House of Dragons,
What another amazing week for the House of Dragons! We are incredibly proud to share that DJMS performed exceptionally well during our SDOC Impact Review Walk. This is an opportunity for our District Leaders to visit our campus, observe instruction across content areas, and provide direct feedback to help us continue strengthening teaching and learning. And Dragons… our teachers were shining stars! Across all content areas, our teachers demonstrated the hard work, dedication, and commitment they bring to our students each day. This is truly a great moment for DJMS. While we recognize that there is still plenty of work ahead, DJMS is on the rise, and we are excited about the direction our school is heading.
Next week, DJMS will complete PM 1 testing! Once all testing is completed and our data has been finalized, we will share the official score report with our families. We are excited to use this information to celebrate our students' strengths, identify areas for growth, and continue developing targeted supports to help every Dragon succeed.
On September 15, we officially begin our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! DJMS is incredibly excited to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout this celebration, we will take opportunities to recognize the incredible impact Hispanic and Latino individuals have made in education, science, the arts, sports, government, business, and countless other areas. More importantly, we celebrate the diversity within our own House of Dragons and the many backgrounds, traditions, and family stories that make our school community so special. ¡Viva la cultura! ¡Viva nuestra comunidad!
Soccer season begins Wednesday! We are excited to cheer on our Dragons and support our student-athletes throughout the season. Remember, students may attend the game for free, but they must meet the following expectations:
- ✅ Be present at school on the day of the game
- ✅ Have no discipline referrals
- ✅ Have no more than 4 unexcused tardies
Let's show our student-athletes what the House of Dragons is all about and fill the stands with Dragon spirit!
Mathia is back at DJMS! Please ensure your student is completing the appropriate Mathia assignments as outlined by their teacher. Consistent practice is an important part of strengthening mathematical skills, building confidence, and supporting continued academic growth.
Parents, please take a few minutes each week to ask your student about their Mathia progress and ensure they are staying on track.
DJMS is growing, improving, and moving forward—and we are doing it together. Thank you for trusting us with your children, supporting our teachers, and being active partners in your child's education.
With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,
Marc A. Hernandez- Principal
Frankie Franceschi- API
Matt Pelc- APO
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FAST Testing Continues- PM 1 Math
8th Math: Tues. Sept. 15
September PBIS - Ramen Noodles
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (Lunches)
$15 Dragon Dollars
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.
NJHS Info Session
Monday, September 14 during 2nd period. Invite only.
August Students of the Month- Lunch w/ Principal
Congratulations to our students of the month for August! They will have pizza with the principal on Tuesday, September 15.
September SAC
Tuesday, September 15 @ 5 pm - Media Center
ESOL Family Night- September
September 16, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
College & Career Week
September 28 - October 2 (See image below)
Nuestro Fuego Azul- Hispanic Heritage Month Event
Wednesday, October 7
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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🤝 Student Conflict Mediation at DJMS
At Denn John Middle School, we understand that conflicts between students can happen as they learn, grow, and navigate the challenges of middle school. When appropriate, DJMS provides student conflict mediation as a structured opportunity for students to address concerns in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
Our Deans and School Counselors work together to facilitate these mediations, allowing students an opportunity to share their perspectives, listen to one another, take responsibility when appropriate, and work toward a positive resolution. Students or parents may request a mediation when they believe support is needed to help address a conflict or restore a relationship.
Our goal is not simply to determine “who is right or wrong,” but to help students develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively, resolve disagreements, repair relationships, and make better decisions moving forward. When a situation requires additional intervention or involves behavior that cannot be appropriately resolved through mediation, administration will follow the appropriate school and district procedures.
At DJMS, we believe conflict can become a learning opportunity. Through communication, accountability, and restorative practices, we help our Dragons navigate difficult moments while learning how to build healthier relationships and make positive choices.
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🚦 Safety First: Honor the Street Laws
Dragon Families, the safety of our students extends beyond the walls of DJMS. This is especially important for our walkers, bicyclists, and students who use e-scooters to travel to and from school. Please remind your student that traffic laws apply to everyone, including those riding bikes and e-scooters.
Students should:
- 🚦 Obey all traffic lights, signs, and signals.
- 🚶 Use designated crosswalks and crossings whenever available.
- 🚲 Ride responsibly and remain alert to vehicles and pedestrians.
- 🛴 Follow all applicable traffic and roadway rules when using an e-scooter.
- 👀 Make sure they can see and hear what is happening around them.
- 🚗 Never cut off vehicles, weave between cars, or suddenly enter a vehicle's path.
- 🚫 Never block traffic or intentionally ride in a way that prevents vehicles from safely passing.
- 🚲 Never pop wheelies, perform tricks, race, or engage in other stunts while riding near traffic.
- 📵 Avoid distractions and keep their attention focused on the road and their surroundings.
- 🛑 Never assume that a driver sees them—make safe decisions even when they have the right-of-way.
Above all, we want our Dragons to understand that getting home safely is more important than getting home quickly. A few seconds saved by rushing, cutting across traffic, or performing a stunt is never worth risking a serious injury.
Slow down. Stay alert. Follow the laws. Respect other people on the road. Most importantly—MAKE SAFETY THE PRIORITY. 🐉🚦🔥
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Welcome to DJMS Athletics! Dragons ready to compete!
Sonia McKenzie - Athletic Director
Daniel Kim - Asst. Athletic Director
Soccer:
- Monday, September 14 DJMS vs. KMMS @ KMMS - 6 pm
- Wednesday, September 16 DJMS vs. Knights Point @ DJMS- 6 pm
- Monday, September 21 DJMS vs. Bellalago @ Bellalago- 6 pm
- Tuesday, September 22 DJMS vs. KMMS @ DJMS- 6 pm
- Thursday, October 1 DJMS vs Bellalago @ DJMS- 6 pm
Coach: Daniel Kim
Practice Time:
4:30 pm - 5:50 pm (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday)
Cross Country:
Due to lower interest, DJMS will not have a 26-27 Cross Country Team. Our deepest apologies for this inconvenience.
**Athletes are to report to the cafeteria and check in with Ms. Bailey or Ms. Hennighan after school.
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.
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FAST PM 1 Assessment Dates:
8th Math: Tues. Sept. 15
Make Up Dates:
Wed. Sept. 16
Thurs. Sept. 17
Fri. Sept. 18
Math School City Assessments:
6th Math: M1T2 (09/16-10/16)
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: Cells (09/24-10/09)
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 (09/29-10/14)
Social Studies School City Assessments
6th World Hist: Unit 2 (Early Hominins) (09/09-09/22)
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: Prince Francis (09/17-10/01)
7th ELA: Poetry Col (09/14-09/28)
8th ELA: Electric Boog (09/17-10/01)
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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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Breaking Unwanted Habits
As our students grow into young adults, they are developing habits that can positively—or negatively—shape their relationships and future success. If your child has developed an unwanted habit such as disrespectful language, arguing, talking back, refusing to follow directions, or responding with an attitude, remember that these behaviors can be changed with patience, consistency, and intentional parenting.
Here are a few ways parents can help:
- Address it immediately. Don't ignore disrespectful behavior and hope it disappears. Calmly identify what was inappropriate and address it in the moment.
- Set clear expectations. Make sure your child knows what respectful communication looks and sounds like in your home.
- Don't match their behavior. If your child becomes disrespectful, remain calm. Responding with anger or yelling can unintentionally reinforce the behavior.
- Require a reset. If your child speaks disrespectfully, allow them to try again. For example: “I want to hear what you have to say, but you need to say it respectfully. Try that again.”
- Be consistent with consequences. Consequences should be predictable and connected to the behavior. Avoid making consequences based solely on how frustrated you feel in the moment.
- Catch them being respectful. Positive reinforcement matters. When your child communicates appropriately, follows directions, or handles frustration maturely, acknowledge it.
- Model what you expect. Children learn from what they see. Demonstrate patience, respectful disagreement, accountability, and appropriate communication.
- Partner with the school. When parents and teachers reinforce the same expectations, students receive a consistent message about responsibility and respect.
Most importantly, remember that breaking a habit takes time. Your child may not change after one conversation, one consequence, or one reminder. Continue reinforcing the expectation, celebrate progress, and hold your child accountable when they fall back into old patterns.
Our goal isn't simply to stop disrespectful behavior—we want to teach our Dragons how to communicate, manage emotions, accept correction, and treat others with dignity. Those are skills that will serve them well long after middle school. 🐉🔥
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FAST PM 1 Test Dates:
8th Math: Tues. Sept. 15
Students of the Month- Lunch w/ Principal
Tuesday, September 15
September SAC
Tuesday, September 15 @ 5 pm - Media Center
Soccer
Monday, September 14 DJMS vs. KMMS @ KMMS - 6 pm
Wednesday, September 16 DJMS vs. Knights Point @ DJMS- 6 pm
ESOL Family Night- September
Wednesday, September 16 @ 5 pm
DJMS Athletics Carwash- Fundraiser
Saturday, September 19, 2026
DJMS Primary Student Election (Teachers Only)
Thursday, September 24, 2026
College & Career Week (By Theme Days)
September 28 - October 2
PBIS September Event (Ramen Noodle Day)
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
$15 Dragon Dollars
Student Election- Debate
Thursday, October 1, 2026
DJMS General Student Election
Friday, October 2, 2026
Nuestro Fuego Azul- Hispanic Heritage Night Event
Wednesday, October 7 @ 5 pm
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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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