Dragon Community Newsletter #23
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
Welcome to February! This month is filled with exciting opportunities, meaningful celebrations, and continued academic focus at Denn John Middle School.
First, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month. At DJMS, we value cultural exchange, immersion, and learning from one another. Throughout the month, students will participate in engaging activities and events that honor the rich history, contributions, and achievements of Black leaders and communities. We look forward to celebrating together all month long.
February is also Kindness Month. During this time, DJMS will intentionally highlight the importance of kindness, empathy, and positive relationships across campus. Strong Tier 1 instruction continues daily, and we thank you for ensuring your students attend school consistently and ready to learn.
We do need your support regarding technology readiness. Many students have lost or damaged their laptop chargers. As a friendly reminder, DJMS does not replace laptop chargers. Laptops are essential for daily instruction, assignments, and assessments. Below, you will find a link to purchase a replacement charger at the most affordable cost. Ensuring students arrive prepared each day supports their academic success.
Please also join us for Spirit Night with the Osceola Magic tomorrow! Tip-off begins at 7:00 PM, and we look forward to celebrating school spirit and community together.
Additionally, please stay tuned for the latest Mathia updates. Important changes and expectations are outlined below, and we appreciate your continued support in helping students meet their Mathia goals.
This week is also National School Counselor Month! We would like to recognize and celebrate Ms. Aponte and Ms. Librado for their dedication, care, and commitment to supporting our Dragons academically, socially, and emotionally.
Lastly, please join us in congratulating our very own Mr. Frankie Franceschi, who was recently named Assistant Principal of the Year at the SDOC Education Awards for the 2025–2026 school year. DJMS is incredibly proud and fortunate to have him, and he will go on to represent our school at the state level.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and support. Together, we continue to build a strong, caring, and successful DJMS community.
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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National School Counselor Week
Team, let's celebrate our school counselors all week long! Fyi.....they enjoy gifts and recognition ;-).
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.
Mathia- Round 2 Deadline
Students in math classes have the next round of Mathia due on Friday, Feb. 6. By the end of the day, all students must be at 40% 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 79%. 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. Students who have Mathia Round 2 violations will have a 5-day lunch detention beginning next week.
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!
JA Inspire- 8th Grade Field Trip
Parents, DJMS has over 170 8th grade students attending the JA Inspire Field Trip! Next Tuesday, students with permission will depart at 1:45 pm and report to Osceola Heritage Park. The 8th grade students will explore careers and programs!
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.
Link: tinyurl.com/djmsyearbook
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
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We are writing to inform you that Denn John Middle School experienced an increase in physical altercations this past week. Student safety is our top priority, and as a reminder, DJMS has zero tolerance for fights or physical altercations on campus.
In almost all cases, when a fight occurs, DJMS will explore a recommendation for expulsion, especially when the incident impacts school operations, learning environments, or student safety. These decisions are never taken lightly; however, they are necessary to ensure a safe and orderly campus for all students and staff.
Unfortunately, we have noticed that there is sometimes confusion around how discipline decisions are made. Under the Student Code of Conduct, consequences are not based on who strikes first or second. Rather, the focus is on a student’s engagement in the physical act itself. Additionally, the definition of self-defense within school policy applies only to life-threatening situations.
While we understand that some parents may disagree with this policy, it is important to note that personal interpretations do not change the expectations or the school’s disciplinary direction. Fights do not belong on campus under any circumstances.
We strongly encourage students to use appropriate conflict-resolution strategies, such as reporting concerns early, seeking help from staff, or participating in peer mediation, before situations escalate unnecessarily. In many cases, DJMS can intervene and support students before conflicts become physical.
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Winter is here — and can you believe Florida is experiencing temperatures in the 20s? As we navigate this unusually cold weather, we recognize that appropriate winter clothing may be a challenge for some families.
Please know that DJMS is here to help, to the best of our ability. We never want to see a child uncomfortable or suffering due to cold weather conditions. If your family is in need of appropriate winter clothing, we kindly encourage you to reach out to our school counselors, who can provide additional support and resources.
At the same time, we ask families to remember that the school dress code remains in effect, even on cold weather days. Students should wear clothing that is both weather-appropriate and aligned with school expectations.
School Counselors:
- annette.aponterodriguez@osceolaschools.net
- marlene.libradobonilla@osceolaschools.net
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Basketball
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
Standards of Participation: Home Games
- No discipline referrals
- No more than 4 unexcused tardies
- Must be present at school for at least a half day
(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports
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We would like to thank you for your continued support as WIDA testing continues at Denn John Middle School.
WIDA is a state-required English language proficiency assessment for students identified as English Language Learners. This assessment measures students’ progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and helps schools ensure students receive the appropriate instructional supports.
Students with an “LY” indicator are the students required to complete the WIDA assessment. The results are used to guide instruction, monitor language development, and ensure students are making progress toward English proficiency.
To ensure testing is completed in a timely and efficient manner, it is extremely important that students attend school every day during the testing window. Consistent attendance helps prevent make-up testing and allows students to test in a calm and familiar environment.
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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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As we move forward in the school year, academic content is about to become the most challenging it has been all year. During this time, some students may feel frustrated or tempted to give up. This is when encouragement and support matter most.
We ask for your partnership in promoting academic excellence by continuing to positively encourage your students, reminding them to stay focused, persevere through challenges, and ask for help when needed. Your words of motivation and belief make a powerful difference.
At DJMS, we hold firm to our belief that #LearningIsRequired, even when learning feels difficult. With strong support from both school and home, our students can rise to the challenge and achieve great success.
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National School Counselor Week
Feb. 2 - Feb. 6
Osceola Magics- Spirit Night
Monday, February 2, 2026
Acceleration Night
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Home Bball Game: DJMS vs. WSK8
Thurs. Feb. 5 @ 6 pm
Valentine's Day Dance
Thurs. Feb. 12- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Transportation is required)
SAC
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - 5 pm - Media Center
Parent Success Night- Spring
Tuesday, Feb. 17 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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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