PDCMS Panther Update
Coffee with the Counselors
Join us for "Coffee with the Counselors" at PDCMS in person or via Zoom. Designed for parents to connect with our counselors to gain valuable tools and insights for navigating the challenges of parenting a middle schooler. This informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to discuss strategies for supporting your child’s academic, social, and emotional development, as well as preparing them for the transition to high school. Whether you have specific questions or just want to listen and learn, we encourage all parents to attend and make the most of this resourceful event. Let's work together to ensure your child is ready for the next step in their educational journey!
Below is a link to our Coffee with the Counselor's video library. Here you can catch up on our team presenting a variety of important topics for you and your students.
ASK YOUR CHILD ABOUT❓
Do I need to sign anything for your classes?
What is your favorite thing about your day?
Is your Chromebook charged?
Is your ID in your backpack?
Please remind your student to keep their IDs in their backpacks when they get home from school. If they can't find their ID, replacement IDs are available in the library for a $5.00 fee. By being proactive and taking care of this before school starts, they can avoid any dress code violations.
Join Principal Dolan for our fourth Panther Community Chat on September 4th, 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Please take 2 minutes to complete this survey and share your thoughts and experiences. The results will be shared in next week's update.
This survey, provided by the Principal of PDCMS, Deborah Dolan, aims to initiate dialogue around students' in-school cell phone use. We want to understand our parent/guardian community's opinion on cell phones' impact on student learning, engagement, and health.
We acknowledge the educational value of technology in supporting and enhancing educational outcomes. We also recognize that recent studies have shown that personal cell phones may be harmful if used inappropriately. By updating our cell phone policy, we aim to support student safety, learning, and engagement.
Dates of in-person and online Discussions are linked here.
Due to overwhelming interest, we unfortunately have to pause applications for the Bridges After School Program on Monday, August 26th, 2024. Applications will remain closed until further notice. All students currently enrolled are still welcome to stay after school until pickup ends at 4:15 PM. Bridges Plus pickup will still start at 5 PM. Thank you for your understanding.
Additionally, we would like to thank the parents and families that have reached out to us about changes in their schedule and have graciously offered their Bridges Plus spots to the waitlist. We plan to hold another lottery soon. Please keep an eye on your email if you have been placed on the waitlist. Thank you again.
KARE (Kindness, Attention, Respect, Excellent) offers in-school and after-school intervention and enrichment, providing social and emotional learning, individual mentoring, mindfulness training (Attention Masters), and a character education-based creative writing program (Wisdom Writers).
Questions? Program Director, Dr. Jacob Shefa (jacob.shefa@deserstands.us)
Possip
Due to the overwhelmingly valuable feedback we received from our educational partners last year, we decided to continue our partnership with Possip for 2024-2025. Possip sends regular short surveys to families, students, and staff members. The information that comes back helps us understand the trends, concerns, and needs from all members of our school community. Families will receive a Quick Check from Possip twice per month, and our students and staff will receive Quick Checks once per month. We will be sharing the feedback we receive at Mrs. Dolan's Panther Chats.