Dragon Community Newsletter #29
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Dear House of Dragons Community,
Welcome back from a much-needed Spring Break! I hope everyone had the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. We are now officially in the 4th quarter, and this is one of the most critical times of the school year.
This is the season of testing and spiral reviews. Spiral reviews are essential as they serve as EOC-style re-teaching, where students revisit and strengthen skills taught from August up to now. In most core areas, new instruction will conclude by the end of March or early April, making review and mastery our top priority.
Because of this, daily attendance is absolutely essential. There is no time to miss instruction, and students must be present and prepared for upcoming FAST and EOC assessments. Please note, there will be no summer school this year, which means students must earn at least a 60% or higher in Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA to be promoted to the next grade level.
📚 Testing Information:
The first round of FAST testing begins next week with BEST Writes:
- Tuesday, March 31: 6th & 7th Grade
- Wednesday, April 1: 8th Grade
- Students must bring their fully charged laptop and charger each day.
📊 Mathia Requirement:
The next Mathia deadline is Friday, March 27.
- Students must reach at least 65% completion
- Enrollment dates will be reviewed for fairness
- Students who do not meet this requirement will receive 2 days of Lunch Detention during the week of March 30
🎢 Gradventure Update:
Gradventure registration has a firm deadline. By Tuesday, March 24, students must show interest by submitting at least one payment.
We currently need 15 more students to maintain two buses. If not, participation and transportation will be adjusted accordingly.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support during this critical time. Let’s stay focused, prepared, and finish strong.
#LearningIsRequired 🔥🐉
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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4th Quarter Begins
All core classes must have a year-long average of 60% or higher to be promoted to the next grade level. These classes included:
- ELA
- Science
- Social Studies
- Math
8th Gradventure Update
After reviewing the school’s finances and transportation requirements, DJMS must have a minimum of 78 students registered in order to run two buses for Gradventure. At this time, we still need 15 more students to meet this goal and keep our current plan active.
There will be a hard deadline of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for families to submit the first payment to secure their student’s spot. Unfortunately, 1st time payments will not be accepted after March 24 due to the bus contract and cancellation policy.
If we are unable to confirm 78 students with at least one payment by the March 24 deadline, we will unfortunately need to adjust our plan. In that case:
- DJMS would only be able to take 52 students on one bus.
- Students who already submitted payments but fall outside the first 52 spots would receive a 100% refund.
- The first 52 students who submitted their payment would secure the available spots.
Flag Football & Track Try-Outs
- Monday, March 23
- Tuesday, March 24
Mathia Syllabus Completion Deadline
The next wave of Mathia completion is here. Most students must have a 65% completion by Friday, March 27. Note, the enrollment date will be verified to ensure fairness. Students who do not have the 65% completed will receive 2 days of lunch detention.
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:
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
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As we enter the 4th quarter, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of student behavior on campus. Historically, this time of year brings the highest number of discipline referrals, and we want to be proactive in ensuring a positive and productive learning environment for all students.
We kindly ask that you take time to have conversations with your child about the importance of making good choices, showing respect, and following school expectations. At DJMS, we will continue to consistently reinforce our expectations and prioritize a safe, structured, and positive environment where every student can learn.
It is important to understand that mindsets and behaviors that go against these expectations will lead to challenges and consequences. Our goal is to support students, but we also must maintain high standards to ensure success for all.
Your partnership is critical during this time. Together, we can help our students finish strong, both academically and behaviorally.
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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.
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Flag Football & Track & Field Try-Outs
- Monday, March 23- Boys/Girls
- Tuesday, March 24- 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
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Parents, FAST Testing officially begins next week! We will launch this testing season with BEST Writes.
- 6th & 7th Grades: Tuesday, March 31
- 8th Grade: Wednesday, April 1
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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 continue through this critical 4th quarter, your support at home plays a major role in your child’s success. Below are a few key ways you can help your student stay on track and finish the year strong:
📊 Monitor Mathia Progress Daily
Check your child’s Mathia completion rate regularly and encourage consistent progress toward their goals.
🏫 Prioritize Daily Attendance
Every day counts during 4th quarter. Instruction, spiral review, and testing preparation are happening daily — missing school means missing critical learning.
📚 Review Grades Weekly
Take time each week to review your child’s grades and ensure their averages are well above 60% in all core classes. Early action prevents end-of-year concerns.
✅ Promote Positive Behavior
Encourage your child to make positive choices, follow school expectations, and contribute to a respectful learning environment.
🎉 Stay Motivated for End-of-Year Celebrations
Remind your student that exciting end-of-year events and celebrations are in the works — and participation is tied to effort, behavior, and performance.
🔥 Reinforce the Mindset: #LearningIsRequired
Help your child stay focused, motivated, and committed to their goals each and every day.
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Flag Football/Track & Field Try Outs (Boys/Girls)
- Monday, March 23
- Tuesday, March 24
Quarter 4 Begins
Monday, March 23
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
Battle of the Books
Thursday, April 9
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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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