Welcome to Denton Magnet School of Technology for the 2024 – 2025 School Year!

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest welcome to both new and returning students and families. I hope this message finds you well and refreshed after the summer break.

Last year, our collective efforts ensured the success of Denton Magnet School in so many ways. Denton received an A on the State Report Card and was the only school in the State of Alabama to receive the A+ College Ready School of Distinction Award.

More importantly, our students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in academics, sports, robotics, and numerous other activities.

This year, we are committed to building upon their successes by continuing to provide a safe and academically challenging environment for all students. Our faculty has been hard at work over the summer, attending professional development that was intentionally selected to help students with technology and the A+ Curriculum.

We have had such a good month this August! We have had new wonderful 6th graders and new students join us as Admirals this year, and we are very happy to welcome them. Our new band teacher, Mr. Liggett said, “I like Denton so far! Everyone has been so enthusiastic about everything!” We asked 7th grader, Mario Ross, who his favorite teacher was, and he declared, “I’m going to have to say Ms. Stiell because I like science and she teaches well when it comes to science.” Overall, we have had an amazing month and can’t wait to see how everyone adapts. IT’S A WONDERFUL DAY TO BE AN ADMIRAL!!!

Mark your calendars! Our Open House is scheduled for Sept 12th from 5-6:30pm. Stop in and meet the staff, check out the classrooms and have an ACAP conference with your student's teacher. Also a great time to help out and join the PTSA! They are still looking for board members!

Looking forward to seeing you!

MCPSS is implementing increased safety measures to help keep our students safe. Please take note of the following changes below and check your emails for an important message from Superintendent Threadgill.

**Please note that CLEAR BAGS are strongly ENCOURAGED at Denton, however NOT REQUIRED this school year. THEY WILL BE REQUIRED BY ALL STUDENTS BEGINNING WITH THE 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR.

It is no secret or surprise, students who attend school each and every day, on average do much better academically than students who don’t. School attendance matters, each and every day. This includes absences, tardies and early dismissals. Please see https://www.dentonmagnet.com/ Handbook and the MCPSS Attendance Policy Grades Pre-K-12 for further detailed information.

Please be advised that all students were issued their YONDR pouch. Students will be responsible for bringing them to school every day. Phones will be locked inside upon arrival and unlocked at dismissal. Please see https://www.dentonmagnet.com/cellphonepolicy for further detailed information.

Denton Magnet School of Technology was presented with The School of Distinction Award by A+ College Ready. This award is given to a school that has met its school goal for two years of the three-year grant. Denton Magnet exceeded its goal of students who benchmarked or showed significant improvement on the PSAT 8/9. Denton Magnet School of Technology was the only middle school is Alabama to receive the award this year. It was presented during the A+ Leadership Institute held at Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Pictured: Principal Alastair Stevenson and Instructional Specialist Debra Quinones.

August has been a great start to the school year. We interviewed several 6th graders, including Aubrey Robinson, Darren Martin, and Francois Pasion, and they said they were enjoying their transition from elementary school to middle school. “It’s going pretty good,” Francois said. They love all of their new teachers. Jakoda Monplaisir said, “Dr. Kerr’s history class is so fun to be in, and computer science is challenging.”

Football, cheer, and volleyball kicked off their seasons this month. Football and cheer go hand in hand with the girls showing spirit for the players on the field. Captain Munnerlyn stated, “We’re going undefeated this season.” We have high hopes for the football team after such a remark. Also, Haverty Allen, the captain of the cheerleaders, said, “I like making people happy.” The cheerleaders put a smile on everyone in the crowd’s faces during the game on August 29, the first game of the year.

Who's ready for some Admiral Athletics?!!! Tickets are available on GoFan.co or at the door and a clear bag policy will be enforced.

Interested in joining our amazing History Club? Grab your packet in the office and turn it in to Dr. Kerr.

Interested in joining our phenomenal Photography Club? Grab your packet in the office and turn in to Mrs. Waters.

Helplines and Resources: We recommend the links below to provide support for raising children amid a changing and challenging world.

BULLYING

• Stop Bullying https://www.stopbullying.gov/

• Warning Signs of Bullying https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/warning-signs

• Violence Prevention https://youth.gov/youth-topics/violence-prevention

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

• Kids Health from Nemours https://kidshealth.org/en/parents

• SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline 1-800- 662-HELP / Prevention of substance abuse and mental illness www.samhsa.gov/prevention

• Partnership to End Addiction. https://drugfree.org/drugs/vaping/

ABUSE

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)

• Erin’s Law (parent information) http://www.erinslaw.org/for-parents/

• Stop It Now For Tips & Creating a Family Safety Plan https://stopitnow.org/helpguidance/prevention-tools

• Do Something https://dosomething.org/article/11-facts-about-child-abuse

MENTAL HEALTH

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

• National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

• The Jason Foundation jasonfoundation.com/about-us/jason-flattact/

• American Psychological Association Public Education Line- 1-800-964- 2000 https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting

• National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. www.Ffcmh.org

September is ....

Attendance Awareness Month

Social Emotional Awareness Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15)

September 2 - Labor Day (System Wide Holiday)

September 12 - Open House 5-6:30

September 16 - Professional Development (No Class for Students)

September 27 - Skate Night 5pm

September 30 - Virtual/Distance Learning