Principal's Update
DePaolo Middle School Weekly Update
DePaolo families,
Although we still have our promotion ceremony next week, I would like to extend my best wishes to all our 8th grade students as they set out on their new journey. They will all be missed, but I know they will do well in high school! Please be sure to tell them to come back to visit and share with us all their accomplishments. I am certain they will make us all proud.
Below are some updates to share from DePaolo for the last time this school year.
Thursday:

Our last day of school is an early release day for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:45 PM on Thursday.
Medication Pick-Up Reminder:

We would like to remind you that any medications brought into the health office, such as EpiPens, inhalers, Ibuprofen, or Tylenol, must be picked up by 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Any medications not picked up by that time will be safely disposed of in accordance with school policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the health office.
Ice Cream

We will have ice cream for the students during all lunch waves on the last day of school, Thursday.
Lockers:

The last day for students to use their lockers will be Wednesday, June 17.
Yearbook Sales:

The yearbooks will be distributed Monday morning. There are still extra copies of this year’s yearbook available to purchase.
Summer Reading:

Summer reading lists will be available on-line at the Southington Public Schools website, under the Parent Tab.
ABC/ STEPS members:
ABC/STEPS will have their last meeting of the school year, on June 15th. The meeting will take place afterschool, in the media center, from dismissal to 3:30 PM. Please have your ride for a 3:30 pick up.
Grade 8 End of Year Activities:

If your child is interested in attending our grade 8 dance party tonight, please see above and review the expectations. As this is the first time we are hosting something like this, we want to have a very positive, successful evening. You may purchase tickets in advance HERE or they can be purchased tonight at the door.

We are excited to celebrate our Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. This special event marks an important milestone in our students’ educational journey, and we look forward to recognizing their accomplishments alongside family and friends.
Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion. Please have them avoid wearing Crocs, flip-flops, slides, gym shorts, and sweatpants. For boys, shorts or pants paired with a collared shirt are recommended. For girls, shorts or pants with a blouse, or a dress, are recommended.
To help ease parking and traffic congestion, carpooling is encouraged. Guests should plan to arrive between 9:30 and 10:00 AM. Parking will be available in the rear of the building. As previously communicated, please bring your own lawn chair or outdoor seating.
To ensure that all guests can enjoy the ceremony, we kindly ask that photographs and videos be taken from your seats. Please do not stand in aisles, block the view of other families, enter reserved seating areas, or approach the stage during the ceremony. These actions can disrupt the event and make it difficult for others to fully enjoy the celebration. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos with your child following the ceremony. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
Following the ceremony, after parents leave DePaolo, students will participate in a special Grade 8 end-of-year activity designed to celebrate their accomplishments. Students will take part in an exciting grade-level competition where Double Dare meets Jeopardy! meets Family Feud. Teams will put their knowledge, teamwork, and quick-thinking skills to the test through a variety of fun trivia challenges, problem-solving activities, and interactive games while earning points for their group. With bragging rights on the line, and a special treat for the winning team, the competition promises to be a memorable event filled with energy, laughter, and friendly rivalry. Also, that evening our PTO is sponsoring our grade 8 class night for the students. These activities provide an opportunity for students to celebrate together, create lasting memories, and enjoy this important milestone with their classmates.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We look forward to celebrating our Grade 8 students and sharing this memorable day with them.
STEPS Survey:

Please see above and attached and please complete the survey!
PTO News:
Please consider joining the PTO Board for the 2026/27 School Year!!! See the link below for the Board Nominations.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer and I wish the very best to all 8th grade families!