Dragon Community,

I hope you and your family had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break, filled with time to relax and recharge. As we return to school and approach the final stretch of the fall semester, I wanted to take a moment to share a few important updates and reminders as we head into December.

First, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our students have shown so far this school year. We are incredibly proud of their progress and resilience. As we move into the final weeks of the semester, it’s crucial that we finish strong. Our teachers are committed to providing students with the support they need to succeed, but this is also a time for students to take ownership of their learning and stay focused on their goals.

Looking ahead, we also want to remind families of the importance of the upcoming state testing that will take place this week. The work students do now, in these final weeks of the semester, will help build a solid foundation for these assessments. This is an important time for students to stay engaged, participate actively in class, and continue developing the skills they will need for success. Please encourage your child to take full advantage of this time to focus on their studies and seek help when needed.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress or upcoming assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to finish the semester on a positive note.

Thank you for your continued support, and let's make these last few weeks of the semester count!

DJMS Administration

1. Discipline & Behavior

Parents, DJMS will continue to enforce zero-tolerance policies on fighting, bullying, harassment, purposeful school property damage, and direct disrespect to staff. If one of these incidents occur, it is possible that a recommendation for expulsion will be pursued. In addition, if a student hits another student and strikes back, this is considered fighting. Please ensure your students have a clear understanding on this topic.

2. FAST PM 2 Testing

Parents, state testing is here again. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, all students will test in ELA. On Thursday, Dec. 5, all students will test in Math. It is essential that all students are present at school. Note, the Florida Department of Education has a state requirement that 95% of the students complete this test. Otherwise, the school is graded with an "I"- Incomplete. Furthermore, students are required to bring their charged laptops and chargers to school. Please be sure to plan accordingly.

3. Testing Incentives- PM 2

Students who show ANY growth from PM 1 to PM 2 will receive in-school incentives! There will be an in-school social dance before winter break for those students who demonstrated growth. Also, if a student arrives with a fully charged laptop on testing days, they will have a free dress down on that specific date! If a student shows growth in BOTH, then they will be allowed one weekly dress down on Tuesdays throughout Q3! See flyer

4. Yearbook Sales

Yearbooks are just $20 until November 25th. After that they will increase two more times before the end of the year. People can order by paying me cash or ordering online at www.buytheyearbook.com

(school code 724152). Shout-out pages and business advertisements are also available for purchase.

5. Gradventure

Gradventure payments are due for 8th graders. This is a trip on May 16th for the 8ther graders who qualify through good grades and good behavior throughout the year. The price is $167 and includes tickets to both parks, transportation, dinner and a t-shirt. Payments can be made in full or partially to Mrs. Foster or Mrs. McKenzie. Permission slips must be turned in before any money can be collected.

6. Winter Wonderland- Friday, Dec. 13 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

The Winter Wonderland is a community event at DJMS where we will host light food/drinks, cookie decoration, ornament making, face painting, Christmas tattoo application, caramel apple making, hot chocolate bar, and light entertainment! We hope to see you there!

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 Support

Parents, I cannot stress the importance helping us educate our students on positive behavior. In some cases, middle school students are disrupting the learning environment causing for some students not to learn. I will not tolerate nor accept this behavior. DJMS is an environment where learning is required. We will continue to promote this. Please ensure our students hear this message from you as well.

3. PM 2 Testing

Parents, many students believe that Fast PM 2 is not important nor required. This is false information. The performance of the student determines the action plans held by the school. Therefore, we need all students to try their absolute best! If a student is struggling, we help them. However, our recent data shows that are high levels of lack of motivation. Many students finish this test within minutes and guess on many questions. This is not helpful for them, you, or the school. Please help us send the message that we want our students to try their absolute best!! That is all we can ask! :-)

1. Volleyball season is here!

Home Schedule:

• Tues. Dec 3 @ 6 pm (girls & boys)
• Thurs. Dec 5 @ 6 pm (girls & boys)

Next Away:

• Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ Westside K8 (girls/boys)

Full season schedule attached

2. Basketball Try Outs

December 9, 10, & 12- After School- Outdoor Courts/Gym. Please see Mr. Robert Ortiz (boys) or Ms. Kara Bailey (girls) for any questions.

A physical must be on file.

FAST PM 2 Season is Here!

FAST PM 2 Testing Days- School Wide Shutdown

• Tuesday, December 3rd: ELA
• Thursday, December 5th: Math

Parents, student laptops/chargers are required on these days. Our testing operations strongly depend on students bringing their laptop/charger (fully charged) on testing days. Please help us achieve this goal! Furthermore, please help teach our students that the performance of PM 2 is critical. Many students are with the mindset that "PM 1 and PM 2 do not count." This is not true! Students with struggling scores will have immediate schedule changes in the spring semester to remove PE/Art/Elective and replaced with intensive math/reading.

Finally, please ensure the attendance on testing days. The FL DOE requires a 95% completion rate of all student testing. If this does not occur, DJMS will receive a school grade of "Incomplete". Our community, staff, and students do not deserve this grade.

Please have students report to their first period teacher if there are laptop concerns!

Pending. Calendar to come.

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 December 12 @ 4:30 pm (Leadership Conference Room)

2. PM 2 Fast Testing

Tues. Dec. 3- ELA

Thurs. Dec. 5- Math

3. Winter Wonderland- Dec. 13 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)