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Denn John Middle School

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Welcome to Denn John Middle School, home of the mighty Dragons!
Our academic offerings are top-notch. We provide several honors and
high school credit courses, including Algebra I Honors, Geometry Honors,
Biology Honors, HOPE, and Spanish I and II. Our goal is to challenge and
prepare our students for the future, ensuring they leave Denn John Middle
with a solid foundation for high school and beyond.

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Upcoming Events

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Mr. Marc A. Hernandez

Principal’s Message

Dear Dragon Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Denn John Middle School! Whether you are returning to the House of Dragons or joining our school family for the very first time, we are excited to welcome you to another year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

Last school year was one of the most successful years in our school's history. Together, our students, staff, and families achieved the highest school grade in more than a decade, earned recognition as a PBIS Silver Model School, and celebrated the highest overall scale point gain among comprehensive middle schools in the district with an incredible 68-point increase and an 8-percentage point gain. We also celebrated remarkable academic growth, including a 15-point increase in Science, a 9-point increase in Civics, and a 12-point increase in Acceleration. These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the unwavering support of our Dragon families.

While we are proud of what we accomplished together, we believe our best days are still ahead.

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year is Activate the Blue Flame.

The Blue Flame represents excellence, perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Unlike an ordinary flame, a blue flame burns hotter, brighter, and stronger. It symbolizes the passion that fuels our students to learn, our teachers to inspire, and our families to partner with us in creating a school where every child can thrive.

At DJMS, the Blue Flame is found in the student who refuses to give up after facing a challenge. It is found in the teacher who believes in every child, the parent who encourages learning at home, and the staff members who greet students with a smile every morning. Together, we create a culture where excellence is expected, relationships matter, and every student is empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Our School Improvement Plan

As we continue our journey toward becoming an AVID National Demonstration School, our School Improvement Plan will focus on four key priorities designed to ensure success for every Dragon:

📚 Explicit AVID Student Engagement Strategies

Every classroom will intentionally incorporate AVID instructional strategies that increase student engagement, collaboration, academic discourse, critical thinking, and ownership of learning. Our goal is to prepare every student for college, career, and life.

🔥 Dragon Flame Builders

We will provide targeted academic support for students needing additional assistance in English Language Arts and Mathematics through small-group instruction, differentiated learning opportunities, and our weekly F.I.R.E. Wednesday intervention program to accelerate student achievement.

❤️ Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

DJMS remains committed to ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. Through inclusive instructional practices, targeted interventions, collaboration between teachers, and continuous progress monitoring, we will continue improving outcomes for our Exceptional Student Education students.

🐉 Positive School Culture

We will continue fostering a positive, safe, and welcoming learning environment through PBIS, restorative practices, student recognition, meaningful relationships, and our commitment to the House of Dragons culture where every student feels valued and connected.

Dragons Breathe F.I.R.E.

Our school community continues to be guided by our PBIS expectations:

  • Focused
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Engaged in Learning

These are more than expectations—they are values that define who we are. Every interaction, every classroom, and every decision contributes to building a culture where students feel safe, respected, challenged, and inspired to succeed.

This is why we proudly say...

Dragons Breathe F.I.R.E.

#LearningIsRequired

At the heart of everything we do is our school credo:

#LearningIsRequired

Learning is not optional. It is the foundation of everything we do at Denn John Middle School. We believe every student can learn, grow, and achieve at high levels when provided with engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a supportive learning environment.

When students, families, and educators work together, extraordinary things happen.

Important Back-to-School Dates

📅 Meet the Teacher

Thursday, August 6, 2026
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

We invite all Dragon families to visit campus, meet your child's teachers, explore classrooms, and prepare for a successful school year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the House of Dragons!

🏫 First Day of School

Monday, August 10, 2026

  • School doors open at 9:00 AM
  • Students should arrive on campus no later than 9:15 AM to ensure a smooth start to the school day.

We encourage students to arrive early, bring a positive attitude, and be ready to learn!

💃🕺 DJMS Welcome Back School Dance

Thursday, August 27, 2026
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Let's celebrate the beginning of another amazing school year!

Admission:

  • 15 Dragon Dollars
  • Includes:
    • 🍕 Pizza
    • 🥤 Drink
    • 🎵 Dance Admission

Please note: Parent/guardian transportation is required following the event.

A Final Message

The House of Dragons is more than a school—it is a family united by a shared commitment to excellence.

As we begin another incredible year together, I encourage every Dragon to embrace new opportunities, persevere through challenges, support one another, and strive for greatness each day. Together, we will continue to build a school where every student feels valued, every family feels welcomed, and every educator is committed to helping students reach their highest potential.

On behalf of the entire Denn John Middle School faculty and staff, thank you for trusting us with your child's education. It is an honor and privilege to serve this incredible community.

Together, we will continue to Activate the Blue Flame, celebrate excellence, and write the next chapter in the proud tradition of the House of Dragons.

Welcome back, Dragon Family!

With F.I.R.E.

Marc A. Hernandez
Principal
Denn John Middle School

🐉 Dragons Breathe F.I.R.E.
Focused • Integrity • Respect • Engaged in Learning

#LearningIsRequired

What We Offer: Excellence. Success. Future Ready.

  • We Embrace CHOICE

    As a Choice District, we allow parents to select the school they want their children to attend, as long as that school has capacity and program availability.

  • Safety and Security

    Each one of our public schools has a full-time sworn law enforcement officer serving as a School Resource Officer on campus every day.

  • Outstanding Certified Educators and Staff

    Our students have highly-qualified, certified teachers who provide engaging, relevant, and rigorous instruction.

  • Rigorous Curriculum & Student Support

    We offer a rigorous curriculum and systems of support, complete with college preparatory and career and technical education paths to meet the needs of every student.

  • Acceleration Opportunities Abound

    Students have the opportunity to take high school credit courses in middle school and to earn college/postsecondary credit at no cost to parents while still in high school.

  • State-of-the-Art-Career Training Programs

    We offer courses that allow students to explore career interests, master workplace competencies, gain employable skills, and earn industry certifications and licensing upon graduation.

Testimonials

Student

“I love Denn John Middle because it’s really encouraging and inspiring, and they [teachers] push me to do my best. Whenever I’m struggling or need help, they provide all the things I need, like tutoring.’

Student

“I started cheering last year, and I never thought I was going to be into it, but they really made me feel like I was good at it, and they helped me become even better at it. I would say that cheer has helped me become more confident because if I could do well in cheer, then I could do well in the classroom.”

Teacher

“My main focus here as a teacher at Denn John is to make sure my students are valued, loved, and cared for, and make sure they know that before academics take place. Because for academics to take place, they first have to feel that value and feel validity in their feelings, and know that they’re loved. We believe in the whole child, not just the academic standpoint, so we’re really going to strive to make sure your child not only is successful not in the classroom, but also as they carry it outside the walls of our school.”

Student

“I love Denn John Middle School because teachers are really friendly, and the school really cares about its students.”

Parent

“I have four sons, my oldest is in 11th grade, I have a ninth grader, eighth grader, and sixth grader. They all have come to Denn John under Choice. My oldest was in an IEP all throughout elementary. When it was time for him to come to middle school, the staff at his elementary school were the ones who suggested we think this is going to be a better fit for him, so I took that advice, and the moment that we got here, they all have excelled. My oldest left Denn John going into high school saying mom I don’t need to be on an IEP anymore.” “Denn John is more than just academically learning. The staff is very involved with the students. So, it's one of those things where I send my kids to school knowing that they're getting a quality education at the same time they're being cared for. So being that we are a very family-oriented household, I like to know that my kids are safe where they're going when they're not in my presence and I know that they’re safe and learning while they’re here.”

Parent

“My son loves to be pushed academically, and he is doing very well. He’s currently enrolled in classes that will eventually earn him high school credits. At Denn John, he feels so comfortable and he's able to talk to any other teachers if there's any academic or any type of personal issue. He's always been, be able to communicate with that. And that is so important to me because I cannot be with him 100% of the time. There is no other place that I would rather have my son go to than Denn John.”

Student

“I love Denn John Middle because it’s really encouraging and inspiring, and they [teachers] push me to do my best. Whenever I’m struggling or need help, they provide all the things I need, like tutoring.’

Student

“I started cheering last year, and I never thought I was going to be into it, but they really made me feel like I was good at it, and they helped me become even better at it. I would say that cheer has helped me become more confident because if I could do well in cheer, then I could do well in the classroom.”

Teacher

“My main focus here as a teacher at Denn John is to make sure my students are valued, loved, and cared for, and make sure they know that before academics take place. Because for academics to take place, they first have to feel that value and feel validity in their feelings, and know that they’re loved. We believe in the whole child, not just the academic standpoint, so we’re really going to strive to make sure your child not only is successful not in the classroom, but also as they carry it outside the walls of our school.”

Student

“I love Denn John Middle School because teachers are really friendly, and the school really cares about its students.”

Parent

“I have four sons, my oldest is in 11th grade, I have a ninth grader, eighth grader, and sixth grader. They all have come to Denn John under Choice. My oldest was in an IEP all throughout elementary. When it was time for him to come to middle school, the staff at his elementary school were the ones who suggested we think this is going to be a better fit for him, so I took that advice, and the moment that we got here, they all have excelled. My oldest left Denn John going into high school saying mom I don’t need to be on an IEP anymore.” “Denn John is more than just academically learning. The staff is very involved with the students. So, it's one of those things where I send my kids to school knowing that they're getting a quality education at the same time they're being cared for. So being that we are a very family-oriented household, I like to know that my kids are safe where they're going when they're not in my presence and I know that they’re safe and learning while they’re here.”

Parent

“My son loves to be pushed academically, and he is doing very well. He’s currently enrolled in classes that will eventually earn him high school credits. At Denn John, he feels so comfortable and he's able to talk to any other teachers if there's any academic or any type of personal issue. He's always been, be able to communicate with that. And that is so important to me because I cannot be with him 100% of the time. There is no other place that I would rather have my son go to than Denn John.”

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Denn John Middle School (@djmsdragons) • Instagram photos and videos