David Prouty has a culture of continuous improvement! We strive for improvement in every aspect of teaching & learning and the student experience in order to support students being productive at their highest levels. We are in the business of student achievement and building a positive school culture--these are the only agendas at DPHS that count!

National Honor Society Welcomes New Members

On Thursday, November 13, the David Prouty Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction of new members. Ten DPHS students who have met the criteria that are based on characteristics of leadership, character, scholarship, and service were welcomed into the organization by current members who looked on, four of whom spoke about what the pillars of NHS mean to them. Also speaking was Spencer Fire Chief, Robert Parsons, invited by the chapter to address the crowd. Above, Chief Robert Parsons (top left); the 2025 NHS inductees: Keira Tetreault, Saydee Roberts, Scarlet Busse, Cullen Gardiner, Aaron Finneran, Dylan Monette, Cameron Tobin, Morgan Pelchat, Alexis Huard, and Alex Johnson (top right); new member Saydee Roberts lights her candle during new member recognition (above); and below, the new and existing members of NHS. Thank you to Chief Parsons for his address, faculty and staff, including Superintendent Haughey, for their attendance, family and friends of NHS new and existing members for their support, and NHS advisors Ms. Nicole Jyringi and Mrs. Kelsey Forfa for their hard work and support in organizing this year's induction event!

DPHS October Staff Member of the Month Announced

The Student Council would like to announce October's Staff of the Month, Environmental Science teacher, Mr. Barnett! Mr. Barnett was overwhelmingly nominated by students for his efforts in and out of the classroom in October! Mr. Barnett, dedicates many after-school hours as the Boys Cross Country coach and Envirothon Advisor. Thank you for everything you do, Mr. Barnett!

Congratulations, Alexis Huard! David Prouty Junior Named Worcester Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week!

Nomination statement, from the T&G online (click here to be directed to the article):

Alexis, a junior, has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school years while balancing extracurriculars. She is in the National Honor Society and the Student Council. She is the junior class treasurer. Also, she was awarded the Exchange Club of Spencer's '18 Under 18' last year. She has been cheerleading for David Prouty since eighth grade and continues to compete as co-captain. One major recognition she received is the 'All-American Cheerleader Award' at the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp this summer, for outstanding skills, leadership and character.

"Free Hugs Project" Founder, Ken Nwadike, Jr. Speaks to DPHS and KTMS

Spencer East Brookfield students at Knox Trail Middle School and David Prouty High School were treated to an amazing event on Friday, November 14. Ken Nwadike, Jr., a nationally-sought after motivational speaker whose message centers on positivity and peace activism, moved students from both buildings with his "Free Hugs" campaign of peacekeeping and de-escalation efforts. Thank you to Ms. Leveillee, Early College High School Co-coordinator, for organizing and accompanying Ken throughout the day. This event was made possible by the Early College High School grant through DESE. Part of the message in building a successful ECHS program involves outreach and messaging through high school grades into middle school so students can start seeing the opportunities available to them at DPHS that can impact their futures in a positive way!

From Ken's website: Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. is an American documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and peace activist popularly known as the Free Hugs Guy. Ken is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, which gained popularity as he made major news headlines for his peacekeeping efforts and de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Ken was featured in Google’s 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year’s most defining moments and he has made many appearances on news programs, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.

Photos, from top: Ken at KTMS; Ms. Leveillee and Ken; students at DPHS during and after the event.

Click here to see more about the Free Hugs Project!

🏀Mandatory Winter Athlete Sports Night

Winter Sports Night for David Prouty and Knox Trail student athletes will be held on Monday November 24, Tuesday, November 25 (please note change!) 2025 at 5:30 in the David Prouty gym.  This important informational meeting is mandatory for all student athletes interested in playing a winter sport for both Knox Trail and David Prouty, and students should attend along with one parent or guardian.  There will be an opportunity to meet your coaches following a short presentation.  Please enter David Prouty through the gymnasium entrance, which is located near the sidewalk across from the construction trailers at DPHS (not the entrance door for mornings on school days).

🤝Thank you for attending Teacher Conferences!

🎒Attendance Matters!

AND it's the law!

We know that attendance at school--the very act of showing up--gives students an advantage over those who are even periodically absent. School-age children are required to regularly attend school, and schools are required by law to report on, and are held accountable for, student attendance data.

Here are some very important terms to know, and to know how they impact both student success, and the school system, since schools are

Chronic absenteeism: a student who misses at least 10% of days enrolled for any reason. This means that at this point in the year, students who have missed 6 days of school are on track to be formally categorized as chronically absent from school. This can have an unrecoverable detrimental impact on grades and ongoing academic development.

Truant: an absences that has not been acknowledged / verified by a parent / guardian. A verified / acknowledged absence does not necessarily mean that the absence is considered excused / authorized. See the 2025-2026 Student Handbook for a list of reasons an absence would be considered authorized / excused.

Habitually Truant: a student who "willfully" fails to attend school for more than 8 school days in a quarter / term.

A natural consequence to routine or chronic absenteeism is failing to reach academic potential. Additional consequences related to falling behind in social learning can impact students as well. Students who are chronically absent or habitually truant also can fact consequences included social probation and loss of academic credit. See the 2025-2026 Student Handbook

In cases where the family and the school cannot find ways for a student to maintain productive and effective attendance, a legal approach may result in the school filing a Child Requiring Assistance (G.L.c.119§21) to acquire greater supports through the Massachusetts Juvenile Court.

School strive to partner with families of those with students who may struggle with attendance. Please contact us if you have a student who struggles with attendance, is school avoidant, or needs support to maintain regular attendance.

Bottom line? Come to school, it'll be worth your time! Ask for support when you feel like you don't want to; lots of people are here to help students get motivated or find support to get on track!

🏂⛷️Interested in Ski / Snowboard Club?

Click here for information on how to sign up for ski / snowboard club!

Early College High School Students Visit Worcester State University!

Students in the Early College Program traveled to Worcester State University on Thursday to learn about the academic resources and other supports available to them as WSU students. Students are shown above learning about these aspects of college student life, including (center) receiving their WSU student IDs! Thanks to Ms. Leveillee and Mrs. Paradis, Early College High School Coordinators, for organizing and accompanying the students on this exciting opportunity! Stay tuned for a formal kick off of our David Prouty Early College High School Program coming soon!

📒Report Card Update

Term 1 Closed on October 31. Please look for Term 1 Report Cards . These may have arrived or will be arriving in the mail any day! Please note for Term 2, report cards will be accessible via the PowerSchool portal exclusively.

Winter Athletics are Coming--time to SWAG UP! 🥳 SHOW YOUR PANTHER PRIDE!

• Follow the David Prouty Athletic Boosters on Facebook for access to the latest gear, price list, and updates on where to find us during home games. They'll be at most home games—so swing by, grab some swag and a snack, and learn how you can support our student-athletes through the Boosters program.

Music Boosters' Swag Store Link

• Click to support the Music Boosters by purchasing some Band Swag! Complete the order form to buy Music Boosters swag and thank you for supporting our Panther Music Program!

Alumni: We Need Your Input! Click here to share your DPHS story!

We invite you to share your experiences following graduation, as well as the ways in which your education at David Prouty High School prepared you for life beyond earning your diploma. 

Educators are continually engaged in reflecting on and refining their work to provide the highest quality learning experience for students. This partnered with your insights will contribute to our ongoing efforts to enhance the education experience for current and future students at DPHS. By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you will help us better understand the lasting impact of a Prouty education. Thank you for your time, your perspective, and connection to the David Prouty community!

Registration for Winter Athletics is OPEN!

Click here and register on Family ID. All students must have a current physical in order to participate!

Your Feedback is Needed!

Please click here to submit a response to our feedback survey! This survey is optional, and your name, as well as email address, is not collected unless you opt to share it with us.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to building administration, guidance, or the CTE faculty.

STAY at Prouty....and GO FAR in your career!

Stay tuned for the many opportunities to get involved at Prouty! The high school experience is enhanced by getting involved in activities or sports that you think you might (or already!) enjoy, and finding or deepening connections with classmates and friends of all grades!

David Prouty High School offers these organizations to make finding YOUR place in our community even more fun:

Stay tuned for other opportunities!

Research shows that students who find a connection at school tend to do better overall academically, attendance wise, and remain engaged in a way that improves their overall school career experience!

Click on the thumbnail below or click here to access the November Edition of the awesome DPHS Guidance Newsletter!

November Guidance Newsletter!

Federal Student Aid ID Reminder

As high school seniors and their families wait for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be available on October 1, there is an opportunity to apply now for their Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) so that they will be ready when the application opens. Other resources available to help students afford a college degree include:

• MassEducate provides free tuition and fees at the state’s community colleges for all eligible Massachusetts students.

• MASSGrant Plus can provide significant discounts (up to free tuition and fees) at the state’s four-year universities depending on family income.

• Eligible, non-U.S. citizens can apply for state financial aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

• Information about applying for financial aid, including links to information and one-on-one help, is available online.

  2026-2027 FAFSA Form is here! It's here and it's earlier than ever before! Complete your FAFSA form today at http://fafsa.gov

Click here for a video tutorial on FAFSA!

Counselors are meeting with seniors! Stay tuned for more information directly from counselors!

Student counselors are assigned as follows:

A-K Mrs. Arguello: arguelloj@sebrsd.org

L-Z Mrs. Paradis: paradisc@sebrsd.org

Click HERE for the interactive SEBRSD Food Service Menu!

Danielle Breault, David Prouty High School Nurse

breaultd@sebrsd.org 🏫 508-885-8505 dial 1 for the nurse

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the growing impact of diabetes and the importance of prevention. More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, 90% - 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Today, more children, teens, and young adults are developing type 2 diabetes than ever before. The good news? Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed with simple lifestyle changes that support healthy blood sugar balance, weight management, and overall well-being. 

Why American Diabetes Month matters:

• Every 26 seconds, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes

• 1 in 285 American children has diabetes

• Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has diabetes or prediabetes

• 1 in 3 American seniors has diabetes

But these aren’t just statistics.

They’re mothers and fathers and kids and grandparents.

They have families and stories. Struggles and hopes. 

Health Tip

Eating balanced meals, staying active, and getting enough sleep all help your body use energy more efficiently. Try swapping a sugary drink for water and aim for at least 60 minutes of movement daily. 

For more information on diabetes, click the link: https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes

Health Tips

Fall brings cooler weather and an increase in respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Protect yourself and others by practicing healthy habits daily:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water - especially before eating and using shared devices

• Avoid touching your face

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue - then wash or sanitize your hands

• Keep your immune system strong by getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated

• Fresh air - when possible, open windows and spend time outdoors 

• Stay home if you’re sick - students' symptoms must be improving, and they must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school

Please call or email the nurse with any questions or concerns!

Registration for Winter Athletics is OPEN! Click here and register on Family ID. All students must have a current physical in order to participate.

🏀

Click HERE for DPHS Athletics webpage!

Be sure to also keep our website bookmarked as our Live Feed feature will have any late-breaking information between editions of The Friday Memo.

If you have not yet done so, download the app and sign up for notifications! You can receive alerts that let you know new information has been posted or shared! Don't miss a thing at DPHS! See below for app download information! Once you have downloaded the app, tap the district logo in the upper right corner to reach a menu and select David Prouty High School from the list. then, tap the Menu icon in the lower left corner to reach a list where "Notifications" can be accessed.

Apple / IOS users: click HERE / Android users: click HERE

Click HERE for instructions for personalizing your SEBRSD app (or on the thumbnail right)!

Stay in the KNOW on the GO!