The Dodge Dish
April 11, 2025
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL NELSON
DMS Community,
As we prepare for the 25-26 school year, WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) is currently looking for 7th grade students that are interested in being WEB Leaders next year. WEB is a transitional program that connects all incoming 6th graders with positive, kind, and helpful 8th graders that have received special training in leadership. All current 7th grade students who want to have a positive impact on their school should turn in applications to the main office, media center or electronically on Schoology by 3:30pm Wednesday, April 30th. Applications were handed out in Tiger Connections and are also available in the media center, main office, or on Schoology. For more information about WEB & the application process, view this presentation.
Next week, MCA testing will begin and dates can be found below. Dodge will run a building wide testing period from 8:45 AM - 10:45 AM for the Reading and Mathematics assessment. The science assessment will occur in 8th grade science classrooms. Information on standardized testing can be found here. MCA testing will occur on the following dates:
- Reading - April 15-16
- Math - April 22-23
- Science - April 28-May 2 (8th grade only)
Have a great weekend!
Andy Nelson, Principal
TRANSLATION OF NEWSLETTER
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.
Useful Phone Numbers
School: 651-460-1500
Nurse: 651-460-1506
Food Service: 651-463-5025
Bus Company: 651-463-8689
School Fax: 651-460-1510
School Athletics: 651-252-2514
School Closing Line: 651-985-1100
Community Education: 651-460-3200
LEARNER TIGER STRIPES
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.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION FAMILY DANCE
Step into a Candyland Wonderland at Farmington Community Ed’s 2nd annual Family Dance! Dress your best and enjoy an evening of dancing, sweet treats, and a special take-home favor. Capture the memories at our fun photo booth!
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Meadowview Elementary Gym
Don't miss this sweet night of fun – get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/41vOtOS
PERFORM IN THE LITTLE MERMAID THIS SUMMER!
Students entering grades 1-12 can take the stage in Storybook Theatre’s adaptation of The Little Mermaid! In partnership with Farmington Community Education, this exciting theatre camp gives young actors the chance to bring a classic tale to life while building confidence, creativity, and stage skills in a professional environment. Storybook Theatre is a touring theatre company dedicated to inspiring young artists through high-quality theatrical experiences.
Upon registration your child is automatically accepted into the cast, no acting experience necessary! Don’t miss this chance to be part of the magic of live theatre – sign up here: https://bit.ly/4cbrKLH
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER CLINIC
Please join us for a CHEER CLINIC for current 6th though 8th graders. The clinic will be April 14, 15 & 16. See the attached flyer for other additional information. You can register through the QR Code on the flyer or using the following link: https://forms.gle/pv2X3NegAja5LKfa9.
Email Coach Amanda with any questions – areding@farmington.k12.mn.us.
8th Grade Students and Families,
As your 8th grade year winds down, we are excited to invite you to Farmington High School’s Informational and Registration Night, a special event for incoming 9th-grade students, their families, and first-time participants in our activities, athletics, and arts programs.
The event will include an informational presentation that will highlight the philosophy and purpose of the activities, athletics, and arts programs we offer at FHS. This will be followed by an introduction to our administrative team, support staff, coaches, directors, and advisors. The night’s agenda will include topics such as communication, registration procedures, ticketing and admission details, student eligibility, MSHSL bylaws, and our strength & conditioning program.
One of the highlights of the evening is the opportunity to register for all fall activities and sports. This will also be a chance to interact with our coaches, advisors, and directors, who will be on hand for you to connect directly with.
This event will not only provide valuable information but also serve as a great opportunity for you and your families to familiarize yourselves with Farmington High School's community. Should you have any questions leading up to the event or require additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us in the FHS Activities Office.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Farmington High School Recital Hall and Commons (Enter through Door 29)
We encourage students to explore the many programs available to them and to register for fall activities and athletics during the event.
This is a wonderful opportunity for your student to get connected to the programs that will shape their high school experience and for families to learn more about the resources and support Farmington High School offers.
We hope to see you there!
Keith Badger, Activities and Athletics Director/Assistant Principal
Sue Hurtgen, Activities Department Administrative Assistant
VACCINE OPPORTUNITY
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.
FRIENDLY PRESENCE
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.
WE'RE HIRING
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.
SEE THE LATEST COMMUNITY POSTINGS!
DMS WEBSITE AND DODGE DISH
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.
INFINITE CAMPUS MOBILE APPS
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!
ATTENDANCE LINE
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”.