DMS Community,

We are excited to share that Dodge Middle School is now using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help all students succeed!

What Is PBIS?

PBIS is a school-wide system that focuses on teaching and encouraging positive behaviors. Instead of just reacting to problems, PBIS helps us prevent them by clearly teaching what is expected, recognizing good choices, and providing support when needed.

Why Are We Using PBIS?

PBIS creates a positive and safe school environment where students feel supported, respected, and ready to learn. It helps:

• Improve academic success.
• Strengthen social and emotional skills.
• Build a stronger school community.

PBIS also supports the diverse needs of all students, including those learning multiple languages, those in special education, and those from different cultural backgrounds.

How PBIS Connects to Our Values

PBIS is rooted in our school’s core principles of community, empathy, and purpose. It encourages students to care for each other, build positive relationships, and make meaningful contributions to our school.

PBIS also reflects the mission of Farmington Area Public Schools: to help every student achieve their highest goals and grow into responsible, caring members of the community.

How Does PBIS Work?

• We teach students clear expectations for behavior.
• We celebrate and reward positive actions.
• We provide extra support to students who need it.

This approach helps students grow in confidence, feel connected, and stay focused on their goals.

What Can Families Do?

You play an important role in PBIS! Talk to your student about our school expectations and encourage positive behaviors at home. By working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Thank you for being a partner in your child’s success. If you have any questions about PBIS, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks,

Andy Nelson, Principal

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.

Để dịch bản tin này, vui lòng nhấp vào nút "Dịch" ở trên hoặc ở phía bên phải của trang này.

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.

Mr. Plesha was nominated for the Staff Tiger stripe this week. He always demonstrates empathy when supporting learners. Thanks for making DMS great! #DMSpride #weare192

The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) has it’s next meeting on Thursday, January 23rd from 5:30-7:00 at the Special Services Center, 421 Walnut Street, Farmington. We will be discussing what to expect as your child with an IEP transitions to new buildings within the district (early childhood to Kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to post-secondary). We hope to see you there!

If your child - or a child you know - is ready to start kindergarten in fall 2025, now is the time to enroll! Enrolling now ensures you’re in the loop for all upcoming events and communications and it gives schools a chance to plan so they are fully prepared to give your child the best start possible. Enroll today at bit.ly/kindergarten-enrollment. We can’t wait to welcome our new learners this fall!

Please click here for information on FHS 9th Grade Registration. Below are some important dates for current 8th grade learners and families:

• January 8 and 9: Middle School Counselor Presentation in Transitions
• January 16 and 17: HS Counselors will present FHS registration materials in Transitions class
• January 21-January 31: Individual learner meetings with DMS Counselors
• January 23: Incoming 9th Grade Parent Presentation (See below for more information)
• January 31: Signed registration sheets due to Transitions teacher

Please do not hesitate to connect with your learners’s counselor!

Jennifer Hogan (A-K) 651-460-1598

jhogan@Farmington.k12.mn.us

Glee Slater (L-Z) 651-460-1599

gslater@Farmington.k12.mn.us

High School Counselors can be reached by calling 651-252-2517

Are you navigating the challenges of supporting a child living with a mental illness? Join us for Super Saturday: Family Roadtrip to Mental Health, a free virtual half-day conference on Saturday, February 8th, from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM.

This year’s theme focuses on three unique “routes” to help families build resilience and find support in their mental health journey. With workshops on crisis planning, resources, and cultural connections, this event is tailored for parents and caregivers at every stage of their road trip.

Why Attend?

• Learn Practical Tools: Discover steps to prevent crises, navigate the children’s mental health system, and develop advocacy skills.
• Gain Insights: Explore special education rights, implicit bias in family engagement, and cultural perspectives on mental health.
• Build Community: Participate in optional sessions, such as a mock parent support group, or learn how to share your story in legislative advocacy.
• Earn 1 CEU upon completion (for professionals)

Register here if interested.

There is still time to sign up for the last two Middle School ski trips. Families can register at https://tce.me/iRfrF4.

Have a younger child at home who’s 3-5 years old?

Farmington Community Education’s next Early Childhood Screening is Friday, December 6! This free screening provides a snapshot of your child’s growth, development, and learning. It’s required before entering Kindergarten in a public school and is recommended at age 3, but children can also be screened at ages 4 or 5. Interpreter services are available at no cost. For more information, visit bit.ly/FarmingtonECScreening.

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.

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.

ISD 192 shares community flyers for local events and activities, especially those run by non-profit, youth-serving organizations within the district, on our website. The community postings and resources can be found here.

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.

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!

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”.

Email: anelson@farmington.k12.mn.us
Website: https://dms.farmington.k12.mn.us/
Location: Levi P Dodge Middle School, 208th Street West, Farmington, MN, USA
Phone: 651-460-1500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dodgetigers
Twitter: @dodgetigers