Good Morning from RSU 56. Due to the inclement weather, there will be no school in RSU 56 today, December 4th. Stay safe and enjoy the day!
Here is the lunch menu for December.
TWKDMS ATHLETICS:
The Winter basketball season began last week and we have had an incredible amount of student-athletes participating! With the increase of participants at Dirigo and across our League, we will be scheduling 'C Team Basketball' games when possible. They will be communicated via social media, the weekly calendar and the winter schedules. Our first Varsity and JV games for basketball begin within the upcoming week so check out the weekly calendar and schedules for more information!
The Nordic Ski, Wrestling and Unified Basketball seasons will begin later in the winter season which will be communicated in similar ways as the starting dates approach.
Visit the Dirigo Athletics hub for information related to Dirigo Athletics including the TWKDMS Athletics website, weekly calendar, winter schedules and much more!
https://sites.google.com/rsu56.org/dirigoathleticshub
GO COUGARS!
Attention Parents/Guardians and Students: This winter TWKDMS is teaming up with Dixfield Discount Fuel for a holiday season charitable celebration that we're calling the TWKDMS Winter Want & Wear. Students (or parents/guardians on behalf of students) can complete an application to receive (free and newly purchased) 1 "Want" item ($20-25 range) and 1 "Wear" item. These newly purchased items will be dropped off confidentially at the school for distribution. DDF does the fundraising and item purchasing, TWKDMS does the coordination plus keeps names confidential and anonymous. Applications are available starting tomorrow, 11/17/23, and DUE to TWKDMS by noon on 11/27/23. Items will be provided before the winter break. Following the link for more information (and Go Cougars!):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t93483fjXUddIxyAHKb9z5n8hPCUogVv4fOPjVEZ5u8/edit?usp=sharing
Basketball practices will start on Monday, November 13th. The schedule for the week is as follows:
The girls will have early practice from 2:45 to 4:15 and can ride the bus home if they have signed up for it.
The boys will have the later practice from 4:15 until 5:30 and will need a ride home. Boys may stay after school in a supervised study hall until practice begins.
Unfortunately, the late bus will only run on Monday and Tuesday. All athletes will need a ride home on Wednesday and Thursday. The following week, the late bus will resume its regular schedule.
Athletes must have turned in their sports physical, required paperwork, and a copy of their insurance card to participate in practices.
Parents/Guardians/Community: The TWKDMS Evacuation Drill is now over as planned. Thank you to the Oxford County Sheriff's Office for their support during our drill. Go Cougars!
A HUGE Go Cougars to the TWKDMS students on the Dixfield Rec Cougars Football Team for their second consecutive undefeated championship season! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of the outstanding athletes at the middle level in Dirigo! Go Cougars!
Attention Parents/Guardians: Tomorrow TWKDMS will participate in an evacuation drill with the help of the Oxford County Sheriff's Office and in communication with Oxford County Emergency Management. The drill will take place in the morning, last about 15 minutes, and then we will be back to school as normal. Students are already aware. If you have any questions, feel free to call the school at 562-7552.
Please participate in our 5th Annual Food Drive.
TWKDMS would like to invite any Veteran or Active Duty Service Member with a relative attending TWKDMS to join us on Thursday, November 09, 2023, for a Thanksgiving-style luncheon from 1:00-1:45 p.m. This will be followed by an assembly where we will recognize our honored guests. This meal will be served by reservation only, so please contact the school by Monday, November 6, 2023, to RSVP a spot at the meal.
It’s Scholastic Book Fair time! From today (10/31) to next Monday (11/6), students can come experience the excitement all over again. The fair will be open on Parent-Teacher Conference night (11/2)! Remember, what starts at the Book Fair stays with you forever. Every purchase benefits our school. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/twkdms
Dear Community: I have read many inspiring and informative messages over the past few days. At this point, I have to admit that I do not have much "new" to offer. We love our students, we love our community, and we love our state. This hurts, but the kids need us to "be the normal" in their lives right now.
On Monday we will use what is normally the "Wednesday" late arrival schedule so that we as educators can get in the right frame of mind to return to school and welcome your children back into the building the right way.
When school starts we will take a moment to honor the fallen, and in the near future, we will take steps to show our support to those most affected by the tragedy. Yet, for the most part, we are really going to try to offer as "normal" a school day as we can. It is not out of coldness but rather backed by research saying that is what our job should be at this time. Our social worker and some additional resources will be in place to assist students needing extra support.
I look forward to reuniting as a school on Monday.
Always means always, so... as always, Go Cougars
Dear Champions of Education,
In light of the tragic shootings in Lewiston, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has pulled together some initial resources for talking to children about violence and shootings and supporting one another. The Maine DOE will be providing additional resources as we learn more.
Talking to Children
Provide a short statement of fact: Violence took place in our community and many people were hurt. Students are safe here. You are safe. There are people here who can help you.
Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.
Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance processing the incident. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to ensure their safety.
Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe communities and schools, communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators and parents/guardians, and accessing support for emotional needs.
Mental Health First Aid
Monitor and assess impact: Students and colleagues will be affected in different ways. We do not know how this event has affected people – directly and/or indirectly. Continue to assess impact of the event on those around you.
Be mindful of self-regulation to assist youth in maintaining a level of safety and connection.
If you are an educator in need of additional support, The FrontLine WarmLine is also available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week by calling 207-221-8196 or texting 898-211.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988.
More Resources: https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1326812?e=7089ed9b06
DIRIGO ATHLETICS UPDATE:
Per district policy, when school is closed, all practices and events are canceled. Therefore, all practices and events have been canceled for Thursday, October 26, 2023.
Please remain safe Cougars, emotionally and physically.
This is a very difficult morning. We want to share some resources for parents and guardians seeking advice regarding their conversations with children of different ages about the tragedy in Lewiston. The school will be following our Comprehensive Emergency Plan and making preparations based on the information we receive from this fluid situation.
US Department of Health and Human Services Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-talking-to-children-after-traumatic-event.pdf
National Association of School Psychologists' Talking to Children About Violence: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-families-and-educators
Our schools will be closed in RSU 56 today, Thursday, October 26 due to the tragedy in Lewiston. We realize that some in our RSU 56 community have loved ones affected by this horrible event, including first responders and those caring for the injured. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Good Evening! Tonight's School board meeting is being live streamed tonight at 6:30pm - https://www.youtube.com/live/Mhjf0CacXuY?si=xhraPdhqgY07EklU
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for October 30th-November 3rd and get ready to empower your reader with book choice. Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/twkdms
Don't forget to set up your student's eWallet account for cashless, stress-less shopping. Friends and family can even contribute funds! Setup your student's eWallet with the link above.
#ScholasticBookFairs
Signups start online at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday (10/25) for TWKDMS Parent Teacher Conferences held on 11/2, 4:00-7:00 p.m., and 11/8, 3:00-6:00. Sessions will be scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. The link will not work on a cell phone until it goes live Wednesday morning. Attached is a QR code to the signup website, also viewable at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/TWKDMS2023
Do you (or someone you know) have unstable housing?
Is your housing unstable? Check out this video for critical information about how your local school can help!
https://youtu.be/Pm07O7aEGUs?si=xI55ncfCakhhBk0E
