W.E.B. DuBois Academy

Lions DEN

August 25, 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Dear Families,

This is a reminder that testing will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26th, for all middle and high school students and Thursday, August 28th for middle school students only.

  • Middle School Scholars will take the MAP Assessment. This baseline assessment helps us understand where students are starting academically this school year.

    • Benchmarks for MAP (High End): Reading – 230 | Math – 250

    • Students who score in the bottom 30% will be placed in our Lexia Lab during related arts to receive additional practice in reading and math foundations.

  • High School Scholars will take the CERT Assessment. This baseline assessment connects directly to SAT readiness.

    • Benchmarks for CERT (SAT readiness): Reading – 480 | Writing/Language – 480 | Math – 530

    • After testing, scholars will complete individualized CERT modules designed to strengthen their skills in preparation for the SAT.

Please encourage your scholar to:
✅ Get a good night’s rest
✅ Eat breakfast at home or at school
✅ Do their best work on the assessment

Incentives:

  • Middle school students who score green or blue on MAP in either reading or math will earn a dress-down day on Friday, September 5th (the Friday after Labor Day).

  • High school students who meet at least one benchmark on CERT will also earn a dress-down day on that same Friday.

📅 Open House Reminder
Wednesday, August 27th | 6:00 – 8:00 pm

  • Doors open at 5:55 pm and close at 7:45 pm.

  • The evening will include:

    • Title I School Information

    • Registration paperwork completion

    • Spirit wear available for purchase

    • Meet your scholar’s teachers and learn about their classes

Please note: This is not a time for individual conferences. Family-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for September 24th, and sign-up information will be shared in our next newsletter.

We are excited about the growth and success ahead this year. These assessments are just the starting line—your scholar has unlimited potential, and together we’ll ensure they reach it. Let’s remind our young men that excellence is the standard, and tomorrow is their chance to show just how bright they are.

With gratitude and partnership,

Sincerely,
Dr. Monica Hunter-Kirby
Principal

back to school

6th Grade News!

Here are Mr. Peake’s Top 10 tips for a successful DuBois Experience…

  1. GET YOUR SCHOLAR INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES!

  2. Label your son’s items with his initials or a familiar symbol

  3. WHEN you SEE something, SAY something

  4. Check his cell phone AND social media early and often

  5. Challenge your scholar to communicate

  6.  Check emails and Infinite Campus often.

  7.  Break the generational misconception of “Snitching”

  8. GET YOUR SCHOLAR INVOLVED SOCIALLY!

  9. Communicate issues with proper staff/Admin(NO WALK INS)

  10.  Stay positive, don’t assume the worse

7th Grade DuBois Family Calendar: Read all about it!!

7th Grade Family Calendar 25-26

8th Grade Back to School Dance

The 8th Grade will be hosting a back to school dance in collaboration with Grace James Academy on Thursday August 28th (6-8 PM). All students are welcome!

explore

EXPLORE News!! New to Dubois 7th or 8th Graders - New rising 7th & 8th grade Students Only

25-26 Explore Ambassador Applications are available and due by Sept 5th!

7th & 8th-grade students have the opportunity to apply to serve as an Explore Ambassador.  Scholars may print the application or ask your Explore teacher for an application if you are interested.  (3.0 GPA or higher is required to qualify.)

hoop

The Middle School Counseling Corner!

Classes are set! 

6th Grade

*will rotate through all Explore Classes for 9 weeks. 

*Classroom visits this week through Science and SS classes

7th Grade:

* Counselor classroom visits will occur this week.

* We will begin planning for our 7th grade project titled “PRIDE” in Me.

cardinal rising

High School Updates at a Glance!

Clear Backpacks are REQUIRED!! If a student brings a backpack that is not clear, it will be confiscated and will not be returned directly to the student. A parent or guardian will be required to come to the school to pick up the backpack. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff, so we appreciate your cooperation in following the clear backpack requirement.

Parents can request a meeting with AP or Counselor.

Request a meeting with AP
 Request a meeting with Counselor

9th and 10th Grade News Here!

During the morning Advisory period we will celebrate those scholars that finished the 24-25 school year with at least a 3.5 GPA (scholars only). 

9th and 10th grade parent meeting. 8/26/2025. 

We will have a virtual parent meeting on Aug 26, 2025 at 5:30pm. We will be discussing our 9/10th grade trip, dues and The Early Graduation Program.  

ACT PREP Sign Up Link-Sept. 6th

BowTie Ceremony (Spring 25) Cafe 8-9 am (Students ONLY)

11th and 12th Grade News!

  • Learning is Buzzing in Every Corner!

    Our students are diving into learning with passion and purpose! In High School ELA, students are writing powerful letters to their future selves while dissecting iconic historic speeches that shaped the world. Over in the Poetry Writing elective, creativity is flowing as students define what poetry truly means to them. CTE classes are charging ahead with innovative Social Media Campaigns, blending design and strategy like pros. Meanwhile, Film Studies students are analyzing The Woman King, unpacking its cinematic brilliance and cultural impact. And in Science, students are getting hands-on with lab equipment, building the foundation for exciting experiments to come. The energy is high, the curiosity is real—our classrooms are alive with inspiration!

    On 8/28 During the morning Advisory we will celebrate those scholars that finished the 24-25 school year with at least a 3.5 GPA(scholars only). 

     Recommendation Request form- Please make a copy of the form and title it with your name then share it with Mrs.Puryear to request a recommendation letter. 

    shelby.livers@jefferson.kyschools.us

    Transcript Request Form

    Co-Op Info 

    ACT PREP Sign Up Link-Sept. 6th

High School Counseling Corner!

Dear Students and Parents,

Students can still apply for co-op. Please make sure to complete the steps on the attached form as soon as possible. The steps on the form are required before we can begin the scheduling process for Co-Op placement.

Please note: Students will not be scheduled for Co-Op until all steps on the form are fully completed.

Requirements: Be 16 years old, have a job & work 10 hours a week. 

This message does not apply to students who have already been accepted to work with UPS, as they have already completed the necessary steps for placement.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Thank you,

High School Counselors

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Work-Based Learning

All Things Athletics!  Check This Out!

Click on the Athletic Newsletter for all things athletics!

  • Reminder: For every sport you try out for or participate in conditioning, you must have a valid sports physical on file.

football

Let's Remove Those Non-Academic Barriers with Resources from the YSC!

  • Families that complete the EBF Forms will receive FREE tickets to the Kentucky State Fair - parking fee included

  • If your scholar is interested in participating in a bowling interest forum.  Please have them to come to the YSC to sign-up to receive more information

  • YSC Advisory Council Meeting 8/27/25 at DuBois @ 4:00

  • Request Assistance - YSC Referral Form

Social and Emotional Learning

DuBois staff will begin our annual Social Emotional Learning on September 18. All staff members will be attend SEL training monthly.

Important Information! PLEASE READ

DRESS CODE

W.E.B DuBois Academy Uniform Guidelines

Tie (Any DuBois tie - or DuBois bowtie)

Dress Shirt (Solid White or Solid Light Blue) (Tucked In)

Blazer (Navy with DuBois Crest)

Cardigan (Navy with DuBois Crest)

V-Neck Sweater/-High School Only (Navy with DuBois Crest)

DuBois Polo (Navy or Orange with DuBois Crest)-High School Only (not yet available) (Tucked In)

Dress Shoes ( BROWN, or BLACK) No tennis shoes for MS, No Crocs, No Slides

TENNIS SHOES MAY BE WORN BY HS STUDENTS ONLY

Khaki Pants (NO SHORTS)

Belt (Brown or Black - No studded belts)

ALL students must be in dress code when they enter the building. NO EXCEPTIONS

Spirit Wear Guidelines- Spirit Wear Begins THIS FRIDAY!!!

Any Dubois T Shirt, Hoodie, Sweatshirt, Warmup, Jogging suit

Khaki Pants (unless otherwise specified)

No Jeans

Tennis shoes and Crocs may be worn 

Brown, or black casual shoes with Khaki pants

CELL PHONE POLICY

Subject of the Policy: Cell Phone/ Telecommunication Devices

Purpose

To ensure a focused and productive learning environment, the use of cell phones during instructional time is strictly prohibited. 

Definition

Personal telecommunication device is defined in KRS 158.165 and includes, but is not limited to, cellular telephones, personal tablets, pagers, walkie-talkies, headphones, MP3 players, and video gaming systems. The restrictions for student use of a cell phone in a school-based cell phone policy required by this policy and Administrative Procedure 09.4261 AP.3 shall apply to all student use of any personal telecommunications device.

Policy

Prohibited Use

  • Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day.

  • Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored in their locker.

    Full Cell Phone Policy w/Consequences

Clear Backpacks ONLY

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to remind you of our Clear Backpack Policy, which remains in effect for the safety and security of all students and staff.

All students are required to use clear backpacks only while on campus. This policy helps ensure a safe learning environment and allows for quick, visible screening as students enter the building.

Please keep in mind:

  • Backpacks must be fully transparent. Mesh backpacks or those with colored or printed designs that obstruct visibility do not meet the requirements.

  • Small, non-clear pouches (e.g., pencil cases or personal hygiene kits) are allowed inside the clear backpack but should remain minimal in size.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe. We look forward to an excellent and secure school year ahead!

The first 100 students who pay their dues will receive a free clear DuBOIS backpack.