To our wonderful Seniors – we all know how busy you are these days and we would like to make your lives a little easier. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to familiarize yourself with the “Knowledge Box” on the DHS Main webpage. Here we will post important information and deadlines for everything to do with senior portraits, internships, prom, and graduation. You have an exciting year ahead and we don’t want you to miss a thing! If you have any questions along the way be sure to see your guidance counselor or an administrator, we are all here to help.
Monthly Archives: August 2014
DHS Reads “Unbroken”
Unbroken is a riveting story, intense and sometimes troubling but ultimately inspiring. The hero of this true story, Louis Zamperini, died on July 2 at the age of 97 but he comes to life in the pages of this book: high-spirited youngster, Olympic long-distance runner, Navy aviator, POW, survivor. There is still PLENTY of time to read the book – borrow one from the DHS Library, get an e-version online, or purchase the paperback at Barrett’s Bookstore in town. I would love for every student, faculty, and staff member to participate! Read on below after watching our “trailer” for this event here.
Louis Zamperini pictured in May, 2014
One Book – One School – One Summer is the first all-school DHS Reads event. Start the school year in a community encounter about a powerful story with students and faculty from every department. On Friday, September 19 all else in the school will stop for a half hour or so and everyone who has read the book will meet in small groups to discuss it. (Those who haven’t read the book will gather in other groups to read a book of their choosing quietly.) Students will lead the groups – if you would like to volunteer contact Mr. Pavia in the English Department or Mrs. Bennett in the Library. Don’t be intimidated – you will be given some great discussion points to get the conversation going and the group will take it from there. Let’s all get together that day to share our thoughts about this powerful and moving book. I hope to see every one of you there.
Freshman and New Student Orientation
We had a great day! Thank you to our faculty and staff and especially our Big Sisters and Big Brothers for all they did to welcome our new students. We are all here to make the transition to high school as smooth as possible – please reach out if there is any issue which needs attention and we will work to resolve it.
Visit the DHS website Flickr feed (main page) for more photos, and watch for more photos of our lunch to be posted there on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you all on Monday.
So many smiling faces! Above, Big Sisters prepare to greet their homerooms in the Auditorium and below, our new students arrive ready for the day.
Queen for the Day! Inspiring Teacher of the Year Elise Dardani
At the end of the school year DHS students chose English teacher Elise Dardani for the most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award. Today she posed with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and DHS Community Council President Nicolai Ostberg before orientation. Congratulations Elise, and remember: you have to return the crown!
I Had A Visit From Our New Mascot!
Thanks to the Class of 2014 we have a new mascot – have you seen him yet?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Over 50 Juniors and Seniors attended an all-day Big Brother Big Sister training session on Tuesday to prepare to welcome the Class of 2018 and our incoming transfer students. The day was full of exercises to build trust and foster community within the building. Big brothers and sisters will assist at Freshman and New Student Orientation and attend Freshman Homerooms on the first day of school. Throughout the year they will provide a connection to their homeroom members and help smooth the transition to the high school. Be on the lookout for them in their brightly colored teal tee-shirts! A special thank you to these students for contributing so much to our school.
Welcome From Mrs. Dunn
Welcome to the Darien High School Today blog! There are many wonderful and exciting things happening at our school and I plan to use this space to share our achievements, activities and news. I hope you enjoy seeing our amazing students, faculty and staff learning and growing together each and every day.
-Principal Ellen Dunn
Darien High School Today 