W.E.B. DuBois Academy

Lions DEN

August 11, 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’ve had an awesome first three days of school! Thank you for helping us start the year off strong.

A few important reminders:

  • Backpacks: Only clear backpacks are allowed. Any non-clear backpacks will be collected and placed in a secure location. Parents/guardians must pick them up.

  • Electronic Devices: Any device seen out between 7:00 a.m. – 2:10 p.m. will be collected. Parents/guardians must retrieve them from the school.

  • Please take the time to complete the annual EBF form. You may bypass the financial page. Our Youth Services Center receives funds for each family that completes the form.

Mark Your Calendar – Open House

📅 Wednesday, August 27th

🕕 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

You may arrive anytime during the event to meet all of your student’s teachers. This will be a fair-style event—once you’ve visited your child’s teachers’ “booths,” you are welcome to leave.

Please remember to check our school website regularly for the most up-to-date information, events, and announcements.

We truly appreciate your partnership and support throughout the year—because it takes a village to help our young men grow into leaders. As President Barack Obama reminds us, “We know that our success depends on the strength of our community, the strength of our families, and our commitment to each other.” Together, we are building that strong foundation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Monica Hunter-Kirby
Principal

back to school

6th Grade News!

Happy first FULL week of school. Here are some reminders and updates:

  • 8/12/25 (Tuesday) Parent Townhall Meeting @ 6pm-7:00pm in the Cafeteria (Virtual option) https://meet.google.com/eai-csdz-iab

  • 8/27/25 (Wednesday) Open House @ 6-8 pm in the Cafeteria

  • 8/28/25 (Thursday) Back to School Social @ DuBois (6-8 pm)

Things for your scholar to work on at home:

  • Memorizing his bus information, schedule, lunch number, locker number/combination

  • Practicing tying his tie

  • Memorize, recite, and present the Creed to his family

Extra, Extra - Read ALL About It! 7th Grade News!

  • 8/13/25 (Wednesday) Parent Townhall Meeting 6:00-6:30 pm

  • 8/21/25 (Wednesday) Bow Tie Celebration 11:15 am-12:00 pm

  • 8/27/25 (Wednesday) Open House (6-8 pm)

  • 8/28/25 (Thursday) Back to School Social @ DuBois (6-8 pm)

8th Grade is in Motion!

We look forward to our second week of building and learning.

August 2025

  • 8/14/25 (Thursday) Parent Townhall Meeting (6-6:30 PM) @ DuBois Academy

  • 8/21/25 (Wednesday) Bow Tie Celebration @ DuBois Academy 11:15 am-12:00 pm

  • 8/27/25 (Wednesday) Open House (6-8 pm)

    @ DuBois Academy 

  • 8/28/25 (Thursday) Back to School Social @ DuBois (6-8 pm)

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.

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!

This week the 9th and 10th grade students will have our first Town Hall Meeting. Students will learn high school expectations and incentives will be explained. We will also discuss high school credits and graduation requirements. 

Please remember our backpack policy, all students must have clear backpacks. Clear backpacks are available for $25. 

Also, remind your scholar of the cellphone law. Students must power off their cell phone and put it away in their locker every day! 

Early Graduation Program Introduction during town hall. Parent meeting coming soon!

11th and 12th Grade News!

  • This week the 11th and 12th grade students will have our first Town Hall Meeting. Students will learn high school expectations and incentives will be explained

  • Please remember our backpack policy, all students must have clear backpacks. Clear backpacks are available for $25. 

  • Also, remind your scholar of the cellphone law. Students must power off their cell phone and put it away in their locker every day! 

  • Our first round of CERT Testing will begin 8/25/25

  • 8/27/25 (Wednesday) Open House @ 6-8 pm

Senior Seminar- 8/26- Seniors will receive important information about post-secondary readiness during this presentation!

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!

  • 🏈 Athletics Updates

    • Football

      • Practice: Monday–Thursday

      • First Game: This Saturday at J-Town High School, 10:30 a.m. vs. Barrett

    • Baseball

      • Practice: Monday–Thursday, 2:30 p.m. at Beechmont Baseball Park

    • Golf

      • Practice: Shawnee Park, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

    • Basketball

      • Practice: Tuesday–Thursday, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

      • 7th and 8th graders are welcome to join. We will be playing a Freshman and JV schedule only.

    • Soccer

      • Practice: Monday–Thursday, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

      • Scrimmage: Friday vs. Eastern High School at 6:00 p.m. – $5 admission at Eastern

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

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

supply list

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.