Drexler Middle School
April Family Newsletter
The past month students showed dedication and perseverance that define our school community. As we worked through the Iowa State Assessments, I was incredibly proud of both our students and staff.
Classrooms were filled with focus, determination, and encouragement. Our teachers and support staff worked diligently to provide structured, supportive environments, and our students met the challenge with confidence and resilience.
As we move further into spring, we are also looking ahead with excitement to Service Day on April 29. This special day gives us the opportunity to step beyond our classrooms and give back to our community, reinforcing the values of kindness, responsibility, and service. We are proud to continue building connections and making a positive impact together.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your continued partnership and support.
Mr. Adam Kedley
Principal, Drexler Middle School
Mark You Calendar
- Wednesday, April 15th-1 hour early dismissal, Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7 pm
- Saturday, April 18th- Select Honor Band, Coe College
- Wednesday, April 22nd-1 hour early dismissal
- Wednesday, April 29th- Spring Service Day!! 1 hour early dismissal
- Thursday, April 30th- DMS Band Concert @ WDHS
- Friday, May 1st- Math Olympiads
- Monday, May 11th - Friday, May 15th 6th GRADE CAMP WEEK
Studying weather in Science
The eighth-grade science classes learned about weather and clouds. They explored different parts of the world and tracked the weather to see how things like humidity and wind affect us. Students also learned about the superstorm of 1993, and used warm water, a match, and ice to create a cloud in a jar. Through this lab, they learned what each of the materials used represented and how they affected making a cloud.
Written by Journalism students: Natalie Salow, Mackenzie Deutmeyer, Grace Meyer, & Maddie Kalb
D.A.R.E.
DMS 8th graders are learning about D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. We thank Officer Kamm for her dedication for teaching us how to say no to drugs, alcohol, and limit risk-taking. We also thank her for her good advice and her commitment to our school and for keeping us safe. Right now, we are learning how to say no when you are in a situation where you do not feel comfortable. This includes doing some fun activities that include games and social interaction with our fellow classmates. We are very thankful that Officer Kamm is taking the time out of her day to come and teach us these important things.
Written by Journalism students: Samantha Tigges, Lainey Keppler, and Lacey Manternach
Floor Hockey & Bowling
Students are having so much fun playing floor hockey in PE class. They are learning to handle the puck and run at the same time. They are also learning to pass and shoot the puck. Students will be playing together on teams to learn teamwork and sportsmanship. They are also learning bowling and how to score a game. Students love playing in PE while learning at the same time.
Written by Journalism students: Trent Auderer, Cole Gogel, and Brody Heacock
Girls in Engineering
Girls in Engineering
NICC hosted a girls in engineering program. They provided stations including a slime station, a team escape room, and other hands-on activities. 7th grade girls from Drexler were able to attend this fun event and had an educational, fun-filled day!
Written by Journalism students: Emma Neiss and Kenna Williams)
ELL (English Language Learner) 6th, 7th, 8th
Students recently completed their ELPA21 assessment. This annual assessment measures students’ growth and English proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Happy Spring!
It’s transition time to the next grade level here at Drexler! We have registered our current students and the incoming 6th grade students. We are busy working on schedules for next year and they will be released in August.
Attention incoming 6th grade parents: Each 5th grade class from DES, EES, FES & PES will join us for a tour on Thursday, May 7. This will happen during the school day. Our leadership classes here at Drexler will give them a tour and answer questions the students may have about middle school.
Please save the date Thursday, August 20th! All 6th grade students will come for orientation without 7th & 8th grade. We are so excited to meet them all.
Attention 8th grade parents: We sent home the Four-Year Plan on Wednesday, April 8. The Four-Year Plan is a draft of what classes the students may want to take throughout high school. It is just a draft. Lots of things will change on this document from now until they graduate. Every year before the students register they will look at the Four-Year Plan to remind them of classes they may want to take. We are required to have a signed copy for their cumulative file. Please sign this copy and send it to school. The students have access to this four-year plan on Xello. Thank you for your help in getting all the Four-Year Plans back.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Mr. Steffen (A-K) & Ms. Bryte (L-Z), School Counselors
Immunizations
Planning Ahead for 2026-2027 School Year
7th Grade
*** Immunizations***
· MUST receive BOTH Tdap and Meningococcal PRIOR to start of school***
7th-12th
· Sports physicals for all student athletes
Please contact your medical provider or the building’s school nurse with any questions
All forms for the above requirements can be found on our district website. Link to forms provided below: Registration Information | Western Dubuque Community School District
Exemptions from the law of required vaccinations: The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt.
If you have questions, contact the school nurse, Mrs. Tara Noonan.
Finishing The Year Strong
As we move into April, it’s hard to believe we are in the final stretch of the school year! This time of year brings a renewed sense of focus and energy as we look ahead to finishing strong.
Before spring break, our students worked incredibly hard during ISASP testing, and we are proud of the effort, perseverance, and positive mindset they showed each day. Now, coming off of Easter break, we are shifting our attention to maintaining that momentum—both academically and as a school community.
In these final weeks, classrooms will be busy with projects, collaborative learning, and opportunities to celebrate student progress.
Students can continue to finish strong by:
- Staying organized: Keeping track of assignments and due dates helps avoid last-minute stress.
- Asking questions: Seeking help when something is unclear ensures understanding and growth.
- Setting goals: Small, achievable goals for each week can keep students motivated.
- Maintaining routines: Consistent sleep, healthy meals, and time for homework make a big difference.
Parents can support this final push by:
- Checking in daily: Briefly reviewing assignments or talking about school experiences helps students stay accountable.
- Encouraging reading and reflection: Even 15–20 minutes of reading or journaling each day strengthens literacy and critical thinking skills.
- Celebrating effort, not just results: Recognizing persistence, focus, and growth fosters confidence and a love of learning.
- Creating a positive workspace: A quiet, organized area at home for studying can improve focus and independence.
We are grateful for your continued support as we work together to make the most of the remainder of the school year. Let’s finish with strong momentum, positive attitudes, and a shared commitment to success for every student!
Contact the instructional coach, Mrs. Sarah Goldsmith
Science
We are currently in our life science unit. Students will be learning about cells and how our body systems work together.
Math
6th grade math students will be learning about what inequalities mean and how to graph them.
Social Studies
The sixth graders are going back in time and learning about the Black Plague that hit Europe in 1347. Students will be doing several different activities, such as making a storyboard, designing a warning poster, playing a simulation game, and creating a commercial for a cure, to enhance their learning.
Language Arts
Trimester 3 starts the students off with The Chocolate Collection. Students will explore primary documents and conduct independent research to better understand the strange and wonderful range of roles that chocolate has played in cultures around the world throughout its long history.
Art
We have had a student teacher in the art room over the last month. Hannah Witter is an Art Education major from UNI and has been a great addition to the art room. She has focused on introducing students to many famous artists throughout time. Miss Witter will be with us for the rest of April!
PE
PE is finishing up a bowling unit and our next units are golf and rec games. Please help remind your child to bring shoes for PE days. We will be going outside as much as possible once the weather warms up.
Math
We will be starting Chapter 6, Solving Algebraic Equations and Inequalities.
Social Studies
7th Grade Social Studies has entered into their Financial Literacy Unit where students will be learning about savings, investments and financial planning!
Language Arts
Science
In 7th grade science, students recently finished a short project where they learned about fossil locations in Iowa and the geology behind them. They are now beginning their next unit called "Mystery Fossil".
Art
We have had a student teacher in the art room over the last month. Hannah Witter is an Art Education major from UNI and has been a great addition to the art room. She has focused on introducing students to many famous artists throughout time. Miss Witter will be with us for the rest of April!
Strength & Conditioning
Students are continuing to learn the hang snatch progression.
Strength & Conditioning
Students are continuing to learn the hang snatch progression.
Social Studies
In 8th Grade Social Studies students are learning about the reform movements of the early 1800s. This included working on Women's Rights and the Ending of Slavery (Abolitionist Movement) Students also worked on fixing a problem of their choice that they feel are issues in our country today.
Language Arts
The students are reading and analyzing a variety of texts on the Space Race. They will gather evidence from credible sources to use in their research paper and a group project.
Math
In math class, students are learning to calculate surface area and volume of three-dimensional figures by applying formulas accurately.
Science
Students have been studying the complexity of the water cycle and tracking the different aspects of our weather. We will continue to learn how the sun is the driving force behind all of our weather and the movement of water.
Art
We have had a student teacher in the art room over the last month. Hannah Witter is an Art Education major from UNI and has been a great addition to the art room. She has focused on introducing students to many famous artists throughout time. Miss Witter will be with us for the rest of April!
Activities Schedules
Schedules, scores, news, rosters and stats found at Bound.
Bound Access HERE: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/drexlerms
Drexler PTO is looking for volunteers to help at the Fall festival Dance on October 17th, 4:30pm-6:30pm. If interested copy and paste the link below and sign up.
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, 563-744-3711, before 8:30 a.m.
