Dear DCI School Community,

Happy Black History Month! Each year, our staff and students come together as a community to celebrate rich traditions of Black culture, history, and achievements. This year our Black Student Union (BSU) planned a host of student-led events and activities leading up to this weekend’s EssenceFest! Some of the planned events included, “Mumbo Sauce Monday,” a celebration of regional foods, a “sip and paint” event, and our high schoolers creating vision boards with our 8th graders to help guide them through their high school journey – our students are creating a community here at DCI that is thoughtful and embracing. In addition, we are celebrating Black History Month by honoring those who have had a personal impact on the lives of our staff. The school is displaying an Ancestor Wall that honors staff's ancestors of African descent across the diaspora. Students have been engaging with the Ancestor Wall by trying to identify each staff person with their family member's photo and bio displayed on the wall. Over 50 students and staff have engaged with this project to date.

DCI is intentional about bringing students, staff and families together to celebrate our diverse community and we hope you can check out this weekend’s event, EssenceFest, Saturday, February 22nd from 1-4 p.m. Learn more about the event here. 

Important Updates and Reminders

Updates to SY 2024-25 School Calendar

We have made several updates to the current 2024-25 school year calendar. The new calendar has been posted to our website. 

Update #1: March 13th – asynchronous day for students

March 13th was originally slated as a “no school” day for students given that it’s an all staff professional development day. However, we need to make up the snow day we took on Monday, January 6th. We’ll hold an asynchronous day of learning for students on Thursday, March 13th and will communicate additional details closer to this date. 

Update #2: New HS Graduation Date: June 11, 2025

High School graduation will now take place on Wednesday, June 11th. 

Update #3: New summer camp schedule: July 14-25, 2025

DCI will run summer camp from July 14-25, 2025 (originally scheduled for July 7-18). DCI runs one-week and two-week Summer Programs for rising 6th through 9th Graders. Learn more and register today!

Update to SY 2024-25 Student & Family Handbook

The Attendance section in our SY 2024-25 Student & Family Handbook has been updated. You can view the updated handbook here and specific updates to the handbook can be viewed here. 

Attention: Trespassing in Neighboring Buildings 

DCI has received a number of reports of students being in neighboring buildings during dismissal. Please Note: students are NOT allowed in neighboring buildings at any point unless it is their residence – This is considered trespassing. Please consider this notice that the neighbors will begin calling the police if students enter neighboring buildings. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sign Up for DCI Text Alerts

DCI keeps staff and families informed with immediate and urgent notifications like school operation status in the event of inclement weather via email and text messaging. If you are not receiving text messages from DCI, it is likely that you have not opted in to do so or have unsubscribed (i.e., opted out). This is an easy fix! Please text “yes” to 67587 in order to opt into text messaging alerts from DCI. We only communicate via text when critical so please ensure that you are connected. Reach out to Sarah Siddons with any questions.

MS Spring Sports Tryouts Begin Week of March 3

Please see below for tryout dates and key registration information for middle school athletes:

• Coed Baseball
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• eSports 

*PLEASE NOTE: There is a fee for middle school sports: MS Sports cost $270 and there are discounted fees for students that qualify for FARMS and extra assistance (EA). 

Important Registration Information:

• Complete the Interest Form here to register for the sport(s) you’ll try out for.
• All athletes must have an updated physical on file in DragonFlyMax to participate. No exceptions.
• Please ensure all required documents are uploaded and completed in DragonFlyMax before tryouts.

For more information on how to register, check out this registration document that includes screenshots to walk you through the registration process online.

Upcoming Events

Please click here for more information about each event.

Join us for FAFSA Night on Monday, February 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Theater!

This is a great opportunity to get expert help with filling out your FAFSA form and learn about financial aid options for college. Please RSVP here by Thursday, February 20th.

Upcoming In-Person DCI Information Session: Tuesday, Feb. 25th

DCI is hosting the next in-person session on Tuesday, February 25th at 5:30 p.m. RSVP HERE. 

Introducing Principal Connections with Dr. Galpin on Thursday, February 27th!

We are excited to invite all middle school families to connect with our middle school principal, Dr. Jolene Galpin virtually to discuss this year’s school happenings. Please RSVP here to receive the Zoom invitation.

Learn More about High School During the Feb. 28th Café y Charla!

Join us for a Café y Charla on Friday, February 28th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Inner Library for a presentation about all that DCI High School has to offer. Note: This session will be conducted exclusively in Spanish. RSVP here by Tuesday, February 25th.

Save the Date! MYP Information Sessions on March 19th and 26th

Please complete this form to RSVP for each session by Monday, March 17th and Monday, March 24th, respectively.

Mark Your Calendars: Soirée Francophone on Friday, March 21st

This year’s celebration promises captivating student performances, a dazzling fashion show, engaging presentation, delicious cuisine and so much more!