Dragon Community Newsletter #10
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
Quarter 1 is officially over, and what an amazing start to the school year it has been! We are so proud to share the incredible progress our Dragons have made thanks to the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families.
Here are a few exciting highlights:
- ELA scores grew by 9 points on PM 1 compared to last year!
- Math scores increased by 5 points!
- Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS) are down 70% from last year — a huge win for student growth and behavior!
- Attendance is at 95% — one of the strongest rates we’ve seen!
These results show what’s possible when students, teachers, and families work together. As we move into Quarter 2, we need your continued partnership to keep the momentum going.
Please make sure your child:
- Comes to school every day and on time.
- Brings a fully charged laptop ready to learn.
- Keeps academics and positive behavior a top priority.
Mark Your Calendar:
Join us for Parent Success Night on Thursday, October 16, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. This event is a wonderful opportunity for parents to gain insights into their student’s academic performance and learn how to support success at home.
Please note — this is not a night for individual teacher conferences, but rather an informative and engaging session focused on strategies for student growth and achievement.
Celebrating Excellence:
A major congratulations to Mr. Franceschi for being recognized as the Assistant Principal of the Year Nominee for Middle School/K8! It is such an honor to have his leadership and dedication on our campus.
In addition, congratulations to DJMS for earning the Chain of Change Award at the recent Superintendent’s Meeting! This award celebrates schools that demonstrate growth, passion, and commitment to progress — and our Dragons have done just that!
Great things are happening at Denn John Middle, and it’s all because of the hard work and heart of our students, staff, and families.
Thank you for all that you do to support your child and our school community. With your help, Denn John Middle will continue to rise — because here at DJMS, Dragons breathe F.I.R.E. and #LearningIsRequired! 🔥
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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Parent Success Night
Thursday, October 16 from 5pm - 6:30 pm, all parents are invited to participate in the DJMS Parent Success Night. This is NOT a session for parents to meet with teachers individually; however, parents will receive information about their students. These areas include PM 1 data, student behavior, ELA/Math support, technology, family engagement, counseling, and ESE/LY. Come learn about your child's school status (thus far). We need parental support.
No School- Monday, October 13
Monday, Oct. 13 is a teacher workday. Therefore, there is no school for students on this day.
Q1 Honor Roll Ceremony
On Wednesday, Oct. 22 starting at 9:45 am, DJMS will celebrate our A/B students! The counselors will send the invites beginning on Tues. Oct. 14.
PBIS Event: 7th Grade
DJMS will host a PBIS event for 7th grade only on Thurs. Oct. 30 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. The cost is $15 Dragon Dollars!
NJHS Induction Ceremony
DJMS is excited to promote academic excellence and #Learning is required! For the eligible students, the induction ceremony is on Tues. Oct. 28 @ 5:30 pm. More information will be released to eligible students.
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From the Dean’s Office: Resetting for Success in Quarter 2
A new quarter means a new opportunity to grow, improve, and refocus! Quarter 2 is the perfect time for students to reflect on their behavior and set goals that support learning, respect, and responsibility.
Here are a few ways students can reset and start fresh:
✅ Reflect on Quarter 1. Think about what went well and what could be improved. Small changes in attitude or effort can make a big difference.
✅ Show Respect. Kindness and positive interactions go a long way toward building a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
✅ Be Responsible. Come prepared every day—with materials, a charged laptop, and a readiness to learn.
✅ Stay Focused. Keep distractions low and effort high. Every class is a chance to make progress!
How Parents Can Help at Home:
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Talk daily about school. Ask your child what they learned and how they felt about their day.
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Set routines for homework, organization, and rest. Consistency helps students feel confident and prepared.
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Encourage accountability. Praise positive choices and help your child reflect when mistakes happen.
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Stay connected with teachers and the school for updates, support, and resources.
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Beginning this quarter, any student with a 50% or lower in a core class (Math, ELA, Science, or Social Studies) will receive a schedule change and be placed into Grade Recovery. One elective class will be replaced to allow students dedicated time to rebuild academic progress.
To be promoted to the next grade level, students must earn at least a 60% or higher in all four core subjects:
- English Language Arts (ELA)
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Please note: Summer school will not be available next June due to state funding changes. It is essential that students take advantage of all academic support now to stay on track for promotion.
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We’ve noticed an increase in student-to-student conflicts across campus. While disagreements can happen, it’s important that we work together to teach students how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and make positive choices — both in and out of the classroom.
At DJMS, we believe that emotional intelligence is just as important as academic growth. Helping students recognize their emotions, respond calmly, and make responsible decisions contributes to a safer, more respectful school environment.
Please take a moment to remind your child about:
- Using words, not actions, to express frustration.
- Taking a pause before reacting when upset.
- Walking away and seeking help from an adult when conflicts arise.
Students who purposefully engage or reciprocate negative behavior during a conflict may face additional disciplinary consequences. Our goal is not only to correct behavior but to teach lifelong skills in communication, empathy, and self-control.
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Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
- Practice after school 5:00 pm - 5:50 pm
- Mondays/Tuesdays Only
- Cross Country Meet: Tues. Oct 21 at KMS @ 6pm
- Cross Country Champion- Wed. Oct. 29 @ Austin Tindall Time TBD
Cross Country Coach (Boys/Girls)
Christopher Gutierrez
christopher.gutierrez@osceolaschools.net
Volleyball (Boys/Girls)
- Open Gym (Tuesday/Thursdays)
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Try-Outs are Oct 27, 28, & 30
Volleyball Coach (Boys)
Daniel Kim
Daniel.Kim@osceolaschools.net
Volleyball Coach (Girls)
Kara Bailey
Kara.Bailey@osceolaschools.net
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
Athletic Director: Sonia McKenzie
sonia.mckenzie@osceolaschools.net
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No new information at this time. |
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At Denn John Middle School, we believe that positive behaviors should be recognized and celebrated. That’s why we use the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework to help students grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.
Our PBIS values are represented by F.I.R.E.:
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Focused – Staying on task and giving your best effort.
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Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
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Respect – Treating yourself, others, and property with care.
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Engaged in Learning – Actively participating in lessons and school activities.
Students are rewarded with Dragon Dollars when they show these values in action. Each month, students can use their Dragon Dollars to participate in exciting school events and activities. This not only motivates students but also reinforces the importance of good behavior and strong character.
Thank you, parents, for supporting us in encouraging students to live out our values each day! Together, we are building a school culture where #LearningIsRequired and Dragons thrive.
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At Denn John Middle School, our mission is clear: we are working toward earning a “B” school rating by the end of this year! To achieve this goal, we must meet the following proficiency targets:
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ELA: 40%
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Math: 40%
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Civics: 70%
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Science: 45%
These numbers represent more than test scores — they reflect the hard work, focus, and determination of our students and staff.
We know that one of the biggest challenges schools face is student motivation. But at DJMS, we firmly believe that every student has the ability and the will to perform at grade level. Our students are capable, our teachers are committed, and our community is strong.
Parents, your encouragement at home plays a powerful role. Simple words of support — asking about your child’s day, celebrating effort, and reinforcing the value of persistence — can make all the difference.
Let’s continue to work together to build a school culture where #LearningIsRequired and every student strives to reach their potential.
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First Day of Q2
Tuesday, October 14
Parent Success Night
Thurs. Oct. 16 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
SAC
Tues. Oct. 14 @ 5 pm (Media Center)
Q1 Honor Roll Ceremony
Wednesday, October 22 @ 9:45 AM (invite only)
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Thursday, October 28 @ 5:30 pm
PBIS Event- 7th Grade
Thursday, October 30- 4:30 pm - 5:30 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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