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Dragon Community Newsletter #13
Denn John Middle School 24-25: November 4, 2024
Together! Always!
Dragon Community,
As we step into November, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you. This month is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on gratitude and the joy found in the small things in life. It’s a time to appreciate the moments that make our days brighter, whether it’s a shared meal, a good book, or a simple conversation with a loved one.
During this season of thankfulness, I also want to highlight the vital role you play in your child’s education. Research consistently shows that when parents are actively involved in their children’s academic lives, those students tend to achieve greater success. Your support at home—whether it’s helping with homework, encouraging a love for reading, or simply discussing the school day—makes a significant difference in your child's development and future prospects.
We recognize that our school community thrives when parents engage with us. Your involvement not only enhances your child’s learning experience but also fosters a strong, collaborative environment. We encourage you to find ways to participate, whether it’s through volunteering, attending school events, or simply maintaining open lines of communication with our teachers.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, let’s make this November a month filled with gratitude and academic growth for our students. #BreatheF.I.R.E
DJMS Administration
What's New?!
1. Tutoring
Community, we are scheduled to host before/after school tutoring in Math/ELA. All tutoring will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Tutoring is either from 8:00 am - 9:00 am OR 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Note, transportation is NOT provided. Please review the attached document to seek classroom numbers and assignments.
2. Report Cards
All parents should have received a paper copy of the student report card last week. If your student did not provide one, simply inquire about this with your student. Should you need a paper copy, we will be happy to provide one.
3. Cellphones
Parents, I cannot stress the importance of our cellphone policy. Recently, we have had students claim that parents are granting permission to use their cellphones during instructional time. Note, this is a direct violation of our policy. Though we respect the opinion of our parents, the student will receive a consequence accordingly (even with parent permission).
4. Laptop Student Responsibility
Parents, we need your help! Middle school students are frequently forgetting their laptops and/or chargers at home. In today's world, the laptop is the new form of a textbook and notebook. Without it, the students will be significantly delayed. Please ensure you encourage your students to bring their laptops AND chargers to school daily.
5. Laptop Parent Responsibility
Parents, keep in mind that all students/parents are liable for the laptop. If the laptop is lost or broken, the family is required to pay for these concerns. As an effort to prevent unwanted situations, we strongly encourage parents to purchase the technology insurance. Please see the attached form for more information.
6. Truancy Begins!
Parents, students who have 10+ unexcused absences will be labeled as truant with attendance interventions. As always, I cannot stress the importance of coming to school. Unfortunately, I will not approve family vacations during the school year as an excused absence. Please expect a parent conference at the request of the school for students in this situation.
7. School Report Card
Community, the same way we rate our students quarterly, I believe it is only fair that the school does the same. Please review the school report card generated by Mr. Hernandez. Note, this assessment is not aligned with the FLDOE but rather than an administrative assessment generated the DJMS administration.
8. AB Honor Roll Ceremonies- Qtr 1
Dragon Fam, DJMS will host the AB Honor Ceremonies as follows:
- 6th Grade: Wed. Nov 20
- 7th Grade: Thurs. Nov 21
- 8th Grade: Fri. Nov 22
All ceremonies will be from 9:35 am - 10:10 am (first period)
**Invites will be passed out to the qualified students
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. Weekly Academic Reflections
Parents, I cannot stress the importance of each student's academic performance. Recently, our progress monitoring test assessment is showing students require serious academic interventions. We will work on our end to ensure each student is successful; however, our resources are limited. In my 15 years of working in Education, I can confirm that the students who are most successful are the ones with active parents. Each time a student completes a major assessment, it is important to review the score and discover why the student may have gaps. Your role is to be your child's motivator and support. When you tell your student that "they are smart enough and that they can do it!", this will go a long way!
Athletics
1. Volleyball season is here!
Home Schedule: @ DJMS
- Thurs. Nov 14 @ 6 pm (girls only)
- Tues. Dec 3 @ 6 pm (girls & boys)
- Thurs. Dec 5 @ 6 pm (girls & boys)
Full season schedule attached
2. Open Gym- Basketball Continues
If students are interested in open gym pre-basketball season, please have them connect with Mr. Robert Ortiz or Ms. McKenzie.
A physical must be on file.
Testing
STAR Reading & STAR Math
ELA: (Proficiency Rates- Level 3 and up)
6th Grade: 26 % (Goal 45%)
7th Grade: 27% (Goal 45%)
8th Grade: 25% (Goal 45%)
Math: (Proficiency Rates- Level 3 and up)
6th Grade: 28% (Goal 44%)
7th Grade: 35% (Goal 44%)
8th Grade: 6% (Goal 44%)
Osceola Writes
Osceola Writes begins and ends this week. Students will complete this District Formative during the ELA classes. Teachers will utilize 3 days of instructional time to complete this required task.
PBIS
Check out this month's events!
Get Involved!
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!
Upcoming Events
1. SAC Meeting Dates
Next meeting is this Thursday, Nov. 21 @ 4:30 pm (Leadership Conference Room)
2. DJMS School Spirit Pep Rally- Rescheduled
Our Gateway HS partners confirmed a rescheduled pep rally date! We will host our school spirit pep rally on Thursday, November 21! More information to come.
3. School Spirit Dance- Friday, Nov. 22 (During school hours)
Eligible students will receive an invite the week of Nov. 18. More details to come.
4. 50th Anniversary Event
Our first 50th anniversary meeting is coming in mid-November! Our city commissioner will be present at our next meeting! More information to come!
5. AB Honor Roll Ceremonies- Qtr 1
Dragon Fam, DJMS will host the AB Honor Ceremonies as follows:
- 6th Grade: Wed. Nov 20
- 7th Grade: Thurs. Nov 21
- 8th Grade: Fri. Nov 22