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Dragon Community Newsletter #17
Denn John Middle School 24-25: December 9, 2024
Together! Always!
Dragon Community,
As we approach the close of the year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support, as well as share some exciting updates about our school. We’ve had a truly positive wave of assessments and testing, and I couldn't be prouder of the hard work our students and teachers have put in. This is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and your continued partnership. Many students were excited to express their progress and achievement related to their testing performance on FAST PM 2.
There’s an undeniable sense of excitement on campus as we celebrate the holiday season. The festive spirit is in the air, and our school community has come alive with energy and joy. From special classroom activities to festive decorations, we are embracing the end of the year with positivity and cheer. From Winter Wonderland, Spirit Weeks, PBIS Celebrations, Sports, Fine Art Concert, and PM 2 Achievement Party, a lot of great things are happening in the next 2 weeks!
Our students’ attendance has been exceptional, and I want to thank you for making sure your children are present and engaged. It’s been heartening to see so many of our students arriving each day, ready to learn, explore, and grow. This commitment is crucial as we continue to reinforce the learning process and ensure that every child is fully prepared for the next steps in their academic journey.
As we move through December, please remember that school must continue until December 20th. The pacing guides and curriculum plans are designed to cover important content that will help students build on the skills and knowledge they need. Because of this, early vacation requests will not be approved. We truly appreciate your understanding as we strive to give each student the best possible learning experience through to the very last day. #Learningisrequired
Finally, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the last month of the year to enjoy the festivities, celebrate the accomplishments, and reflect on all we have achieved together. Let’s stay connected—your support and involvement in your child’s education make all the difference.
Thank you for being a part of this amazing school community. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season, and I look forward to finishing this year strong with all of you.
DJMS Administration
What's New?!
1. Picture Day Make Up- Absent Students- Monday, December 16
Parents, DJMS will complete picture day make ups for absent students on Monday, December 16. Note, this is NOT for students who did not like their pictures. Should you be interested in purchasing pictures, make-up students will receive their picture packets the day of the picture. Pictures will be purchased after completing the photos.
2. Testing PM 2- Make Ups
Parents, we are required to complete a 95% completion rate for FAST testing. Ms. McKenzie (testing coordinator) will continue to complete make up testing over the next 2 weeks. If your child did not complete the FAST PM 2 test(s), remember to report to school with a charged laptop and charger.
3. Yearbook Sales
People can order by paying me cash or ordering online at www.buytheyearbook.com
(school code 724152). Shout-out pages and business advertisements are also available for purchase.
4. Gradventure
Gradventure payments are due for 8th graders. This is a trip on May 16th for the 8ther graders who qualify through good grades and good behavior throughout the year. The price is $167 and includes tickets to both parks, transportation, dinner and a t-shirt. Payments can be made in full or partially to Mrs. Foster or Mrs. McKenzie. Permission slips must be turned in before any money can be collected.
5. Winter Wonderland- Friday, Dec. 13 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)
The Winter Wonderland is a community event at DJMS where we will host light food/drinks, cookie decoration, ornament making, face painting, Christmas tattoo application, caramel apple making, hot chocolate bar, and light entertainment! We hope to see you there! This event is for ALL community members and students.
6. Science PM 2
Parents, the science department will complete their Progress Monitoring 2 testing early next week. Please ensure all students report to school so that this data can be collected. We must be aware of the student's academic placement to create action plans.
7. Orchestra & Band Winter Concert- Wed. Dec. 11 @ Gateway HS- 6:30 PM
Invite attached
8. Denn John Middle School Choice Video
DJMS made it to the list! Check out the recent SDOC video highlighting DJMS! Go Dragons!
At Home Support
1. 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!
2. Discipline Support
Parents, zero tolerance continues to apply on specific discipline codes. Note, fights, gang-affiliation, bullying, harassment, and direct disrespect to staff will not be tolerated. Should these infractions occur, I will request a recommendation of expulsion on Level 4 or higher cases. If a student decides to strike back after not hitting first, then this defined as a fight. Our discipline records have tremendously improved! Help us to continue a positive learning environment at DJMS!
3. Be A Part of the Circle!
Parents, several nice events are happening this week! If your child is a part of the Band or Orchestra program, please make every attempt to go to your child's performance at Gateway HS. Every day, your child and Mr. Figueroa work tirelessly to strengthen our fine arts program. The Winter Concert is on Dec. 11 @ Gateway HS Auditorium starting at 6:30 pm.
Also, our community Winter Wonderland is this Friday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at DJMS. We hope to see you at this free event!
Athletics
Everything Athletics!
1. Volleyball season is here!
Next Away: (last season game)
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ Westside K8 (girls/boys)
Full season schedule attached
2. Basketball Try Outs
December 9, 10, & 12- After School- Outdoor Courts/Gym. Please see Mr. Robert Ortiz (boys) or Ms. Kara Bailey (girls) for any questions.
A physical must be on file.
Testing
FAST PM 2
Completion Rates: 12/07/2024
ELA: 90%
Math: 76%
Results: 24-25 (December)
ELA: 6-8 Test taken: 715
- Level 1: 51% (366)
- Level 2: 25% (179)
- Level 3: 15% (104)
- Level 4: 6% (46)
- Level 5: 3% (20)
Pass Rate: 24%
(23-24: 19%)
Math: 6-8 Test Taken: 518
- Level 1: 53% (275)
- Level 2: 31% (163)
- Level 3: 12% (63)
- Level 4: 3% (15)
- Level 5: 0% (X)
Pass Rate: 15%
(23-24: 14%)
PBIS
Get Involved!
Parents,
DJMS needs your help! We would love parent volunteers to assist with the following:
1. Dragon's Den Volunteers! Club meetings during lunches.
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!
Upcoming Events
1. SAC Meeting Dates
Next meeting is this December 12 @ 4:30 pm (Leadership Conference Room)
2. 50th Anniversary First Meeting- Monday, Dec. 9 @ 5 pm
Anyone who is interested in being part of the 50th Anniversary Committee, our first meeting is Monday! Our city vice mayor will be here to help lead the cause.