The Bennett Beat #103

Hello Dolphins,

We are excited to welcome our students back to school on September 9, 2026! Our staff and teachers have been working throughout the summer to prepare for a successful year focused on increasing student achievement and building meaningful, real-world skills that will support students beyond high school.

We are also proud of the continued work of our community garden this summer. The garden provided an opportunity to support our neighbors through donations to the Yarmouth Food Pantry. This effort reflects the care, service, and community connection we hope to foster throughout the school year.

This newsletter includes important information to help your student prepare for the first day, including arrival and pick-up procedures, late bus details, student schedules and technology, personal-device expectations, the Family and Student Handbook, our updated School Improvement Plan, term grading dates, and athletic announcements.

We look forward to partnering with you for a positive, productive school year and cannot wait to see your student on September 9!

Arrival Time: Students should report to their Homeroom (HR1) promptly at 7:22am. There will be a passing bell at 7:17am to assist students in heading to class. 

School issued Chromebooks & Schedules: Students who haven't yet collected their Chromebook will receive it during the first day. Students will be given a hard copy of their schedule during HR1. Students may also view their schedules on PowerSchool with their Chromebooks.

To ensure timely bus operations, we’ll have slightly earlier dismissals at 1:50pm for September 9th, 10th and 11th. This helps everyone find their way and confirms bus schedules. Usual departure and drop-off times will remain unchanged.

Starting Monday, September 14, 2026, the Late Bus will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the 2026-2027 school year. It will be stationed at the rear bus port at 3:40 PM and will leave at 3:45 PM. Please remind your student to scan the QR code in the AP suite and obtain a bus pass from Mrs. Williamson.

After students have viewed their schedule, if there are any scheduling concerns, please encourage your child to sign up to see their school counselor for dedicated assistance. We kindly ask that students do not stop by the counseling office, as we need to give each student uninterrupted time and focus.

As the 2026-2027 school year begins, traffic tends to increase. Please ensure safe driving practices on the D-Y campus. Stay vigilant, keep devices away while driving, and maintain a safe speed.

For parents dropping off their children, please follow the signs and staff guidance by the front of the building. To assist you, a traffic pamphlet is attached for easy navigation.

More information on drop off and pick up can be found here.

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School’s personal device requirements are designed to prioritize learning, safety, and meaningful in-person connection throughout the school day. From the time students enter the building until 2:04pm, personal devices must be powered off, stored securely in a bag or backpack, and kept off the student’s person. This includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, e-readers, computers, and other privately owned portable electronic devices. Students will have access to school-issued Chromebooks and personal headphones for staff-approved instructional purposes, as well as school email and designated school phones for communication when needed. Families may contact the main office in an emergency, while schoolwide and athletic updates will be shared through ParentSquare and Arbiter. Students with documented medical needs may receive a special D-Y Pass for device possession. The district is not responsible for lost or stolen personal devices, and devices observed during the school day will be confiscated and result in disciplinary consequences, including family communication and additional restrictions for repeated concerns. The High School will be following these parameters for the 2026-2027 school year.

The 2026-2027 D-Y High School Handbook is on our website. Please review it with your student and complete the electronic acknowledgment form here, or via ParentSquare as it becomes available.

Our updated School Improvement Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to student achievement, continuous growth, and a positive learning environment. The plan identifies key priorities, outlines measurable goals, and establishes strategies to strengthen instruction, support student well-being, and deepen our organizational structures to increase effectiveness. Through regular review of data and feedback, we will monitor progress and adjust our efforts to ensure that every student has meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.