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Dahlstrom Middle School
January 17, 2024
Hello Mustang Families!!
The Spring semester is upon us! This semester is full of events, ceremonies, testing, course selection for next year and a ton of fun! It goes by fast!!! I created a 2024 Spring Dates document for each grade level because it can get overwhelming with all of the dates for the Spring semester. Please see the links to the grade levels below. These are live documents and events may be added or removed as needed.
I would like to welcome Leo, our newest Mustang! Leo is a certified therapy dog that will begin making appearances at DMS. Please take a minute to read the parent letter about Leo, his certifications, and an opt form as well. Therapy Dog Parent Letter
Testing. We all know the spring semester is ripe with testing opportunities. On the Spring Date links above you will see three different types of tests listed. The benchmark tests is given on the same system students will take their STAAR test on. The benchmark test serves several purposes: students will have an opportunity to explore the testing website and ask questions of their teachers to understand how to better utilize the digital tools offered. On the STAAR test, students are not allowed to ask for help navigating the testing system. The benchmark give them the opportunity to learn how to utilize all of the tools available and ask for assistance in using them if needed. In addition, the benchmark test provides teachers with comparative data. We are able to analyze student strengths and weaknesses and identify areas of content that may need to be retaught, reviewed, or identify areas students may need tutoring in to help them learn the content. Our benchmark is also a predictor of the STAAR test and both students and teachers can see if they are on track to hit their growth goals. The next type of test is the district test. The district test will provide the district with feedback on how each campus is performing in specific areas and help them identify if there are areas in which they may assist the campus or department. The third test is the STAAR test and this is the state test that measures individual student growth and performance. Our goal at DMS is to help each student meet their goals for growth and performance. The majority of DMS students will attend college and we want to ensure we are doing our part in preparing them to be successful in high school and beyond. Our testing perspective at DMS is centered on giving our best effort and showing the world what little old Buda student can do! We do not want testing to be centered around stress or anxiety and instead work with students to ensure they feel prepared to give their best effort! We even have a STAAR pep rally when it gets closer to testing. We work hard to shift the mindset around testing. Our students are great and they should not worry, they should proud of themselves and be confident walking into their tests.
Students will continue with our study of Leader In Me Habit #4: Think Win-Win. Please see the DMS Counselors' document on Leader in Me, Habit #4 and links to how you can learn more and support this habit at home. DMS Counselors' Spring Parent Newsletter--Leader in Me.
Hero Update! All students have had a rest on their ID and tardy violations for the new semester. Students will incur discipline consequences for every third ID and tardy violation. The grade level with the fewest ID violations each week will receive an additional recess.
We still have our attendance incentive in full action! Each day, during 3rd period (10:20 is the official attendance time and is during 3rd period) when the entire class is present, the class will earn a letter. When a 3rd period class spells out MUSTANGS, the party patrol will stop by the next day with a fun class treat! Our campus goal is 99% attendance for the school year! Please make sure to also see the previously shared Ideal Travel/Vacation Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year.
Award ceremonies! Parents are always invited to attend the award ceremonies and help us celebrate the successes of their student(s). In our award ceremonies, we celebrate All A Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Leader In Me Habit Winners, and HERO leaderboard winners. If your student has received all As for the nine week grading period in which we are celebrating, they will be recognized for their grades. If your student is receiving a Leader in Me Habit award, the nominating teacher will reach out to you and invite you to the ceremony to surprise your student (they don't know they are winning this award) and if your student is a HERO leaderboard winner and administrator will contact you and also invite you for this surprise award.
Websites and Links
School Cafe: add money to a student's account and/or sign-up for free or reduced meals
2023-2024 Sponsorship Packages (Please click here to learn more about becoming a DMS Official Sponsor)
Ideal Travel/Vacation Dates for the 2023-2024 School Yeard
Leader In Me parent newsletter
Set up your Smart tag parent portal here.
Ideal Travel/Vacation Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year
The 2023-2024 school year is more important than ever! We are making great gains in academic achievement and will continue to strive for mastery in all content areas so our students are set up for success in high school and beyond. In order to do this, we need our students here, on campus, every day! Our attendance goal for next year is a 99% campus attendance rate! We will utilize technology to enhance our learning but will not rely on technology 100% of the time. We will return to hands-on learning. Students will need to be present to learn to their highest potential. I created a list that identifies all of our long weekends and holidays for a quick reference sheet so you can plan travel and vacations that will optimize your student's time on campus! #workhardplayhard
Sincerely,
Ms. Ginn
#WeAreDahlstrom
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Dahlstrom Middle School
Email: Dedrah.Ginn@hayscisd.net
Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/dms
Location: 3600 FM 967, Buda, TX, USA
Phone: (512)268-8441
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dms.mustangs/