Denn John Middle School

F.I.R.E. Wednesday at DJMS

Focused, Integrity, Respect, & Engaged in Learning Interventions
#LearningIsRequired

At DJMS, we believe in providing every student with the focused support they need to meet academic goals. That’s why each Wednesday is dedicated to intervention through our unique model: F.I.R.E. Wednesday.

F.I.R.E. stands for Focused, Integrity, Respect, & Engaged in Learning, and it reflects our mission to ensure every student receives timely, data-driven support aligned with Florida’s academic standards.

What Happens on F.I.R.E. Wednesday?

Every Wednesday, DJMS shifts from the regular class schedule to provide targeted academic support in math and ELA using a flexible, rotation-based intervention model. Note, other academic areas use interventions to reteach their specific standards.

Key features of F.I.R.E. Wednesday include:

Targeted Relearning Based on FAST Data
Students identified through FAST assessment data as needing additional instruction on specific standards are regrouped and provided focused reteaching sessions.

Standards-Aligned Intervention Rotations
Intervention groups rotate based on an internal DJMS schedule aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. standards. Teachers provide targeted lessons that address the exact skills and standards students are struggling with.

Flexible Grouping Model
Students are regrouped weekly or bi-weekly based on performance and instructional needs. This allows us to provide dynamic, just-in-time support for students who need remediation, reinforcement, or enrichment.

ESE Support for VE Students
All ESE students attend school on Wednesdays and work directly with their VE teacher in Math and/or ELA. This ensures personalized, small-group instruction aligned with their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

What is the Goal of F.I.R.E. Wednesday?

The goal of F.I.R.E. Wednesday is simple: academic growth for every student. By creating space in the school week for data-driven interventions, DJMS ensures that:

• Learning gaps are identified and addressed early

• Instruction is personalized and purposeful

• Students gain confidence and mastery over grade-level standards

• All learners are supported—regardless of where they start

What Do Students Do?

Depending on their learning needs, students may:

• Relearn specific standards using scaffolded lessons

• Complete hands-on practice or small group activities

• Work in targeted remediation groups with core teachers

• Engage in ELA/Math skill-building activities based on FAST domains

• Extend their learning through enrichment opportunities, if they have mastered current content

All groupings are fluid and responsive to student performance data.

How Can Parents Support F.I.R.E. Wednesday?

F.I.R.E. Wednesday is a powerful tool—but it’s even more effective when supported at home. Here’s how you can help:

✔️ Talk to your child about the importance of Wednesdays
✔️ Encourage focus and effort during intervention time
✔️ Stay informed by checking FOCUS for grades and teacher notes
✔️ Reach out to teachers if you have questions about your child’s progress
✔️ Celebrate your child’s growth, no matter how small!

Attendance is Critical

F.I.R.E. Wednesday is not optional—it’s a vital part of our instructional week. Students who miss Wednesdays miss opportunities to catch up, relearn, or excel.

We ask all families to prioritize attendance on Wednesdays to ensure students receive the full benefit of our intervention model.

Our Commitment

At DJMS, our team works collaboratively to monitor progress, analyze data, and adapt instruction. F.I.R.E. Wednesday is one of the ways we bring our school motto to life:

#LearningIsRequired
For every student. In every classroom. Every week.