Dragon Community Newsletter #35
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Dear House of Dragons,
This week, we proudly celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week—a time to recognize the incredible educators who serve our students each and every day.
At DJMS, our teachers go above and beyond for our “little Dragons.” They are not only instructors, but mentors, role models, and champions for student success. Their dedication, patience, and passion make a lasting impact on our school community, and we are truly grateful for all that they do.
We encourage all families and community members to take a moment this week to reach out to a teacher and share a message of appreciation. A simple “thank you” goes a long way and means more than you may realize.
In addition, testing season has officially arrived. Please be sure to review the previous communication sent to families outlining important testing information. Student attendance is critical during this time. State law requires that 95% of students participate in state assessments, and we need all of our students present each day to meet this expectation.
While we continue striving toward becoming a “B” rated school, we are incredibly proud of the hard work and effort demonstrated by our students and staff all year long—regardless of where we land.
Most importantly, we need our students to believe in themselves. Confidence matters. Effort matters. We simply ask that every student gives their very best—100% effort.
On the student assigned testing day, students may dress down for free should they bring their laptop and charger. Note, the dress down must be school appropriate and no pajamas, no sandals, or no flip flops/slides.
We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home. Together, we can ensure our students feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting both our students and our teachers.
#LearningIsRequired
Dragons Breathe F.I.R.E. 🔥
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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Testing Incentives!
Parents, check out the testing incentives for this round! The chart is listed below!
Mathia Completion Rates
Parents, Mathia completion rates are coming to close. Please ensure students have the following Mathia rates done by the deadline. Note, students who do not have these requirements done could be impacted by grade level promotion and affect current math grade (qtr 4).
- Friday, May 8- 100% Completion
Civics EOC
Tuesday, May 5
6th ELA FAST
Wednesday, May 6
Science NGSS/Biology EOC
Thursday, May 7
7th ELA FAST
Friday, May 8
8th Grade Gradventure (Universal)
Friday, May 8
SDOC Free Physicals
Saturday, May 16 (8am - 2 pm)- Osceola Heritage Park (Registration Required)
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:
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As we approach the end of the school year, we want to remind families about student laptop chargers.
All students at DJMS are financially responsible for their assigned laptop chargers. At the end of the year, each student is expected to return their charger along with their device.
Please be advised that students who do not return a laptop charger will be placed on the school’s Obligation List. Being placed on this list may delay or prevent registration for the next grade level.
This is especially important for our students who will be transitioning to high school, as outstanding obligations can impact their ability to move forward smoothly.
To avoid any last-minute stress, we strongly encourage families to make arrangements now if a charger has been lost or damaged. Please refer to the flyer above for information on how to purchase a replacement charger.
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We are pleased to share that we have seen a decrease in inappropriate threats and comments among students. This progress is a direct result of your support and our continued efforts at school—thank you.
However, we are still noticing that some students continue to use foul or threatening language jokingly, without fully understanding the seriousness of their words. Even when said in jest, language that implies harm or includes inappropriate remarks can have serious consequences at school and may also raise concerns beyond the classroom.
At DJMS, we take all statements seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of every student and staff member. It is important that students understand that their words carry weight and can impact others in ways they may not intend.
We kindly ask for your continued partnership by speaking with your child about:
- Choosing words carefully
- Understanding the impact of “joking” language
- Making respectful and responsible choices in all settings
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Dragons!
The athletic season for the 2025-2026 school year is done! Congratulations to all of our coaches and athletes for a great year!
The athletic banquet is on Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 5:30 pm (Cafeteria).
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As we enter end-of-year testing, I want to begin by extending sincere appreciation to our teachers and staff—especially as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8, 2026.
Their dedication, preparation, and commitment make a tremendous difference every day. One of the best ways we can honor their hard work is by ensuring our students are ready, present, and giving their very best effort during testing.
Our students have been preparing thoughtfully and consistently, and we are confident they are ready to show what they know. With your partnership, we can help make this testing period a positive and successful experience for everyone.
Helpful Reminders for Families and Students:
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1. Be on time. Arriving on time helps reduce stress and ensures testing begins smoothly for all students.
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2. Plan appointments carefully. If a student has a medical appointment that requires early release, please confirm testing times with the school in advance so testing is not disrupted.
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3. Rest matters. A good night’s sleep helps students stay focused and confident during testing.
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4. Start with a healthy breakfast. Students should eat a nutritious breakfast at home or arrive early enough to eat a free breakfast at school.
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5. Academic integrity is essential. Cheating of any kind will have significant disciplinary consequences for students. For all testing, students are required to power off all cell phones and remove them from their possession during testing. Smart watches, Meta Glasses, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited in testing rooms. Violations of these policies may result in a test being invalidated, which can negatively impact not only the individual student but also others in the testing room as well. We encourage students to leave these items at home on testing days or keep them stored securely in backpacks before entering the testing environment.
Please join us in reminding your student(s) that we all believe in them. Their preparation, hard work, and effort truly matter. Testing over the next several weeks is an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and growth, and we are so proud of the work they have already done.
Thank you, parents and families, again for your continued support of our teachers and staff for everything they do to make our schools exceptional places of learning. Together, we look forward to a successful testing season and a strong finish to the school year.
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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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We want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of confidence and motivation in student success.
All year long, our students have worked incredibly hard, and we want you to know—we absolutely believe in them. We KNOW they are capable, prepared, and ready to succeed. Now, more than ever, students need to feel that same belief at home.
Confidence is the starting point for success. When students believe they can do it, they are far more likely to perform at their best.
Here are a few simple ways you can support your child at home:
- Remind them that they are prepared and capable
- Encourage a positive mindset (“You’ve got this!”)
- Celebrate effort, not just results
- Ensure they get rest and arrive to school on time each day
Your words matter. Your encouragement matters. Together, we can help our students walk into testing feeling confident, focused, and ready.
Let’s continue to remind them:
They’ve worked for this. They’re ready. They’ve got this.
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Teacher Appreciation Week
May 4 - May 8
Civics EOC
Tuesday, May 5
6th ELA FAST
Wednesday, May 6
8th Science + Biology EOC
Thursday, May 7
7th ELA FAST
Friday, May 8
Algebra I/Geometry EOC
Monday, May 11
8th ELA FAST
Tuesday, May 12
6th Math FAST
Tuesday, May 13
8th Math FAST
Thursday, May 14
7th Math FAST
Friday, May 15
Athletic Bandquet
Thursday, May 14 - @ 5:30 PM (Cafeteria)
SAC- May
Tues. May 19- 5 pm- Media Center
Yearbook Signing Party
Wednesday, May 20
7th Grade- Dragon ROAR Up
Thursday, May 21
8th Grade- Dragon ROAR Up
Friday, May 22
6th Grade- Dragon ROAR Up
Tuesday, May 26
Mathia Success Party!
Wednesday, May 27
8th Grade Level Up Ceremonies
Thursday, May 28
Ceremony 1: Last Names (A-L)- 9:45 am
Ceremony 2: Last Names (M-Z)- 11:00 am
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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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