The Dodge Dish

DMS Community,

Thank you to all the learners and families who were able to join us for the Celebration of Learning last night. It was an exciting event and we hope that families had a glimpse into all the learning experiences their child has had this year. If you have feedback on this event, please do not hesitate to reach out as we consider this model of family engagement in future years.

This type of event highlights not only the academic progress learners are making, but the development of personal skills for success at Dodge Middle School. We know the skills of collaboration, communication, perseverance, and responsibility are necessary to prepare our learners for life beyond Dodge Middle School. Learners certainly demonstrated these skills as they toured caregivers throughout their classrooms.

Finally, thank you to all of our families for their continued partnership. We are grateful for all the support you provide the entire DMS community in making Dodge a great place.

Have a great weekend!

Andy Nelson, Principal

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.

Để dịch bản tin này, vui lòng nhấp vào nút "Dịch" ở trên hoặc ở phía bên phải của trang này.

Curricular Literacy Resource Review Opportunity

Over the past few years, teachers in our district have been learning about the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading is a large body of scientific research which guides how to teach reading. We are excited about the changes this will bring, including a new curricular resource. We invite you to an opportunity to review Arts and Letters, a knowledge building curricular resource for literacy.

From March 10 to 14, we will have a display set up in the main office with sample materials available to preview.

You may also find information at the following website that includes a great introduction video.

https://greatminds.org/english/artsletters. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please fill out this form here.

You are also invited to attend our Instructional Program Review (IPR) committee meeting on March 18th at 5:30pm at the Farmington High School Large Lecture Hall. We will have a presentation, be available to answer questions and have materials available to view.

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.

Staff Tiger Stripe this week is Mr. Bruns! He was nominated for making US History an engaging class for 7th grade learners. Thanks for all you do! #DMSpride #WeAre192

The Instructional Program Review (IPR) committee will meet on Tuesday, March 18th at 5:30pm at Farmington High School in the Large Lecture Hall. (Please enter Door 16 on the lower level by the flag poles). We will be discussing our Federal Title Programming. If your child is part of the Title I programs that serve our elementary students needing additional reading instruction in the elementary, or if your child is part of our Title III programs for Multi-Lingual Learners K-12, please feel free to attend to learn more about these programs, ask questions and give additional input. Please contact Lisa Edwards, Director of Elementary Learning, if you are unable to attend but still wish to give input. You can reach her by email at ledwards@farmington.k12.mn.us or by phone, 651-463-5016.

Families can follow this link to the Community Ed page to register for middle school sports. Track registration opens at 8:00 on Tuesday, February 4th.

https://farmington.ce.eleyo.com/courses/category/224/youth-enrichment-and-sports/middle-school-sports

Will your child be ready for kindergarten in fall 2025? Now is the perfect time to enroll and ensure you don’t miss out on any important information or events. Once you enroll, make sure you schedule your free early childhood screening which checks your child’s fine and gross motor skills, vision and hearing, speech and language development and more.

Help us spread the word - invite other families with future kindergarteners to enroll and schedule their screenings too! Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/192Kindergarten2025

Have a younger child at home who’s 3-5 years old?

Farmington Community Education’s next Early Childhood Screening is Friday, December 6! This free screening provides a snapshot of your child’s growth, development, and learning. It’s required before entering Kindergarten in a public school and is recommended at age 3, but children can also be screened at ages 4 or 5. Interpreter services are available at no cost. For more information, visit bit.ly/FarmingtonECScreening.

Dakota County will be hosting a low-cost/free vaccine clinic on Thursday April 17th for those who qualify. If your child is an incoming K, 7 or 12th grader for the 25-26 school year or is missing vaccines this would be a great time to get those shots. See flier for cost, income information, times and dates.

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.

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.

ISD 192 shares community flyers for local events and activities, especially those run by non-profit, youth-serving organizations within the district, on our website. The community postings and resources can be found here.

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.

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!

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”.

Email: anelson@farmington.k12.mn.us
Website: https://dms.farmington.k12.mn.us/
Location: Levi P Dodge Middle School, 208th Street West, Farmington, MN, USA
Phone: 651-460-1500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dodgetigers
Twitter: @dodgetigers