Dakota Minute

Our school year has had a great start! It's hard to believe that it's already been two weeks since we welcomed your students back to campus, and I couldn't be more pleased with the progress we've made. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working tirelessly to create a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment for your children. The enthusiasm and positive energy in our classrooms are palpable, and it's heartwarming to see our students embrace the joy of learning once again. We've also implemented various academic and extracurricular programs to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our students. I am confident that this school year will be a remarkable journey of growth and achievement for each and every one of our students. We deeply appreciate your support and partnership in making this a successful start to the school year. Together, we can ensure that our middle school remains a place where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Warm regards,

Aaron Hyer

Remember for dropping off and picking up at door 8 to:

Stop: your vehicle

Drop: off your student

Roll: your vehicle out of the parking lot

**It is OK to drop off by the basketball hoops.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Principal Hyer.

We believe cell phones/electronics devices can cause distractions to the educational environment and our students deserve to learn in a postive environment that is free from avoidable distractions.

This year, Mankato Area Public Schools has transitioned to the ‘I Love You Guys’
Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency responses. This is
just one of the district’s efforts to further enhance safety and security for our students
and staff.

SRP provides consistent, shared language and actions among all students, staff, and first responders. As we transition to the new system, some language used to describe and instruct behaviors during incidents both inside and outside of our schools will change.

The attached SRP parent communication explains the protocols and the vocabulary used.

Staff has received training on the SRP, and teachers have presented the poster to students as a part of their regular review of classroom and/or school procedures. The SRP does not significantly change how or what actions will be taken during drills or incidents but does provide for improved communication with terms and directives.

The well-being and protection of our students remain our utmost importance. Please contact Principal Hyer if you have any questions or concerns.

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

September 20th, 2023. October 11th, 2023. November 8th, 2023. December 13th, 2023. January 10th, 2024. February 14th, 2024. March 13th, 2024. April 17th, 2024. May 15th, 2024.

Your student will start their day at the normal time of 8:35 am and be released at 1:25 pm. They will receive lunch prior to the 1:25 pm dismissal when buses leave the building. Students participating in varsity co-curriculars will need to go home, then return to practice at the designated practice time. There will be no middle school co-curricular practices on early release Wednesdays. All students need to ensure they have transportation home by 1:25 pm.

Welcome Back DMMS friends and family!

The Dakota Meadows PTA invites friends and families of DMMS students to join our efforts in the development of a strong and supportive community at our school. There are many ways to get involved and support this mission including:

-Donating to the One and Done Fundraiser: The advisory that collects the most donations this quarter gets donuts!

-Attending PTA meetings: Our next meeting will be held 9/25 at 6:15pm.

-Joining a committee: Many hands make light work and any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

-Follow us on Facebook: On the Dakota Meadows PTA FB page we post school related updates such as information about volunteer opportunities, school dances, policies, and more.

- Eat at Chipotle on Lor Ray Dr. in North Mankato, 9/25, between 4-8: Mention you’re with Dakota Meadows and a portion of your order will be donated to the PTA!

We are looking forward to a great 2023-24 school year and know that together, with your help, we can ensure it’s success!

With Much Appreciation,

Natalie Casper

DMMS PTA President

ptadmms@gmail.com

As a reminder, all bus pass requests are ONLINE. If your student needs a bus pass, you will need to complete the form HERE. Once we receive bus passes from the transportation office we will call the parent/guardian to notify and the student down to the office to recieve the pass.

We have something new this school year: Our "See Something, Say Something" initiative. In our DMMS student bathrooms we will have flyers that students are able to scan a QR code to report concerns anonymously. We are aware for this QR codes, students may need to use their phones. Students will be able to use their personal device to do so with no consequences.

Here you can see the poster that will be in DMMS spaces.

Hunger doesn’t end as students move to a higher grade level, and it doesn’t disappear when students move from Elementary to Middle School. When kids are in school during the day, they are able to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch, but when school is not in session, food-insecure children do not have access to consistent, nutritious meals. As students learn and grow in Middle School, they have unique dietary needs to fuel their growth spurts and feed their minds. ​

If you are interested in learning more or wanting to sign up, please see our School Social Worker, Rachel McNamara or clicking THIS link.

6th graders were able to particpate in Mahkato Wacipi Education Day this school year. Even with the weather, students were still able to participate and learn

A special election is being held on November 7 asking voters to improve the educational facilities throughout Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS). As parents of our #MAPSready students, we'd like to share with you the referendum plans that will be on the ballot this fall.

The school district is holding a two-question referendum on November 7 for the following:

• Safety + Security at all MAPS school buildings

• Early Learning Access for our youngest learners and families

• Learning + Wellness Spaces for students and staff

• Outdoor Activity Spaces for both high schools, youth recreation and community use

Since 2017, the school district and community task forces have been studying the long-range facility needs at all buildings. The projects included in this fall's referendum were presented to the community through three community surveys, all of which showed significant support for investing in future-focused facilities. As a result, the MAPS School Board unanimously approved moving forward with a bond referendum on November 7.

Please take 3 minutes to watch this video about the referendum. Learn more, including where and when to vote by visiting www.isd77.org/vote2023.

• September 25th- DMMS Connects & PTA Meeting

• September 27th - School Pictures

• September 27th - 6th Grade Fall Bus Evacuations

• 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