Dragon Community Newsletter #6
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
We’re excited to share that our PM 1 academic data trends continue to rise, with notable gains in both ELA and Math. This progress reflects the hard work of our students, teachers, and the support you provide at home. Together, we are building a strong foundation for success.
As we move forward, we ask for your continued partnership in a few important areas:
- Daily Preparedness: Please remind your child to bring their laptop and charger to school every day. These tools are essential for learning and classroom engagement.
- Kindness & Respect: Encourage your child to be kind, respectful, and inclusive toward others. A positive school culture begins with how we treat one another.
- Monitor Grades at Home: Stay connected to your child’s academic progress by regularly checking their grades and assignments. Your involvement makes a big difference.
This week marks the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. At DJMS, we are proud to celebrate this important month through classroom activities, student-led projects, and school-wide events that promote cultural pride and awareness.
We invite you to be part of the celebration and to engage with your child about what they’re learning. Your involvement helps reinforce the value of diversity and inclusion.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Together, we continue to ignite the possible: Innovate. Engage. Inspire. #Learning is required!
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:
Wave of Schedule Changes
Dragon Community, due to changes in the DJMS staffing/allocations, many student schedules will be impacted this week. Therefore, all students will receive their updated schedules on Tuesday, Sept. 16. We anticipate about a third of the school will be impacted. If there are any questions, please reach out.
Laptop Issues/Concerns
Parents, DJMS is changing the laptop concern procedures. Effective immediately, all laptop concerns will be explicitly channeled through math classes. Should a student have a laptop issue, this needs to be reported to the student's math teacher. The math teachers will input tickets accordingly.
PM 1 Celebration Party
Any student that received a level 2 or higher on the PM 1 ELA test will celebrate this on Thurs. Sept. 25 during the last hour of school! Students will receive an invite ticket to participate.
PM 1 Make Up Sessions
Dragon Community, we have not met our 95% threshold requirement in both (Math/ELA) PM 1. Therefore, we need your help! Make up sessions will be conducted this week as Friday, Sept. 19 is the deadline.
Sundae Social (8th Grade)
On Thurs. Sept 25, DJMS will host a Sundae Social for the 8th graders from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. The entry cost is $15 Dragon Dollars. Students will have the opportunity to make ice cream sundaes and socialize with fellow 8th graders! (After school home transportation is required)
TIPS Scholars Night
On Monday, September 15, there will be a TIPS night for eligible students. These students were identified as having advanced academic potential to take the SAT in the middle school years! Special invites will be sent! See information below.
School Picture Day
On Monday, September 29, Leonard's Photography will be at DJMS for school picture day. Every student will take a photo; however, to purchase physical or digital copies is optional. See info below!
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At DJMS, we believe that academic success is deeply connected to a student’s emotional well-being and personal growth. Our Student Services Department is here to support your child in every aspect of their middle school journey.
Our team includes school counselors, mental health professionals, and support staff who work together to provide:
- Social-Emotional Support: Helping students manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships.
- Academic Guidance: Assisting with goal-setting, organization, and strategies for success.
- Conflict Resolution: Supporting students in navigating peer challenges and promoting a respectful school environment.
- Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support when students face emotional or behavioral challenges.
We encourage you to reach out to our counseling team if your child needs support or if you have concerns. Open communication between home and school is key to helping students thrive.
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At DJMS, we believe that good behavior is the foundation of academic success. When students make positive choices, they create an environment where learning thrives. On the other hand, when a student makes a poor choice, it often reflects in their academic performance—and can disrupt the learning experience for others.
We want to remind families that #LearningIsRequired. Poor behavior, especially when motivation is low, can spread quickly and impact the entire classroom. That’s why it’s so important to reinforce the value of education and respectful behavior at home.
Here’s how you can help:
- Talk to your child about the importance of making good choices.
- Encourage them to stay focused and motivated in class.
- Monitor their grades and assignments regularly.
- Celebrate their academic and behavioral successes.
Together, we can build a culture where students understand that respect, responsibility, and effort lead to achievement.
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At DJMS, student safety is our top priority—and keeping our campus secure is a team effort that extends beyond the school day. Here are a few ways you can help reinforce safety and responsibility at home:
Talk About Appropriate Behavior
- Remind your child that respectful behavior in hallways, classrooms, and common areas is expected at all times.
- Discuss the importance of avoiding inappropriate activity and choosing friends and situations that reflect good judgment.
Monitor Technology Use
- Regularly check your child’s school-issued and personal devices.
- Talk about digital responsibility, including appropriate communication and reporting any online bullying or threats.
Discuss the Harm of Bullying & Harassment
- Help your child understand that bullying—whether physical, verbal, or online—causes real harm and will not be tolerated.
- Encourage them to speak up if they see or experience something wrong, and to always treat others with kindness and empathy.
Emphasize Accountability
- Reinforce the importance of being where they’re supposed to be—whether it’s in class, during transitions, or after school.
- Let them know that hallway activity is monitored and that fights or serious incidents must be reported immediately.
Promote Positive Choices
- Encourage your child to make decisions that reflect their goals and values.
- Celebrate when they make safe, respectful, and responsible choices—those moments matter.
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Cross Country (Girls)
- Practice 5:00 pm - 5:50 pm
- Only Mondays & Tuesdays
- Cross Country Meet: Tues. Sept 16 at KMS @ 6pm
- Cross Country Meet: Thurs. Sept. 18 at Cross Prairie @ 6 pm
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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DJMS is currently at 88% completion for our required state assessments, and we need your help to reach the 95% threshold. This is a critical benchmark that ensures all students are accounted for in our academic progress and school performance data.
To help us meet this goal:
- Please make sure your child is present at school every day.
- Ensure they bring their laptop and charger so they are fully prepared to complete assessments.
We’re excited to announce that students who scored a Level 2 or higher on the ELA PM 1 test will be invited to a special celebration party during the last hour of the school day on Thursday, September 25. This event is a way to recognize and reward academic effort and 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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Here are 5 meaningful ways parents can support students at home when it comes to navigating peer and student conflicts:
1. Create a Safe Space for Open Communication
Encourage your child to talk about their day, especially any challenges with peers. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings. This helps build trust and gives you insight into potential conflicts early on.
2. Teach Conflict Resolution Skills
Help your child learn how to express themselves calmly, listen actively, and seek compromise. Role-playing scenarios at home can be a great way to practice respectful communication and problem-solving.
3. Reinforce Empathy and Respect
Talk about the importance of kindness, understanding different perspectives, and treating others with respect—even when they disagree. These values help prevent conflicts and promote positive peer relationships.
4. Monitor Social Interactions
Stay aware of your child’s social circle, both in person and online. If you notice changes in behavior, mood, or friendships, check in with them and reach out to school staff if needed.
5. Partner with the School
Maintain regular communication with teachers, counselors, or administrators. If a conflict arises, work collaboratively with the school to support your child and ensure a resolution that promotes growth and learning.
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School Advisory Council (SAC) & Title One Meeting
Tuesday, September 16 @ 5 pm - Media Center
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off
Monday, September 15, 2025
PBIS 8th Sundae Social
Thursday, September 25, 2025
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Gym)
PM 1 Celebration
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Last hour of school day
No School- Students
Friday, September 26, 2025
School Picture Day
Monday, September 29, 2025
Viva La Musica- DJMS Hispanic Heritage Celebration Event
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
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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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