The Dodge Dish
October 25, 2024
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL NELSON
DMS Community,
The WEB Activity night was a huge hit on Thursday of this week. We had a strong turnout in grades 6-8 as learners gathered after school to build community through social connection. We are proud of our WEB leaders and the mentorship they provide for learners in the building.
It is hard to believe that next week the calendar will turn to November and we have been in school for close to two months. Learners continue to engage in rich learning experiences, goal setting, and reflection as they demonstrate personal growth. Learners also took the NWEA Map test in Reading and Math to as we use this data to measure individual growth and design personalized learning experiences.
We want to remind families that we recognize that some of our students will be excited about celebrating Halloween and wearing costumes, however, we will be business as usual at DMS and will not be allowing costumes during the school day. We encourage learners to enjoy Halloween outside of the school day.
Please reach out with any questions you may have.
Andy Nelson, Principal
TRANSLATION OF NEWSLETTER
For translation of this newsletter please click on the "Translate" button above or on the right hand side of this page.
Para traducir este boletín, haga clic en el botón "Traducir" arriba o en el lado derecho de esta página.
Si aad u turjunto warsidahan fadlan ku dhufo badhanka "Turjumi" ee kore ama dhinaca midig ee boggan.
Useful Phone Numbers
School: 651-460-1500
Nurse: 651-460-1506
Food Service: 651-463-5025
Bus Company: 651-463-8689
School Fax: 651-460-1510
School Athletics: 651-252-2514
School Closing Line: 651-985-1100
Community Education: 651-460-3200
REFERENDUM INFORMATION
As a district we have realigned $4+ million dollars to balance our budget. The board also made a decision to use assigned fund balance dollars to balance the $2.7 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year. However, the district still faces a budget deficit in 2025-26 of $4-5 million. In addition, the current operating levy that was passed in 2015 will expire after the 2025-26 school year. Expiration of this levy would result in a loss of approximately $5 million per year.
To address our financial challenges, the board voted unanimously to schedule an operating levy referendum election for November 5, 2024. The proposal on the ballot will ask voters to revoke the district’s existing operating levy of $696.15 per pupil and replace it with a new levy of $1,556.15 per pupil. The new levy will provide approximately $11 million ($5 million from the previous levy and $6 million from the new levy) per year for 10 years.
For more information on the 2024 Referendum follow this link.
CHECKING LEARNING LEVELS IN CAMPUS
If you want to check progress of your student’s learning, the best way to that this year is through the Grade Book Updates tab in Infinite Campus. All classes in both middle schools this year are reporting learning through competencies. These competencies will be updated five times throughout the year and will be based on evidence a learner has submitted – these can be found in the Grades tab in Campus and are currently set to NY or Not Yet. The Grade Book Updates tab will show the most recent assignments for all classes and will have a score or learning level connected to it. It may also have a flag if it is missing or a comment. Please see the graphic below for additional information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH ENRICHMENT
Check out the upcoming evening and non-school day classes - Art Academy, Horse Camp, and Chess Club! Registration is now open for this year’s Ski & Snowboard Trips! Join us on December 12, January 9, February 6, and February 27 to go to Buck Hill! Register your youth today through Community Education at: https://bit.ly/3YDI57k or call 651-460-3200.
In need of fee assistance to participate? Youth who qualify for educational benefits or who have extenuating circumstances are eligible to apply for assistance. Apply here: https://bit.ly/CE192FeeAssistance.
LEARNER TIGER STRIPES
Congrats to these learners who have demonstrated community, empathy, and purpose over the last week. We are so proud of all of our learners for demonstrating these core values each day.
FRIENDLY PRESENCE
We are looking for family and community volunteers to be present in our youths' lives at Dodge Middle School through Friendly Presence. We are excited to offer this volunteer opportunity and welcome the larger Farmington community into DMS. We are hoping many of you take this opportunity to be involved in our learners’ experience. For more information click here and to indicate interest please complete this google form.
WE'RE HIRING
Farmington School District has some great opportunities for you!
Click the link to apply for positions or reach out to the main office if interested.
SEE THE LATEST COMMUNITY POSTINGS!
DMS WEBSITE AND DODGE DISH
Please take some time to visit the DMS Website where you will find an abundance of helpful information to support your middle school student. Dodge Dish is an electronic publication that you will receive via email every week from our principal Mr. Nelson and the Dodge Dish is always available on the DMS website under “Social Media”. It is very helpful to take time to read through this publication to keep updated on upcoming events and happenings.
INFINITE CAMPUS MOBILE APPS
Download your free app for Campus Parent app (parents/guardians) or the Campus Student app (students) from your device's mobile app store for real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, announcements and more!
ATTENDANCE LINE
If a student will be absent, a parent/guardian must call Dodge Middle School’s attendance line at 651-460-1505 or fill out this form before 10:00 am each day of the absence. If the school does not receive a call from the parent/guardian the day of the absence, an automated phone call will be placed letting you know your student has been marked absent from school.
To request a pre-excused absence, a parent/guardian needs to complete the online “Request to Waive Unexcused Status of Absence” form. This link can also be accessed by visiting the Dodge Middle School webpage under “QUICK LINKS” and “Pre-Arranged Student Absence”.