Dragon Chronicle # 3

Posted Date: 08/23/26 (08:48 AM)

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The Dragon Chronicle # 3

2026-2027

August 24, 2026

From the Dragon's Den

House of Dragons!

And that’s a wrap—Week 2 is officially complete! As we enter Week 3, the nonstop journey—our open ocean voyage to May—truly begins. Along the way, we will experience amazing days, challenging days, so-so days, and maybe even a few blah days. But regardless of what each day brings, we are in this together as one Dragon Family!

This year, DJMS will achieve its goals because of the incredible students who walk through our doors each day. DJMS absolutely loves our students, and we are grateful that you have chosen Denn John Middle School for your child's educational journey!

🔥 PBIS Events Begin This Week!

Our PBIS Welcome Back Dance is happening on Thursday, August 27! The cost to attend is 15 Dragon Dollars. Students who attend will receive two slices of pizza and a drink, while enjoying games, music, and time with their fellow Dragons!

📚 Learning Continues at Home

By now, students should begin coming home with homework and opportunities to continue their learning outside of the classroom. We encourage every student to read for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Remember—it can be anything they enjoy reading!

➗ Mathia Begins!

Mathia completion rates begin this week! Stay tuned, Dragon Families, as additional information regarding completion expectations and requirements will be announced soon.

Together, we will continue to Activate the Blue Flame and make this an unforgettable year for every Dragon!

#LearningIsRequired 🐉🔥💙

With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,

Marc A. Hernandez- Principal

Frankie Franceschi- Asst. Principal of Instruction

Matt Pelc- Asst. Principal of Discipline

Dragon Dispatch

School News, Announcements & Upcoming Events

YMCA Before School Program

Denn John Middle School is proud to be a YMCA Before School Program site. This convenient service allows families to access quality care for their students before school.

Program Hours:

Before School: Begins at 7:00 AM
After School: Not available for the 2026-2027 school year.

Program Fees:

$30.00 per student, per week (AM Only)
One-time registration fee: $16.00 (AM Only)
After School Sessions: Not available for the 2026-2027 school year.

Families interested in enrolling or learning more about the program can find additional details by clicking the link below:

👉 YMCA Link

SAC (School Advisory Council)

House of Dragons! We need SAC members at DJMS! Come join us for our first meeting: Tuesday, August 25 @ 5 pm- Media Center! Pizza will be available!

PBIS Welcome Back Dance

DJMS will host the PBIS Welcome Back Dance at DJMS. Thursday, August 27 from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. The cost is $15 Dragon Dollars! Students will get pizza/juice. Note transportation is not provided.

PBIS Challenge Friday- August 28

Any student who brings their Student ID to DJMS on Friday, August 28 will receive a free popsicle during lunch!

Student Day One Packets

Dragons, it is imperative that DJMS receives the Day One packets asap. This updated information helps the school keep our records updated and active. Many legal and required items are in these first day packets.

Title One Annual Meetings

Tuesday, August 25 @ 5 pm + SAC

During the meeting, families will:

✅ Learn about our school goals and the purpose of Title I.

✅ Review the School District's Title I policy.

✅ Learn about academic standards, curriculum, and student assessments.

✅ Share feedback and ask questions about school programs, policies, and family engagement opportunities.

Dragon Swag For Sale

Hoodies (Red/Black): $33.00 (Pre-Sale Only)

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZPOO4Y04ON8_ZZ6BTEFG9XDO749

School Polos w/ Dragon Logo (Red, Black, White, Navy, & Gray): $22.00 (Pre-Sale Only)

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZPOO4Y04ON8_ZZJGICDIFR0ZBGW

DJMS Blue Flame T-shirts (Red): $12.00 (In Stock & Pre-Sale)

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZPOO4Y04ON8_ZZ66LKHJ6HJIKTR

Caring for the Flame

Student Services Working with Families!

DJMS Dress Code Policy

Review dress code in its entirety! See below.

Laptops @ DJMS

Parents, we cannot stress the importance of students bringing their laptop every day to school. This is the modern day of the textbooks. We will resolve laptop issues at school to ensure our programs may begin without any delays.

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. Consequences begin this week.

Truancy Begins!

Dragons, the Truancy process begins this week. With several Dragons not coming during the first week of school, their attendance records will reflect the initial Truancy process. Note, Osceola County Courts may be involved in high cases.

Counselors @ DJMS!

To ensure our community is well acquainted, check out the counselor assignment below:

Annette Aponte - annette.aponterodriguez@osceolaschools.net

8th Grade
6th Grade (A-M)

Marlene Librado - marlene.libradobonilla@osceolaschools.net

7th Grade
6th Grade (N-Z)

Shielding the Flame

Student Safety

See Something, Say Something

Dragons, this week our system was put to test, and it passed with flying colors! We are so grateful that our students understand the importance of reporting unsafe information! Please continue to encourage your students to always speak up when they witness or hear of a wrongdoing in any capacity.

Definition of Self-Defense

Many parents are under the impression that if a student is stroked by another student, then their student should strike back as self defense. This is false and inaccurate information. Self- defense is defined as protection over life/death or serious injury situations. Any student who engaged in mutual combat (regardless of who hits first) will be processed as a fight or assault. In most cases, these are a recommendation for expulsion. DJMS has a zero tolerance for fights on campus.

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/Skateboards will not be permitted to be stored indoors.

Dragon Sports Central

DJMS Athletics

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

Monday, August 24
4:30 - 5:50 pm

Coach: Daniel Kim

Cross Country

Try-Outs

Tuesday, August 25
4:30 - 5:30 pm

Coach: Sarah Elbarouki

Athletic Director: Sonia McKenzie - sonia.mckenzie@osceolaschools.net

Asst. Athletic Director: Daniel Kim - daniel.kim@osceolaschools.net

Student physical must be on file via Aktivate. 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.

Blue Flame Benchmarks

State Testing & SDOC Assessments

FAST PM 1 Assessment Dates:

6th Reading: Tues. Sept 1

7th Reading: Thurs. Sept. 3

8th Reading: Fri. Sept. 4

6th Math: Thurs. Sept. 10

7th Math: Fri. Sept. 11

8th Math: Tues. Sept. 15

Make Up Dates:

Wed. Sept. 2

Tues. Sept. 8

Wed. Sept. 16

Thurs. Sept. 17

Fri. Sept. 18

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

6th World Hist: Unit 1 (Invest. & Themes) (08/19-09/01)

6th World Hist: Unit 2 (Early Hominins) (09/09-09/22)

7th US Hist: Unit 1 (Themes) (08/19-09/01)

7th US Hist: Unit 2 (Explore) (09/17-10/01)

8th Civics: Unit 1(Citizenship) (08/18-08/31)

8th Civics: Unit 2(Fdns of Govt) (09/01-09/15)

8th Civics: Unit 3 (US Const) (10/01-10/15)

HS World Hist: Unit 1 (Themes) (09/03-09/17)

HS World Hist: Unit 2 (Before 1750) (09/24-10/09)

Literacy School City Assessments

6th ELA: SandCastle (08/27-09/10)

6th ELA: Prince Francis (09/17-10/01)

7th ELA: TwoKinds (08/31-09/14)

7th ELA: Poetry Col (09/14-09/28)

8th ELA: Medicine Bag (08/31-09/14)

8th ELA: Electric Boog (09/17-10/01)

The Dragon Way

PBIS @ DJMS

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

Growing Dragons at Home

Here's how you can help:

Here are 5 meaningful ways parents can support students at home in building strong character and values:

1. Model the Values You Want to See

Children learn by watching. Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and perseverance in everyday situations.

2. Have Meaningful Conversations

Take time to talk about friendships, choices, challenges, and real-life situations. Ask questions such as, “What would you do?” or “How do you think that made someone feel?”

3. Teach Responsibility Through Expectations

Give students age-appropriate responsibilities at home. Chores, managing assignments, preparing for school, and being accountable for mistakes all help build independence and character.

4. Celebrate Effort, Growth, and Good Choices

Recognize more than just grades or accomplishments. Praise students when they show integrity, kindness, resilience, respect, or perseverance—even when no one is watching.

5. Encourage Students to Learn From Mistakes

Mistakes are opportunities for growth. Instead of immediately solving every problem, help your child reflect, take ownership, make things right, and develop a plan to do better next time.

The Last Spark

Upcoming Events

Title One Annual Meetings

Tuesday, August 25 @ 5 pm + SAC

PBIS Welcome Back Dance

Thursday, August 27 - 4:30 - 6:00 pm

$15 Dragon Dollars

SAC- August

Tuesday, August 25 @ 5 pm - Media Center

PBIS Popsicles Challenge

Friday, August 28 - Lunch

FAST PM 1 Test Dates:

6th Reading: Tues. Sept 1

7th Reading: Thurs. Sept. 3

8th Reading: Fri. Sept. 4

6th Math: Thurs. Sept. 10

7th Math: Fri. Sept. 11

8th Math: Tues. Sept. 15

No School - Labor Day

Monday, September 7

DJMS Picture Day

Tuesday, September 8

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!

Visitor Management

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)