Dragon Community Newsletter #14
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
We truly value the partnership between home and school, and we recognize that your support plays an essential role in your child’s academic success. When students know that their families are involved in their education, they are more motivated, confident, and prepared to reach their goals.
One of the most impactful ways you can support your child is by ensuring consistent daily attendance. Being present in class each day allows students to fully participate in instruction, engage in discussions, and stay on track with their learning. Even occasional absences can make it difficult for students to keep up and can affect both academic performance and confidence.
We also encourage you to monitor your child’s progress regularly using the Focus Parent Portal. The portal provides up-to-date information on grades, assignments, attendance, and teacher communication. Regularly reviewing this information helps you stay informed and allows you to address concerns early, celebrate successes, and encourage strong study habits.
As we move forward, we would also like to remind you that we are now halfway through the 2nd quarter. In the coming weeks, students will be taking their Progress Monitoring 2 assessments in both Math and ELA/Reading. These exams help us measure how well students are mastering the skills taught so far, and they allow teachers to adjust instruction to better support each learner’s needs.
Your support during this time is especially important. Encouraging good study habits, ensuring students come to school well-rested, and reviewing materials at home can make a meaningful difference in their performance. The Progress Monitoring assessments also help students understand their own growth and set goals as they continue to work toward proficiency. When students see that their effort leads to improvement, they develop confidence and a stronger desire to succeed.
By working together, we can help every student show what they know and continue to make progress throughout the school year. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning and success.
Click below to access all directions for parent portal access.
With F.I.R.E & Gratitude,Â
-Administration
- Marc A. Hernandez (Principal)
- Frankie Franceschi (Assistant Principal of Instruction)
- Rafael Booker (Assistant Principal of Discipline & Operations)
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Laptop Chargers
Parents, it is with great pain to announce that laptop charger replacements fall under the responsibility of parents. Whether lost, stolen, or broken, chargers will need to be replaced by parents. As an effort to assist with cost, we found an approved charger at approximately 23.00 from amazon. See link below:
Grade Recovery
Grade recovery is in full motion! Any student that earned a 50% or lower in a core class had a schedule change to recover the F. Because summer school is not an option next June, we must handle these concerns during the school year. If you student is in grade recovery, please ensure that they finish their assignments quickly so that they can return to their elective class.
No School- Tues. Nov. 11
Happy Veteran's Day to our Vets and thank you for your service. There is no school on Tues. Nov. 11 for both students/staff.
PBIS Event: 6th Grade
DJMS will host a PBIS event for 6th grade only on Thurs. Nov. 13 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. The cost is $15 Dragon Dollars!
First Volleyball game of the Season!
On Thursday November 13th our Boys and Girls Volleyball teams take on Celebration at home. Games start at 6:00 pm
Q2 Progress Reports Available
Progress Reports for the 2nd 9 weeks will be published to the parent and student portals on Friday, November 14, 2025
DJMS Pep Rally w/ Gateway HS
DJMS is excited to return the DJMS pep rally with Gateway HS this fall. On Thurs, Nov. 20, DJMS will operate on a Wednesday schedule to allow the pep rally to occur. This is a PBIS event with specific parameters related to student participation. Please be on the lookout to determine the eligibility criteria.
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We need help in lowering tardies to school and class.
We would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of students being on time to all of their classes. Punctuality plays a key role in academic success. When students arrive on time, they are able to begin the lesson with their classmates, receive important instructions, and fully participate in learning activities. Arriving late can cause students to miss valuable information and can disrupt the learning environment for others.
It is also important that students take advantage of every instructional minute. Each part of the lesson is designed to build understanding, reinforce skills, and provide opportunities for practice. When students are present and actively engaged from the very start of class, they are better prepared to keep up with course expectations and make steady academic progress.
Please speak with your child about developing consistent routines that support being on time each day. Establishing strong habits now helps students build responsibility, time management skills, and respect for their own learning and the learning of others. These skills will benefit them not only in school, but in future academic and professional settings as well.
Coming to school in dress code with ID is important!
We would also like to remind families about the importance of following the school and district dress code and student ID policies. These guidelines are in place to ensure that our campus remains a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students.
Wearing the proper attire and visibly displaying student IDs is especially important. State law requires that all school staff and students have their school ID on and visible at all times while on campus. In addition, students must have their ID to check out books from the media center, to receive lunch in the cafeteria, and to board a school bus. Ensuring students have their ID helps streamline daily routines and supports a safe and well-organized school environment.
A consistent dress code also minimizes distractions and helps students focus more on learning rather than clothing choices. When students come to school dressed appropriately and wearing their IDs, they are demonstrating readiness to learn and respect for their school community.
We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child comes to school each day following these expectations. Working together, we can continue to create a positive and productive learning environment for every student.
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We need to talk about something important — vaping. You may have seen it online, heard about it from friends, or even seen it in real life. But here’s what you might not know: vaping is not safe and can cause serious harm to your body, especially while you’re still growing.
When you vape, you’re breathing in chemicals that can hurt your lungs and make it harder to breathe, run, or play sports. Many vapes also have nicotine, which is highly addictive — it changes the way your brain works and can make it harder to focus or learn in school. Even “flavored” vapes that seem harmless can contain toxic metals and chemicals that damage your lungs and heart.
Vaping can also affect your mood and energy. Some students who start vaping end up feeling more stressed or anxious — the exact opposite of what they expected. The truth is, the companies that make these products are targeting young people with cool colors and flavors, but what they don’t show are the health problems that can come with them.
At DJMS, we care about you and want every Dragon to grow up strong, healthy, and ready to reach your goals. Making good choices — like saying no to vaping — means you’re taking control of your health and your future.
Remember: real strength is saying no when it matters most. You have the power to make the right choices for yourself and to be a leader among your friends.
#DragonStrong #LearningIsRequired #HealthyDragons
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Volleyball (Boys/Girls)
- Practice: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Volleyball Coach (Girls)
Daniel Kim
Daniel.Kim@osceolaschools.net
Volleyball Coach (Boys)
Kara Bailey
Kara.Bailey@osceolaschools.net
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
Cheerleading Coach
Sonia Mckenzie
sonia.mckenzie@osceolaschools.net
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
Athletic Director: Sonia McKenzie
sonia.mckenzie@osceolaschools.net
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PM2 TEST DATES
Dec. 2 - 6th grade ELA PM2 2-Dec
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
Attendance and best effort on state test days are extremely important because they allow students to show what they have truly learned throughout the year. When students are present for testing, schools get an accurate picture of their academic progress, which helps teachers identify strengths and areas that need more support. Missing test days can create unnecessary stress since make-up sessions often take place during regular class time, causing students to miss new instruction and fall behind. Being on time and ready helps students start the day calmly, boosting confidence and focus. Just as important as attendance is effort—doing one’s best ensures that test results reflect each student’s real abilities and growth, not a lack of motivation or fatigue. State assessments are designed to help teachers, schools, and families understand how well students are mastering essential skills. When students put forth their best effort, it helps educators make better decisions about instruction and resources while also building students’ perseverance, focus, and confidence. Parents can support success by ensuring their child gets plenty of sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, arrives on time, and receives positive encouragement to simply do their best and take pride in their hard work.
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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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Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home
As partners in your child’s education and growth, we want to share a few helpful tips on how parents can support their child’s academic progress at home. When families and schools work together, students feel encouraged, motivated, and confident. Small routines and positive habits at home can make a big difference in helping students stay organized, focused, and prepared for success both in and out of the classroom.
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Establish a consistent daily routine: Set a regular schedule for homework, studying, and bedtime. A predictable routine helps students stay organized and reduces stress.
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Create a quiet, distraction-free workspace: Provide a clean, well-lit area where your child can work without TV, phones, or loud noise. A dedicated workspace helps students stay focused and improves productivity.
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Check the Focus Parent Portal regularly: Reviewing grades, assignments, and attendance helps you stay informed. This makes it easier to support your child, celebrate progress, and address concerns early.
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Encourage your child to ask questions: Remind your child that it’s okay not to understand everything right away. Asking questions and seeking help builds confidence and strengthens learning.
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Set short-term goals and celebrate progress: Help your child break big tasks into smaller steps, and recognize their effort and achievements. Small successes motivate continued effort.
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Read every day: Even 15–20 minutes of daily reading increases vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Students who read regularly perform better in every subject.
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Limit screen time during learning time: Reduce distractions such as phones, gaming, and social media while studying. Focused work time leads to higher quality learning and better results.
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Review class notes or practice problems together: Spend a few minutes each evening discussing what your child learned. This reinforces new information and helps identify areas that may need extra support.
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Encourage good sleep habits: A full night of rest improves attention, memory, and mood. Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep to help your child stay alert and ready to learn.
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Promote a positive attitude and effort: Praise your child’s hard work rather than just their grades. Effort and persistence build resilience and lead to long-term academic success.
Thank you for supporting positive study habits at home. Your encouragement, routines, and involvement help students stay focused, responsible, and motivated to do their best. We appreciate your partnership in helping our students succeed.
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No School- Tues. Nov. 11
Staff/Student Holiday- Veteran's Day
PBIS Event- 6th Grade
Thursday, Nov 13- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Volleyball Game - DJMS vs CK8 @HOME
Thursday Nov. 13 6:00 pm
6th Grade Osceola Magics Field Trip
Thursday, Nov. 13- Permission form required
SAC
Tuesday Nov. 18 @ 5 pm (Media Center)
Volleyball Game - KMS vs DJMS (@ HOME)
Tuesday Nov. 18 6:00 pm
Volleyball Game - DJMS vs WSK8 (AWAY)
Wednesday Nov. 19 6:00 pm
DJMS Pep Rally w/ GWHS
Thursday, Nov. 20
PBIS Eligibility Criteria will be required (TBD)
Student/Staff Holiday- No School
There is no school Nov. 24 - Nov. 28. Happy Thanksgiving!
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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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