Dakota Minute
Principal Update
What a fantastic start we've had to the school year! This year's first day was one of the smoothest I can remember, and that is a direct result of our successful 6th Grade WEB Day. Thanks to the incredible work of our teachers and the leadership of our 8th Grade WEB Leaders, our new 6th graders were able to transition seamlessly into their new schedules. The positive energy and guidance provided by our older students truly made all the difference, helping our newest members feel welcome and confident as they navigate middle school. We are so proud of everyone's efforts and are looking forward to a great year ahead, full of learning, growth, and connection.
Gratefully,
Aaron Hyer
Picture Retake Day
"Away for the Day"
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.
6th Grade Wacipi Education Day
The entire 6th grade will attend the Wacipi Education Day at the Dakota Mahkato Mdewakanton Wacipi (Pow Wow) on Friday, September 19th. The purpose of the Education Day is to reconcile and build bridges between all nations through education, storytelling and sharing the Dakota culture.
Families, if you have not completed the census verification, please do so as soon as possible!
8th Grade Career Day
On September 16th -- Our 8th Grade students will be participating in a Career Day. This event will include the Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab, the Center of Excellence South Ag Trailer and a couple other stations in the NEW gym. This event is an all day event for 8th Grade. More information will be shared with families & students closer to this date.
Tech Device Update
Please see THIS message from our tech team in regards to your student device.
Attendance
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) (Please notify the office up to one week before so we can help them collect work while they are gone.)
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.
Early Releases
Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:
October 8th. November 12th. December 10th. January 14th. 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.
Pick Up and Drop Off
- 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.
DMMS PTA Update
Welcome back to a brand-new school year!
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is excited to partner with you to support our students, staff, and school community. Our goal for the year is to provide a variety of fun events, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives to enhance the educational experience for all our children and support DMMS staff and faculty.
Your involvement—whether through attending meetings, volunteering, or simply staying informed—makes a big difference. Be sure to join Dakota Meadows PTA group on Facebook for updates and opportunities.
Please join us for our kickoff meeting on Monday September 22 at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will be in the media center at Dakota Meadows Middle School (where students had their photos taken during the Welcome Back event). Those who are not able to attend in person are encouraged to join us virtually through Microsoft Teams.
Meeting ID: 268 905 990 707
Passcode: Np3Q4rG6
We look forward to a fantastic year together!
Power Pack Food Program
Hunger doesn’t end as students move to a higher grade level, and it doesn’t disappear when students move from Elementary to Middle School. When kids are in school during the day, they are able to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch, but when school is not in session, food-insecure children do not have access to consistent, nutritious meals. As students learn and grow in Middle School, they have unique dietary needs to fuel their growth spurts and feed their minds.
If you are interested in learning more or wanting to sign up, please see our School Social Worker, Rachel McNamara or clicking THIS link.
6th graders were able to particpate in Mahkato Wacipi Education Day this school year. Even with the weather, students were still able to participate and learn
DMMS Daily Bulletin
HERE you will find the DMMS Daily Bulletin. This Bulletin is updated daily to show:
- the date
- day
- and other information such as sports, etc.
We’re Looking for Team-Oriented Paraprofessionals!
At MAPS, we believe every member of our staff plays an important role in helping students succeed. Our paraprofessionals are valued partners who support classrooms, collaborate with teachers, and build strong connections with students. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals who want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day. If you enjoy working with young people and are excited about contributing to a positive school community, we’d love to have you join us! Apply HERE!
Upcoming Important Dates
- September 16th- 8th Grade Career Day
- September 19th- 6th Grade Wacipi Education Day
- September 22nd- PTA meeting
- October 1st- Picture Retake Day
- October 8th- Early Release
- October 13th- No School
- October 16th-17th- No School
- October 24th- All School Dance
- October 27th- PTA meeting
- October 29th- 8th Grade Vision Screening
- October 31st- End of Quarter 1
- November 3rd- No School
- November 12th- Early Out
- November 20th & 24- Fall Conferences
- November 27th & 28th- No School