Weekly Update 10 23 26 Families

Posted Date: 10/23/26 (11:15 AM)

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Weekly Update

October 16, 2026

School Update

Family Conferences October 22nd and 23rd

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for conferences yesterday and later today.

School Spirit Day

Next Wednesday we invite students to wear one of their DRES t-shirts!

Halloween Parade

Below is a map of our Halloween parade to take place on Friday October 30th at 1:30pm.

On the map we have labeled various spots for families to come to view. We hope you can join us for this event!

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone, please follow these costume guidelines:

No masks or items that cover the face.
No inflatable costumes.
No props, including toy weapons or items that could cause injury.
No bloody or violent-themed costumes.
No footwear or costumes that make it difficult to walk safely.
All costumes must follow our school dress code.

Superintendent Update

In response to Superintendent White's announcement about his acceptance of a leadership position with another school district, I am writing to inform you about the steps the Joint Boards of Education are taking to prepare for a transition in leadership. On Monday, October 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the John Winthrop Middle School Library there will be a special meeting of the Joint Boards of Education to discuss how the Districts are going to proceed with securing an interim superintendent, as well as the process the Districts will be undertaking to select the next permanent superintendent for the schools of Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Region 4.

John Ely, Chair of the Supervision District Committee

Veterans Day - Wednesday, November 11th

We will hold our annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, November 11th at 1:30pm in the Gym.

Once again we will be recognizing veterans part of the DRES community through our program for our annual assembly. If you have a family member that has served or is serving please complete the form below and include a picture if you are willing and able. Photos and names of those submitted will be shared in a program for the assembly and on a bulletin board in school.

Submit Your Veteran Here

Board of Education Corner

Upcoming Meetings

Deep River Board of Education November 19th at 6pm
Region 4 Board of Education November 5th at 6pm
Supervision and Joint Board of Education December 3rd at 6pm

Agendas for all Region 4/Chester/Deep River/Essex Boards of Education can be found at the below link!

Please consider attending the focus groups taking place over the next few weeks. At the elementary meetings there will be child care available to allow families to attend!

Wednesday, October 28, 6:30–8:30 PM at Chester Elementary School Gymnasium

Thursday, October 29, 4:00–6:00 PM at Deep River Elementary School Gymnasium

Wednesday, November 4, 7:00–9:00 PM at Essex Elementary School Cafeteria

Tuesday, November 10, 7:00–9:00 PM at John Winthrop Middle School Cafeteria

Upcoming BOE Agendas HERE

Deep River Parks and Rec

Welcome to the Deep River Parks & Recreation Fall 2026 Newsletter! Mark your calendars for an exciting lineup of community events, outdoor adventures, and fitness programs designed for all ages.

COMMUNITY & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

**For more information and to register, please visit https://deepriver.recdesk.com/Community/Program

Riverside Renewal: Tai Chi

Dates: Tuesdays through 11/24/26
Time: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Location: Deep River Town Landing
Cost: $12 per session (paid directly to instructor Stephen Watson).
Details: 45 minutes of stretching, self-massage, range of motion, and breathing by the Connecticut River.

PICKLEBALL PROGRAMS

Location: Deep River Elementary School Gym

Fall Pickleball League: Mondays & Wednesdays (9/14/26 – 11/18/26) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

For further details on all upcoming events, please visit the Deep River Parks & Recreation portal or reach out to our office!

PTO News

Upcoming Events:

10/25 – Trunk or Treat
11/13 – BINGO

Happy Friday, Eagles!

We were happy to see so many families visit the book fair this year! It was such a pleasure seeing kids visit with their classes and families stop by in the afternoon. With everyone’s “Share the Fair” donations, we were able to share the joy of the book fair with more students.

Thank you to the second- and fourth-grade parents for hosting the first Snack Attack of the year! They put together an amazing apple bar for the staff. It was a huge hit and received lots of compliments.

This Sunday, 10/25, is our Trunk or Treat event! Join us at Deep River Elementary School from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Our Trunk or Treat cars will be parked in the back parking lot. We encourage families to park in the front of the school so that way we can keep the backlot safe from moving cars during the event. There will be games, music, trunk-or-treating, potion making, coloring crafts, and some fun little contests. We would love to see everyone come and spend the afternoon with us!

Friday, November 13, is our Family BINGO and Silent Auction. It will be hosted at John Winthrop this year. As always, we will be pre selling tickets and pizza. Remember, if you’re looking to purchase a whole pizza, whole pizzas will only be available during presales. Links for the grade basket donations can be found here: Grade Basket Signups. All donations for grade baskets should be dropped off at the school or given to your grade parent by Friday, November 6. This will allow grade parents time to assemble the baskets and bring them to BINGO on the 13th.

2026-2027 DRES PTO

President - Katelyn Lane

Vice President - Deanna Rodgers

Treasurer - Kimberly Houston

Secretary - Jillian Simms

Visit DRES PTO on Facebook or @drespto on Instagram for more information on meetings and upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

PTO Trunk or Treat

Sunday October 25th

Picture Retake Day:

Thursday, October 29

District Visioning

Thursday, October 29 4-6pm DRES Gym

Halloween Parade:

Friday, October 30th

Veterans Day Assembly

Wednesday November 11th 1:30pm

PTO BINGO @ John Winthrop Middle School

Friday November 13th

Board of Education Meeting

Thursday November 19th at 6pm in the DRES Library

Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday November 25th though Sunday November 29th

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Principal Josh Torchia

860 526 5319
jtorchia@reg4.k12.ct.us