Dragon Weekly Newsletter #14
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Dragon Fam,
We are now halfway through the 2nd quarter, and it is time to begin preparing for progress reports. Progress report grades will be pulled and reviewed on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Please ensure that all assignment due dates are set for no later than Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and that all progress report grades are finalized by the end of the day on Wednesday, November 12.
Thank you in advance for your attention to grade accuracy, timeliness, and clear documentation. This helps us communicate meaningful information to students and families, and it ensures that our academic records are consistent and aligned.
As we continue through the second quarter, please remain intentional about student engagement and instructional rigor. When students are actively involved in learning, they are more likely to develop a strong understanding of the skills and standards needed for success. Our ongoing efforts to monitor student progress and support academic growth directly impacts student proficiency on classroom assessments and upcoming district and state exams.
Finally, as we move into November, this is a time to reflect on what we are most grateful for. We want to express our sincere appreciation to each of you. We are thankful for your dedication, your commitment to students, and the heart you bring to your work every day. Your impact matters, and we see the difference you make.
Thank you for all that you do.
-Admin
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Progress report grades will be pulled and reviewed on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Please ensure that all assignment due dates are set for no later than Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and that all progress report grades are finalized by the end of the day on Wednesday, November 12.
This is a reminder of the importance and purpose of our F.I.R.E. Wednesdays. This day is intentionally designed for review, remediation, and enrichment—not for introducing new content. The goal is to ensure students have the time and support needed to strengthen understanding, close learning gaps, and extend knowledge where appropriate.
During F.I.R.E. Wednesdays, please use relevant and recent data to group students according to their academic needs. Instruction should be targeted and purposeful. In particular, our “bubble students” (approaching students) should receive direct support and focused small-group attention. These students are closest to proficiency, and with consistent, intentional intervention, they can make significant progress.
Strong Tier 1 instruction remains the foundation of all learning. When paired with targeted supports for our “approaching” students, we position our entire school community for success. Your intentional planning, data-driven grouping, and small-group engagement on F.I.R.E. days directly support our student growth goals.
Thank you for your commitment to meaningful, student-centered instruction. Your work makes a difference.
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This is a reminder of the importance of maintaining active student supervision throughout the school day. To ensure a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment, all teachers are expected to exit classrooms with students during transitions, supervise students during transition, walk with students to and from the cafeteria when required. We appreciate all teachers and staff that walk with and escort all students during dismissal, remaining with them until they are safely released to the bus loop, car line, or designated dismissal area.
Our presence during these times is essential. Consistent adult supervision in hallways and shared spaces helps prevent unsafe behavior, reduces opportunities for conflicts or disruptions, and supports smooth and efficient movement across campus. When students see staff members visible, attentive, and involved, they are more likely to follow expectations, stay focused, and demonstrate respectful behavior.
It is also important to recognize that lapses in supervision have resulted in formal investigations involving staff members. These situations are stressful and difficult for everyone involved and can often be avoided through consistent visibility and active monitoring. Maintaining proper supervision protects both students and staff, reinforces a positive school culture, and ensures that we are all upholding our professional responsibilities
Your commitment to guiding students during transitions not only keeps them safe but also contributes to a structured school environment where learning remains the priority. Thank you for your continued dedication to supporting our students and school community.
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Fire Drill - Wed. 12/03/25 during 6th Period
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Active Assailant Lockdown - (formerly called red lockdown)- Mon. 12/10/25 during 3rd Period
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Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
- Practice- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Boys Coach- Kara Bailey
Girls Coach- Daniel Kim
2025 OSCMSAC Volleyball Schedule
Thursday Nov. 13 CK8 vs DJMS (@ HOME)
Tuesday Nov. 18 KMS vs DJMS (@ HOME)
Wed. Nov. 19 DJMS vs WSK8 (AWAY)
Tues. Dec. 2 DJMS vs CK8 (AWAY)
Thurs. Dec. 4 DJMS vs KMS (AWAY)
Tues. Dec. 9 WSK8 vs DJMS (@HOME)
Dec. 10-17 PLAYOFFS
Cheerleading Tryouts
- Nov 3rd, 4th and 6th
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Coach Sonia Mckenzie
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
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Testing Info.
PM2 TEST DATES
Dec. 2 - 6th grade ELA PM2
Dec. 4 - 6th grade MATH PM2
Dec. 5 - 7th grade ELA PM2
Dec. 9 - 7th grade MATH PM2
Dec. 11 - 8th grade ELA PM2
Dec. 16 - 8th grade MATH PM2
Testing day procedures will be shared with everyone soon. We will continue with grade-level testing as we have done in the past. In order to ensure that all teachers maintain a planning period during testing, class periods will be inverted on testing days.
For example:
- ELA PM2: Classes will run in order from Period 1 → Period 7
- MATH PM2: Classes will run in reverse order from Period 7 → Period 1
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Student/Teacher Holiday - Veteran's Day
There is no school this Tuesday November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.
Student Work Hall Display
Teachers, let's showcase student work and decorate our hallways! Using the hanging rails (only) display exemplary student work that reflects #Learning is required. Those teachers that display the work by Friday, Nov. 7 will receive a sponsored lunch during the week of Nov. 10 (a good lunch too!)
Lunch B Procedures
See message above. Lunch B teachers may not exit the classroom until 1:04 pm (special bell) M,T,R,F and 12:30 pm (Wed) due to the minutes of instruction. Teachers who arrive early/prior to 1:04 pm will receive progress discipline for violating minutes of instruction. Help us address this issue!
DJMS Instructional Rounds- Part 2- Wed. Nov. 12 (F.I.R.E. Wednesday)
Teachers! We are ready to launch our instructional rounds-part 2! Our focus will be student engagement again. We need 4-5 teachers willing to showcase their awesome student engagement skills. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Hernandez asap to sign up.
6th Grade Osceola Magics Field Trip - Thursday, Nov. 13
Over 70 students have been invited and will be attending as reward for their daily attendance.
PBIS Event- 6th Grade
Thursday, Nov 13- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Supervision & Investigations
Team, I cannot express the importance of student safety and common sense. Over the past 2 weeks, multiple staff members have been under investigation due to safety infractions. More so, related to smoking vapes (in the classroom with the teachers present). Please use your best judgement and always report incidents in live time.
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner- Wed. Nov. 19
Dragon Fam, we are excited to continue our Thanksgiving Potluck tradition. DJMS will host our in-house Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm in the cafeteria. Below you will find the sign up to help organize the items needed for the event :-). We hope many staff members can participate no matter how big or small :-). Use the link below to sign up for items.
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F.I.R.E. Wednesdays
Team, as a reminder tested areas have targeted and provided lessons for F.I.R.E. Wednesdays. It is an expectation that these lessons are provided.
6th Int. R.1.2: Theme
7th Int. R.1.3: Context and Connotation
8th Int. R.2.2: Central Idea
6th Math: M2T2: Mathia Catch-up
6th Accel: M2T1: Mathia 1-5
7th Math: M2T3: Mathia 7
7th Accel: M2T4: Mathia 1-2
8th Math: M2T2: Mathia 7
Alg. 1: M2T3: Mathia 6
Geo: M2T2: Mathia 6
8th Science: Heat Transfer
Civics: Lesson Aligned by Franceschi (Progress Learning Coming Soon)
PLT Wednesday
Expect an email from your PLT lead with meeting location and agenda. PLTs are required to submit evidence of meeting (2x) monthly. 1st and 3rd week of each month.
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Building strong, positive relationships with students is a key factor in creating a supportive and productive classroom culture. When students feel seen, valued, and respected by their teacher, they are more likely to engage in learning, participate in class activities, and follow expectations. A positive relationship communicates to students that their teacher cares about them not only academically, but also as individuals. This sense of trust and belonging helps students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and persevere when learning becomes challenging.
In classrooms where relationships are prioritized, discipline issues naturally decrease. Students are less likely to disrupt a learning environment where they feel connected, understood, and supported. When challenges do arise, they can often be addressed more effectively because there is already a foundation of mutual respect. Students are more willing to accept redirection and feedback from an adult they trust. Additionally, relationship-building helps teachers better understand the unique needs, motivations, and strengths of their students, allowing them to respond proactively rather than reactively.
In short, strong relationships create a classroom environment where students feel motivated to do their best, and where positive behavior becomes the norm. This not only improves academic growth, but also helps build a positive school community for everyone.
Tips for Building a Positive Classroom Culture
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Greet students at the door: A quick hello, handshake, or smile helps start the class with warmth and connection.
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Use consistent routines and clear expectations: Predictability reduces anxiety and confusion, helping students feel safe and confident.
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Acknowledge effort, not just accuracy: Praise persistence, improvement, and problem-solving to reinforce a growth mindset.
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Model the behaviors you expect: Demonstrate respect, patience, and calm communication. Students mirror the tone you set.
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Celebrate achievements regularly—large and small: Recognize academic growth, positive behavior, attendance, or kindness to reinforce success.
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Stay consistent and fair: Students respond positively when expectations are steady and everyone is treated respectfully.
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Creating a positive classroom culture is essential to supporting students’ mental health and overall well-being. When students feel safe, respected, and valued in the classroom, they experience lower levels of stress and anxiety and are more willing to participate and take academic risks. A positive climate helps students feel connected—not only to their teacher, but also to their peers—which promotes a sense of belonging. This feeling of belonging is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Students who know they are cared for are better able to manage challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and stay engaged in learning.
A supportive classroom environment also helps students develop important social and emotional skills such as self-regulation, communication, and empathy. When teachers model patience, kindness, and calm problem-solving, students learn to respond to situations in healthier ways. Additionally, classrooms with positive culture experience fewer behavioral issues, because students are more motivated to cooperate when they feel understood and included. Instead of reacting defensively, students are more willing to accept guidance and redirection from adults they trust.
Building a positive classroom culture is not just about managing behavior—it is about supporting the whole child. When students feel emotionally safe, respected, and connected, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive both academically and personally.
Tips for Promoting Positive Mental Health in Students
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Create a calm, welcoming environment: Use routines, clear expectations, and a warm tone to help students feel safe and grounded.
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Build positive relationships: Show genuine interest in students’ lives, listen actively, and acknowledge their feelings.
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Encourage open communication: Let students know it’s okay to ask for help, express concerns, or share when something feels difficult.
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Celebrate resilience and growth: This helps students develop confidence and a positive mindset.
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Promote empathy and kindness: Encourage students to support and uplift one another. Positive peer interactions strengthen classroom community.
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Avoid public criticism and comparisons: Provide corrections privately and respectfully. Students’ emotional safety matters as much as academic success.
- If a student shows ongoing signs of emotional distress, connect with school counselors, support staff, or administration.
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At DJMS, we believe in the power of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to build a school culture where students thrive. PBIS is not just about discipline—it’s about teaching, modeling, and celebrating the values that make our Dragons strong.
Our PBIS values, F.I.R.E.—Focused, Integrity, Respect, and Engaged in Learning—are the foundation of how we learn and interact every day. By recognizing and rewarding these behaviors, we reinforce the importance of character, responsibility, and academic success.
That’s why Dragon Dollars should be handed out weekly. Students earn these as recognition for demonstrating F.I.R.E., and they can use them to participate in our monthly PBIS events. These events are designed to celebrate positive behavior and build community among our students.
When we consistently use PBIS and reward students for living out our values, we create a safe, respectful, and engaging school environment where #LearningIsRequired and every student has the chance to succeed.
6th Grade Social- Carnival
Thursday - 11/13/25- 6th grade students will have a PBIS Social where light snacks and hang out time will be provided. Various games & activities!
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Cheerleading Try Outs
Nov. 3rd, 4th, and 6th
No School- Veteran's Day
Tues. Nov. 11
First Volley Ball Game of the Season!
Thursday Nov. 13 CK8 vs DJMS (@ HOME)
6th Grade PBIS Event
Thurs, Nov. 13- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED CONTACT Ms. Toussaint
6th Grade Field Trip Invite Only
Thur. Nov. 13
SAC
Tues. Nov. 18 @ 5 pm
DJMS Thanksgiving Potluck
Wednesday, Nov. 19 @ 3:45 pm
DJMS Fall Pep Rally w/ Gateway HS
Thursday, Nov. 20 (Wednesday Bell Schedule)
School Holiday Break
November 24-28
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ROSERO, SANDRA 11/2
SALAZAR, LILIANA 11/6
CHALA, NAYELIE 11/11
BARIAS, JOANNE 11/15
ELBAROUKI, SARAH 11/17
MCCOY, HOLLY 11/27
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