DKMS Newsletter
"It's a great day to be a Panther"
Principal’s Message
Happy Thursday Panther families! It was a short week here in the middle school!
First, I would like to thank all of our families for coming to Parent/Teacher conferences tonight. Fall conferences are always a great time to talk about your child's progress at school. Please make sure you have access to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, so you can track your child's academic progress. If you need more information, please reach out to the middle school office at (269) 623-1540. This year report cards will be ready after every trimester (12 weeks). The first trimester ends November 29, 2026 and report cards will be ready in the beginning of December.
In our sports news 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Competitive Cheer will begin on October 26, 2026. Practice will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the elementary gymnasium. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Boys Basketball will begin on October 27, 2026. Practice will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the middle school gymnasium. Please make sure your child has a current physical on file in the high school athletic office.
As always, I would like to thank our students, staff, families, and community for their hard work and support. Parent/Teacher conferences are always a big milestone during the school year. It gives our students and staff the opportunity to look at all the great work they have accomplished thus far in the year and to adjust what needs to happen moving forward. We appreciate your willingness to be a part of your child's education!
Enjoy the 3 day weekend!
It's a great day to be a Panther!!!
Mr. Bobby Tillman
Principal | Pre-K–8th Grade
District McKinney-Vento Liaison
📞 Office: (269) 623-1544
📱 Work Cell: (269) 297-1256
✉️ Email: bobby.tillman@dkschools.org
Mrs. Sarah Knash
Assistant Principal | Pre-K–8th Grade
📞 Office: (269) 623-1530
✉️ Email: sarah.knash@dkschools.org
2026-2027 DKMS Calendar Reminders
October 30- Delton Kellogg Trunk or Treat at the Elementary Building in the front drive
November 4 - Mobile Dentist
November 6 - Veterans Day Tribute - High School Gymnasium
November 10 - Half Day - Dismissal at 11:30am
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break
5th Graders Kick Off Their STARBASE Adventure
Our 5th graders had a great time on their first day at STARBASE. Students had lots of fun exploring chemical reactions, programming robots, and getting hands-on experience with science and technology.
STARBASE is a program that gives students the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through fun, hands-on activities. Throughout the program, students will learn how to create 3D models, program robots, explore rocketry, and take on exciting engineering challenges.
It's a great opportunity for our students to try new things, work together, and discover just how much fun learning can be.
MIG Welding in Action
This week in our CTE Trades Class, students continued learning about welding and getting hands-on experience working with a MIG welder. A MIG welder is a tool that uses electricity to create enough heat to melt metal and join pieces together. It feeds a thin wire through a welding gun, allowing students to create strong connections between pieces of metal.
Students are continuing to build their welding skills while learning how to safely operate the equipment and practice different welding techniques. It's great to see our students getting the chance to try new things.
Jack's Design Takes the Win
A big congratulations to 6th grader Jack Blackmun for winning this year's Walkathon T-shirt Design Contest!
Our PTO organized the contest, giving students a chance to get creative and come up with an original design showing their Panther pride and Walkathon spirit. After reviewing the entries, the PTO voted and selected Jack's artwork as the winning design.
Jack's design will be featured on the official 2026 Delton Kellogg Walkathon T-shirt!
Way to go, Jack! We can't wait to see your design on this year's shirts.
DKMS Walkathon Highlights
Our students had a great time at the Walkathon on Friday, October 9th. It was a fun day filled with lots of walking, smiles and time spent with friends.
A huge thank you to our PTO for organizing this event and to all of our wonderful parents and family volunteers who came out to help as well.
The Walkathon is a great fundraiser that helps raise money for special school activities, events, and fun opportunities for our students throughout the year. We appreciate everyone who helped make this event possible.
Thornapple Credit Union Helps Support Our Panthers!
A big thank you to Thornapple Credit Union for generously donating supplies to help support our students who may need a little extra help. Mrs. Rhoda accepted the donations, which will be placed in our Panther Den for students who may need them. We truly appreciate Thornapple Credit Union's kindness and support in helping us take care of our DKMS students!
DKEF Pancake Breakfast
💗 One Last Home Game, One Big Pink Out! 🏐
🏐 8th Grade Showdown: Football vs. Volleyball! 🏈
Get ready for some friendly competition! On Friday, October 23, from 4:00–5:00 PM, our 8th grade football players will trade the football field for the volleyball court as they take on our 8th grade volleyball team in the Middle School Gymnasium!
DK Boys Hoops Information
Registration is now open for the 2026 Boys 3rd–5th Grade Youth Hoops season!
This year, the Youth Hoops season has been moved to align with the boys middle school basketball season. Please note that 6th grade boys will no longer participate in Youth Hoops, as all schools now offer 6th grade middle school basketball teams.
Register Online: https://dkpanthers.com/Registrations
Please be sure to register your 3rd–5th grade boys before the deadline, October 23!
Girls season will start after Christmas break and registration will open in December!
Orangeville Community Outreach Christmas Program Information
Forms are available in the DKMS Office for families who would like to register to be placed on one of the Orangeville Community Outreach Christmas trees.
Please return completed forms no later than: OCTOBER 31, 2026.
Delton Trunk or Treat
🦷 In-School Dental Care Coming to DKMS November 4th🦷
We are excited to offer in-school dental care to help make it easier for students to receive important dental services without having to leave school for an appointment.
Through the Smile Programs Mobile Dental Program, a temporary dental clinic is brought directly into the school. Licensed dental professionals provide care in a familiar and comfortable setting, allowing students to receive services while missing as little class time as possible.
Best of all, there is no cost to the school or to families who qualify for the program.
What Services Are Available?
Students may receive a variety of preventive and restorative dental services, including:
- 🪥 Complete dental examination
- ✨ Dental cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
- Dental X-rays, when needed
- Fillings, when needed
- Pulpotomies (treatment for the nerve inside a baby tooth), when needed
- Simple extractions, when needed
- 🦷 Oral health education
- A report from the dentist
- 🎁 A free toothbrush
The goal of this program is to help students maintain good oral health and make dental care more accessible and convenient for families.
Veterans Day Tribute
YMCA of Barry County Turkey Trot
5th Grade Camp: Save the Date & Payment Info
DKMS Success Center is Open - Mondays & Tuesdays After School !
Don't Miss Out: Order Your DKMS Yearbook Today!
Help Us Celebrate Our DKMS Students!
Spiritual Care at DKMS: A Resource for Students
For the past seven years, Spiritual Care Consultants has been available to support students at Delton Kellogg Middle School. Sometimes students just need someone to talk to, a place to share what they’re going through, or a little extra support. Take a look below to learn more about this resource and how students can get connected.
Powerschool Parent Access and Setup Guide
Food Service Information and October DKMS Breakfast and Lunch Menu
All Delton Kellogg Middle School students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch during the 2026–2027 school year through Michigan’s “Free Meals for All” legislation.
Students who bring a cold lunch and would like to purchase milk will need to have funds available in their school meal account. Parents can view balances and meal history and make online deposits.
Even though meals are free, all families are required to complete a new Educational Benefit Form (EBF) each school year. These forms help determine the district’s eligibility for important funding, grants, and other programs.
One application is required per family—not per student. Please scan the QR code below or visit deltonkellogg.familyportal.cloud to complete the form.
Thank you for helping support DKMS and our students!
October Breakfast Menu
October Lunch Menu
Free Weekend Food Bags Available for Your Student!
DKMS is excited to continue to partner with Hand2Hand, a local non-profit program that helps make sure every student has plenty of nourishing food over the weekends and school breaks!
How Hand2Hand Helps
Weekend Packs: Students receive a bag filled with simple, kid-friendly meals and snacks to enjoy when school isn't in session.
100% Confidential: Food bags are discreetly placed directly into participating students' backpacks or lockers on Friday afternoons before dismissal.
Community Supported: Local volunteers and church partners pack and deliver the meals each week to support our school family.
How to Sign Up
Signing up is fast, easy, and completely private. Scan the QR code below with your phone camera or click the link button to register your student today.
KICKSTART Deposit Days and Information
Student Medication Administration Information
Welcome back to school, DK families! Please review the key requirements below to ensure your child’s health needs and medications are safely managed at school.
General Medication Policy
Every medication (prescription or over-the-counter) requires a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by both a parent and a licensed healthcare prescriber. New forms are required each school year.
Download the 5703 - 2026 medication authorization form DKS.
Adult Delivery Required: All medications must be brought directly to the school office by an adult in their original container.
Self-Carry Emergency Medications: Students carrying emergency medications (such as inhalers, EpiPens, or diabetes supplies) must have explicit permission checked on the form by both parent and physician. Alternatively, emergency medications may be stored in the main office.
Student Registration: Please complete online registration prior to the first day of school, ensuring medical concerns, emergency contacts, and physician information are fully updated.
Requirements by Health Condition
Severe Allergies
Medication Authorization Form (one for each medication, e.g., Epi, oral antihistamines)
Allergy Action Plan signed by physician
For special dietary needs or food allergies, submit the SNP_Special_Dietary_Accommodations_Form__92018.pdf signed by parent/guardian and physician.
Asthma
Medication Authorization Form for inhaler(s)
Asthma Action Plan signed by physician
Seizures
Medication Authorization Form for emergency medications
Seizure Action Plan signed by physician
Diabetes
Diabetes Medical Management Plan signed by physician and parent
Medication Authorization Form for emergency medications
Other Life-Threatening Conditions (e.g., Bleeding Disorders)
Action Plan signed by physician
Medication Authorization Form for any required medication
Overnight Field Trips
For all overnight field trips (e.g., Mackinac, 5th grade camp, band, FFA, HOSA, ect.), please ensure the following safety protocols are followed:
Authorization Required: All medications—both prescription and over-the-counter (including Tylenol, Motrin, etc.)—must have a completed Medication Authorization Form on file prior to departure. School staff are not authorized to administer any medication to students without this form.
A parent may carry their own student's medication on the trip and no forms are neededNo Unapproved Carry: Students are strictly prohibited from carrying medications (including ADHD medications or over-the-counter pain relievers) on their person or in their luggage. All medications must be given to designated staff prior to departure. A parent may carry their own student's medication on the trip and no forms are needed.
Self-Carry Exception: The only exception is for emergency medications (e.g., EpiPens, inhalers, diabetes medications) explicitly authorized for self-carry on the Medication Authorization Form by both a parent and a physician.
Original Packaging: All medications must be provided by the family in their original container
Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to a great school year!
Rhonda Lundquist, BSN, RN
District Nurse, Delton Kellogg Schools
BISD/Corewell Health Pennock
Phone: 616-240-5636
Support the DKMS Panther Den! 🐾
October Sports Schedule
*Sports Schedule Reminder:
Please always double-check EventLink.com or check with your child’s coach for the most up-to-date information regarding sports schedules, dates, and times. Our newsletter calendar is updated in advance and may not reflect daily schedule changes, cancellations, or updates. Thank you for helping us make sure everyone has the most current information!Athletic / Sports Sign-up Information
* Eventlink.com is where information for athletic events and facility usage can be found. Tickets and season passes can be purchased through Eventlink, and you are able to customize your experience by choosing which sports you would like communications from.
* Finalforms.com is where physicals and other important documents should go. These documents can be uploaded by your phone by taking a picture of the document.
* The Athletic Department would prefer all pay to participate payments go through this virtual portal for all Middle School and High School athletes.
Pay to Participate Fees can be paid HERE
PDF of Sports Participation Fees
* Hudl.com is where fans can subscribe to watch live streams of home events that occur at the turf stadium or the High School main gymnasium.
Volunteer / Visitor Information
Background checks for volunteers are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of students.This helps keep our school environment secure and positive for all students.Therefore in a continued effort to keep our schools as safe as possible, all volunteer parents and community members, as well as classroom visitors, must submit to criminal background checks.Field trip chaperones are also considered volunteers. Visitor and Volunteer Consent forms must be completed each year and should be turned into the middle school office. You can pick up a volunteer form in the office or click below to print one.
