed flyer or digital image on your phone for DRMS to get credit for the sale.  We are looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, February 5, 2020!

Thank you for supporting DRMS,

Kristen Faircloth

Principal