The Dragon Chronicle # 12
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House of Dragons,
Can you believe we are entering the last week of October? Time is flying! I strongly believe that Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 are the most critical quarters for student success. Now is the time to review grades, monitor progress on specific benchmarks, and ask ourselves an important question: Is my child learning and making progress at school? If not, let’s work together to identify the barriers and develop a plan to help every Dragon succeed. Our partnership is essential to ensuring that students receive the support they need to grow academically.
Beginning next week, Mathia detentions will be assigned daily to students who have not met the 10% completion threshold. Detentions will continue until the requirement is met. We want our students to build consistent work habits, stay on pace, and take ownership of their learning.
We are also celebrating students who did not receive a discipline referral during Quarter 1! These students will receive a popsicle during lunch on Wednesday, October 28, in recognition of their positive choices. We are proud of our Dragons who consistently demonstrate Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Engagement in Learning!
Students will also have two opportunities to dress down next week! Wednesday, October 28, is a FREE Pink Dress-Down Day, and Friday, October 30, is our Halloween Dress-Down Day for $5. Please ensure that all attire is school appropriate and follows school dress code expectations.
Finally, families, please join us for Parent Success Night on Thursday, October 29, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Denn John Middle School! Upon check-in, parents/guardians will receive an individualized report outlining their child’s progress and performance at DJMS. This report will identify the specific stations families should visit to receive additional information, resources, and support based on their student’s needs. Stations will cover school updates, grades and grade recovery, PBIS and student behavior, Reading/ELA and Math performance, attendance and athletics, technology support, ESOL services, ESE/IEP support, and counseling services.
As a thank-you for attending, participating parents and students will receive a FREE student dress-down pass and one FREE Quarter 2 homework pass! Please remember that teachers will not be present, and this event is not intended for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Instead, Parent Success Night is designed to connect families with individualized student information and the resources available to support their child’s success. We look forward to seeing our Dragon families and strengthening our partnership!
Let’s make this final week of October count by staying engaged, celebrating positive choices, and keeping learning at the center of everything we do. Activate the Blue Flame! Dragons breathe F.I.R.E.!
With F.I.R.E. & Gratitude,
Marc A. Hernandez- Principal
Frankie Franceschi- API
Matt Pelc- APO
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Mathia Detentions Begin
Monday, October 26 (Lunches)
PBIS No Referral Incentive
Wednesday, October 28 (Lunches)
Wear Pink! Free Dress Down
Wednesday, October 28
Parent Success Night
Thursday, October 29
5-6:30 pm
Halloween Dragon Dress Down
Friday, October 30
Cost: $5
6th Grade Osceola Magics Permission Due
Friday, October 30
NJHS Meeting
Monday, November 2 @ 4:30 to 5:30
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Tuesday, November 10 @ 5:00
No School- Veteran's Day
Wednesday, November 11
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House of Dragons, our Student Services Department, including our Deans and School Counselors, plays a critical role in supporting students who experience harassment, intimidation, or repeated negative interactions that may escalate into bullying. Early intervention is essential. When students feel targeted, excluded, threatened, or uncomfortable around their peers, we must take their concerns seriously and work proactively to prevent the situation from escalating.
Our Deans can support students by investigating reported concerns, documenting incidents, identifying patterns of behavior, reinforcing behavioral expectations, and implementing appropriate interventions and consequences when warranted. Deans should also monitor recurring concerns, establish follow-up plans, and communicate with families and relevant staff members as appropriate. When students report harassment, threats, intimidation, or potential bullying, concerns should be addressed promptly and referred through the appropriate school procedures.
Our School Counselors can provide students with a safe, supportive environment to share their concerns and process their experiences. Counselors can teach students strategies for self-advocacy, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and seeking adult assistance. They can also help students develop individualized support plans, identify trusted adults on campus, and build the confidence to report concerns before they escalate. When appropriate, counselors can collaborate with families, teachers, and the Deans to ensure students receive coordinated support.
As a team, we must prioritize early identification, consistent documentation, student safety, and follow-up. Students should know that reporting a concern is the right thing to do and that retaliation against anyone who reports an incident will not be tolerated. We must distinguish between peer conflict, repeated bullying behaviors, and harassment that may require additional investigation or formal reporting under district procedures. Every concern deserves a thoughtful response based on the facts, the students’ needs, and applicable school policies.
Most importantly, our goal is not simply to respond after an incident occurs. It is to create a culture where students feel safe speaking up, adults intervene early, and harmful behavior is addressed before it escalates into threats or physical aggression.
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In light of recent events within our community, it is imperative that we reinforce our expectations for student behavior and the safety of everyone on our campus. Please review the message below from Dr. Shanoff and Sheriff Chris Blackmon.
Dr. Shanoff emphasized:
“Physical intimidation, threats, or acts of violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our schools or in our community, whether on or off campus. Such behavior is fundamentally inconsistent with the values of our school district and the standards of conduct we expect from every student. We take these matters seriously, and there must be accountability when those expectations are violated.”
Sheriff Chris Blackmon also issued a clear warning to students attending public or private schools in Osceola County:
“If you put your hands on another student on or off campus, deputies will arrest you.”
Students must understand that bullying, threats, physical intimidation, and fighting are unacceptable and carry serious consequences. Our responsibility is to maintain a safe, respectful learning environment where every student feels protected and can focus on learning.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student safety and for helping reinforce these expectations throughout our school community.
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Dragons compete!
Daniel Kim - Athletic Director
Boys & Girls Volleyball Tryouts:
Tuesday, Oct. 27- LAST DAY!
All potential athletes must have a physical through Aktivate and be ready to pay the $25 athletic fee. There is no exception.
Coaches: Daniel Kim and Kara Bailey
Tryout Times:
4:30 pm - 5:50 pm
Cheerleading Try-Outs
Monday, Oct. 26
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Wednesday, Oct. 28 (3:30 - 4:30 pm)
Coach: Diana Rodriguez
**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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Math School City Assessments:
6th Math: M2T1
6th Math: M2T2
6th Accel: M2T1
6th Accel: M2T2
7th Math: M2T2
7th Math: M2T3
7th Accel: M2T2A
7th Accel: M2T2B
8th Math: M2T2
8th Math: M2T3
Alg 1: M2T2
Alg 1: M2T3
Science School City Assessments
7th Adv: Quarterly 1
7th Adv: Heat/Energy
8th: Properties/Matter
8th: Atomic Theory
Bio: Cells 2.0
Bio: Cell Cycle
Social Studies School City Assessments
W. History: Rise of Civilization
W. History: Ancient Egypt
US History: Toward Independence
US History: Revolution/Colonies
Civics: Amendments
Civics: Elections/Media
HS World: West Africa
HS World: First Global Age
Literacy School City Assessments
6th ELA: Poetry Collection
6th ELA: Biometric
7th ELA: Mars
7th ELA: Christmas Carol
8th ELA: Anne Frank
8th ELA: 3 Cheers
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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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This week, we are asking for your partnership in reinforcing one of the most important lessons we can teach our students: taking ownership of their education, their choices, their effort, and their future. We need your support in helping students understand that the opportunity to learn is valuable, and making the most of that opportunity is a responsibility that begins with them.
Please take time this week to have meaningful conversations with your child about what it means to take ownership of their education. Encourage them to reflect on the effort they put into their classes, the choices they make throughout the school day, and the responsibility they have to come to school prepared to learn. Remind them that their education is not something that simply happens to them; it is something they must actively participate in and take responsibility for every day.
What students learn today can shape the opportunities available to them tomorrow. The knowledge, skills, habits, and attitudes they develop in middle school will influence their future academic success, career opportunities, relationships, and ability to navigate life's challenges. Every assignment completed, every lesson approached with effort, every question asked, and every opportunity to improve contributes to their growth. Even when learning becomes difficult, students must understand that challenges are opportunities to persevere, ask for help, and become stronger learners.
As parents and guardians, you can help reinforce this mindset by asking your child questions such as: Did you give your best effort today? What did you learn? What could you have done better? Did you take responsibility when something was difficult? What steps will you take tomorrow to improve? These conversations help students recognize that success is not simply about grades; it is also about effort, accountability, perseverance, and a willingness to grow.
At Denn John Middle School, we will continue to hold students to high expectations while providing the instruction, resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed. However, students must also do their part. They must be present, engaged, respectful, prepared, and willing to put forth the effort required to learn. When mistakes happen, we want students to learn from them, accept responsibility, and make better choices moving forward rather than making excuses or placing blame on others.
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Mathia Detentions Begin
Monday, October 26
Mathia Completion Update
Math 6 - 8: 20% completion by end of Qtr 2
Adv/Accelerated Math: 50% completion by end of Qtr 2
Wear Pink Free Dress Down!
Wednesday, October 28
Only applies to pink gear (not general dress down)
PBIS No Referral Treat- Qtr 1
Wednesday, October 28
Parent Success Night
Thursday, October 29
Halloween Dragon Dress Down
Friday, October 30
Cost: $5
NJHS Meeting
Monday, November 2 @ 4:30 to 5:30
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Tuesday, November 10 @ 5:00
No School- Veteran's Day
Wednesday, November 11
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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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