Dragon Community Newsletter #22
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
We are excited to share that our school attendance continues to thrive! Currently, Denn John Middle School has an attendance average of 93% — thank you for your continued partnership and support!
Did you know that the State of Florida will be closely evaluating student attendance over the next 11 days? This process is known as FTE Survey 3, and it is a very critical time as DJMS finalizes student rosters. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that your student is at school every day and arrives on time. Every day of instruction truly matters.
In addition, DJMS is proud to launch Literacy Week from January 26 – January 30! Throughout the week, students will participate in engaging literacy-based activities across all content areas. To celebrate, all students may participate in a free dress-down day on Friday, January 30, wearing Red, White, or Blue.
As part of our continued focus on academic growth, we also want to remind families of the importance of Mathia completion. All students are expected to meet the following syllabus completion requirements by Friday, January 30:
- All students: 50% completion
- Algebra I students: 65% completion
- Geometry students: 84% completion
Mathia is a critical component of our math curriculum and plays a key role in helping students strengthen foundational skills and close learning gaps.
Our teachers work diligently each day to ensure instruction is meaningful and engaging. As part of our School Improvement Plan, DJMS maintains strong expectations for student engagement activities in every classroom. We believe that active engagement increases student achievement and makes learning more meaningful for all learners.
We are also excited to celebrate positive behavior with our PBIS Student vs. Staff Basketball Game on Friday, January 30. Please note that Standards of Participation apply:
- No current discipline referrals during Quarter 2
- No more than two unexcused tardies
- Students must be present at school on the day of the event
We look forward to an amazing week filled with learning, celebration, and Dragon pride!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
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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PBIS Event: Student vs. Staff Bball Game
Friday, January 30 during 7th period. Standards of participation will apply. More information to come.
Mathia- Round 2 Deadline
Students in math classes have the next round of Mathia due on Friday, Jan. 30. By the end of the day, all students must be at 50% completion. Failure to do so will result in administrative detention during the first week in February. Note, Algebra students must complete 65% and Geometry students must complete 84%. Of course, we will take into account new enrollees and dates. Students that have a confirmed laptop ticket will be excused; however, laptop tickets must have been submitted by Monday, Jan. 26. Tickets not submitted after Jan. 26 will result in administrative detention.
Literacy Week
All students will engage in awesome literacy activities next week! Note, all students will have a free dress down on Friday, Jan. in which they can wear Red, White, or Blue. Of course, it must be school appropriate which means no pajamas or open-toe shoes.
ESE Parent Night- Access Points
We are hosting the January ESE night on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5 pm - 6 pm. We welcome our Access Points parents!
Yearbooks! For Sale!
DJMS will sale yearbooks for $30 until Feb. 28. After Feb. 28, the prices go to $35. See the flyer below for the URL purchase link. Only online transactions will be accepted.
8th Grade- Gradventure Info!
8th Grade Gradventure information is here! All 8th graders received a letter outlining the cost, requirements, and expectations. See highlights below:
- Students must be present (all day) day of event
- Inappropriate behavior on site will not be allowed
- Refunds will be provided after May 19 for those who do not meet the qualifications
- No discipline referrals from the start of quarter 4 until May 8
- No F's (all school year)
- No more than 3 unexcused absences from 01/12/26 - 05/08/26
- Academic Requirement: level 3 or higher on PM 2, No Ds, or overall GPA above 2.0
Osceola Magics Spirit Night- Feb. 2
We encourage all of DJMS community to purchase tickets and attend the Osceola Magics night on Monday, February 2! Note, a specific amount will be donated to DJMS contingent on the number of DJMS spectators that attend. See the flyer below! **This is an independent function that requires DJMS families to supervise students.
Acceleration Night! - Tues. Feb. 3 @ 5:30 pm
All family members that have DJMS students in Algebra I, Geometry, or Biology are high encouraged to attend this important event! Come learn more about how you can support your students at home!
PBIS Event: Student vs. Staff Bball Game
Friday, January 30 during 7th period. Standards of participation will apply. More information to come.
YMCA- After School
The SDOC will sponsor the YMCA after school care until the end of January. Beginning in February, parents will need to register and pay for after school services. See flyer below!
Valentine's Day Dance
Thursday, February 12 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. The cost is $5 and
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At Denn John Middle School, we stand firmly by our belief that Learning is Required — every day, in every classroom, for every student.
Learning is Required means students are actively engaged in their learning and complete all classwork as assigned. It also means coming to school prepared by bringing your laptop daily, participating appropriately in lessons, and respecting your classmates, teachers, and school property.
Our goal is to create classrooms where learning can happen without disruption and where every student has the opportunity to be successful.
Teachers will always begin by providing clear expectations and an initial warning when a student is not meeting these expectations. However, after the first warning, continued noncompliance will result in a discipline referral.
This process is not meant to be punitive — it is meant to reinforce responsibility, accountability, and readiness for success both in school and beyond.
At DJMS, we believe in our students and hold high expectations because we know what they are capable of achieving. When everyone commits to the expectation that Learning is Required, our classrooms remain focused, respectful, and productive.
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This week, DJMS experienced two unfortunate and serious incidents during dismissal. Two students — one from Gateway High School and one from Denn John Middle School — were struck by vehicles.
Following investigations by law enforcement, it was determined that in both situations the incidents occurred because students did not follow established traffic laws. We are extremely grateful to share that both students are safe and recovering.
While we are thankful for this outcome, these situations serve as an important reminder of how serious traffic safety truly is. Moments like these can quickly lead to outcomes we never anticipate.
We ask for your partnership in speaking with your children about traffic laws and pedestrian safety, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Middle school students often underestimate the dangers of moving vehicles, and consistent reminders at home can make a meaningful difference.
DJMS will continue reinforcing traffic safety expectations with students on campus. Your additional support at home helps strengthen this message and ensures our students remain safe.
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Basketball
DJMS vs. KMS (Away)- Tues. Jan. 27 @ 6 pm
DJMS vs. Westside (Home)- Thurs. Feb. 5 @ 6 pm
DJMS vs. Celebration (Away)- Mon. Feb. 9 @ 6 pm
DJMS vs. KMS (Home)- Wed. Feb. 11 @ 6 pm
DJMS vs. Westside (Away)- Mon. Feb. 16 @ 6 pm
DJMS vs. Celebration (Home)- Tues. Feb. 17 @ 6 pm
Boys Coach: Daniel Kim
Girls Coach: Kara Bailey
Boys Team:
- Blake, Izaiah
- Hinz, Christopher
- Hernandez, Ezra
- Melendez, David
- McCrimon-Briggs, Malaki
- Lopez Santiago, Jayson
- Harrell, Demarcus
- Hernandez Barrera, Diego
- Griffin, Samuel
- Rivera, Joshua
- Escalona Pérez, Omar
- Jimenez, Raymond
- Alvarez, Joshua
Girls Team
- Garcia, Kyara (8th)
- Diaz, Elina (8th)
- Vasquez, Xaniyah (7th)
- Senese, Saniyah (7th)
- Rivera, Laylani (7th)
- Placide, Herna (7th)
- Haltiwanger, Desiree (6th)
Cheerleading
- Practice- Mondays & Wednesdays Only
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Coach Sonia Mckenzie
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
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Students who are enrolled in Intensive Reading receive weekly reading interventions during the school day. These targeted supports are designed to strengthen foundational reading skills and help students make consistent academic progress.
Examples of reading interventions may include:
- Small-group instruction focused on specific reading skills
- Phonics and decoding practice
- Fluency building through repeated reading
- Vocabulary development activities
- Reading comprehension strategies (annotating, summarizing, questioning)
- One-on-one conferencing with the teacher
- Targeted practice based on assessment data
These interventions are intentionally designed to meet students at their current skill level and help close learning gaps.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s reading progress or intervention supports, please contact your Intensive Reading teacher directly. They will be happy to provide additional information and guidance.
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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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One of the most impactful ways parents can support students at home is by having daily conversations about their interests. Asking simple questions such as “What did you enjoy learning today?”, “What class do you feel most confident in?”, or “What do you think you’re good at?” helps students reflect on their strengths and passions.
Middle school is a critical time for students to begin exploring career interests. These early conversations help students better understand themselves and can guide future course selections that align with their skills, interests, and long-term goals. When students feel connected to what they are learning, motivation, confidence, and academic success increase.
In addition, we ask for your continued partnership in reinforcing student safety expectations. Please continue discussing the importance of the message “See Something, Say Something.” Students should always report concerns, unsafe behavior, or anything that does not feel right. Reporting information helps keep everyone safe and will never result in disciplinary consequences for students who speak up.
We also ask families to reinforce the importance of following traffic laws, especially during arrival and dismissal. Student safety is our highest priority, and consistent reminders at home greatly support the work we do at school.
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Literacy Week
Jan. 26 - Jan. 30. Free dress down on Fri. Jan. 30.
PBIS Event- Staff vs. Student Bball Game
Friday, Jan. 30- Standards of Participation apply
Valentine's Day Dance
Thurs. Feb. 12- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Transportation is required)
SAC
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - 5 pm - Media Center
Osceola Magics- Spirit Night
Monday, February 2, 2026
Acceleration Night
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
DJMS Black History Night Event
Wednesday, February 25- 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Free!
Yearbooks For Sale!
$30.00 until 02/28
$35.00 after 02/28
**Online purchase only- See Flyer Above
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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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