By Lazarae Delvalle ’26
At the Oct. 7, 2025, Board of Education meeting, student representative Lazarae Delvalle ‘26 and Derby’s school principals shared updates on what has been happening across the district. From exciting events to academic growth, here is an inside look at what’s been going on in each school this fall.
Bradley School kicked off the new school year on Sept. 2 with steady progress in learning. Students participated in programs such as Bookworms, FUNdations, and Heggerty to strengthen their reading and language skills, while staff attended multiple team meetings, leadership workshops, and grade-level “Flexible Fridays” (where teachers have time on Fridays to work with academic coaches for guidance on teaching math and reading). The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) hosted a Welcome Back Staff Breakfast, and families gathered for Open House and the Summer Reading and Math Celebration. Club Invention also began for grades 3-5, offering creative STEM learning experiences.
Over at Irving School, the year started with a focus on both academics and community. Students completed the beginning-of-the-year reading interviews, the USNS Math Screener, and DIBELS testing. Teachers held collaborative meetings and Flexible Fridays to plan lessons and support student learning. The PTA’s “Chalk the Walk” event (where participants decorated sidewalks with encouraging messages) welcomed students back, and families joined in for the Open House and Summer Reading and Math Celebration. The school also held safety drills and team meetings to help maintain a secure and positive learning environment.
Derby Middle School emphasized connection, inclusion, and engagement throughout Sept. Students participated in a Sept. 11 remembrance lesson and Constitution Day contest in the school’s social studies classes. The school launched “Talk Tuesday” (weekly virtual meetings where climate specialists review attendance data and plan support for students struggling with attendance), and hosted an Open House to welcome families. Staff took part in ongoing professional development and leadership meetings, while the Unified Sport program began planning its activities for the year. Sixth graders attended a “Welcome to Middle School” presentation, and eighth graders joined the Derby High Pep Rally to experience school spirit firsthand. Hispanic Heritage Month is also being celebrated through shared activities (described further below).
When it came time for Derby High School’s report, student representative Delvalle, newly elected DHS president and Board of Ed rep, gave some insight on what has been happening from a student’s point of view. The school year started with a burst of energy through events such as Freshmen orientation for the Class of 2029, the Back-to-School Barbecue, the Senior Sunrise for the Class of 2026, and the school’s first pep rally of the year that celebrated all fall athletes. “Starting events like Senior Sunrise and the pep rally really brought our school together,” and “You can feel the school spirit growing stronger,” said Delvalle. The first pep rally of the year celebrated all fall athletes. It featured campaign speeches from student body president candidates Sofia Rudus ‘26, Carter Ruggerio ‘26, and Delvalle, who also helped lead the event. The school recognized Dr. Delgado on her last day and honored Jennifer Moffat for National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Day. Over 80 students have already joined Unified Sports, where it was also recognized as a national Banner Special Olympics Unified Champion School. The school is also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural displays, morning announcements, and an empanada and churro sale that happened on Oct. 10. Students also received updates on the new cell phone policy and the full transition to uniforms, with feedback shared on adding more fitted options and Derby spirit wear.
Across all Derby schools, the start of the 2025-2026 school year has been full of learning, excitement, and community pride. From academic growth at Bradley and Irving to leadership and inclusion at DMS and DHS, the district continues to move forward with heavy emphasis on student success and school spirit.
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