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2025-08-29 -- Principal's Email

Good afternoon,

What an exciting time of year this is as we celebrate the many ways our students have grown! On Wednesday, MMS musicians participated in a festival, with guest judges adjudicating their performance; the festival was followed by a fun-filled visit to Lake Compounce. Yesterday, our eighth graders had a fabulous trip to Six Flags and were wonderful representatives of our school and community. 

Here are some of the additional End of Year activities students can expect new week:

Monday, June 9th

  • 8th grade locker clean out

Tuesday, June 10th

  • 7th grade locker clean out

Wednesday, June 11th

  • 6th grade locker clean out
  • 8th Grade Chromebook return*
  • 6th Grade Chromebook return*

Thursday, June 12th

  • 7th Grade Chromebook return    
  • DHS Parade of Graduates
  • 8th Grade Yearbook distribution & signing

Friday, June 13th

  • 8th Grade Promotion rehearsal DHS
  • 6th and 7th grade yearbook distribution & signing
  • 8th Grade Promotion: 5pm DHS


Chromebook Collection Information
6th and 7th graders should keep their chargers over the summer; 8th graders should turn in their chargers with Chromebooks. 6th and 7th graders’ Chromebooks will be cataloged and receive system upgrades. Chromebooks must be turned in at this time in order to receive yearbooks on time during yearbook distribution. 

Promotion Details
The DHS auditorium is capable of seating all students and two guests per student. Two tickets for entrance to the auditorium have been mailed to each student’s primary address. There will be room for additional guests in the gymnasium with bleacher-style seating and a large screen for simulcast viewing of the ceremony. The event will also be accessible remotely via the simulcast. We will provide a link once it becomes available. 

Timing (approximate):  
4:15 pm:  8th Grader drop-off @ DHS.  Drop at auditorium doors and students will be directed to their assigned areas.  
4:15 pm:  Doors open for admission.  
5:00 pm:  Promotion begins.  
6:15 pm: Promotion ends. 

Promotion FAQs:  

What if my babysitter cancels? 
If you bring children, one adult will need to attend to the children in the Gymnasium Overflow Seating.  

Can my child sit on my lap?
Due to Fire Code, we can only have one person per seat. If you bring a child who counts as a third guest, one adult will need to accompany that child in the Gymnasium Overflow Seating.  

What if our grandparents want to come? 
You can decide which two guests sit in the auditorium and who goes to the Gymnasium Overflow Seating.  

What if we need handicapped seating? 
Someone will escort you to handicapped seating.  Your other guest may sit as near as possible to the handicapped spot, but you may be separated.  If you need special arrangements, please contact Assistant Principal Dr. Caitlin O’Keefe at cokeefe@darienps.org  

What if my guest is arriving later than me? 
No problem.  Just inform the volunteers at the check-in tables.  

How do we get to the Gymnasium Overflow Seating? 
There will be volunteers to direct you from the auditorium, but it is a lengthy walk with stairs.  The alternative is to drop off the guests at the gymnasium before you park your car.  This is located toward the back of the school after the tennis courts.  There is a drop-off loop near the doors.

What is parking like?
There will be individuals directing traffic for parking at DHS. Handicap-accessible parking will be reserved in the lower parking lot near the stadium field; you will be able to let a traffic officer know if you need access to one of those spots. The Darien Police Department will send out a traffic advisory next week with any additional directives on street entrance to the DHS campus. 

As a reminder, the last day of school for all students is Monday, June 16 (early dismissal schedule). We look forward to sending our final Moments in the Middle next week! 

Sincerely,

Kate

Kate Dimoulas (she/her/hers)
Middlesex Middle School Principal
203-655-2518 ext. 3226