Dragon Community Newsletter #25
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
Our Black History Month celebrations continue at DJMS! We are excited to invite all families to join us for our special event, Rhythms of Resiliency: Black History Night, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5:30 PM β 7:00 PM. This will be an evening filled with culture, music, student performances, and meaningful community connection. We are incredibly proud of the work our students and staff have prepared, and we truly hope to see you there!
This is also the last week of basketball season before the playoffs. Letβs pack the stands and support our Dragons as they compete and represent DJMS with pride!
As a friendly reminder, there is no school on Friday, February 20, 2026. This is a holiday for both staff and students.
Before we close, letβs remember the essentials for success:
1οΈβ£ Bring your laptop and charger to school every day.
2οΈβ£ Read for a minimum of 30 minutes daily to strengthen literacy and critical thinking.
3οΈβ£ Surround yourself with positive influences that shape your present decisions and future success.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we keep our Dragons excelling! ππ₯
With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,Β
-Administration
- Marc A. Hernandez (Principal)
- Frankie Franceschi (Assistant Principal of Instruction)
- Rafael Booker (Assistant Principal of Discipline & Operations)
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Mathia Detentions Continue
This week, students who do not have at least 40% completed on Mathia will receive 3-days of lunch detention. Exception apply for newer students. Parents were informed via ParentSquare if this an impact for you.
No School- Friday, February 20
Staff and student holiday! Osceola County Rodeo Day
New Business Partner! Osceola Flag Football
DJMS is proud to partner with Osceola Flag Football! See flyer below to seek more information!
Current 6th & 7th Grade Course Selections
This week, current DJMS students will select their elective course requests during science classes. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Franceschi directly.
Rhythms of Resiliency: Black History Night + Parent Success Night
DJMS is proud to host a community event on Wednesday, February 25 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Note, this event will also include a Parent Success Night component to review your child's current academic progress at school.
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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At DJMS, we believe deeply in one simple truth: #LearningIsRequired. This is not just a slogan β it is a mindset. We are intentionally working to shift our school culture toward one that promotes academic excellence for ALL students, not just a few. Every student has the ability to grow, achieve, and succeed when the right expectations and supports are in place.
As part of this effort, we addressed concerns with Mathia completion. Mathia Detentions were never our first attempt to correct math performance β they were implemented after multiple reminders, supports, and opportunities were provided. The results speak for themselves. We went from 400+ students in violation down to 250 students. That is a massive improvement. More importantly, it sparked awareness and important conversations about our overall math performance and the urgency of improvement.
Progress matters. Growth matters. Mindset matters.
Parents, bottom line β we need your help. Please continue to monitor Mathia completion, ensure your child brings their laptop and charger daily, encourage strong study habits, and reinforce that effort and accountability are non-negotiable. When school and home align in expectations, student achievement rises.
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We need your partnership regarding an important matter: physical altercations on campus.
Under the SDOC Student Code of Conduct, our investigation and consequence process does not begin with determining who hit first. If a student engages in a physical altercation, regardless of who initiated contact, it is classified as a fight and will be processed accordingly. In many cases, this may result in serious disciplinary consequences.
We understand that emotions can run high. However, the safest and smartest response is never to escalate physically. The best antidote to conflict is early reporting. When students report concerns at the very beginningβwhether it is a disagreement, rumor, social media issue, or peer conflictβschool staff can intervene, mediate, and prevent situations from escalating into something more serious.
Parents, please help us reinforce this message at home. Encourage your child to:
- Walk away from conflict
- Seek a trusted adult immediately
- Use peer mediation and restorative conversations
- Report concerns before they become physical
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Basketball
- 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 PΓ©rez, 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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At Denn John Middle School, we are laser-focused on our pathway to a βBβ school grade for the 2025β2026 school year! Our Vision Board outlines clear, measurable goals to increase student achievement across all content areas.
π ELA Goals
- Achievement: 40%
- Gains: 53%
- Low 25%: 57%
β Math Goals
- Achievement: 40%
- Gains: 56%
- Low 25%: 63%
π¬ Science Achievement: 45%
π Civics Achievement: 70%
π Middle School Acceleration: 85%
These goals are not just numbers β they represent our commitment to academic excellence, strong Tier 1 instruction, meaningful student engagement, and targeted interventions for every learner.
At DJMS, we believe that Learning is Required, and together β staff, students, and families β we are building a culture of achievement and growth.
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At Denn John Middle School, we believe that positive behaviors should be recognized and celebrated. Thatβs 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 β Staying on task and giving your best effort.
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Integrity β Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
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Respect β Treating yourself, others, and property with care.
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Engaged in Learning β 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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Middle school is more than just grades and schedules β it is a powerful time for students to begin discovering who they are and who they want to become. We encourage parents to start having regular conversations with your students about their interests, passions, strengths, and future goals.
Ask simple but meaningful questions such as:
- What subjects do you enjoy most right now?
- What careers sound interesting to you?
- What are you naturally good at?
- What clubs, electives, or activities would you like to try?
These small conversations plant important seeds. When students begin connecting their interests to their classes, they become more motivated, more focused, and more invested in their learning. Career exploration doesnβt begin in high school β it begins now.
At DJMS, we believe in preparing students not just for the next grade level, but for their future. Your encouragement at home makes a powerful difference. Together, we can help our Dragons dream big, plan early, and stay focused on academic excellence.
#LearningIsRequired πβ¨
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Mathia Detentions Continue
Week of Feb. 16
Away Bball Game: DJMS vs. Westside K8
Mon. Feb. 16 @ 6 pm
Home Bball Game: DJMS vs. Celebration
Tues. Feb. 17 @ 6 pm
SAC
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - 5 pm - Media Center
Rhythms of Resiliency: Black History Night + Parent Success Night
Wednesday, February 25- 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Free!
Field Days
6th Grade: Monday, March 9
7th Grade: Tuesday, March 10
8th Grade: Thursday, March 12
Yearbooks For Sale!
$30.00 until 02/28
$35.00 after 02/28
tinyurl.com/djmsyearbook
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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 atΒ Marc.Hernandez@osceolaschools.netΒ or 689.261.3280 (District Cellphone)
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