Dear House of Dragons Community,

We did it—October is officially behind us, and we finished strong! As we enter November, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their continued commitment to excellence. Our hard work is paying off—DJMS is currently performing above the district average on the following SDOC assessments:

✅ 8th Grade Science

✅ 8th Grade Civics

✅ 8th Grade Pre-Algebra

✅ Algebra I

✅ Biology

✅ 7th Grade Math Accelerated

This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are proud of our students and teachers for embracing our school credo: #LearningIsRequired. We will continue this momentum throughout November as we focus on academic growth, engagement, and achievement.

However, I also want to address a serious concern. Student discipline is reaching concerning levels, particularly involving the possession and use of vapes on campus. Currently, several students are under investigation for vaping and/or distributing vapes to others. Please be reminded that, according to the SDOC Code of Student Conduct, distributing or exchanging vaping devices is considered an expellable offense. Furthermore, DJMS reserves the right to press criminal charges if evidence of illegal selling or distribution occurs on school grounds.

Keeping our campus safe while promoting academic excellence remains my top priority. I want to be clear—if a situation allows for expulsion under these circumstances, I will always pursue that option to protect our students and learning environment.

Parents, we need your help. Please talk with your children about making good choices and avoiding negative peer pressure. Encourage them to report concerning behavior and to stay focused on their goals. Together, we can continue to make DJMS a place where learning, safety, and success thrive.

With F.I.R.E & Gratitude, 

-Administration

As we continue promoting academic excellence and student safety, we want to take a moment to discuss an important topic that’s impacting schools across the nation — vaping and drug use among students. At Denn John Middle School, we are committed to keeping our campus safe, healthy, and focused on learning. However, these efforts are most effective when schools and families work together.

Below are a few simple ways parents and guardians can start meaningful conversations with their children about making positive choices and avoiding risky behaviors:

Find a relaxed time to talk — maybe during dinner, a car ride, or while watching TV. Ask open-ended questions like:

“I’ve heard that some kids are talking about vaping — what are you seeing or hearing at school?”

Keep the conversation light and curious rather than confrontational. Listening goes a long way!

Many students mistakenly believe vaping is harmless. Share quick facts:

Encourage your child to learn from trusted sources such as the CDC or the Florida Health Department.

Remind your child that they can always come to you if they feel pressured or unsure. Say things like:

“You won’t get in trouble for being honest — I just want to help keep you safe.”

Help them come up with easy ways to say no, such as:

“Nah, I’m good,” or “My parents would find out.”

Discuss how peer pressure works and role-play possible situations. Make sure your child understands that vaping on campus can lead to serious consequences — including expulsion if caught distributing vapes or other illegal substances.

Connect the conversation back to their goals — sports, grades, college, or personal achievements. Emphasize that strong leaders make positive choices, even when it’s not easy. Recognize and praise them when they demonstrate good judgment and self-control.

We are excited to share that 115 of our 6th grade students have qualified to attend the upcoming Osceola Magic basketball game field trip! This special event is a celebration of students who have demonstrated outstanding behavior and attendance during the first quarter—specifically, those with no disciplinary referrals and fewer than two unexcused absences.

To ensure every eligible student has the opportunity to participate, Mr. Booker has extended the deadline to submit permission slips to Friday, November 1st. Currently, we are still missing over 40 permission slips.

Please remind your child that they can pick up a new permission slip during lunch if needed. This field trip is completely free, and lunch will be provided.

Rafael Booker

rafael.booker@osceolaschools.net

At Denn John Middle School, we believe that positive behaviors should be recognized and celebrated. That’s why we use the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework to help students grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

Our PBIS values are represented by F.I.R.E.:

Students are rewarded with Dragon Dollars when they show these values in action. Each month, students can use their Dragon Dollars to participate in exciting school events and activities. This not only motivates students but also reinforces the importance of good behavior and strong character.

Thank you, parents, for supporting us in encouraging students to live out our values each day! Together, we are building a school culture where #LearningIsRequired and Dragons thrive.

As partners in your child’s education and growth, we want to share a few helpful tips on how parents can guide their children through peer pressure and decision-making:

1. Talk Early and Often

Keep open communication with your child. Ask about their day, their friends, and how they feel about the choices they see others making. When students know they can talk to their parents without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to share when they feel pressured.

2. Build Confidence and Values

Remind your child of the values your family believes in — respect, honesty, and responsibility. Help them build confidence in saying “no” when something doesn’t feel right. Practice real-life scenarios together so they feel ready to respond when faced with peer pressure.

3. Know Their Friends and Activities

Stay connected to your child’s social circle and be aware of where they spend their time. Encourage friendships with peers who share positive goals and make healthy choices.

4. Celebrate Good Decisions

Recognize and praise your child when they make positive choices, even in small moments. Reinforcing good behavior helps students understand that doing the right thing is something to be proud of.

5. Keep Conversations Judgment-Free

If your child makes a mistake or faces a tough situation, focus on listening and guiding rather than punishing. Helping them reflect on what they learned encourages growth and better choices in the future.