Dakota Minute

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. As we wrap up the first month of this school year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the positive energy, enthusiasm, and dedication that our students, staff, and families have brought to the DMMS community. Your unwavering support, active participation, and genuine interest in your student's education make DMMS a great place. I am truly thankful for the trust you place in us each day as we work together to nurture and educate your children. Here's to a fantastic start and to many more months of meaningful learning and achievements. Thank you for being an integral part of our school family.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

A Vote to Strengthen Safety and Security Across MAPS

Schools need to be safe and welcoming places where students come to learn, grow and develop into happy and successful citizens.

Addressing the need for secured entrance improvements in ten of our school buildings is a significant part of the November 7th referendum. View this 60 second video explaining the safety and security needs across the district.

Schools handle a vast amount of sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and personal details. If approved, bond funding will also strengthen cybersecurity protections across the district.

Referendum funding will directly impact the well-being and security of students, staff, and the entire school community. Learn more about the referendum at www.isd77.org/vote2023 and make your plan to vote on or before November 7, 2023.

DMMS Parents/Caregivers: we wanted to remind you there is an opportunity for you manage your students online activity. Please see a video and instructions below. If you have any further questions, please do not hestiate to reach out to our Technology Team.

Video

English Version

Spanish Version

If your student is coming in late or leaving early, please call or email prior to your intented pick up time. If you know days in advance, you can always reach out early. If your student is out for the day, please reach out to the Attendance Secretary via phone or email as well.

• You can reach the attendance line at (507)387-5077 option 1 or by email dmmsattendance@isd77.org
• The office will then have a pass ready for your student to pick up.
• If you call the office right at your pick up time, please be aware it may take some time to get your student from class and to have them gather their things.
• Please note: make sure to contact the attendance office first and not your student's teacher. If you reach out to the teacher first, the office does not always recieve the message.

We are required to do 5 fire drills and 5 lockdown drills each school year.

We have completed 1 fire drill this fall, and will do our first lockdown drill this coming week and another fire drill. We will follow the Lock Down procedures that were shared last week as part of our Safety Response Protocol.

If you have questions about our safety drills, please call 507 387-5077

It's homecoming week coming up! HERE are our dress up days! Please make sure it is still school approriate attire. It students are attending the West homecoming football game, they must sit with their families or in the supervised middle school section in the stands. Please do not bring backpacks or other athletic equipment (footballs).

It was a great learning opportunity to host our 6th Grade Mahkato Wacipi Education Day here at DMMS. Even with rain in the forecast, our students were able to attend different stations to learn about the Dakota people and culture. We are grateful to the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association for providing this experience for our students.

We are excited to announce Hope Squad is starting at Dakota Meadows Middle School this fall! Hope Squad is an evidence-based, peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program, dedicated to spreading hope and creating a school culture that promotes connectedness and inclusivity.

The Hope Squad is comprised of peer nominated students selected for their kindness, approachability, and trustworthiness to help prevent mental health crises among their peers.

Hope Squads are not expected to take on the responsibilities of a school counselor or other mental health professionals. Instead, members learn the skills needed to spot signs of suicide, intervene, and refer their peers to both local and national mental health resources. Research shows that young people who might be struggling with their mental health or contemplating suicide are more willing to talk to a peer than a teacher or a coach.

Trusted adults at Dakota Meadows were trained as Hope Squad advisors to administer the most up-to-date mental health resources and training. Hope Squads meet regularly to learn, discuss, and collaborate on ways to promote mental wellness in the school in the effort of suicide prevention.

For more information, please visit the Hope Squad website or contact Jamie Mack, Natalie Ryan & Sara Stow (DMMS Hope Squad advisors).

We believe there is No Place for Hate at DMMS. We at DMMS believe if you see or hear something that is hateful or unkind you should Speak Up. These posters are around school as a reminder!

No Place for Hate

Speak Up

SPX One Hour Quality Photo was here on Wedensday, September 27th. If you missed turning in your order form or were not able to get a picture, it's ok! We will have retakes on Thursday, November 2nd.

SPX One Hour Quality Photo is local! You are welcome to stop by their location or give them a call if you have specific questions.

Address:1235 Caledonia Street Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-345-7196

As a reminder, you are able to log into the parent portal to check your students grades and progress. The end of our first quarter is November 9th! We will have no school on Friday, November 10th.

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

October 11th, 2023. November 8th, 2023. December 13th, 2023. January 10th, 2024. 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.

Looking for ways to get involved at Dakota Meadows? Check out these opportunities!

1) Volunteer at the SCHOOL DANCE! Student Council is hosting the first dance of the year on 10/27/23 from 6-8pm and we need chaperones. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/MwsoRws

2) Join PTA! Whether or not you can attend our monthly meetings. you can still join the PTA and participate as you're able! Sign up here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/48191

3) Outside of meetings, we are always in need of help to plan and facilitate various events including the 8th Grade Celebration, Book Fair, and Fun Run. If you are interested in helping with any of these events please contact us at ptadmms@gmail.com

3) Donate to the ONE AND DONE FUNDRAISER! PTA operates 100% on community donations and your help with this effort is greatly appreciated. The advisory that collects the most funds this quarter will get a donut party! You can donate here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/907498

4) Follow us on FACEBOOK! Here we will post updates regarding DMMS events and news. https://www.facebook.com/dmmspta

PTA is continuously grateful for your support. Thank you for all you do!

With Much Appreciation,

Natalie Casper

DMMS PTA President

ptadmms@gmail.com

• October 2nd-6th- Homecoming Week

• October 5th- West Pep Band

• October 9th- No School: Indigenous People’s Day

• October 11th- Early Release

• October 12th- 8th Grade Vision Screening

• October 19th and 10th- No School; MEA

• October 27th- All School Dance

• October 30th- DMMS Connects & PTA Meeting

• November 2nd- Picture Retake Day

• November 8th- Early Release

• November 9th- Last Day of Quarter

• November 9th- Veteran’s Day Assembly

• November 10th- No School; PREP Day

• November 23rd & 24th- No School

• November 27th- DMMS Connects & PTA Meeting