Dakota Minute

As we wrap up 2023, I want again take a moment to express my gratitude for the partnership and support DMMS has with the larger community. There is a lot of positive energy in the building with students and staff. I want to thank our PBIS team of teachers and staff for helping create advisory lessons that focus on proactively teaching expectations for students and creating fun activities to reward them when they meet those expectations. We are also excited about Hope Squad and having students support their peers. We are looking forward to continuing our positive growth at DMMS next calendar year.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

On Monday, December 18th, students will be taking a "Desired Daily Experiences" Survey in advisory class. Parents/guardians should have received previous communication from the Distric Office. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Principal Hyer.

• Creating Opportunities for Fun: Each trail created some advisory games and celebrations for students to have fun together. We surveyed students and staff for ideas about future celebrations. Student vs staff competitions are popular, along with extra time with friends, food and a potential school store. Stay tuned for new things in the new year.
• Promoting Kindness and Respect: Each Friday we've drawn names of students in all trails who were recognized for their PRIDE behaviors. More ways to be recognized for outstanding kindness and respect are on the way.
• Fostering Friendships: Trails created fun competitions for students within advisories to work together...either with friends or with the purpose of building new friendships.
• Enhancing Study Skills and Time Management: Students had time and lessons on organization, self-regulation and prioritizing through our Navigate 360 curriculum. Each Thursday, students have a catch and stretch time in their advisory class to complete upcoming work (or work that was already past due). Teachers work to help students build habits of organizing time, materials and ideas.

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

January 10th, 2024. February 14th, 2024. March 13th, 2024. April 17th, 2024. May 15th, 2024.

There are no middle school practices on early release days. ALL DMMS student athletes should be picked up or use bus transportation home on these days.There is also no activity bus to Mankato West on Early release days. Student Athletes that participate at the high school level may have practices as normal but will have to provide their own transportation or contact their coach.

As the holidays approach, an upcoming break, a shift in weather, and changes in our routines, we may see an uptick in STRESS. "Though stress is a normal part of life, too much stress or poor management of stress can be detrimental to your children’s well-being. If you recognize that your children are overly stressed, try some of the ideas mentioned in this article."

Please see this Wellness Today Newsletter discussing How to recognize and help manage stress.

Visit hopesquad.com for more information and resources!

DMMS Families and Friends:

PTA is in the midst of our One and Done campaign and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $22,000 but we have only raised less than $5,000, to date. Funds from the One and Done collections help us to provide countless opportunities and resources to our staff and students.

This year alone, PTA has been asked to sponsor the purchase of supplemental educational programming, two field trips, recess equipment, Positive Behavior Incentives, and staff incentives. Still ahead, we anticipate the request of financial support for at least 2 more field trips, meals for the Spring Parent/Teacher conferences, the 8th Grade Celebration Event, track and field days, and additional maintenance and PBIS rewards. Unfortunately, without the funds from the One and Done fundraiser, we won’t be able to fulfill these requests.

Here's how you can help:

1) Donate. If every student donated $25, we’d surpass our goal! If you’re able, please consider giving to our cause.

2) Spread the word! Anyone can donate to our efforts through online donations or with cash/check. If you have friends or family that are looking for ways to support your middle schooler, encourage them to support us in this way.

3) Get involved. Whether you are chaperoning a school dance, or giving feedback at a PTA meeting, your involvement helps us to better serve the Dakota Meadows community, making it easier for PTA to meet the needs of our school, staff, and students.

DMMS has seen lots of successes this year so far and we are excited to have your help in ensuring we continue to have more as we head into the new year.

With Much Appreciation,

Please make sure to view the student calendar on our district website. This will have our early releases and no school days. In addition, the Google Calendar will have DMMS Specific information.