Dakota Minute

We are entering the home stretch of the year and are focused on finishing the year strong. This past week Mrs. Buttell and I met with all of the trails to reinforce the importance of finishing the school year well. Our main focus to our students was to have healthy boundaries, both physically and verbally. We are proud of our students work this year, we saw gains academically and reduced major behaviors. Our message to our students this week is to continue the positive work all the way through the end of the school year.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

Just a reminder if you or your student sees something, say something! Everyday you have a choice about how you show up in each space at DMMS.

Two weeks ago, during their Health, Physical Education, or Communications class, your students attended an event to educate them on the dangers and impact of substance use, including vaping, tobacco, edibles, and fentanyl.

Here are some resources to learn more about the dangers of substance use, how to recognize and talk with your students about substance use, and ways to access additional resources.

Know the Risks: E-cigarettes and Young People (CDC)

What Families Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens, and Young Adults

Helping a Teen or Young Adult Quit Vaping

Families, educators, and students (grades 8–12): Do you have ideas about how the statewide assessment results, like the MCA, could be shared with the public and school and district staff?

MDE is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports. This includes evaluating how student results are organized and communicated (including the labels like "does not meet” or “exceeds" the standards, and what the reports will look like for new academic standards). The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in summer and fall 2025.

Please take the survey to share your experience. It should take no longer than 15 minutes. The survey is now open for submissions until May 19. Responses are completely anonymous.

tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey

Your voice is important to this process. We appreciate your time and consideration.

Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.

We had an awesome time celebrating our students and their accomplishments with a Friday Funday! At the end of the day on Friday last week, we were able to partake in Family Fued!

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

May 15th, 2024.

There are no middle school practices on early release days. ALL DMMS student athletes should be picked up or use bus transportation home on these days.There is also no activity bus to Mankato West on Early release days. Student Athletes that participate at the high school level may have practices as normal but will have to provide their own transportation or contact their coach.

Hello DMMS Friends and Families!

Thank you to all who helped with our final school dance! Student Council organized a fun event and we had a great turnout from both students and volunteers!

Teacher appreciation week was full of treats for our teaching staff. Candy, snacks, cookies, donuts, and flowers were made available to teachers on a daily basis throughout the week, along with a fridge full of sports drinks, water, and soda. Thank you to everyone that helped make this possible, and most importantly, to our teachers who give so much to our student community!

PTA has organized a celebratory field trip for 8th grade students on May 30th. Permission slips will been sent out soon! We are asking all DMMS 8th grade families to donate $10 per student to help PTA cover the costs. Additionally, we are looking for chaperones to join us on the 30th. If you're interested, please contact PTA at ptadmms@gmail.com, or note your interest on the permission slip. Thank you for your consideration!

Do you have a 7th grader? The state capitol field trip is scheduled for the last week of school and will be a memorable experience for all. PTA is grateful to all DMMS families and the many members of the Mankato/North Mankato community for helping to raise funds to make this trip a possibility for our 7th graders. Permission slips have gone home and we look forward to hearing about the experience!

Are you interested in getting involved with the PTA? We're looking for adult members of the DMMS community to join us! If interested, please reach out via email at ptadmms@gmail.com. Our next meeting is May 20th at 6:15pm in the DMMS media center.

With Much Appreciation,

The goal of Hope Squad is to "prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide." Visit hopesquad.com for more information and resources!

Please make sure to view the student calendar on our district website. This will have our early releases and no school days. In addition, the Google Calendar will have DMMS Specific information.

• May 14th- Band and Orchestra Concert
  
• May 15th- Early Release
• May 20th- DMMS Connects and PTA Meeting
• May 20th- DMMS Choir Concert
• May 27th- No School
• June 3rd- DMMS Connects and PTA Meeting
• June 4th- Mahkato State Capital Trip
• June 5th- Kasota State Capital Trip
• June 6th- Last Day of School