Dakota Middle School

Nov 27-29: Thanksgiving Break

Dec 5: 6th and 7th grade band concert

Dec 9: 8th grade band concert @ Century 7pm

Dec 10: JM Rocket Night 5:30-7:30pm

Dec 11: PTSA Fundraiser at Noodles 4-8pm

Dec 12: 8th grade chorus concert @ JM

Dec 13: 6th (6:30pm) and 7th (7:30pm) grade chorus concert

Dec 19: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra concert

• 7:45am Office Opens
• 8:20am Doors Open (students)
• 8:35am Student Day Begins
• 3:15pm Dismissal
• 4:00pm Office Closes

Please note, if students arrive prior to 8:20am, they will wait outside.

Hello Dakota Middle School Community,

The meeting minutes from Monday's PTSA meeting are available online. Some of the high-lights include:

* Spirit-wear sales are extended until Nov 24th as the amount of sales are behind past sales

* Next restaurant fundraiser will be at Noodles on December 11th

* A parent has volunteered to lead 8th grade recognition activities at the end of the year. If you have ideas or are interested in helping, please respond to this email.

* Box Tops is set up now to allow for easy fundraising for Dakota. Simply scan your grocery receipts and money is directly donated to Dakota PTSA. See the attachment for more information.

Next meeting is Monday, December 8th at 7:00 pm.

Keep up on the schedule of activities on the PTSA calendar.

Follow Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates from the Dakota PTSA.

Now Taking Orders thru Nov 17

Sponsored by the Dakota PTSA: dakotaptsa@gmail.com

https://dakotamiddleschool.givebacks.com/store

1. Download the app.

2. Use the referral code LDVK0GXR (the 0 is the number zero)

December 11, 2024

4-8pm

25% off

Proceeds will profit Dakota!

Please check out the Community Ed web page to sign up activities happening at Dakota!

Search - Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Once again this year Hy-Vee is partnering with Rochester Public Schools to provide Cash 4 Students. Over $10,000 was donated to our schools in 2023-2024. It's simple and easy to take advantage of this great opportunity.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROCEDURE

If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student lockers during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smart watches may be worn for telling time only.

ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

1. Students who use their cell phone to monitor a medical condition (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) may have their cell phone with them at all times, but must adhere to all other cell phone procedures. Please contact school administration if there is an essential need for a phone. In the case of medical necessity or emergency, a student should have a health plan or prior approval.

2. Students who need to be in contact with their family during the academic day are to ask permission to use one of our school phones. Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to contact our main office if there is a message that needs to be relayed.

3. Students assume the risk of damage, theft, or loss when choosing to bring a phone to school.

4. Cell phone/device use of any kind is not permitted in locker rooms or bathrooms.

5. Wired headphones may be allowed at designated times for instructional purposes on school-issued devices.

6. Cell phone/device usage during lockdown and fire drills is prohibited.

7. Guidelines for cell phone/device use for off-campus school activities (i.e. extracurricular activities, outdoor and service trips, school field trips) will be individualized depending on the specific trip and activities. Teachers, coaches or advisors will provide guidance.

First Instance

• The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.
• Device is returned to student at end of day.
• Document internally.
• Caregiver is notified by staff.

Second Instance

• The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.
• Device is returned to student at end of day.
• Document internally.

• School Administration notifies the caregiver that the next step will require caregiver pick up.

Third Instance

• The device is turned in to the school office for a caregiver to pick up.
• Document internally.
• A plan is created with School Administration and caregiver (device is held by admin during the day OR no devices on site).

Along with cell phones, backpacks will be required to be kept in student lockers. Please contact school administration if there is an essential need for a backpack. In the case of medical necessity or emergency, a student should have a health plan or prior approval.

We are asking for no backpacks due primarily for safety. With sometimes up to 32 students in a classroom, space is limited. We also often saw backpacks left in hallways or under stairwells instead of using lockers during lunch and PE (students have traditionally been asked to store their backpacks in their lockers during lunch and PE). Having personal items stored safely in lockers is another reason for this change.

Staff will be in the hallways to help students navigate the hallways and to learn how to use the locker combinations!