2026–2027 School Theme: Activate the Blue Flame

Welcome to a New Year at Denn John Middle School

At Denn John Middle School, each school year presents an opportunity to grow, improve, and challenge ourselves to achieve new levels of success. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are proud to introduce our schoolwide theme:

Activate the Blue Flame

This theme represents more than a slogan. It represents our commitment to excellence, perseverance, growth, and the belief that every member of the Dragon Family possesses unlimited potential.

Why the Blue Flame?

Most people are familiar with a traditional orange flame. However, a blue flame burns hotter, stronger, and more efficiently than an ordinary flame. It represents the highest level of intensity, focus, and performance.

At DJMS, the Blue Flame symbolizes the greatness that exists within every student, teacher, staff member, parent, and community partner. It represents the passion to learn, the courage to overcome challenges, and the determination to pursue excellence every day.

When we talk about activating the Blue Flame, we are talking about unlocking our full potential.

It is the student who refuses to quit when learning becomes difficult.

It is the teacher who continuously seeks innovative ways to engage students.

It is the parent who supports learning both at school and at home.

It is the staff member who goes above and beyond to ensure students feel safe, valued, and supported.

The Blue Flame is found in every act of perseverance, every academic accomplishment, every positive relationship, and every moment we choose growth over comfort.

Activating Your Inner Blue Flame

Every student enters DJMS with unique talents, strengths, dreams, and aspirations. Our responsibility as a school community is to help students discover those strengths and transform them into opportunities for success.

To activate the Blue Flame, students must embrace our school credo:

#LearningIsRequired

Learning is not optional.

Learning is not something that only occurs in a classroom.

Learning is not limited to textbooks, assignments, or assessments.

Learning is a mindset.

It is the willingness to ask questions, take risks, make mistakes, seek feedback, and continuously improve.

Students who embrace #LearningIsRequired develop the confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

When students commit themselves to learning, they begin to activate their inner Blue Flame. That flame becomes the driving force behind academic achievement, leadership, character development, and future success.

Beginning Our Journey to AVID Demonstration School Status

This year also marks an exciting milestone for Denn John Middle School.

DJMS will officially begin Year 1 of our journey toward becoming an AVID Demonstration School.

Achieving AVID Demonstration School status is a prestigious accomplishment that typically requires approximately three years of implementation, growth, and continuous improvement. Schools that earn this distinction are recognized for creating a culture of high expectations, student engagement, college and career readiness, and instructional excellence.

As part of this journey, DJMS will embrace a variety of schoolwide AVID strategies designed to increase student engagement and ownership of learning.

These strategies include:

• Structured Conversations

• Focused Note-Taking

• Three Corners

• Four Corners

• Placemat Consensus

• Collaborative Learning Activities

• Critical Thinking Tasks

• Writing-to-Learn Opportunities

These research-based instructional practices will become a regular part of the learning experience in every classroom and across all grade levels.

Our goal is simple: ensure that every student is actively engaged in the learning process every day.

A Community-Wide Commitment

Activating the Blue Flame is not solely the responsibility of students.

It is a commitment shared by our entire Dragon Family.

Our teachers will activate the Blue Flame through engaging instruction and meaningful relationships.

Our staff will activate the Blue Flame through service, support, and dedication.

Our administrators will activate the Blue Flame by leading with purpose and vision.

Our parents and families will activate the Blue Flame by partnering with us to support student growth and achievement.

Our students will activate the Blue Flame by embracing challenges, striving for excellence, and living out the belief that learning is required.

Together, we will build a culture where every student feels empowered to succeed, every classroom promotes active learning, and every member of our school community contributes to a shared vision of excellence.

The Future Starts Now

The journey ahead will require hard work, dedication, and commitment. There will be challenges, but there will also be tremendous opportunities for growth and achievement.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we invite every member of the Dragon Family to embrace this challenge:

Activate your Blue Flame.

Push yourself to learn more.

Challenge yourself to grow.

Inspire others through your actions.

Believe in your potential.

Together, we will burn hotter, shine brighter, and achieve more than ever before.