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Dragon Community Newsletter #21
Denn John Middle School 24-25: January 20, 2025
Together! Always!
Dragon Community,
Welcome to the Spring Semester! We are excited to continue working with you and your child for a successful and enriching school year. As we start this new semester, we would like to remind you of a few important things that can help support your child's academic growth. First, we encourage you to regularly monitor your child’s grades and attendance through our school portal. Staying informed about your child’s progress and attendance will help address any issues early and ensure that they stay on track. Additionally, we recommend that students read for at least 30 minutes every day. Regular reading not only strengthens literacy skills but also boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, all of which are vital to academic success. Lastly, we cannot stress enough the importance of your involvement in your child's education. Whether by attending school events, helping with homework, or showing interest in their studies, your engagement helps foster a positive attitude toward learning and contributes to your child’s success. We are grateful for your continued partnership, and we look forward to a productive and rewarding semester. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out.
DJMS Administration
What's New?!
1. DJMS Progress
Community, our little dragons are showing academic progress. In nearly every PM 2 area, DJMS increased points!
- Out of all of the comprehensive middle schools, Denn John Middle School ranked in first place on PM2 performance in science. The entire science department rocked it out! I am beyond proud of the science teachers on campus!
- 6th Grade ELA demonstrated growth by 5% in PM 2!
- 7th Grade ELA demonstrated growth by 13% in PM 2!
- 8th Grade ELA demonstrated growth by 1% in PM 2!
- 6th Grade Math demonstrated growth by 9% in PM 2!
- 8th Grade Math demonstrated growth by 9% in PM 2!
2. Semester 2 Started- 3rd Qtr
Parents, remember the importance of student monitoring. Please get access to the Parent Portal in Focus if you have not.
3. 6th Grade Orientation- Current 5th Graders
On Thursday, Jan. 23, DJMS is hosting the 6th Grade Orientation Night for our current 5th graders. This event is dedicated to welcome parents to DJMS and learn about middle school. Invite is attached. Note, this event is NOT for our current students.
4. A Left Turn- Tier One Instructional Plan
Parents, DJMS launched a new initiative this month. We have a strategic plan to help close our achievement gaps. More so, a continuation of our work to become a "B-rated" school. Learn about this plan at this week's SAC meeting.
5. Parent Success Night- Tuesday, February 4, 2025- 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
DJMS is hosting a parent success night for our current students. This event will cover the following:
- Targeted Invitations- Parents of Operation Hatching
- Academic Session- ESE Parents
- Academic Session- LY Parents (papas que solo hablan espanol)
- Academic Session- Struggling Students
- DJMS Schoolwide Data Review
- Understanding the FAST Tests
- Sport Updates
6. Osceola Youth & Family Summit- Sat. Feb. 8 (11 am - 3 pm) @ DJMS
DJMS will host a community event on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11- 3 pm at DJMS. This free event will promote lessons on vaping, stress less, mind matters, scroll smart, and teen talk talking points. Free lunch is provided. See attached invite.
7. Quarter 2 Honor Roll Ceremony- Thurs. Jan. 23- 9:45 - 11:00
Team, we will host our Honor Roll ceremony this Thursday. Please report to the front desk for check in. Note, it is recommended that you arrive slightly early for check in. Invites were sent to eligible students.
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. Inappropriate Activity
Parents, there is an increase of inappropriate activity happening on/off campus. We need your help! Vaping is a trend that tends to be popular for some students. Not cool. Rest assured, the discipline team and I take this issue very seriously. To this date, I have fully implemented the SDOC Code of Conduct matrix (established by SDOC) and completed random searches. Please help us in searching your student bags and not permit these illegal items on campus.
3. 30 Minutes of Reading- Evening
Parents, ALL students should read 30 minutes (minimum) each evening to improve literacy. Please help us by establishing evening procedures at home to include a structured time of student reading. Whether it be an ebook, online website, actual book, or magazines, reading is fundamental to learning. Our school media center is always opened and ready to have books checked out. More so, this opportunity also includes a mobile book cart during lunches in the cafeteria on Wednesdays.
Athletics
1. Basketball season
Full Season Scheduled (attached)
Next Home Game: Thurs. Feb. 6 vs Celebration K8 (Boys/Girls)
Next Away Game: Mon. Feb. 3 @ Horizon MS (Boys/Girls)
2. Parent Volunteers Needed
Team, we always need help when hosting a home game. Ms. McKenzie is looking for volunteers to assist with concessions, door watching, and crowd control. If you are interested, simply send her an email. Note, you must be oasis approved. Link below:
A physical must be on file.
Testing
WIDA Testing Begins
Any LY (ESOL) student who has been in the USA less than 2 years will complete the WIDA test. This test includes a multiple-choice component, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and speaking. The window opens Jan. 20, and Ms. McKenzie and the ESOL team will complete this round of testing.
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 January 23 @ 5:00 pm (Leadership Conference Room)
2. No School- Monday, January 20, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day
3. Q2 Honor Roll Ceremony- Thurs. Jan. 23 (9:45 AM - 11:00 AM)