Dragon Community,

Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope each of you had a restful and enjoyable winter break, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. We trust you took the time to recharge, and we are excited to begin the second semester together.

As we embark on the spring semester, it is a crucial time for our students as they prepare for statewide assessments in May. This period is not only important academically but also serves as an opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and dedication. Let’s work together to support them as they continue to excel and grow.

With the start of the new year, there is a renewed sense of positive energy, and it’s the perfect time to channel that enthusiasm into our classrooms and our students. Let’s inspire them to reach new heights, and let’s keep that momentum going throughout the semester.

Your support as parents and guardians is vital to our students' success, and we deeply appreciate the partnership we share. We encourage you to stay involved, whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply checking in on your child’s progress. Your involvement makes all the difference.

As we head into this new year, let us be reminded of the wonderful potential that lies ahead. Together, we can accomplish great things in the spring, and I look forward to seeing the achievements our students will undoubtedly reach.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling spring semester and great 2025! #Learningisrequired!

DJMS Administration

1. School Returns- Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Community, remember that students return to school on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. We hope to see everyone at DJMS!

2. Quarter 2 Ends (Semester 1)- Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Please review your student grades and ensure they close out the first semester strongly.

3. Quarter 3 Begins (Semester 2)- Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The 2nd semester officially begins next Wednesday. Many students will receive schedule changes due the semester courses. This is already listed in Focus.

4. Schedule Changes

DJMS will not accept schedule change requests in the spring. Note, the master schedule is finalized with the appropriate course pairings. Should a student receive a schedule change, it is due to an administrative placement to align the master schedule.

5. Student Laptop Insurance

Parents, please consider purchasing the student laptop insurance. Note, all parents are responsible for accidents related to laptops (broken screens, missing keys, dropped laptops & stolen laptops). See attachment below:

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. Discipline

Parents, we will continue to reinforce our zero-tolerance policy on fighting, bullying/harassment, and disrespect to the staff. Please remind your students the importance of honoring school rules and expectations. If there are concerns, please ensure these concerns are reported a school dean asap to avoid potential SDOC Student Code of Conduct infractions.

3. Student Laptops

Parents, our perspective on education has changed. This is especially true from when we were in grade school. A student laptop acts like a pen, pencil, and notebook these days. Nearly in every class, students must use their laptops to complete in class assignments and tasks. Some students are forgetting their laptops at home, and this could be a penalty.

Note, if a student is missing a laptop due to inventory issues or repair status, then these students will receive paper copies. Otherwise, students will be penalized for not bringing their laptops to school. We cannot thank you enough for your support regarding this matter.

1. Basketball season is almost here!

The boys and girls information will be sent this upcoming week.

2. Parent Volunteers Needed

Team, we always need help when hosting a home game. Ms. McKenzie is looking for volunteers to assist with concessions, door watching, and crowd control. If you are interested, simply send her an email. Note, you must be oasis approved. Link below:

Volunteer Application

A physical must be on file.

FAST PM 2

Completion Rates: 12/20/2024

ELA: 95%

Math: 95%

Results: 24-25 (December)

ELA: 6-8 Test taken: 757

• Level 1: 52% (392)
• Level 2: 25% (190)
• Level 3: 14% (108)
• Level 4: 6% (46)
• Level 5: 3% (21)

Pass Rate: 23%

(23-24: 19%)

Math: 6-8 Test Taken: 669

• Level 1: 58% (389)
• Level 2: 29% (191)
• Level 3: 11% (71)
• Level 4: 2% (16)
• Level 5: 0% (X)

Pass Rate: 13%

(23-24: 14%)

Pending. Will be attached next week.

Parents,

DJMS needs your help! We would love parent volunteers to assist with the following:

1. Dragon's Den Volunteers! Club meetings during lunches.

2. PTA Chapter? I would love to open one!

3. Athletics & Fine Arts Parent Boosters!

4. Mentors for Students

5. 50th Anniversary Committee! DJMS turns 50 this year! Committee Sign Up Link is Below:

https://forms.office.com/r/vGpWPVcaQN

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!

Volunteer Application (schoolcheckin.net)

1. SAC Meeting Dates

Next meeting is this January 23 @ 5:00 pm (Leadership Conference Room)

2.50th Anniversary Meeting 2

Team, our next planning meeting is on Tuesday, January 14 at 5:00 pm in the admin conference room. If you are interested in being part of our committee, simply show up! We welcome all members.

3. No School- Monday, January 20, 2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day