Derby High School
75 Chatfield Street
Derby, Connecticut 06418
(203) 736-5032 ▪ www.derbyps.org
Principal, Jennifer Olson
Update to Board of Education December 2022
Academics:
- DHS Journalism students published the first edition of the school newspaper! www.derbyraiderpress.org
- Held report card conferences for Q1 to provide families with a check on current levels of performance in the classroom
- Instructional Coaches participated in district Assessment Summit Part 2 with district team
- Held a planning meeting with drama, music, art and technology teachers to plan for spring musical.
- US Presidential Scholar Nominations officially submitted to State Department of Education (Brennan Fitch, Danthy Ngyuen, Josiah Hunter)
- School team participated in the CT FAFSA Challenge - Community of Practice
Human Capital
- Recognized our school psychologist, Karen Ference, for School Psychologist Appreciation Week.
- Math teachers participated in Illustrative Math PD: Eliciting Student Thinking with Instructional Routines
- School Counselors participated in the CT State Student Success Summit which included information on the CT State application process, Guided Pathways advising, academic programs, financial aid and free community college, campus resources, transfer pathways, workforce development and discussion of the student experience with an alumni panel.
- PBIS Leadership Team participated in training and technical assistance from SERC. Rolled out school-wide expectations for assemblies
- DHS Admin & 2 members of Safety Team participated in Safety and Security Training with Gary McNamara. Worked to develop awareness for safety and security
Operations
- College Fair held on November 30 with over 35 schools represented.
- Safety Committee Meeting held and after action review/debrief of 10/24 evacuation was held by the committee as a learning opportunity
- Held Code Green/Evacuation training with all students/staff via Zoom. Conducted practice drill
- Held School picture retakes: photos used for yearbook and new student ID cards/lanyards which includes picture/name/grade, barcode for cafe line (faster operations) and information about mental health resources and emergency services. Students will wear ID’s to help identify students and help all staff know students' names. Lanyards are color coded to visually identify seniors with privileges (late arrival, study hall/senior lounge access, early dismissal)
- Held free sports physicals for student athletes participating in winter sports
- Worked with school team to prepared Perkins Grant ($29,750)
- Collaborated with facilities for quote for Voice4Change grant ($20,000 spend down) Anastasia Stannis’ submission from SY2021-22
- Collaborated with counselors to develop budget for FAFSA Challenge Grant ($7500 spend down)
Climate/Culture:
- Submitted recommendations for 2 students for the CAPPS Award based on community service and service to others; academic excellence; and leadership service to the school community. (Leah Ludington & Jamirh James)
- Held Senior Night for Band, Cheer and Football to celebrate their seasons
- Held 5th Annual Lip Sync Battle with 13 acts and $500 grand prize
- 17 students invited to attend the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference & Michaels' Cup Recognition
- Held PowderPuff Game vs. Shelton HIgh School
- Held Thanksgiving Day Football Game vs. Oxford HS with traditional pre-game breakfast
- Student Council conducted a food drive and delivered holiday baskets to families in need
- Held a staff vs. students volleyball game/pep rally before the Thanksgiving holiday
Sample of new student ID badges (front/back sides)
