Dragon Community Newsletter #3
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
Our Tier One instruction is now in full swing, and students are actively engaged in learning the Florida Department of Education standards to prepare for success on the upcoming FAST assessments. We are proud of the focus and dedication our students are showing as we build a strong academic foundation together.
We also want to thank you for your patience and understanding during last Tuesday’s late dismissal caused by lightning in the area. Student safety will always remain our top priority, and we appreciate your support as we follow our safety protocols to ensure every child is protected.
A reminder that Progress Monitoring 1 (PM1) testing begins this Thursday. This is an important opportunity for us to gather data to better support your child’s learning.
Finally, we want to emphasize that education is a partnership. While we will do everything in our power to provide rigorous instruction and teach the academic standards, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing values, morals, and character at home. Together, we can ensure our students grow into not only successful learners but also responsible and compassionate individuals.
With F.I.R.E & Gratitude,
-Administration
- Marc A. Hernandez (Principal)
- Frankie Franceschi (Assistant Principal of Instruction)
- Rafael Booker (Assistant Principal of Discipline & Operations)
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Check out the news below:
Focus & Grade Monitoring
We strongly encourage all parents to log in to Focus on a regular basis to monitor your child’s academic progress. Checking grades weekly allows you to celebrate successes, quickly address areas of concern, and keep students accountable for their learning. It also helps us maintain high expectations for our teachers, as they are required to enter grades weekly. When parents stay informed, it creates a powerful partnership—ensuring consistent communication, reinforcing the importance of schoolwork at home, and helping us provide timely support when needed.
YMCA Before & After School Care
The YMCA before-school care program is already in full motion, and the after-school care program will begin Monday, August 25, running from 4:30–6:00 pm. Please see the flyer below for more details.
We also want to remind families that DJMS supervision hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our staff is contractually available to supervise students 30 minutes before school begins and 30 minutes after dismissal. For the safety of all students, it is essential that parents and guardians plan drop-offs and pick-ups within these hours. Students on campus outside of these times will not be supervised, so we ask that you remain responsible for your child’s timely arrival and dismissal.
#Learning is required
At DJMS, our credo #Learning is required goes beyond the classroom—it’s a mindset we hope every student carry home. Parents play a vital role in reinforcing this message by encouraging daily reading, asking questions about what their child learned, and celebrating academic effort as much as achievement. When students see that school and home share the same expectations for learning, their motivation and commitment to success grow stronger.
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Monitoring Student Devices
We are asking all parents to take an active role in monitoring student technology use at home. Please regularly check your child’s cell phone, laptop, and other devices to ensure they are being used safely and responsibly. Nearly all bullying and harassment cases we see begin on social media, and when issues are addressed early, we can reduce incidents and maintain a positive learning environment. At DJMS, we believe that during the middle school years (grades 6–8), technology use should not be private—parental oversight is critical. Please note, the school is not authorized to search or go through student devices without probable cause, so your partnership at home is essential for safety and accountability.
Dress Code & IDs
At DJMS, our uniform policy is an important part of creating a safe and focused learning environment. Students are expected to wear their school IDs visible at all times, and those not in compliance will be addressed. Please kindly remind your student of our approved uniform polo colors: red, black, gray, white, and navy. The light blue polo is not permitted, as this color is reserved for elementary students. Welcome to middle school—we appreciate your support in helping students look sharp and ready to learn every day!
Transportation- Reaxium App
For families with bus riders, we want to emphasize the importance of using Reaxium to monitor your child’s bus activity. The Reaxium app provides real-time updates on bus locations and helps ensure student safety and accountability at all times. If your child rides the bus, having this app is essential to stay informed and support smooth transportation.
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Check Focus weekly
Make it a habit to log in to Focus at least once a week to review your child’s grades and assignments. Celebrate successes to keep your child motivated and address missing work or low scores early before they become bigger challenges. This also helps hold students—and teachers—accountable and keeps communication open between home and school.
Create a strong learning routine
Encourage at least 20–30 minutes of reading or skill practice each night, even if it’s just reviewing notes or practicing math facts. Establishing a quiet, consistent space for studying helps students focus and sends the message that schoolwork is a priority. When learning is reinforced at home, students build stronger habits, deeper understanding, and greater confidence in their abilities.
Algebra I & Geometry Students
Parents of Algebra and Geometry students, please be aware that these courses require regular practice to build strong problem-solving skills. Students can expect homework nearly every night to reinforce daily lessons and prepare for higher-level math concepts. Your support at home—checking in on assignments, encouraging completion, and helping students stay organized—is key to their success.
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The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and we need your help to maintain a secure and orderly campus. Parents may not park or wait for students in the teacher parking lot, as this area is reserved for staff and creates safety risks with foot traffic. For the same reason, we will not cross students across the street—this is for their protection, as busy roads and distracted drivers create unnecessary hazards.
Additionally, we have noticed that some drivers are exceeding safe speeds during drop-off and pick-up. Please remember, the car rider line speed limit is 5 mph. This slow speed is necessary because children are moving around the area, and even a small mistake can have serious consequences. Always remain alert, avoid distractions such as cell phones, and drive with extreme caution whenever you are in a school zone. By following these simple expectations, we can keep every Dragon safe.
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Soccer Try-Outs (Boys & Girls)
- Practice 4:30 pm - 5:50 pm
- No Wednesday Practices
Soccer Coach (Boys/Girls)
Robert Ortiz
robert.ortiz@osceolaschools.net
Cross Country Try-Outs (Boys & Girls)
- Practice 5:00 pm - 5:50 pm
- Only Mondays & Tuesdays
Cross Country Coach (Boys/Girls)
Christopher Gutierrez
christopher.gutierrez@osceolaschools.net
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
Athletic Director: Sonia McKenzie
sonia.mckenzie@osceolaschools.net
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To improve student outcomes, we are changing how we conduct testing this year. Each testing day will now be separated by grade level, allowing us to create targeted and focused student groups for a smoother and more supportive testing environment.
During testing season, students may dress down in school-appropriate attire on their assigned testing day. Please note: pajamas will not be permitted. On testing days, all students are expected to bring their laptops and chargers to ensure they are prepared.
As an extra incentive, any student who scores a Level 2 or higher on any PM 1 test will receive a free dress-down wristband to celebrate their achievement!
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At Denn John Middle School, we believe in creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students are recognized for making good choices. We use PBIS—Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports—as our schoolwide approach to teach and encourage positive behavior. PBIS focuses on clear expectations, consistent routines, and recognizing students when they meet or exceed those expectations.
One way we celebrate positive behavior is through our Dragon Dollars system. When students follow school rules, show respect, work hard, or go above and beyond, teachers and staff can award them Dragon Dollars. Students can save these to redeem in the school store for fun rewards or use them to participate in special Friday events. It’s our way of making good behavior rewarding and fun—because at DJMS, we know that positive actions deserve recognition! #Learning is required and Dragons breathe F.I.R.E.!
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At DJMS, we know that when families and schools work together, students thrive. Supporting your child does not mean you have to be on campus every day—it’s about consistent interest and involvement, even in small ways. We also recognize that many of our families are working extremely hard, often balancing two or three jobs. Even with a busy schedule, there are meaningful ways to show your child that school matters and that you are their biggest cheerleader.
Start by asking questions daily: “What did you learn today?” “How are you feeling about school?” “What’s something you are proud of?” These conversations help students feel supported and keep you informed about their progress and needs. Encourage your child to participate in school life—whether it’s joining a sports team, a fine arts program, a club, or a leadership group. If possible, attend athletic games, concerts, or school events to show visible support. Your presence, even once in a while, sends a powerful message that education is important.
Above all, the simplest action can be the most meaningful: ask how your child is doing and listen. These small but consistent efforts can build trust, motivation, and resilience. Together, even with the busiest schedules, we can inspire every Dragon to succeed.
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School Advisory Council (SAC)
Make Up Meeting- Tues. Aug. 26- Media Center- 5 pm
Progress Monitoring One (FAST)
- Math- Thurs. Aug. 28- 8th Grade
- Math- Fri. Aug. 29- 7th Grade
Annual Title One Meeting
Combo meeting with SAC on Tuesday, September 16 @ 5 pm in the Media Center
Student/Staff Holiday- Labor Day Weekend
No school on Monday, September 1, 2025
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Parent Volunteers @ School
Teacher assistants, hallway monitors, restroom monitors, lunches, & front desk assistance
As a friendly reminder, all volunteers must be Oasis Approved. Please see the information below to begin the registration process! It's quick and easy!
Parent Boosters- Build Programs @ School
Band, Orchestra, & Sports!
School Donations
Should you wish to donate (any item) to DJMS, contact Mr. Hernandez to seek more information about the process.
Parents & Community- if any of these items are of interest, simply contact Mr. Hernandez directly at Marc.Hernandez@osceolaschools.net or 689.261.3280 (District Cellphone)
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