Dragon Community Newsletter #28

Posted Date: 03/08/26 (09:45 AM)

Dragon Community Newsletter #28

2025-2026

March 9, 2026

Spring Forward & Happy Spring Break!

Dear House of Dragons Community,

Today marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, which means we spring forward! Please remember to set your clocks ahead by one hour to ensure students arrive at school on time tomorrow.

We also have a very busy week ahead at DJMS!

First, we are excited to launch our Field Days. This year, Field Day is being used as an incentive to celebrate students who consistently demonstrate our F.I.R.E. expectations—being Focused, showing Integrity, being Respectful, and staying Engaged. I am happy to share that over 400 students are eligible to participate in these festivities.

For students who will be attending Field Day, please ensure they bring one bottle of water on their assigned Field Day to stay hydrated during activities.

In addition, Quarter 3 ends this week. The last day for students to submit work for the quarter is Thursday, March 12 by the end of 7th period. Please encourage your child to complete any missing assignments and finish Grade Recovery as soon as possible.

As a reminder, summer school will not be available this year due to school budgeting. Because of this, it is extremely important that all students take advantage of the remaining time to submit work and improve their grades before the quarter ends.

Please also note the following upcoming dates:

Friday, March 13, 2026 – No school for students
Spring Break – March 16 through March 20
Students return Monday, March 23, 2026, which marks the beginning of Quarter 4

As we approach the break, we encourage our students to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with their families. When we return, we will begin Spiral Review and testing season, and we look forward to finishing the year strong together.

Note, the Dragon Community Newsletter will return on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Thank you for your continued support of our Dragon 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)

School News and Updates

Field Days Schedule

• 6th Grade – Monday, March 9, 2026

• 7th Grade – Tuesday, March 10, 2026

• 8th Grade – Thursday, March 12, 2026

This year, we are raising the standard for participation to promote responsibility, academic focus, and positive behavior.

Standards of Participation:

• 50% Mathia Syllabus Completion

• No discipline referrals from 02/18/26 – 03/06/2026

• No more than 4 unexcused tardies since the beginning of Quarter 3

For participating students: It is highly encouraged to bring one water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the activities.

NAEP Testing- 8th Grade - Monday, March 9

Parents, about 100 8th graders will take the Civics NAEP test on Monday, March 9. This is a pilot test being researched for other practices. This does not count for any Florida accountability.

Quarter 3 Ends- Thursday, March 12

Grades are due on Friday, March 13; therefore, the last day to submit Q3 assignments is Thursday, March 12.

No School- Friday, March 13

Teacher Workday

6th Grade Health Screenings

Parents, about 80 6th graders receiving health screening forms. DJMS did not meet the required threshold by the state to complete the health screening documentation. Though parents are not required to accept services from the SDOC/State, it is mandated that the form is returned outlining your choice in services. It is absolutely essential that you return these forms asap to DJMS.

West Ed- Student Survey

Parents, DJMS partners with Carnegie Learning for our math curriculum. DJMS does NOT use the SDOC math curriculum.

This year, a research company is evaluating the effectiveness of this program at DJMS. We need your help. Students are to complete survey; however, this requires parent consent. Any student who participates in this task will receive free Takis! Yum! Help us maximize this effort!

Link:

Osceola Parent consent - Airtable

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

Spring Break- No School

Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20

Student Services Updates:

Transparency: Always!

As we enter the final week of Quarter 3, this is an important time for students to review their grades and complete any missing assignments. We encourage parents to help students take an active role in communicating with their teachers so they have every opportunity to improve their grades before the quarter ends.

One of the best ways to support your child is by encouraging them to start a conversation with their teachers. This helps students build responsibility and learn how to advocate for themselves.

Parents can support students by encouraging them to ask their teachers questions such as:

“I noticed I have a missing assignment. Is it still possible for me to complete it?”
“What assignments should I focus on first to improve my grade?”
“When would be a good time for me to come in for help?”
“Is there anything I can do to show that I understand the concept?”

Students can connect with their teachers during class, before school, after school, or during appropriate times throughout the day. Teachers are always willing to support students who are taking initiative and working to improve.

We believe that communication, responsibility, and effort are key skills that help students succeed not only in school but in life. Your encouragement at home can make a big difference in helping students take that important step.

Student Supervision & Safety Expectations

Parents - There are important permanent bus route changes:

Starting on Tuesday, March 10th, Bus 352 will be dissolved. Also, one stop from 436 will move to 414.

The students that were on bus 352 will now be split onto buses 456, 436,
One stop from bus 436 will now be on bus 414.

**DJMS will assist all of the impacted students on Monday, March 9.

Athletics @ DJMS

Coming Soon!

Flag Football & Track & Field Try-Outs

Monday, March 9- Boys/Girls
Tuesday, March 10- Boys/Girls
Thursday, March 12- Boys/Girls

Try-Outs: 4:30 pm - 5:50 pm

All students report to the cafeteria and check in with Ms. Bailey beginning at 4:30 pm.

(A current physical must be on file)- All SDOC Sports

Spring Testing Schedule

Denn John Middle School testing dates for 2026, including FAST PM 3 and EOCs.

PBIS @ DJMS

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.:

Focused – Staying on task and giving your best effort.
Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Respect – Treating yourself, others, and property with care.
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.

At Home Support

Here's how you can help:

As Quarter 3 comes to an end, the support students receive at home can make a big difference. Here are some simple but effective ways families can help students finish the quarter successfully.

1. Check Grades Together

Take a few minutes to review grades with your student through the school portal. Look for:

Missing assignments
Low assessment scores
Classes that may need improvement

This helps students clearly see what needs attention before the quarter ends.

2. Create a Short Homework Plan

Encourage your student to make a simple plan for the week:

List missing assignments
Prioritize the most important ones first
Set aside time each evening to complete them

Breaking work into smaller tasks makes it less overwhelming.

3. Encourage Students to Email or Speak with Teachers

If students are unsure about assignments, encourage them to reach out to their teachers. A quick message or conversation can clarify expectations and help students focus on the most important work.

4. Set Up a Quiet Study Space

A consistent and distraction-free place to work can help students stay focused. Try to:

Limit phone distractions
Turn off television during study time
Provide basic supplies (paper, pencil, charger, etc.)

5. Review Notes or Study Materials

Even if assignments are complete, students can benefit from reviewing:

Class notes
Vocabulary
Practice problems
Study guides

This strengthens understanding and prepares them for the next quarter.

6. Encourage Effort and Accountability

Remind students that their effort now matters. Finishing strong helps build habits of responsibility and persistence.

7. Keep a Positive Mindset

Celebrate progress and effort, even if improvement is still needed. Encouragement from home helps students stay motivated.

8. Prioritize Rest and Balance

Make sure students are getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking short breaks while studying. Healthy routines help students stay mentally focused.

Last Section!

Upcoming Events

Field Days

6th Grade: Monday, March 9
7th Grade: Tuesday, March 10
8th Grade: Thursday, March 12

Flag Football/Track & Field Try Outs (Boys/Girls)

Monday, March 9
Tuesday, March 10
Thursday, March 12

Quarter 3 Ends- Thursday, March 12

All Q3 assignments are due. This is a hard deadline.

No School- Friday, March 13

Teacher Workday

Spring Break- No School

Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 2

Student Returns & Qtr 4 Begins

Monday, March 23, 2026

SAC

Tuesday, March 24 - 5 pm - Media Center

Yearbooks For Sale!

$35.00

tinyurl.com/djmsyearbook

BEST Writes (FAST- 6th/7th Grades)

Tuesday, March 31

BEST Writes (FAST 8th Grade)

Wednesday, April 1

Get Involved!

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!

https://www.volunteer.schoolcheckin.net/Views/VolunteerLogin.aspx?did=E8F38695-9F3E-4087-9A95-7E581B981CBF&formno=346&userrole=DA

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)