Drexler Middle School
January Family Newsletter
Friday Bobcat Clubs
There’s always something exciting happening at Drexler! Each week, students have the chance to step outside their usual routines, try new activities, and discover hobbies or skills they enjoy. Bobcat Clubs give students a fun way to grow in new ways throughout the year.
Every Friday, students at Drexler have the opportunity to participate in a club of their choice. Bobcat Clubs are designed to give students a chance to explore their interests and connect with others who share similar passions. Throughout the year, each student gets to participate in three different clubs, and feedback shows that they really enjoy and look forward to this time. Some of the many clubs offered include Read & Relax, Photography, Sewing, Walk & Talk, Crochet, Board Games, Puzzles, Dodgeball, Comedy, World War I & II, and Star Wars.
We’re proud to offer these opportunities and look forward to seeing students continue to explore, try new things, and enjoy all that Bobcat Clubs have to offer.
Mr. Adam Kedley
Principal, Drexler Middle School
Important Dates
Monday, January 19th - No School
Monday, January 26th - Fastbridge Testing
Tuesday, January 27th - Fastbridge Testing
Wednesday, February 25th - End of Trimester
Color Guard Spin Clinic
Any 5-8th grade students interested in attending the 2026 Color Guard Spin Clinic can sign up through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/sLfnmVM3hV
You can find all information on the form above.
Performance is February 12th at halftime of the WDHS basketball game.
Parachute Drop
Recently 7th graders have been working on their parachute drop lab in science. Students test them by dropping them outside the window of Ms. Kruse’s room or down the stairs. The goal of this project is to see how long their parachutes can stay in the air checking air resistance. It’s always a fun lab to do. Shown above is Elliot interviewing Nolan and Jacob after testing their parachute.
Written by: Delanie Duve and Shelby Tigges
From the Kitchen
Recently we have been interviewing Clif from the kitchen to look at new items on the lunch menu here at school. Clif has added tasty items like new uncrustable flavors, dried fruit, steak bites, protein bars, and pizza quesadillas. We enjoy doing these interviews for the daily announcements. Thanks Clif for allowing us to try new things!
Written by: Melena Osai and Lily Campbell
Archery
This week in P.E. students are learning about archery. They are working on skills like loading the bow, aiming, hand placements, and removing the arrows from the target. This unit is 4 days long and during the four days, they will shoot at many different targets, play different shooting games, and learn the safety of archery. Also, in the past couple of school weeks the archery club has been taking place after school. Tournaments are held on weekends. Come support your Bobcat Archery Club!
Written by: Addy Brinkman, Addy Stump, and Lily Schimdt)
As we welcome students back from break, our counseling team is focused on helping everyone smoothly transition back into school routines. We are supporting students as they re-establish expectations, manage stress, and reconnect with learning. Counselors are meeting with students individually to provide encouragement, skill-building, and academic support.
In the weeks ahead, we will also begin preparing students for upcoming registration by helping them explore options, set goals, and plan for next year.
Your school counselors, Mr. Max Steffen (A-K) and Mrs. Kara Bryte (L-Z).
Health Reminder - When to stay home!
Cold and flu season is approaching, and we want to help families know when students should stay home:
Fever: 100.4°F or higher → stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Vomiting/Diarrhea: Stay home until 24 hours after the last episode and able to eat/drink normally.
Cough: Occasional cough is okay; persistent or severe coughing warrants staying home.
Pain: Mild aches or headaches can be treated and sent to school; more severe pain should be monitored at home.
Strep Throat: Return 24 hours after starting antibiotics if fever-free.
General Guidance: Students should stay home if symptoms interfere with learning. They may return when symptoms improve, fever-free for 24 hours without medication, or as advised by a healthcare provider.
If you have questions, contact the school nurse, Mrs. Tara Noonan.
Supporting Student Learning in the New Year!
Welcome back and happy New Year! January is a great time for students and teachers to reset routines and jump back into learning after winter break. Classrooms are settling back into their rhythm, and students are being reminded of expectations that help everyone feel safe, focused, and successful.
Teachers are using this time to check in on student progress and make adjustments to support learning needs. You may hear your student talk about new goals, extra support, or different ways they’re practicing skills in class. These small changes help ensure students continue to grow and build confidence throughout the year.
At home, families can support this reset by:
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Helping students return to consistent sleep and morning routines
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Asking simple questions like, “What did you work on today?” or “What’s something you’re proud of this week?”
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Encouraging students to ask for help when they need it
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Supporting regular attendance and being on time each day
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move into the second half of the school year.
Contact the instructional coach, Mrs. Sarah Goldsmith
Social Studies
Currently the 6th grade Social Studies students are learning about Latin America. We have discussed the countries in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and we will soon be working through the physical geographic features in the region.
Math
6th graders are comparing rational numbers and getting ready to start algebra.
Language Arts
Students are continuing their study of Yellow Fever in the Mysteries and Investigations unit, strengthening their skills in claim, evidence, and reasoning. They are also analyzing character traits by making inferences based on the text.
Music
Drexler choir students have been working hard to prepare for the Choral Showcase concert on February 16th. All choirs and show choirs from DMS and WDHS will perform and will combine for 2 classic choir songs, "O Sifuni Mungu" and "River in Judea" to close the concert.
Band
The 6, 7, and 8 grade bands will be performing at the Iowa Bandmaster's Association Large Group Contest at the University of Dubuque on Thursday February 12th. Performance times have not been released yet. All band students will miss school this day and need to pack a lunch or tell their band teacher which sack lunch they would prefer: deli or pb&j.
ELL
ELL 1: Students are developing their vocabulary, improving reading fluency, and strengthening writing skills through lessons focused on plants and animals.
ELL 2: Students are enhancing their writing skills through targeted grammar practice and expanding their vocabulary by reading and discussing texts focused on character traits.
Math
We will be working on Rational Numbers and operations with Fractions.
Social Studies
In 7th Grade Social Studies, we are talking about Behavioral Science. We are specifically learning about the different factors that influence an individual's behavior and the inequalities that we see in society.
Language Arts
We are beginning the third unit of Amplify, called Brain Science. It explores a series of informational texts that discuss the workings of the brain and help the students consider how their own growing brains are impacted by their daily experiences.
ELL
ELL 1: Students are developing their vocabulary, improving reading fluency, and strengthening writing skills through lessons focused on plants and animals.
ELL 2: Students are enhancing their writing skills through targeted grammar practice and expanding their vocabulary by reading and discussing texts focused on character traits.
Band
The 6, 7, and 8 grade bands will be performing at the Iowa Bandmaster's Association Large Group Contest at the University of Dubuque on Thursday February 12th. Performance times have not been released yet. All band students will miss school this day and need to pack a lunch or tell their band teacher which sack lunch they would prefer: deli or pb&j.
Music
Drexler choir students have been working hard to prepare for the Choral Showcase concert on February 16th. All choirs and show choirs from DMS and WDHS will perform and will combine for 2 classic choir songs, "O Sifuni Mungu" and "River in Judea" to close the concert.
Music
Drexler choir students have been working hard to prepare for the Choral Showcase concert on February 16th. All choirs and show choirs from DMS and WDHS will perform and will combine for 2 classic choir songs, "O Sifuni Mungu" and "River in Judea" to close the concert.
Social Studies
In 8th grade social studies, we are learning about the U.S. Constitution, the 3 branches of government, and the Bill of Rights.
Language Arts
Students will continue to read and analyze the graphic novel Frankenstein by Gris Grimley.
Math
Our 8th grade pre-algebra students are tackling the challenge of solving systems of equations through graphing and substitution. It is no easy task, but their determination and growth are shining through!
Science
Students are working hard putting together their Science Fair Project Presentations, which will be on display January 22nd during each class period throughout the day. Towards the end of the month, we will begin our Punnett Square unit to model genetic inheritance.
Health
8th graders in health second tri, recently had a guest speaker from the ASAC, speaking about alcohol. They will also have another guest speaker coming in next week from the VNA speaking about vaping and the effects it has on our bodies.
Activities Update
Another busy time of year for our Bobcats in the extra-curricular dept. Currently we have Show Choir, Quiz Bowl, Boys Basketball, Drama Club, and Girls Wrestling happening. It is also Archery Club season. Our archers travel almost every weekend competing in events to try to earn a spot at the state competition. Color Guard is also offering a clinic in February.
It is not too late to sign up for Boys Basketball or Girls Wrestling, they just started this past week. See Mr. Hatcher for more details.
A friendly reminder that any student at Drexler participating in extra-curricular activities is a student first, athlete, actor, club member, second. Attendance, Academic performance, and Behavior all play a role in their ability to participate in extra-curricular activities. Refer to our Drexler Activities Handbook for any questions.
Again, this sports season we are looking for volunteers to help out at concessions for basketball and wrestling events. If you work three times, you can earn a free admittance pass for all Drexler home activities. Click on the link to sign up now.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084BABAB2CA1F49-60886830-202526#/
If you need help registering for an activity on BOUND, getting a physical, finding out when a competition is? Try our Quick Links tab on our school website or simply reach out to Mr. Hatcher.
And finally, something to keep in mind when our Bobcats are travelling home from an away event. Transportation will drop students off in neighboring towns on their way to Drexler at designated spots if they are in route to Drexler. This may save you some windshield time, so you don't have to travel all the way to school to pick your child up after an away event. Stops are:
Dyersville - Subway
Farley - Drexler Middle School
Epworth - WDHS
Peosta - Casey's
Communicate with your child on the way home, and they can let their coach know to stop. We hope this helps get the kids home earlier.
Thanks and let's continue to get Better Every Day!
Contact the Asst.Principal/Athletic Director, Mr. Rich Hatcher
Athletic Secretary, Ms. Kim Casey
Activities Schedules
Schedules, scores, news, rosters and stats found at Bound.
Bound Access HERE: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/drexlerms
A reminder the Drexler PTO meets the first Tuesday of every month.
To join Drexler PTO fill out the form with your email and we will get in touch soon!
Questions about DMS PTO Contact: Tricia Capalla - drexlermiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
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School Attendance
Regular school attendance is vital for all students. When children do not show up for school regularly, they miss out on fundamental reading and math skills and the chance to build a habit of good attendance that will carry with them into their middle and high school years, college and careers.
Students are expected to be at school except in the event of illness or emergency. The state requires students to attend 148 days per year which is 37 days per quarter. Attendance letters may be sent if your child is not meeting the attendance requirements.
If your child is ill, please call the office, 563-663-9651, before 8:30 a.m.
