Summer News from DMS

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a magnificent summer. For many of you, this is the first message you will have received from Dudley Middle School. Welcome to the DMS Community.

We are truly looking forward to the year ahead, and as I thought about what I might say that may actually be helpful, I thought I would just share a few observations I have had of some of the things that successful middle school kids (and their families) have done in my 27 years as a school administrator.

1. They know that school is important.
2. They treat other people with civility and respect.

3. They keep up with their work.

4. They ask for help when needed and they help others when needed.

6. They do not crumble when someone is not kind to them. They understand that sometimes kids are insensitive, and they are able to process it and move forward (often with help from adults).

7. They (and their families) know that they are imperfect beings who will sometimes make a mistake. When they do, the families work with the school to help the student learn from his/her mistake. They do not just automatically try to get their child out of trouble.

8. They get involved is positive school activities - this provides not just productive and enjoyable use of time, but often leads to a positive peer group as well.

9. They are somehow able to steer clear of in person and online drama.

I could go on, but I'll end it here. It is incredibly important to know that all of the above behaviors reduce the amount of stress on a middle school student, too. Yes, we are living in times that are very stressful for kids and teens, but there are many students who navigate this time in a manner that is mentally and emotionally healthy. The above 9 items are a good starting point.

Below are a few very important items: The first is about the Open House on August 26. Please check that out. We would love to see ALL of you here!

The other is a Frequently Asked Questions document that covers as much ground as we could think of. It is A LOT of information. Please try to review it in the weeks ahead.

I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the 26th and all of your children on September 1.

Mr. Desto

This event is for all DMS students and families. Students who are new to DMS should join Mr. Desto and Mr. Tucker in the Auditorium for a general overview of the Dudley Middle School Experience. That will be followed by student-guided tours of our awesome school.

Returning students and families are also welcome to stop by, say hello, walk through their schedule for the upcoming year, etc.

Many DMS staff members will be on hand to answer questions, walk families through the School Brains Parent Portal, etc.

Nurse White will be here for those who need to speak to her, as well.

We hope to see as many students here with their families as possible.

Obviously, being on time and present for school REALLY matters. One of the most lasting and powerful messages of the pandemic was that there is no substitute for in person education with an expert teacher.

While our overall attendance rate at DMS has improved slightly in the past few years, we are still seeing too many students missing too much school. Obviously, you cannot come to school when you are sick. That is as much for others as it is for you. And, sometimes, life happens and your family needs you to be somewhere else.

However, I am hoping we can get off to a great start this year and try to address any "school avoidance" types of behaviors as early as we can.

If your child starts to give you difficulties about getting up and going to school, please contact his/her guidance counselor as soon as possible so we can help with a plan that might change the behavior before too many days have been missed.

Contact information is attached below.