DMS Update

May 31, 2024

PRINCIPAL MESSAGE FROM MRS. TIMM

Dear Discovery A-Team Families,

As we close this school year, I extend my appreciation to each of you, recognizing your immeasurable impact and involvement in your child’s middle school experiences this school year.

The ending of a school year always brings a bit of reflection for me. I began my educational career with elementary students, thinking that they would be my career “world” from beginning to end. Never did I imagine I’d be immersed in the opportunities of adolescence and middle school. Yet, as this year ends, I must affirm how very glad I am to be working with your kids who are in the midst of so many changes. Our middle school students grow up in multiple ways before our eyes...sometimes eager to be connected with us as 11, 12 and 13 year olds… and other times desiring some space to be with friends and “tween” individuals. From the tentative 6th grader at the onset of the school year to the grade 8 student with increased excitement to newer things at the high school, middle schoolers bring a special level of inquisitiveness and curiosity… along with advocacy and agency.

Today many staff members started the day with a celebration of music and an invitation of a “dance off” in the hallway and others had special plans for connection and celebration throughout the day. While passing through the dance off area, one student was asked “How are you feeling about the last day?” His response was “I’m kind of sad actually…It was our last meeting with Stormy Strings and I’m going to miss it.” So true. It’s a combination of celebration intermixed with a sadness of ending.

Wherever your child or you are within this transition, I hope that there is both fun and relaxation within your upcoming summer days.

Best,

Heather Timm

Discovery Middle School Principal

Summer Tutoring Available

Through September 30, 2024, tutoring is available for qualified Alexandria Public School students in Kindergarten through 12 grade, with the purpose of increasing student achievement. Qualification is based upon district and state assessment data that indicates the student is below grade level (including STAR and MCA data).

Registration:
The registration process is handled through Community Education mbelsheim@alexschools.org 762-3310.

Tutoring is FREE for students who qualify based upon assessment data.

Parent Principal Connect

We have appreciated the parent engagement in our Parent Principal Connect meetings throughout the school year. An August date will be selected and communicated with families this summer.

Discovery Middle School Summer Office Hours

Beginning on June 10:

Monday - Thursday: We will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm.

The office will be closed on Fridays.

Chromebook & ID Scan Card Collection

Thank you for your support in returning Chromebooks, chargers and scan cards. I recognize that this process can also be overwhelming for families with the number of communications that come your way. We continue to collect some missing items, and also recognize that there may be some unforeseen challenges families have experienced. Please reach out if you have any needs or concerns relating to the return of these items.