Dragon Community Newsletter #30
|
Dear House of Dragons Community,
DJMS had an amazing week! Dr. Shanoff, SDOC Superintendent, visited our campus to shadow an 8th grade student, and he spoke wonders about the incredible work happening at our school. I am extremely proud of our teachers and the level of excellence they bring each day.
Parents, did you know that our school data is looking strong? We are currently on track to achieve a “B” school grade in May — an incredible accomplishment! However, we need your continued support to get us there.
Please help us by ensuring:
- Students are attending school every day
- Students are prepared and ready to learn
Our first wave of state testing begins next week with B.E.S.T. Writes:
- Tuesday, March 31: 6th & 7th Grade
- Wednesday, April 1: 8th Grade
To encourage a positive testing environment, students may dress down for free on their assigned testing day, as long as they bring their laptop and charger. Please remember that all attire must remain school appropriate, and pajamas are not permitted.
As a reminder, summer school will not be offered this year, making it extremely important for families to monitor grades closely and ensure students are meeting expectations now.
Dragon Families, we are in the final stretch. Reaching our goals will take all of us working together. DJMS thrives on strong community involvement and partnership, and we truly appreciate your continued support. Together, we will finish strong and celebrate our success!
#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)
|
B.E.S.T. Writes
All DJMS students will complete the first wave of state testing this week! Parents, please help us be ready! We need students to bring their laptop and chargers on their assigned test day.
- Tuesday, March 31 - 6th & 7th Grades
- Wednesday, April 1 - 8th Grade
8th Grade Events!
Parents, 8th grade events are in motion! Save the dates and review the important events below! Note, there is a change to the Level Up Ceremony. Due to the fire code, we will need to host 2 separate Level Up Ceremonies. Students with last names A - L will have the first ceremony at 9:45 am. Students with last names M - Z will participate in the 2nd ceremony beginning at 11:00 am.
Our event will be in the DJMS cafeteria. Note, due to the fire code, DJMS may not allow more than 3 guests per student. We also recognize that some families are larger and have special circumstances. We will begin the waitlist today. Should you need more than 3 tickets, simply sign up below outlining your request. Note, receiving more than 3 tickets is not a guaranteed.
Link to Request Additional Tickets:
Quarter 3 Honor Roll Ceremony
Parents, the QTR 3 Honor Roll Ceremony is on Thursday, April 2 starting at 9:45 am. Note, we are required to formally check everyone in. Therefore, check-in will be available beginning at 8:30 am at the front of the school. We will have a waiting room available for those who arrive early. Note, anyone who reports to DJMS after 9:20 am is not guaranteed to report the ceremony on time.
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
|
|
At Denn John Middle School, we are working hard to achieve PBIS Model School Status this year — a recognition that reflects a positive, safe, and structured learning environment for all students. However, our current discipline trends show that we are not yet on track to meet this goal.
We are asking for your partnership. Please take time at home to review school expectations with your child and reinforce the importance of making positive choices each day. Conversations about respect, responsibility, and self-control go a long way in supporting success at school.
Being a PBIS Model School means:
- Students feel safe, supported, and respected
- Classrooms remain focused on learning with minimal disruptions
- Positive behavior is recognized and reinforced
- Students develop skills that prepare them for future success beyond the classroom
When behavior improves, learning increases — and every student benefits.
Together, we can create the environment our students deserve. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to helping DJMS reach this important goal.
|
At DJMS, student safety is always our top priority. We want to remind our students and families of the importance of reporting concerns as soon as they happen.
If a student needs to report an incident, they may come to the Dean’s Office to write a formal statement. This allows us to document the concern and begin a thorough investigation.
While we will always take every report seriously and investigate fully — even if it is shared days later — our experience has shown that concerns reported the same day are often resolved more effectively. Immediate reporting allows us to gather accurate information, address situations quickly, and prevent further issues.
We encourage all students to speak up, report concerns, and seek support right away. Together, we can continue to maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone at DJMS.
|
|
Track & Field (Co-Ed Team)
- Coach: Robby Suarez
- Practice: 4:30 pm - 5:50 pm (Tuesdays/Thursdays)
Schedule:
- Wednesday, April 1 - Celebration HS @ 6 PM
- Tuesday, April 7 - Kissimmee MS @ 6 PM
- Monday, April 13 - Kissimmee MS @ 6 PM
- Wednesday, April 15 - Gateway HS @ 5:30 PM (Regionals)
- Wednesday, April 22 - Tohopekaliga HS @ 5:30 PM
Flag Football (Co-Ed Team)
- Coach: Daniel Kim
- Practice: 4:30 pm - 5:50 pm (Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays)
**Schedule is pending
All athletes report to the cafeteria and check in with Ms. Bailey daily during dismissal.
Physical must be on file for any SDOC sport/athletics.
|
|
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
|
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.
|
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.
|
BEST Writes (FAST- 6th/7th Grades)
Tuesday, March 31
BEST Writes (FAST 8th Grade)
Wednesday, April 1
Track & Field Meet
- Wednesday, April 1 @ Celebration HS - 6 PM
Qtr 3 Honor Roll Ceremony
Thursday, April 2 @ 9:45 am
Grade Level Assemblies
Friday, April 3 - Last Hour of the Day
Battle of the Books
Thursday, April 9
PBIS Staff vs. Student - Volleyball Game
Friday, April 17
SAC
Tuesday, April 21 - 5 pm - Media Center
Battle of the Books
Thursday, April 9
Orchestra & Band Spring Concert
Thursday, April 30 @ 6 PM - Gateway HS
Yearbooks For Sale!
$35.00
tinyurl.com/djmsyearbook
|
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)
|
|
|
|
