Dakota Minute

I hope you all have a wonderful winter break and are able to spend time with friends and family. As we come into 2025, I know our DMMS students, families and staff will continue the amazing work we have started. Reminder: we will not be in school from December 23rd-January 1st; returning on January 2nd of 2025.

In addtion, many have been asking how construction at DMMS is coming along and we now have an updated website where families can see time lapses and updates on our new pool and shelter. Everything is looking to be completed on time and used at the start of next school year and for the fall season.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

Winter weather will be here soon, so it’s a good idea to have a plan for your family in case of school closings, early dismissals, or late starts.

Notices for school closings and early dismissals will be posted on the following websites, radio, and television stations. You can also hear a recorded message on the District Notification Line at 507-387-6046.

Other ways to track school closing delays/dismissals/closures:

● www.isd77.org ● katoinfo.com ● mankatofreepress.com ● southernminnesotanews.com ● keyc.com ● KEYC 12 - TV AND MANY MORE.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information.

Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. This is something that often confuses parents because of the county in which we live

PRIDE EXPERIENCES

To reward students who show our PRIDE qualities, students were able to trade in 15 PRIDE slips to participate in some special activities this month. We also had a game of hungry, hungry hippos for each grade.

Construction will continue throughout the 2024-25 school year as work on the new pool progresses. Construction fences and concrete barriers (see attachment remain in place around the parent drop-off/pick-up area.

To help reduce congestion on Howard Drive and in the DMMS parking lot, we offer the following suggestions:

Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas:

• School Lot: Please use both lanes and take turns merging near the pick-up/drop-off area.

• Crossview Church: Please enter the parking lot and find a parking space. DO NOT stop or park in the roundabout, as this may result in a ticket.

• Caswell North: Please find a place to park and wait for your student. Students may use the trail from campus to Caswell North.

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

January 8th, 2025. February 12th, 2025. March 12th, 2025. April 9th, 2025. May 14th, 2025.

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.

PTA is grateful for all of the help that we've received over the last few months. Between the donations to the One and Done fundraiser, and the help facilitating the book fair and providing meals to DMMS staff during conferences, community has definitely been front and center. Thank you to all who have helped in this initiative.

If you're looking for more ways to get involved, we have them! We encourage interested parties to attend our upcoming PTA meeting on January 13th, 5:45 pm, at Dakota Meadows. Additionally, we are looking for individuals willing to take on officer roles for the 2025-2026 school year. If you would like to nominate yourself or another invested adult, please reach out to any of our current PTA officers or send an email to ptadmms@gmail.com. Lastly, keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities as we get closer to spring conferences!

With Much Appreciation,

Natalie Casper and the DMMS PTA Board

Here is the assessment calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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.

• December 23rd-January 1st- No School
• January 8th- Early Out
• January 20th- No School
• January 24th- All School Dance
• January 27th- No School
• February 7th- 6th Grade Ski Trip
• February 12th- Early Out
• February 17th- No School
• February 26th- Mahkato SWAG Field Trip
• March 6th- Kasota SWAG Field Trip
• March 10th- DMMS Band/Orchestra Concert
• March 12th- Early Out
• March 14th- No School
• March 19th- 6th Grade Biz Town Field Trip (Trail TBD)
• March 20th- 6th Grade Biz Town Field Trip (Trail TBD)
• March 27th-31st- No School