Return to Headlines

DRMS' Principal Message

Happy Sunday, Dolphins!  This is Kristen Faircloth, proud principal at Durant Road Middle School, with your January 15, 2023 Family Message.

 

We hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful and safe break creating memories with family and friends. While the time has been restful, we are excited about the second semester and welcoming our students back on Thursday, January 19, 2023.  We also hope everyone is enjoying their time with family over this three-day weekend, where we recognize and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In honor of his legacy this weekend, let's consider an act of kindness to a family member, friend, neighbor, or stranger in the community.  

 

Please take a moment to read through the Family Message below for some updates and reminders of expectations as we embark on the second semester.  As always, do not hesitate to reach out with any needs.

 

Q2 Report Cards:  Teachers are finalizing Q2 grades and report cards will be sent home on January 26, 2023.  Be on the lookout for additional assessment information attached to your child's report card, such as NC Check-Ins, and Fast Bridge.  The information will provide you with an understanding of how your child is performing and progressing academically. Please review these scores with your child and use them to set goals for the second semester.  

 

Bell Schedule:  Based on staff feedback and student needs, we have adjusted our bell schedule slightly.  Our 6th and 7th grade Dolphins have changes, while our 8th Dolphins do not have any changes from the previous semester.  We will make these changes on a trial basis and adjust if needed.  Once the bell schedule is finalized, we will share it with you.  Please see the updated lunch times as a FYI:

  • 6th Grade
    • Lunch A: 12:32 PM - 12:57 PM
    • Lunch B: 1:03 PM - 1:28 PM
  • 7th Grade
    • Lunch A: 11:31 AM - 11:56 AM
    • Lunch B: 11:59 AM - 12:24 PM
  • 8th Grade
    • Lunch A: 10:27 AM - 10:55 AM
    • Lunch B: 10:58 AM - 11:23 AM 

 

Student Schedules:  We are excited about most of our students having the opportunity to experience new electives in the second semester.  Additionally, we wanted to make everyone aware that some student schedules have shifted due to new staff, balancing of class sizes, etc.  Thank you for understanding that we are making these changes for the best interest of our entire school population.

 

All students will receive a hard copy of their schedule from their Homeroom/Core 1 teacher on Thursday, January 19, 2023.  Also, parents/students may view their second semester schedule in PowerSchool beginning on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

 

Makeup Pictures:  Makeup picture day has been scheduled for January 26, 2023. Purchases for pictures can be made online or by check. More information will be sent home and on our website.  If your student was not present for the first picture day, you will be able to take your photo on January 26, 2023. If you would like to have your pictures retaken, please send your student with the originally purchased pictures on January 26th for Strawbridge.  

 

Arrival Time:  Prior to the break, we saw an increase in the number of students that were tardy to school in the morning. This increase in tardies is creating disruptions to Period 1 instruction. As a reminder, we open our doors at 7:45 am. Students report to Homeroom upon arriving. This is a great time for students to get settled for the day, work on anything that may need their attention, spend a few minutes with their friends/teachers, etc. During arrival, our carpool loop rarely has a line between the hours of 7:45 AM and 8:05 AM. If your child is one that cuts it close in the morning, I would encourage you to get to school a bit earlier to help them get to class on time. We will be reaching out to families that we see are late on a consistent basis to determine how to best support the student and their families.  

 

Dress to Impress:  The DRMS Beta Club is initiating 4 dates as "Dress to Impress Professional Days!"  Our Beta Club Dolphins have decided to lead by example after having conversations about the school's dress code.  We are looking forward to supporting this initiative!  

  • February 1, 2023
  • March 1, 2023
  • May 3, 2023

 

Yearbook:  Order your yearbook now for the best price all year! The sooner you order, the better the deal! Order online at www.jostensyearbooks.com. Students will receive their yearbooks in the spring when they are delivered.

 
 
8th grade yearbook ads:  "It's that time of year again to start planning ahead! Your 8th grader is halfway through their last year of middle school! Celebrate their achievements and accomplishments with a yearbook ad specifically for them. To purchase an ad, go to www.jostensadservice.com/student. Reach out to Mrs. Robertson (sdrobertson@wcpss.net) with any questions!  PS: don't forget to order your yearbook too at www.jostensyearbooks.com"
 

Meal Benefits:  During the 2021-2022 school year, all students received free school meals supported by federal funding due to the pandemic; however, this funding ended on June 30, 2022. In order to receive free or reduced-price meals for this school year (2022-2023), families need to submit a meal benefits application. 

 

All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year in order to receive benefits. Please allow 10 business days for processing.

 

For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school.

 

We need you to complete a 2022-2023 meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for extra funding next year. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online. 

 

A student’s status from the 2021-2022 school year will roll over to this current year; however, it only carries them forward for the first 30 operational days or until a new application for the 2022-2023 school year has been processed.

 

Meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year are below:

  • Breakfast - $1.75
  • Lunch - $3.25

 

Thank you for supporting DRMS,

Kristen J Faircloth

Principal