David E. Owens Middle School highlights social‑emotional learning, new digital library and student programs

David E. Owens Middle School Principal Mr. Delala and student council president Briella Bacon presented the school’s program priorities to the New Milford Board of Education on Nov. 16, outlining social‑emotional learning initiatives, a new digital library platform and student service projects.

The presentation said the school ran an SEL summer camp for students who had limited in‑person time during the pandemic. Faculty professional development before the school year emphasized SEL integration; staff received copies of a recommended book and SEL practices were added to faculty meetings and classroom walkthroughs.

Principal Mr. Delala described classroom and extracurricular highlights: a service‑learning cereal drive that collected about 200 boxes; a student design contest the school reported as winning “best design in the county”; and new programs for staff morale, including monthly themed breakfasts and weekly “shout‑outs” to recognize colleagues.

The school has adopted Destiny, a digital library platform, and a teacher‑facing Lightbox resource. The presentation said Destiny allows students to borrow digital books from any device and that many titles offer audio or embedded multimedia for classroom use.

Briella Bacon described advisory activities and student leadership projects: weekly advisory check‑ins, an organization unit on locker use, a stock market game for sixth and seventh graders, a “safety patrol” program that adjusts students’ arrival and dismissal routines, and a peer leadership elective pairing eighth graders with classmates who have special needs. She also summarized enrichment activities including a community clean‑up at Dorney Park, a 22‑pushup challenge to raise PTSD and veteran suicide awareness, and collection drives tied to tree‑planting incentives.

The presentation noted expanded tutoring partnerships with the high school, new music program collaborations, and limited‑capacity winter concerts that will use digitized tickets to space families. Upcoming events listed included the annual turkey‑shot knockout fundraiser during the school day, staff‑student volleyball and a contracted graphic novelist visit.

Board members asked about the distribution and use of the positive “value” cards given to students; Briella said staff record the reason for each card, students are asked to share it at home and cards are entered into a monthly drawing.

The presentation concluded with a request that the board recognize the school’s programs and supports for student well‑being as staff continue to address pandemic‑related social‑emotional needs.