Dragon Community Newsletter #6

Dragon Community,

Mi gente! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! More details to come regarding upcoming events. Also, as an effort to improve the school communication to the community, the weekly newsletter will now be emailed AND sent via Text.

It is no secret that last week was rough. Every student, staff, and community member felt the impact of threats and safety concerns. At DJMS, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure learning environment where everyone can thrive and feel protected.

Safety First

In light of recent events and ongoing concerns, I want to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a safe school environment. We have robust safety protocols in place and continually review and improve them to address any emerging concerns. It is crucial that we all work together to keep our school safe.

Reporting Threats

If you become aware of any potential threats or suspicious behavior, please report it immediately. We have established clear procedures for reporting concerns:

1. Speak to a Trusted Adult: Students should talk to a teacher, counselor, or any school staff member they feel comfortable with.
2. Use the Anonymous Reporting System: We have a tip line available for those who prefer to report concerns. This system can be accessed via Let's Talk on the SDOC website.
3. Contact School Security: In urgent situations, please contact our school security team directly at 407.935.3560.

We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly to ensure everyone’s safety. Your vigilance and prompt reporting are vital in helping us address potential issues before they escalate.

Addressing False Reporting

While we encourage everyone to report genuine concerns, it is equally important to understand the implications of false reporting. False reports can cause unnecessary alarm, disrupt the learning environment, and potentially divert resources from addressing real threats. Deliberately making false claims is a serious matter and can have significant consequences, including disciplinary action.

We trust our community to act responsibly and with integrity. Let’s continue to work together to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our school’s safety.

If a student requires counseling attention, please contact Ms. Aponte or Ms. Librado.

annette.aponterodriguez@osceolaschools.net

marlene.libradobonilla@osceolaschools.net

DJMS Administration

1. Student Laptops

Parents! My records indicate that every DJMS student has a checked-out laptop. We received a new inventory last week and immediately issued those out. Note, this does not erase the current computer issues at hand. Our school tech will continue with the classroom visits. If your student requires technology assistance, please ensure your student's 1st period teacher submits a technology ticket. This was completed school-wide this past week.

2. 24-25 Bell Schedule Attached

3. Nurse Opt-In Services

CLINIC PROCEDURES

Due to the recent passage of Florida Statue 1014.06 (Parents Bill of Rights - Parental Consent for Health Care Services); Parents must now provide affirmative consent for schools to provide health care services to minor students. This means that a service we routinely provided in the past such as rendering ice packs, band aids, or taking a student’s temperature can no longer take place on the school campus without parental consent on file. The district will require parent/guardian consent to allow for the services traditionally provided by school nurses/clinic assistants, including care and treatment for general health services which may include but is not limited to band aids, ice packs, wound coverings, anti-itch cream, etc.

If the school does not have consent on file, parents will be notified that their child came to the clinic requiring care with the expectation that they pick up their child if he/she appears sick, unwell, or needs first aid care.

Please keep in mind the school staff still reserves the right to call 911 and provide emergency care in the event of a serious accident, injury, or illness regardless of if we have parent/guardian consent on file per School Board Policy.

Parents have five Health Services they will need to ‘opt in’ for if they wish their child to receive the Health Service at the students enrolled school. If the parent selects all five Health Services, then the Health Services icon will appear for the student in Focus.

4. Open House- Sept. 17- 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Doors open @ 5:20 pm)

Entrance: Bus Gate (Right Side Facing School) Near Cafeteria.

(Student Lunch Session will be in the cafeteria with the administration)

Note, this event is not designed for individual student conferencing. However, parents will have an opportunity to review their child's classes and expectations. Parents can make an appointment with a teacher(s) to review individual student items.

All parties will begin at their child's 1st period class at 5:30 pm sharp. It is imperative that you have your student's schedule beforehand. Note if you are unable to retrieve your child's schedule, we will print student schedules for those in need. However, be advised that this will delay your start at Open House with potentially skipping specific sessions. Remember we are on a strict evening bell schedule.

2nd Period: 5:50 pm – 6:05 pm

3rd Period: 6:10 pm – 6:25 pm

4th Period: 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm

5th Period: 6:50 pm – 7:05 pm

6th Period: 7:10 pm – 7:25 pm

7th Period: 7:30 pm – 7:45 pm

8th Period: 7:50 pm – 8:00 pm

• Classroom Discussion Items:
• Grading Policy
• Homework Policy/Frequency
• Classroom Expectations
• Asking For Updated Emails

5. College Week

Parents! Students will be able to dress in alternative school wear this week. Please see the attached flyer to determine College Week Theme each day! Every student who participates in College Week will receive 10 Dragon Dollars during 1st period. On Thursday, students may purchase Open Seating wristbands for 40 Dragon Dollars to participate on Friday. Sept. 20.

6. Updated Dean Assignment

Toussaint, Cassandra

• 6th grade
• 7th grade (Last names A-M)

Reid, Nicole

• 8th grade
• 7th grade (Last names N- Z)

As we transition into the normal school year, the list below is how parents can support our school at home:

1. See Something, Say Something

Parents, we want to teach our students the importance of reporting unsafe situations. Whether it may be student harassment, bullying, safety concerns, or anything uncomfortable, please help us reinforce the message of "see something, say something." Any student may report any activity to a school adult. Please ensure to have conversations with your students to refrain from gossip and spread of inaccurate information. Serious and safety concerns need to be transferred to adults immediately. False information that is purposefully known will have serious consequences.

2. 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!

3. Bullying & Harassment

DJMS will be a zero-tolerance school for bullying and harassment. With a lot of negative influences hurting student emotions, we will not cultivate an environment where students do not feel safe. Therefore, if a confirmed student investigation shows to be substantiated, the consequence as outlined in the SDOC Code of Conduct will be fully executed. So please help us teach our students that kindness goes a long way. If there are students that your child does not want to associate with, simply ask them to turn the other way and make friends with those who support them in a positive manner. Also, bystanders are not cool. We want to teach our students that it is expected to report inappropriate behavior or misconduct that can hurt a student emotionally. Any school dean, teacher, counselor, or administrator can receive these concerns.

4. Dress Code & Cellphone Policies

Parents for your reference, attached you will find our dress code & cellphone policy that is strictly enforced.

5. Technology At Home Support

Parents, far too often than not, school threats, bullying, and harassment begin on cellphones. This week I experienced how social media can disrupt an entire learning environment. Therefore, I am asking that you frequently monitor your student's cellphone. Though we cannot mandate this, it can help the overall school's safety. If there is a threat or concern, we can address it before it spirals to large community chaos. Also, this an opportunity for you to help the school administration monitor school safety from home in manners that are completely outside of our jurisdiction. Remember, it takes a village to grow our children. We appreciate any help :-)!

6. Progress Reports

Parents! Progress Reports are published in Focus for the 1st quarter. I strongly encourage everyone to monitor your student's performance in Focus. Progress Reports are the current student grades in all classes. Note, these are NOT the grades that are finalized into the student's pass/fail status.

**Please contact Mr. Howard regarding student grade questions or concerns.

Lonnie.Howard@osceolaschools.net

Soccer:

Dragon Fam, due to the grades and eligibility report, DJMS will not qualify to have a soccer team this school year. As we continue through this quarter, let's remind our student-athletes the importance of a balanced athlete lifestyle. As we begin to build this foundation for high school, we want to enforce the message that learning is required which includes our student athletes.

Cross Country:

Schedule attached! Mr. Gutierrez will select the specific Cross Country Meets that DJMS will attend.

Cheerleading:

Cheerleading is here! Ms. LaShanna Ward oversees our Dragon cheerleaders. Please direct cheerleading questions to Ms. Ward.

A physical must be on file (all sports).

PM 1 Data: To Date

ELA Completion Rate (6-8 Total): 85%

Math Completion Rate (6-8 Total): 86%

Proficiency Report (To Date)

ELA: 6-8

Level 1: 60%

Level 2: 25%

Level 3: 9%

Level 4: 5%

Level 5: 1%

Math: 6-8

Level 1: 74%

Level 2: 20%

Level 3: 4%

Level 4: 1%

Level 5: 0%

1. College Week

Parents! Students will be able to dress in alternative school wear this week. Please see the attached flyer (above) to determine College Week Theme each day! Every student who participates in College Week will receive 10 Dragon Dollars during 1st period. On Thursday, students may purchase Open Seating wristbands for 40 Dragon Dollars to participate on Friday. Sept. 20.

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

Dragon Community, DJMS will host an upcoming event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Closer to October, we will release this information.

Parents,

DJMS needs your help! We would love parent volunteers to assist with the following:

1. Media Center Help- Library Movement and Textbook Organization (requires physical movement)

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. Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15 (Evening Community Event Coming Soon)

2. Open House- September 17, 2024 (5:30 pm - 8:00 pm)

See details above.

3. Career Day

On Wednesday, September 18 we will host our second annual career day. This event will be held during first period. The format for this event will be as follows:

• Each classroom would get one or two speakers

• Speakers will remain in each classroom for 15 minutes, 10 minutes to speak, 5 minutes for questions
  
  

4. Homecoming Dance- October 11, 2024 (3:25 pm - 4:25 pm)

Committee is meeting this week to finalize qualification details.

5. Dragon Pep Rally- October 10, 2024 (3:25 pm - 4:25 pm)

Committee is meeting this week to finalize qualification details.

6. Algebra I/Geometry/Biology/Pre-AP World History/Spanish Courses:

Ensure daily assignments are completed as this is a high-level course. GPA counts now!

7. SAC Meeting Dates

Next meeting is this Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 4:30 pm (Leadership Conference Room)

8. Title One Parent Meeting Round 2

Tuesday, Sept. 17 @ 5pm (Leadership Conference Room)