Dakota Minute

As we enter 3rd quarter, I want to recognize our students, staff, and families for everything they have done to make the first half of the year successful. We have entered the NWEA testing portion of the school year and students are working hard to show their growth. We will use that data to help improve our instruction during the second half of the year.

Mrs. Buttell and I will be at school tonight for DMMS Connects from 5 PM to 6 PM. We do this monthly as an opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with us in person. Typically the attendance is low, however we want families to know we are here to connect. Please stop by if you questions or concerns. Thank you for your partnership.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

Our very own, Mr. Hawker was awarded the Golden Apple Award from KEYC Channel 12 on Wednesday, January 24th. We are very proud to have Mr. Hawker a part of our DMMS team and of MAPS. He offers so much to our students and staff in the classroom and beyond! Besides being our Kasota US Studies teacher, Mr. Hawker also is our DMMS Middle School Activities Director.

Please see this KEYC article and join us in celebrating Mr. Hawker!

Congrats, Mr. Hawker for all your hard work.

Greetings DMMS Parents and Guardians!

Student Council is hosting their second dance of the year on Feb. 2nd from 6-8pm. This is Valentine's themed, so dress in Reds, Pinks, Whites and Purples!

We will have karaoke, a photo booth, a DJ, Gym activities and concession stands.

Students will be waiting outside till the doors open so make sure they dress appropriately and please plan to pick them up right at 8pm.

If you would like to help chaperone the dance, please reach out to PTA president Natalie Casper (nataliejcasper@gmail.com).

Megan Kahle,

Teacher, Director of DMMS Student Council

Our school PBIS Store has now opened!

Spring Conferences for DMMS will be Thursday, February 29th and Monday, March 4th. More information and a sign up link to follow!

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

February 14th, 2024. March 13th, 2024. April 17th, 2024. May 15th, 2024.

There are no middle school practices on early release days. ALL DMMS student athletes should be picked up or use bus transportation home on these days.There is also no activity bus to Mankato West on Early release days. Student Athletes that participate at the high school level may have practices as normal but will have to provide their own transportation or contact their coach.

"The goal of Hope Squad is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide." To learn more, visit hopesquad.com

Second semester has begun and along with it comes lots of exciting ways for DMMS families and friends to help and get involved!

- Attend PTA meetings. Our next PTA meeting is this Monday, 1/29, at 6:15pm at DMMS, in the multipurpose space adjacent to the library.

- Help spread the word! As you connect with DMMS families and friends outside of school, share the opportunities to get involved! Share a Facebook post, ask a grandparent to help with an event, invite a neighbor to attend an activity - you can help us bring awareness to our community.

- Donate! Donations to the One and Done fundraiser can be made here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/907498

- Volunteer! Areas for which you could volunteer include, but are not limited to:

1) Chaperone the school dance on February 2nd! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA5AA2FA3FC1-47501668-february

2) Join the Family Night planning committee.

3) Join the Fun Run committee.

4) Help with the Spring Scholastic Book Fair

5) Help with Spring Conference Staff meals

6) Help with Teacher Appreciation Week

7) 7th and 8th grade parents are encouraged to help organize the 8th grade celebration event!

If you are interested in helping with any of the above mentioned activities or events, please email PTA at ptadmms@gmail.com

As always, thank you for all that you've done to support the DMMS community this year. We look forward to your continued support in the second semester!

With Much Appreciation,

YEL Fencing Grades 6-12, Mondays starting January 29

Family Learn to Ski or Snowboard, Tuesdays starting February 6

Archery for Teens Grades 7-12, Tuesdays starting March 5

Intro to Hand & Machine Sewing Grades 3-8, Thursdays starting April 4

West Boys Bball Camp Grades 6-8, Sundays starting April 7

Red Cross Advanced Babysitter Training Ages 11+, Wednesday April 10

Adult & Child Intro to Ceramics Grades 3-9 + adult, Tuesdays starting April 16

Please make sure to view the student calendar on our district website. This will have our early releases and no school days. In addition, the Google Calendar will have DMMS Specific information.