House of Dragons!
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Denn John Middle School! On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, I am thrilled to welcome both our returning and new Dragon families to another exciting year of learning, growth, and success.
This edition marks the very first issue of our Dragon Chronicle, our weekly family newsletter designed to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with everything happening at DJMS. Each week, you'll find important school updates, celebrations, academic information, upcoming events, and resources to help support your child's success throughout the year.
This year's theme is Activate the Blue Flame. Why a blue flame? Unlike a traditional orange flame, a blue flame burns hotter, brighter, and stronger. At DJMS, we believe every student, every staff member, and every family possesses an inner Blue Flame—a passion and purpose that inspires greatness.
📈 Building Upon Success
Last school year was one of tremendous growth for Denn John Middle School. Our students demonstrated significant academic gains, our teachers continued raising the bar for instructional excellence, and together we strengthened a school culture built upon high expectations and meaningful relationships. While we are proud of our progress, we know our best days are still ahead. This year, we remain committed to continuous improvement as we pursue even greater levels of student achievement.
🏆 A School on the Rise
DJMS continues to establish itself as one of the premier middle schools in our community.
This year, we proudly celebrate that Denn John Middle School is:
- 🥈 A PBIS Silver Tier School, recognized for creating a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment.
- 📚 An AVID Certified School, demonstrating our commitment to preparing every student for college, career, and life.
- ⭐ Beginning Year One of our three-year journey toward becoming an AVID National Demonstration School, one of the highest honors a school can achieve for implementing exemplary teaching practices, student engagement, and college and career readiness.
These recognitions are not destinations—they are stepping stones toward our vision of becoming a school of excellence where ALL means ALL.
Parents and guardians are an essential part of our Dragon Family. Whether it's ensuring students attend school every day, checking grades, communicating with teachers, volunteering at school events, or simply encouraging your child to do their very best, your partnership makes a tremendous difference.
This year, we encourage every family to stay connected through ParentSquare, attend school events, celebrate your child's successes, and communicate regularly with our teachers and staff. Together, we can ensure every Dragon has the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,
Marc A. Hernandez- Principal
Frankie Franceschi- Asst. Principal of Instruction
Matt Pelc- Asst. Principal of Discipline/Operations
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School Supervision
School gates open @ 9 am. Prior to 9 am, DJMS cannot supervise students. School closes at 5 pm.
Bus Information
Student Schedules
On Monday, all students will find their name in the Grand Hallway to determine 1st period location/teacher. During 1st period, all students will receive their schedules.
Student IDs
SDOC mandates student IDs at all times. On Monday, all students will receive a paper ID AND actual SDOC ID during lunch. This is required for meals and SDOC transportation.
Free Breakfast & Lunch @ DJMS
ALL Dragons receive free breakfast & lunch at DJMS. Always! It is required to know/memorize your student ID.
Dragon Swag For Sale
Hoodies (Red/Black): $33.00 (Pre-Sale Only)
School Polos w/ Dragon Logo (Red, Black, White, Navy, & Gray): $22.00 (Pre-Sale Only)
DJMS Blue Flame T-shirts (Red): $12.00 (In Stock & Pre-Sale)
Laptop Distribution
7th Grade- Wednesday, August 12
6th Grade- Thursday, August 13
8th Grade- Friday, August 14
Student Orientation
All students will learn the Teach Tos Orientation on Monday, August 10 & Tuesday, August 11. It is imperative that our Dragons immediately start on 08/10/26.
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DJMS Dress Code Policy
See picture below! Dress Code Policy is updated!
Cellphone/Technology Policy
Under zero circumstances may a student use their cellphone from 9:00 am - 4:25 pm at DJMS. In additions, cannot have their phones on them. Cellphones/technology must be stored in a bag.
Truancy Begins!
DJMS MUST have students at school daily! An absolute must! Truancy process will immediately begin after 5 unexcused absences.
Grade Level Assemblies
DJMS will host specific grade-level assemblies on Friday, August 14 during 7th period.
Tardies
Tardies will begin on Thursday, August 13. We will train and orient our students during the first 2 days of school.
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SDOC Student Code of Conduct
DJMS will strictly follow the SDOC Student of Conduct. In our in-house discipline matrix is aligned with the SDOC.
See Something, Say Something
DJMS will implement a simple concept! If you see something unusual, say something! Students will never be penalized for reporting suspicious activity (even if it is not confirmed).
Bikes & Scooters
Dragons are allowed to bring bikes and regular scooters (not electric) to school; however, they must be stored in the Bike Rack with an appropriate locking device. Please work with your students to ensure this is understood. Scooters will not be permitted to be stored indoors.
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Welcome to athletics!
Soccer is the first sport of the year! Both boys and girls are eligible (exceptions apply, see below). This year, DJMS will have a co-ed soccer team.
Soccer Try-Outs: 4:30 - 5:50 pm
Monday, August 17
Thursday, August 20
Monday, August 24
Student physical must be on file. In addition, students must meet grade criteria. No pass, no play. Lastly, all students must complete concussion test and pay an administrative fee of $25.00.
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FAST PM 1 is scheduled during the first week of September. Stay tuned as specific days are selected!
Math School City Assessments:
6th Math: M1T1 (08/24 - 09/07)
6th Accel: M1T1 (08/24-09/08)
7th Math: M1T1 (08/19-09/02)
7th Accel: M1T1 (08/24-09/08)
8th Math: M1T1 (08/28-09/14)
Alg 1: M1T1 (08/19-09/02)
Science School City Assessments
Biology: Bio, Enz, H20 (08/28-0914)
Biology: Cells (09/24-10/09)
8th Science: Astronomy (09/02-09/17)
8th Science: Astronomy (09/22-10/07)
7th Adv: Div of Life (09/04-09/21)
7th Adv: Ecosystems (09/22-10/07)
7th Reg: Div of Life (09/02-09/17)
7th Reg: Div of Life (09/30-10/15)
6th: Earth (09/09-09/24)
6th: Earth (09/29-10/14)
Social Studies School City Assessments
Pending
Literacy School City Assessments
Pending
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At Denn John Middle School, we believe that a positive school culture is built through a strong partnership between our school and our families. When students receive consistent expectations and encouragement both at school and at home, they are more likely to develop the habits and character needed to be successful. That's why PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is an essential part of the House of Dragons.
Middle school is a time when students are developing independence, building friendships, and learning how to make responsible decisions. During these important years, students thrive when the adults in their lives work together to provide clear expectations, consistent guidance, and positive encouragement. PBIS helps us teach, reinforce, and celebrate the behaviors that lead to success in the classroom, at home, and throughout our community.
Our PBIS framework is centered around our F.I.R.E. Expectations:
🔥 Focused
🔥 Integrity
🔥 Respect
🔥 Engaged in Learning
These are more than school expectations—they are the values we strive to instill in every Dragon. Whether students are in the classroom, walking through the hallways, riding the bus, participating in athletics, or at home with their families, we encourage them to demonstrate these behaviors every day.
💰 Dragon Dollars: Celebrating Positive Choices
One of the ways we recognize and encourage positive behavior at DJMS is through our Dragon Dollar program.
Dragon Dollars are awarded to students who demonstrate our F.I.R.E. expectations by making positive choices. This may include showing kindness to others, actively participating in class, arriving prepared, displaying integrity, persevering through challenges, or consistently demonstrating respect for others.
We encourage families to ask their child about the Dragon Dollars they earn and celebrate those accomplishments together. A simple conversation about why they received a Dragon Dollar reinforces the positive behaviors we want to continue seeing.
Together, we can help every Dragon develop the character, responsibility, and confidence needed to succeed. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to build a positive school culture where Dragons Breathe F.I.R.E.
Focused • Integrity • Respect • Engaged in Learning
#LearningIsRequired
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At Denn John Middle School, we believe that learning doesn't end when the dismissal bell rings. Throughout the school year, Growing Dragons at Home will provide simple, practical tips that families can use to support their child's academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being.
The beginning of the school year is all about building routines, relationships, and confidence. As students settle into middle school, your encouragement and involvement can make a tremendous difference.
🔥 Week 1 Family Challenge
Here are a few simple ways you can support your Dragon this week:
📚 Read for 30 Minutes Every Day
Encourage your child to read for at least 30 uninterrupted minutes each day. The best part? They can read anything! A novel, magazine, comic book, sports article, biography, or online news article all help strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
👩🏫 Talk About Their Teachers
Ask your child:
- Who are your favorite teachers so far?
- What do you enjoy about their classes?
If your child expresses concern about a particular teacher, encourage them to keep an open mind. Strong teacher-student relationships take time to develop, and a positive mindset can go a long way toward creating a successful school year.
📝 Learn the Names
Challenge your child to see if they can name all of their teachers. Knowing their teachers helps students feel more connected and confident as they navigate their new schedule.
👥 Ask About New Friendships
Middle school is a time when friendships are incredibly important. Ask your child:
- Who have you met this week?
- Who do you enjoy sitting with at lunch?
- Have you made any new friends?
These conversations can provide valuable insight into your child's social experience at school.
💻 Monitor Student Devices Weekly
Take a few minutes each week to check your child's school-issued device. Ensure it is charged, cared for, and being used appropriately. Monitoring technology helps students stay organized and prepared for learning.
❤️ Check In on Their Well-Being
One of the most powerful questions you can ask is simply:
"How are you doing?"
Listen to your child's successes, frustrations, and excitement. The first week of school can bring many emotions, and knowing they have your support makes all the difference.
🐉 Remember...
Week 1 isn't about perfection—it's about becoming acclimated.
New classrooms, new teachers, new routines, and new friendships all take time. Encourage your child to be patient with themselves, stay positive, and embrace each new opportunity. Together, we can help every Dragon begin the year with confidence and a strong foundation for success.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to grow extraordinary Dragons—both at school and at home! 🔥🐉
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First Day of School
Monday, August 10- Doors open at 9 am
Student ID Distribution
All students will receive their student IDs on Monday, August 10 during lunch.
Laptop Distribution
7th Grade- Wednesday, August 12
6th Grade- Thursday, August 13
8th Grade- Friday, August 14
Grade Level Assemblies
Friday, August 14- 7th Period
PBIS Welcome Back Dance
Thursday, August 27 - 4:30 - 6:00 pm
$15 Dragon Dollars
PBIS Popsicles Challenge
Friday, August 28 - Lunch
PM 1
First Week of September
No School - Labor Day
Monday, September 7
DJMS Picture Day
Tuesday, September 8
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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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