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DHS Weekly Update - 1/16/26

Posted Date: 01/16/26 (01:30 PM)


DHS Weekly Update

01/16/2026

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Hello Destroyers

A reminder that there is No School on Monday, January 19th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

MIDTERM EXAM week is upon us! DHS students will have Early Dismissal days all next week for exams. See the schedule below for more information.
 
A room full of empty desks

School News and Updates

Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team as they are riding a 3 game winning streak, with victories over New Brunswick, South River, and Highland Park. The team's record now stands at 7-6. They have been led by Senior Jamael Davis who has averaged 24 points per game over the 3 game stretch, while Sophomore JJ Goodridge has averaged 11 points. Up next for the Destroyers, the Boys play at Bound Brook High School Saturday night. 

Congratulations to DHS Wrestler Jayden Caraballo as he has a 5-2 record so far this season, wrestling at the always difficult weight class of 138. He has won by pin, technical fall, and decision, always working his hardest out on the mat. Good luck to Jayden and the other Destroyer wrestlers who participate with Middlesex High School.

Thank you to the DHS Peer Leaders for their work with the 9th graders this week to help prepare the students for their Midterm Exams. They reviewed students schedules and gave test taking strategies to be successful.

Support the Class of 2029 at Rome Pizza on Thursday, January 22nd. Whether you go in person or order delivery or take out, proceeds will go towards the freshman class!

DHS sponsors an SAT Preparation Course for all 11th grade students that are interested. Our SAT Prep course will begin on Tuesday, February 17th and run for ten (10) weeks. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays The class times are either 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 7:30
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition, there are 4 Saturday practice exams. The deadline for registration is January 23rd. Use the following link to register: SAT Prep class registration
The cost of the class will be $125.00. Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be for book and
materials. One hundred dollars ($100.00) will be refundable if your child attends all sessions
and takes the SAT on May 2nd. See the attachment for more information.

Class of 2025 - FAFSA reminder
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now OPEN. Please use the link for more information on completing the FAFSA.  It is now a Graduation requirement for all NJ high school students to complete the FAFSA during their 12th grade year.

Upcoming Events

MIDTERM EXAMS: DHS started Midterm Exams today with the Pd. 1 exam. It is important that students put forth their best effort to be successful as the exams count 10% of the course's final grade.

It will be Early Dismissal days Tuesday, January 20th - Friday, January 23rd. 
If students do not have an exam during a certain period, they do not need to be in school.
Students must be present for their exams. If they are absent, they need a Doctor’s note if they are sick. Any other absence must be cleared with the administration prior to the exam. 

The Midterm Exam schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, January 20
Pre-Exam Study 7:40 - 8:00
Period 3 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Break: 9:30 - 10:00
Period 4 Exam 10:00 - 11:30
Post Exam Study 11:30 - 12:00

Wednesday, January 21
Pre-Exam Study 7:40 - 8:00
Period 5 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Break: 9:30 - 10:00
Period 6 Exam 10:00 - 11:30
Post Exam Study 11:30 - 12:00

Thursday, January 22
Pre-Exam Study 7:40 - 8:00
Period 7 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Break: 9:30 - 10:00
Period 8 Exam 10:00 - 11:30
Post Exam Study 11:30 - 12:00

Friday, January 23
Pre-Exam Study 7:40 - 8:00
Period 9 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Break: 9:30 - 10:00
Period 2 Exam 10:00 - 11:30
Post Exam Study 11:30 - 12:00

Feeling stressed about midterms?
Take a break and swing by Dr. O’s office (near the Nurse's Office) to destress between exams. Join us from 9:30-10:00 AM, Tuesday-Friday, January 20-23, 2026. Whether you need to chat, ask questions, or just unwind, feel free to drop by! Here are three effective study strategies for high school students preparing for midterms:

Active Recall:
Instead of passively reading your notes, test yourself on the material. Close your book and try to recall key concepts, formulas, or terms from memory. This method strengthens your ability to retrieve information, improving long-term retention and preparing you for exam questions.

Spaced Repetition:
Break your study material into smaller chunks and review them over several days or weeks. Use apps or tools like flashcards to quiz yourself at increasing intervals. This technique helps combat forgetting and ensures that you retain the material leading up to the exam.

Teach Someone Else:
Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding. Explain concepts to a friend, family member, or even to yourself. If you can teach the material clearly, you’re more likely to understand it deeply and be able to recall it during the test.
These strategies are not only effective but also efficient in managing study time and reducing stress!


The annual Dunellen PTO Talent Show will take place on Friday, January 31st in the DHS Auditorium. There is no fee to sign up to perform and proceed from ticket sales, the bake sale, and the 50/50 raffle will go to support the LMS and DHS music program. 
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Bright Idea on a cork board

Important Reminders

With Midterm Exams next week, we will not have the Homework Help Center after school. If students would like to stay at school and meet with teachers, they should talk with those teachers individually. Also, the Cafeteria will be open to students to use for studying if they are at school and do not have an exam.  

From Mrs. MacManus, the School Nurse: If your child is not feeling well, please monitor how they are and do NOT send them to school if they are sick. With the cold and flu season in full swing, we want to keep all of our staff and students healthy and safe. Your cooperation with this is appreciated. 

For the Class of 2026: As college acceptances start to roll in, please be sure to contact Ms. Markert and the counseling office so that they are aware and help to make sure everything is taken care of with your college of choice. 

The 2025 Exodus Yearbook is on sale. To purchase a yearbook, use the following link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1057616/Dunellen-High-School/
 

Academic Corner: From the busy desk of Ms. Powell

Teachers were in full swing preparing students for Midterm Exams this week. Students were given opportunities to get ready with study guides, review games, or just extra practice problems. We hope students will use the long weekend to help themselves get ready and demonstrate their knowledge and ability on the exams.
 
Person using a laptop

Contact info

411 First St
Dunellen, NJ 08812
Phone: 732-400-5900

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