House of Dragons!
We made it to the end of August and the beginning of September! I cannot believe how quickly time is flying!
This week, I can proudly say that our curriculum and instruction are becoming tightly aligned across DJMS. In addition, our F.I.R.E. Wednesday lessons are truly igniting the Blue Flame! 🔵🔥 The intentional planning, targeted instruction, and engaging learning experiences happening across our campus are exactly why it is so important for students to be present each day. Consistent attendance, combined with a strong partnership between home and school, ensures students do not miss the meaningful learning and opportunities taking place each day—of course, students who are sick should always stay home and recover.
🎉 PBIS Success!
Our PBIS events this week were also a tremendous success!
💃 PBIS Welcome Back Social — A total success!
🍧 PBIS August Challenge: Popsicles — Another total success!
Thank you to everyone who helped create positive and memorable experiences for our Dragons. These moments matter and continue to strengthen the culture and sense of belonging we are building at DJMS.
📚 FAST PM 1 Reading Begins This Week!
FAST PM 1 Reading testing begins this week for all grade levels! We encourage our Dragons to prepare by getting a good night's sleep before their assigned testing day and starting the morning with a strong, healthy breakfast. Remember, DJMS offers free breakfast daily for all students! Let's ensure our Dragons arrive on time, prepared, and ready to show what they know.
💻 Looking Ahead: Student Laptops
Next week, we will place an additional focus on monitoring student laptops. This week alone, DJMS processed more than 80 laptop tickets. We will continue working diligently to address broken or low-functioning devices and ensure our students have the technology needed to support their learning.
📸 Important Reminders
Monday, September 7, 2026: 🇺🇸 Labor Day Student/Staff Holiday — No School
Tuesday, September 8, 2026: 📸 DJMS Picture Day! Students should come ready to smile and remember that Picture Day takes place immediately following the Labor Day holiday.
Dragon Families, thank you for another incredible week! Time may be flying, but the work, growth, and momentum at DJMS continue to build.
Together, let's keep showing up, supporting one another, and continuing to Activate the Blue Flame! 🔵🔥🐉
#LearningIsRequired
With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,
Marc A. Hernandez- Principal
Frankie Franceschi- Asst. Principal of Instruction
Matt Pelc- Asst. Principal of Discipline
|
FAST Testing Begins- PM 1 Reading
6th Reading: Tues. Sept 1
7th Reading: Thurs. Sept. 3
8th Reading: Fri. Sept. 4
September PBIS Challenge Begins!
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (Lunches)
Student Government
Election campaigning begins! Primary Election (teachers vote only) is Tuesday, September 24, 2026. Student debate is Thursday, October 1, 2026. And DJMS General Election (students included) is Friday, October 2, 2026.
No School, Monday, September 7
Labor Day- Staff/Student Holiday
DJMS Picture Day- Tuesday, September 8
Parents may pre-order student pictures online using the information below:
🔑 DJMS Access Code: C823495
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)
|
|
🐉 How Student Services Supports Our Dragons
1. Academic & Attendance Support
Student Services can help identify barriers impacting attendance, academic performance, and overall school success while connecting students and families with appropriate supports.
2. Social-Emotional Check-Ins
Students may receive individual check-ins and support when navigating friendships, school concerns, personal challenges, or adjusting to middle school.
3. Conflict Resolution & Peer Support
Staff can assist students in working through peer conflicts, improving communication, and learning positive ways to resolve disagreements.
4. Connecting Families to Resources
DJMS can help connect families with school and community resources when additional support may be needed.
5. Student Advocacy & Intervention
Our Student Services team works collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to identify concerns early and develop strategies that help students succeed.
The goal is simple: No Dragon should feel like they have to navigate challenges alone. Together, we can provide the support, guidance, and encouragement our students need to thrive. 🔵🔥
|
6th Grade Student Behavior
We want to share an important reminder regarding student behavior and the seriousness of the words and actions we use toward one another.
Recently, there have been a few incidents involving 6th-grade students whose behaviors have been more serious than they may initially appear. Specifically, direct student-to-student threats—regardless of the perceived level or intent—will always be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.
In nearly all cases involving a reported threat, the school may conduct a Threat Assessment (TA) to better understand the situation and determine appropriate next steps. Depending on the findings, disciplinary consequences and/or additional interventions may be implemented.
Parents, we ask for your partnership in helping educate our students about the importance and impact of their words. Statements made as jokes, during moments of frustration, or without fully considering their meaning can still create serious concerns and require school intervention.
This is especially important as our 6th-grade students transition from elementary school into middle school. With increased independence comes increased responsibility. We want our Dragons to understand that what we say matters, how we treat others matters, and every student has a responsibility to contribute to a safe school environment.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue teaching our students how to make responsible choices and uphold a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
|
|
Welcome to DJMS Athletics! Dragons ready to compete!
Soccer:
Congratulations to the following players:
- Torres, Jonathan
- Telemaco, Daniel
- Schena, Josiah
- Raissi, Anas
- Posada, Juan
- Narvaez Flores, Jonuel
- Martinez, Manni
- Jimenez, Joniel
- Gonzalez, Jeronimo
- Cortez, Nickolas
- Barajas, Gabriel
- Collazo, Isaiah
- Bernard, Sky
- Batista, Arrellious
- Ahmad, Muhammad
- Torres, Max
- Rivera Resto, Adrian
- Francisco, Jason
Coach: Daniel Kim
Practice Time:
4:30 pm - 5:50 pm (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday)
Cross Country:
Pending List
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.
|
|
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 Math: M1T2 (09/16-10/16)
6th Accel: M1T1 (08/24-09/08)
6th Accel: M1T2 (09/16-10/01)
7th Math: M1T2 (09/02-09/17)
7th Math: M2T1 (09/21-10/06)
7th Accel: M1T2 (09/04-09/21)
7th Accel: M2T1 (09/18-10/05)
8th Math: M1T2 (09/11-09/28)
8th Math: M1T3 (09/28-10/13)
Alg 1: M1T2 (09/03-09/18)
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 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)
|
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
|
📚 5 Study Skills Parents Can Support at Home
1. Read for 30 Minutes Every Day
Encourage your child to read uninterrupted for at least 30 minutes daily. The reading material can be a book, magazine, article, graphic novel, or another age-appropriate text they enjoy.
2. Create a Consistent Study Routine
Set aside a specific time each day for homework, studying, and reviewing class materials. Consistency helps students build strong habits and avoid last-minute cramming.
3. Use Active Recall
Instead of simply rereading notes, ask your child to close the book and explain what they learned in their own words. Parents can ask, “What did you learn today?”
4. Break Learning Into Smaller Chunks
Encourage students to study in shorter, focused sessions rather than trying to complete everything at once. Small goals can make assignments feel more manageable.
5. Review and Prepare for Tomorrow
Spend a few minutes each evening checking assignments, reviewing upcoming tests or projects, and making sure backpacks and materials are ready for the next school day.
Small habits practiced consistently can lead to BIG academic growth! 🔵🔥🐉
|
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
DJMS Athletics Carwash- Fundraiser
Saturday, September 19, 2026
DJMS Primary Student Election (Teachers Only)
Thursday, September 24, 2026
PBIS September Challenge (Ramen Noodle Day)
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Student Election- Debate
Thursday, October 1, 2026
DJMS General Student Election
Friday, October 2, 2026
|
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)
|
|
|
|
