Dakota Minute

We recognize that January is often the most challenging month of the year for school attendance as families navigate the peak of winter weather and seasonal health hurdles. While we truly understand these difficulties, we want to emphasize that being in the classroom every day remains the most essential factor in your student’s academic growth and social connection. As we look forward to the improving weather and a healthier season ahead, we are excited to see our classrooms full and vibrant once again. Every day a student is present is a vital opportunity for them to stay locked into their learning, and we thank you for your continued partnership in prioritizing consistent attendance as we move into this next chapter of the school year.

Principal Hyer

Dear Families and Faculty,

The DMMS PTA, families, and staff met in January to discuss fundraising, field trips, and future improvements to our school and community. This year, the PTA is working toward enhancing communication with families about how funds are used and what experiences they support at each grade.

Dollar-for-Dollar Donation Opportunity!

I am thrilled to announce that one of our amazing families at DMMS is willing to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000! (This family wishes to remain anonymous but their generosity is incredible.)

If you, or your business, are in a position to donate now, it would be very appreciated and you can leverage your contribution with this opportunity. I will keep families updated on our Facebook Group Dakota Meadows PTA on our progress, so please join. Here is the link to donate. https://dmms.givebacks.com/shop/items/ceae550b95

The PTA bridges the gap between district budget and rising costs of admission and transportation. Below is a breakdown of field trips supported by PTA by Grade. Each filed trip on average costs between $20 and $50 dollars per student for transportation and admission.

6th Grade: Sixth graders are continuing popular trips like BizTown and skiing,

with an emphasis on recruiting volunteers earlier to support these experiences.

7th Grade: Seventh grade activities include the SWAG kindness retreat, the

State Capitol, and Treasure Island (the play which was new this year).

8th Grade: Eighth graders are planning college visits and an end-of-year

celebration trip to Valley Fair or Trampoline Park, which is an incredible way for

students to have a fun and memorable send-off before high school.

Junior Achievement Biztown Volunteering

In other news, the Sixth Grade is looking for volunteers to help with their upcoming trip to JA Biztown which takes place in St. Paul. This is an interactive simulated community where students get opportunities to combine in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town.

This learning experience allows students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for a mayor. Students can connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

Mendota Trail goes on March 24th and Minnesota Trail goes on March 25th. If you, or another family member, are willing to help make this a memorable experience, please sign up here. Please know that JA Biztown has a policy that volunteers may not be in the same part of the simulated community as their student.

Volunteers will need to complete a background check. They can take a few weeks to process so if you want to volunteer, please complete it ASAP. You will need to complete the linked back ground check, submit the $16 either cash or check to the main office. Must be exact change.

New Outdoor Activity Space

The PTA also began early conversations with the district about creating new outdoor activity space for students. This project is still in the planning phase, with more information to come. I'm learning that outdoor spaces are not cheap; however, they are also not impossible. Our first step is to hear from students and faculty on their hopes and then try and make it happen!

Thank you to all families who support the PTA through volunteering and donations — your involvement makes these opportunities possible!

Next Meeting Date

Our next meeting is on February 23 at 6:00 pm. If you have any questions, suggestions, or agenda items, please email me at ptadmms@gmail.com and don't forget to become a PTA Member. This is another way to support the PTA, which exists to support teachers and our families. Here is that link to join: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/e005c3e2-1841-4059-a3f5-32e338f26581/shop/items/3dd635dc0886a9

Take Care,

Meghan Maes

DMMS PTA President

On Monday, February 2nd you may notice more traffic and minimal to no parking available in the Crossview Parking lot near DMMS. Due to a scheduled event at Crossview, please plan accordingly for potential longer wait times at pick up. Thank you for your patience in advance.

Happy Winter Dakota Meadows Families!

Project Success is excited to invite you to our second annual Winter Adventure Day!

We are so excited to invite you and your family to spend a day playing outside with us! We will be sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, plus crafting with Mankato Makerspace and so much more!

We will provide warm drinks (cocoa, tea, coffee, & cider) plus snacks and taco-in-a-bag for lunch.

Date & Time:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location:
Spring Lake Park
641 Webster Ave
North Mankato, MN 56003

***Let us know if you need a ride when you register! We will have a shuttle and pick-up locations at Dakota Meadows and Prairie Winds.

We encourage families to bring your own sleds and ice skates but will also have options there to share (limited sizing and equipment available).

Register here!

As winter settles in, we want to make sure all students are ready for outdoor activities. Please send your child to school prepared for the cold. This includes:

• Hat

• Gloves or mittens

• Winter coat

• Snow boots

• Snow pants

If getting any of these items is difficult right now, just reach out and we can support your student. If you have any of these items to donate, we would gladly take donations as well! We are here to help and can assist in getting what they need to stay warm and comfortable.

Thank you for helping us keep all students safe and prepared this winter!

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.

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.

• 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)

• 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.

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

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.

• 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.

• January 27th- February 5th- ACCESS Testing
• January 29th & 30th- 9th grade registration in 8th grade Science
• February 6th- 6th Grade Ski Trip
• February 11th- Early Out
• February 17th- Panorama/SEL Survey
• February 23rd- PTA Meeting
• February 26th- Spring Conferences
• March 2nd- Spring Conferences
• March 25th & 26th- 6th Grade Biz Town
• March 26- Secondary track and Field Day (Middle School in AM)
• April 27th- Polar Plunge (more information to come)