Dear Eagles,
It’s been a busy month of October at Don Ross. I’d like to thank our students, families, and staff for their help as we move deeper into the fall term. Just a few items I would like to mention:
Our 2025/26 Student Fee of $15 was just entered into SchoolCashOnline - supports a wide range of school activities including clubs, athletics, leadership, and school-wide events. Families can pay through School Cash Online or at the school office by cash or cheque payable to Don Ross Middle School. No student will ever be denied opportunities due to financial hardship, families who require support are encouraged to contact us at [email protected].
We are working on creating out of the box solutions for our recent Hold and Secures. Just a reminder, our learning continues as usual, but doors are locked and hallway movement is limited. I super appreciate everyone’s understanding as continue to emphasize safety, dignity, and care for all students, especially those who may need extra support when they are dysregulated.
Our athletics program is off to a great start this year. Volleyball teams have shown excellent teamwork and spirit in district play, and our cross-country runners represented Don Ross proudly at recent meets. We thank our volunteer coaches and families for keeping Eagles athletics strong and thriving.
Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on Wednesday, October 30. Details and instructions for booking appointments will be shared with families early next week through School Messenger. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and goals for the year.
As Halloween approaches, students are welcome to wear school-appropriate costumes on Thursday, October 31. We ask that costumes be respectful of all cultures and identities, that no full-face masks or weapons (including replicas) be worn, and that students remain able to participate in regular learning activities throughout the day. We look forward to a fun and inclusive Halloween celebration filled with creativity and community spirit.
Thank you for your continued partnership in building a strong foundation for learning and belonging at Don Ross!
Happy Weekend!
Graham
Looking Ahead
- Thursday, Oct. 23 – School Photos – Retakes - form attached if requiring retakes. We also have copies in the office if needed.
- Friday, Oct. 24 – Professional Day (No School)
- Thursday, Oct. 30 – Early Dismissal – Parent Teacher Interviews - more information to come this next week.
Ross Road Traffic Configuration Update:
Update to Ross Road Traffic Configuration is attached.
📧 Communication
Please check your email regularly for important school updates.
🛑 Student Safety
- Students are expected to be in class during instructional time.
- Throughout the year, we will continue to practice emergency drills, including fire, earthquake, and hold & secure.
⏰ Attendance & Early Dismissal
- If your student will be late or absent, please email [email protected] and their teacher.
- Students arriving late must check in at the office to sign in.
- If your student needs to leave early, please notify the office in advance. Students must check out at the office before leaving and the office must hear from a parent prior to leaving early.
Leadership:
Call-out for Halloween decorations! DRM Leadership students are looking for Halloween decorations to help with our annual Halloween event on the 31st. If you have any decorations hanging around, or would like to donate some decorations, please drop them off at the school or email Ms. Stanford - [email protected]
🌐 Stay Connected
Daily morning announcements are posted on our website. For updates on clubs, teams, and activities, please visit: Don Ross Morning Announcements
Sock-tober with Squamish Helping Hands
This October, we're collecting socks to help keep our community warm and healthy.
A clean, dry pair of socks can prevent blisters, infections, and bring real comfort to
someone living without shelter.
Each night in Canada, thousands of people live on the streets.
In Squamish, at least 125 people experience homelessness-living outside, in
vehicles, or accessing our emergency shelter program.
Your donation of socks brings care and dignity to our neighbours in need.
Help us reach our goal of collecting 1000 pairs of socks.
Helping Hands has dropped off a bin for our collection of socks and will be picking it up at the end of October.
Conversation Cafe: Parenting Perspectives Supporting Pre-teens!
For parents/caregivers of PRE-Teens = Grade 6-9
1st Session:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:15 - 6:45pm
@ Whistler Secondary School Library
A panel of parents and coaches from the community will briefly share their insights and knowledge from their own experiences raising/interacting with their children, and how they supported their children’s transitions from elementary to high school in our community.
We'll then move to a table conversation with the participants. Each of the 6 invited panel parents/caregivers will host a table, prompting conversations with participants using prepared conversation starter prompts
Registration Link for the 1st Session:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1789643053549?aff=oddtdtcreator
2nd Session:
Seeing the world through the eyes of high schoolers
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 4:30-6pm
Local high school students will share about their experiences of school transition, how peer pressure and social media impact their day-to-day lives and decision-making in today’s society, and learn about what school days are like today
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1789721407909?aff=oddtdtcreator
District PAC Presentation:
Join us in person at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre or online for a special parent presentation brought to you by DPAC, SD48 & Beacon Psychology, this session will explore how anxiety impacts children and youth. Dr. Negreiros, lead developer of the SD48 EASE program (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators) currently used in our schools, will share practical insights and strategies to support families. For more information and to register click HERE.