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Dragon Community Newsletter #24
Denn John Middle School 24-25: February 10, 2025
Together! Always!
Dragon Community,
As we move through the school year, I want to take a moment to share a few important reminders and encourage continued growth within our school community.
First, I’d like to encourage everyone to continue practicing random acts of kindness. Whether it's a simple compliment, a helping hand, or just a smile, these small gestures have a powerful impact on our school culture. Acts of kindness help foster a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and encouraged.
Attendance plays a critical role in your child's success. Consistent attendance at school is crucial because every day of learning builds upon the next. Missing school means missing out on valuable lessons, activities, and interactions with peers and teachers. Let’s all make a concerted effort to ensure high attendance this year, as it directly supports your child's academic and social growth.
As students continue to use devices for learning, it’s important to monitor their usage at home. Technology is a fantastic tool for education, but we want to ensure it is being used responsibly and appropriately. Please take time to check in with your child about their screen time and encourage healthy habits for technology use.
Planning ahead is also key in helping students stay on track. Whether it’s organizing assignments, preparing for upcoming events, or managing time for schoolwork, being proactive helps students stay focused and feel confident in their abilities. Together, we can support them in making thoughtful choices and managing their responsibilities.
Lastly, I encourage families to engage in 30-minute reading sessions each evening. Reading is a vital habit that improves vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Whether it’s a book, magazine, or article, carving out time to read together can deepen your child’s love for learning and provide important bonding moments.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our school a place of excellence. Together, we can help every student reach their full potential.
DJMS Administration
What's New?!
1. 6th & 7th Grade Course Selections
Parents, it is time to have 6th and 7th grade students complete their course requests. All students will complete this task by clicking on the link below. Please check in with your student to ensure they completed their elective class selection for next school year.
2025-2026 DJMS Elective Request Sheet
2. DJMS Spirit Night
March 2nd @ an Osceola Magics game @ 3 pm. See information below:
3. February Referral Challenge
Community, the grade level with the least number of discipline referrals (month of February) will receive a free dress down on Friday, March 7.
4. DJMS is ready to be a "B-Rated" School! Numbers talk.....below you will find the status needed to reach a B Standing! Parents, help us reach our goals! (See picture below)
5. Progress Report Grades Due- 3rd Qtr- Wed. Feb. 12
Parents, continue to monitor your student's grades in Focus.
At Home Support
1. Parent Portal Sign Up
The best way to know live data of your student's performance is through the parent portal! Here you can see grades, attendance, discipline referrals, teacher notes, and testing information in live time. For your reference, below you will find the attachment to sign up. I highly recommend this for all parents!
2. Reading 30 Minutes @ Home Daily
Reading for just 30 minutes each day has a significant impact on a student's academic development. It helps improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in all subjects. Regular reading also strengthens concentration and focus, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. By dedicating this time at home, students can reinforce what they’ve learned in school, explore new ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. A daily reading habit supports both personal growth and academic achievement.
3. Monitor Mental & Physical Health @ Home
As middle schoolers navigate the challenges of growing up, it's essential for parents to actively support their child's mental and physical health. Asking students daily about how they’re feeling emotionally and physically helps create a safe space for open communication and ensures that any concerns are addressed early. Regular check-ins encourage self-awareness, teaching kids to recognize when they need help or when something doesn’t feel right. Monitoring their well-being supports not only their overall health but also their academic performance, as students who feel balanced are better equipped to manage stress, focus in school, and build healthy habits for the future.
Athletics
1. Basketball season
Full Season Scheduled (attached) & DJMS Home Games begin at 6 PM
Next Home Game: Mon. Feb. 10 vs Knights Point K8 (Boys/Girls)- 6 PM
Next Away Game: Thur. Feb. 13 vs Discovery (Boys/Girls)- 6 PM
**There are specific student criteria to enter home games at DJMS. Students may not have 4+ referrals. Otherwise, students will not be permitted to enter the event.
2. Staff Volunteers Needed
Team, we always need help when hosting a home game. Ms. McKenzie is looking for staff volunteers to assist with concessions, door watching, and crowd control. If you are interested, simply send her an email.
A physical must be on file.
Testing
WIDA:
WIDA Testing is in full motion. Parents, I cannot stress the importance of your child reporting to school daily.
FAST & EOC Testing:
DJMS testing dates are confirmed for May! See Attachment:
- March 12- FAST Training- For Teachers
- April 2- BEST Writing
- May 1- ELA
- May 5- Math/Algebra/Geometry
- May 7- Science/Biology
- May 12- Civics
PBIS
Get Involved!
Community, we need more parental involvement: Check it out
1. Parent Volunteers @ School
Teacher assistants, hallway monitors, restroom monitors, lunches, & front desk assistance
2. Parent Boosters- Build Programs @ School
Band, Orchestra, & Sports!
3. Upcoming Major Events
Field Days, 50th Anniversary Party, 8th Grade Activities
Parents & Community- if any of these items are of interest, simply contact Mr. Hernandez directly at Marc.Hernandez@osceolaschools.net or 689.261.3280 (District Cellphone)
As a friendly reminder, all volunteers must be Oasis Approved. Please see the information below to begin the registration process! It's quick and easy!
Upcoming Events
1. SAC Meeting Dates
Next meeting is February 20 @ 5:00 pm (Leadership Conference Room)
2. Feb. 10- Bball Game @ DJMS vs. Knights Point K8- 6 pm
3. Feb. 13- Ball Game @ Discovery- 6 PM
4. 6th & 7th Grades- Course Selections Due (classes for next year)- Feb. 14
5. Black History Night @ DJMS- Wednesday, February 26- 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
6. DJMS Spirit Day- Osceola Magics Game- Sunday, March 2 @ 3 PM- Osceola Heritage Park