DKHS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

We have had a great last week of the semester, and the first reports from teachers are that students were fully engaged and gave their best efforts on their finals. Semester 2 starts the day we return on January 5th, and students have been reminded for the last month to double-check their schedules to be sure they have what they need. I would encourage all seniors to meet early in January for a final audit of their transcripts with Mr. Vanhoose in guidance.

As I reflect on our first semester, I am so proud of the work ethic, service, character, compassion, and kindness our kids show. I would stack our kids against any student body when it comes to the character traits we want in our young people. They are teenagers, so we have our challenges, but we have great kids here, and they make coming to work a joy. They are living out our DO A JOB motto, and I’m proud to be their Principal. We have had big moments in athletics, band, theatre, clubs, and cool activities from many of our classes that are making our learning real and relevant. New programs we have rolled out with IGNITE, Allied Health, EMT, and others are allowing our kids hands-on learning that has them gaining valuable skills and career exploration, and exposure.

As we get ready to step into 2026, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and blessings in the New Year. Have a great break.

Last week, Allied Health students weren't just learning—they were teaching! Two students assisted with providing CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) nutrition lessons with our energetic 3rd graders. Students demonstrated the amazing power of fiber found in whole grain foods. The 3rd graders were fascinated by this fun bread experiment that visually proved why whole grains are super important for our health. To wrap up the lesson, everyone got to try a delicious, nutritious trail mix prepared by our Allied Health experts. It was a healthy snack they could make (and love!) at home.

It was a fantastic experience that allowed our Allied Health students to practice their teaching and communication skills while inspiring our younger students to make healthy choices. We're so proud of these future leaders.

Delton Kellogg FFA Farm-to-Table students are putting classroom learning into action through a meaningful community service project. As part of their CTE coursework, students are collaborating to create 20 no-sew blankets that will be donated to a local shelter. This hands-on project reflects the heart of agricultural education by combining classroom instruction, FFA leadership, and service learning. Students are truly living the FFA motto—Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve—while embodying the three-circle model of agricultural education.

DKHS IGNITE 1 students have been working hard this semester on learning manufacturing and Industry 4.0 fundamentals. Ignite students took the SACA C101 Silver proctored exam this week to test their knowledge. Gabriel Pharr is our first student at DKHS to pass this 75 question test that covers a wide variety of basic manufacturing knowledge. The SACA C101 Basic Automation Certification is an entry-level credential from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) that validates fundamental skills for modern, connected manufacturing environments covering smart manufacturing terms, basic machine operations, safety, reading blueprints, measuring, sensors, lean manufacturing, and more Industry 4.0 knowledge. Congratulations Gabe! We look forward to what our Ignite students will do and learn in semester 2!