Dakota Minute
Principal Update
With Thanksgiving approaching, it is that time of year to think about what we are thankful for. I am grateful every day to work with a community that supports their students and schools with such dedication. We'd like to take this opportunity to share some exciting news that reflects our focus on student well-being: according to our survey data DMMS is ranked in the 99th percentile nationally for how students feel about their physical and psychological safety. We certainly acknowledge that the middle school years bring challenging moments and rapid growth, but by working together and continuing to support our students through these times, we ensure their success and well-being. We are equally pleased that our data highlights our students' strong growth in their capacity to navigate and effectively regulate challenging emotions.
Gratefully,
Aaron Hyer
You Can Still Sign Up Fall Conferences
Our first evening of fall conferences went great! If you still have not signed up, you still can! Please sign up HERE.
Capti Testing Results
We are writing to inform you that the results from the recent CAPTI Readbasix Screening are now available for you to view. The Readbasix screening is the screening tool used by our district in accordance with the Minnesota READ Act, to assess foundational reading skills in students in grades 6-8 or 10.
Please see THIS letter in regards to Capti Testing results.
Donations
Germs are spreading this season, so if you have extra hand sanitizer or tissues to donate, please bring them to the Main Office — we would really appreciate your help keeping everyone healthy.
NWEA Testing
Please see THIS letter in regards to upcoming testing at DMMS.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Hyer.
Upcoming Project Success Opportunities
Take a look HERE for upcoming Project Success opportunities through the end of 2025! They have some awesome happenings going on for our families!
Veterans Day Assembly Follow Up
Thank you to those who could join us at our Veterans Day Assmebly on November 11th to honor those that have and continue to serve.
We would like to share our guest speakers biography with families who were not able to attend and or are interested in more information.
Biography of Mike McLaughlin
Michael grew up in Mankato and is a 2002 graduate of Mankato East High School. After high school
Michael enlisted in the Marine Corps as an infantryman serving with 1 st Battalion, 1 st Marines deploying in 2004 and 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.
He moved back to Mankato in December 2007 after finishing his Marine Corps to attend Minnesota State University. After graduating from MSU, he initially worked in the private mining sector in southern Minnesota. In 2013 he switched careers to work with his fellow veterans, which eventually led to his current position as the Director of Veterans Services for Blue Earth County.
Michael was appointed to the VA Secretary’s national Rural Health Advisory Committee in 2016 and served until 2022. The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) appointed Michael as their National Legislative Director in 2017. In this capacity he has worked on national legislation including the PACT Act in 2022 which led to the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in U.S. history. He was at the White House to witness the signing of the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022.
He is the recipient of the 2017 Minnesota Humanities Center Veteran on the
Rise award. In 2022 he was appointed to the Minnesota DAV Foundation Board and currently serves as its chairman. Since Michael began serving on the DAV Foundation Board, they have administered $2.1 million in grants to veteran programming in Minnesota.
In 2023, Michael was recognized by his peers across the country and received both the NACVSO’s Distinguished CVSO and President’s Award. He was elected to the Mankato City Council in November 2022 and represents Ward 1. Michael and his wife Megan have three children, Carly, Marcus, Erin and their dog Dozer.
Weather Updates
Snow season is just around the corner! In preparation, here is an important resource that is available on the ISD77 website for your review:
Weather Related Information - includes details on where to find out about weather related closings and late starts. Please note the MAPS Notification Line: 507-387-6046.
"Away for the Day"
We believe cell phones/electronics devices can cause distractions to the educational environment and our students deserve to learn in a postive environment that is free from avoidable distractions.
Attendance
Anytime your student is absent from school or if you plan on your student being absent from school, please call the office and leave your name, student’s name, grade and reason for absence.
Verified reasons to excuse your student:
Illness
Religious Holidays
Appointments (Doctor, Dentist, Therapy), Please provide documentation for appointments
Vacation (5 Days) (Please notify the office up to one week before so we can help them collect work while they are gone.)
The attendance office can be reached by:
calling (507)387-5077 Option 1
via email at: dmmsattendance@isd77.org
If your student is marked absent for a class the system will send an automated courtesy call/email in the evening to remind you to excuse the absence. All absences not excused within the 48 hour time window will remain unexcused.
If your student is marked absent and you feel it was made in error, please have them talk directly with their teacher.
Early Releases
Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:
December 10th. January 14th. February 11th. March 11th. April 8th. May 13th.
Your student will start their day at the normal time of 8:35 am and be released at 1:25 pm. They will receive lunch prior to the 1:25 pm dismissal when buses leave the building. Students participating in varsity co-curriculars will need to go home, then return to practice at the designated practice time. There will be no middle school co-curricular practices on early release Wednesdays. All students need to ensure they have transportation home by 1:25 pm.
Pick Up and Drop Off
- As a reminder, please use Door 1 to pick up and drop off your student during the school day. For example, if your student is arriving late or leaving early due to an appointment or an event please pick up at Door 1. Door 1 is locatated in our middle parking lot by the main office. This is where our new secure entrance is located. Students should not be dropped off or picked up at door 1 before and after school unless approved by Principal Hyer or here for a before school event.
- Please use Door 8 (the cafeteria side parking lot) for pick up and drop off before and after school. We ask that families do not pick up and drop off at Door 1 unless approved by Principal Hyer.
- Door 20 (our pond side parking lot) is used for buses to pick up and drop off students.
Upcoming PS Mankato Holiday Concert
Jazz Mavericks Holiday Concert
Presented by Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Music Department, the Jazz Mavericks is a large contemporary ensemble. Traditionally formed as a jazz big band, this ensemble has expanded to include multiple instruments and vocalists performing a broad range of jazz related repertoire (jazz, rock, funk, Latin, hip-hop, etc.).
Dates & Time
Monday, November 24 at 7:00 pm
& Thursday December 4 at 7:00 pm
Location
EJ Halling Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center
320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 5600
Free Parking in Performing Arts Lot 16 Gold
Click here to register: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/jazz-mavericks-holiday-concert-2025
DMMS PTA Update
PTA Fundraiser Update: We’re 31% of the Way There!
Our One & Done Fundraiser is off to a solid start, with 30% of our $17,350 goal raised so far! Thank you to everyone who has contributed — your support directly benefits our students, teachers, and school community.
We still have a long way to go, and every contribution makes a difference. If you haven’t yet donated, please consider helping us reach our goal and continue funding the programs and events that enrich our school. https://www.givebacks.com/causes/e005c3e2-1841-4059-a3f5-32e338f26581/shop/items/ceae550b95
We also invite all parents, teachers, and staff to join us for our next PTA Meeting on Monday, November 17 at 6:00 PM at DMMS or Virtual via Teams. This meeting is a great opportunity to share ideas, discuss funding priorities, and make classroom or program funding requests. Your input and creativity are essential to our success!
To keep things fun, our Advisory Fundraising Competition is underway! The top-raising advisories in each group will earn a donut party for their students, and their teachers will receive a $50 gift card as a thank-you for their leadership and participation.
Please see the attached meeting agenda and leaderboard for the current standings. Let’s keep the momentum going — together, we can reach our goal!
With Appreciation,
Meghan Maes
DMMS PTA President
DMMS Daily Bulletin
HERE you will find the DMMS Daily Bulletin. This Bulletin is updated daily to show:
- the date
- A Day/ B Day
- and other information such as sports, etc.
We’re Looking for Team-Oriented Paraprofessionals!
At MAPS, we believe every member of our staff plays an important role in helping students succeed. Our paraprofessionals are valued partners who support classrooms, collaborate with teachers, and build strong connections with students. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals who want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day. If you enjoy working with young people and are excited about contributing to a positive school community, we’d love to have you join us! Apply HERE!
Upcoming Important Dates
- November 24th- Fall Conferences
- November 27th & 28th- No School
- December 1-5th- NWEA Reading
- December 8-12th- NWEA Math
- December 10th- Early Out
- December 15th-19th- NWEA Make Up
- December 24-31st- No School
- January 1st- No School
- January 2nd- School is IN SESSION
- January 9th- All School Dance
- January 14th- Early Out
- January 16th - End of Quarter 2
- January 19th- No School
- January 20th- No School/PREP Day
- February 11th- Early Out
- February 17th- Panorama Survey
- February 23rd- PTA Meeting