Sells eNews

Good Evening,

We are wrapping up our third week of school, and it has been exciting to see students settle so quickly into strong routines and positive habits. Classrooms are busy as students engage in thoughtful discussions, problem-solving, and collaborative work with their peers.

Our House point system continues to be a wonderful way to celebrate positive behaviors. Students are consistently showing kindness, responsibility, and teamwork; it’s been fun to see both students and staff share in the excitement as points are earned for their Houses. These daily choices are helping to build a culture of respect and encouragement throughout our school. The positive energy is contagious and shines through in the smiles and joy filling our hallways.

With ROCK Pride,

Katy O'Neal

Principal

Kevin Masterson

Assistant Principal

Dale Jennings

Administrative Intern

October 9th - Flu Shot Clinic for students 9:00 - 11:00am in the library

PSAT Information:

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, all 8th-grade students will be offered the free PSAT 8/9 assessment. The PSAT 8/9 is the first assessment in the College Board's SAT Suite offered by Dublin City Schools.

For more information about the PSAT 8/9, please click here.

Washington DC Information:

Please visit the following website to register for the Washington DC Trip.

https://sells.dublinschools.net/sells-middle-school/washington-dc-trip-info

All lockers have now been repaired and are ready for use. Beginning Monday, students will be expected to keep their backpacks in their lockers during the school day, unless there is a documented medical reason. Please take a moment to remind your student of this expectation on Monday morning.

Dear Middle School Families,

HB 123/SAVE Act mandates annual instruction in suicide awareness and prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion for students in grades 6-12.

Programs approved by Ohio Department of Education and Workforce are used to satisfy the requirements of HB 123/SAVE Act. Approved programs can be found HERE.

Dublin City Schools will comply with this mandate by using an approved program. Please contact your child's school for information on which program will be used.

Please complete this FORM only if you wish to opt your child OUT of the mandated requirements of HB123/SAVE Act.

If your child will be absent from school:

PREFERRED ABSENCE REPORTING METHOD: Please use the Absence Request tool in Infinite campus
Other reporting methods: email sms_attendance@dublinschools.net or call 614-718-8572 and leave a voicemail

Please do not call the main line for attendance before 9:00am.

Please utilize the Absence Request Tool in Infinite Campus or attendance email or voicemail

• Students MUST be in Rock period by 8:28am - Anytime after 8:28am is considered LATE and MUST sign in at the Main Office.
• LEAVING EARLY - Please use the Absence Request Tool or send a note from the parent/guardian. The note should to be given to Mrs. Stevenson (Attendance Secretary) first thing in the morning. She will give them a pass to leave class at the given time and your student will meet you in the Main Office at that time. You as the Parent/Guardian will need to come into the office to sign them out.
• ARRIVING LATE - If your student is arriving late to school due to an appointment, they will need to sign in at the Main Office with Mrs. Stevenson. Medical appointments will be excused with a note from the medical provider. Please use the Absence Request Tool to let us know ahead of time.

Help us Fund the FUN! Each year the PTO does things like feed teachers, host (free!) events for students, provide teacher grants, and so much more. BUT we can't do it without you! Your financial support (as well as signing up - and following through on your signup - to bring donations) allows us do to these things! Without you, none of the above can happen. If you can't make a donation, who do you know that might be able to? Do you know any businesses that might like to make a donation? We will definitely give them recognition! If you use Venmo, you can make a donation to @SellsMSPTO.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/sellsmspto for up-to-date information about everything that we have going on and how you can get involved!

Feeding Team Sells - The teachers and staff asked us to pass along their gratitude to those who made donations of food and who have supported the PTO. This helped us to provide lunch to them today!

Sells Swag - Are you looking to add to your Sells swag? This online store will be open until September 1 and items will be shipped directly to your house: http://www.tinyurl.com/2025SellsSW

Save the Dates!

• Tuesday, September 16 @ 7p - Help us kick off the year with our 1st PTO meeting! We will gather in the Sells Commons. Stay tuned for more details. We would love to have you join us!
• Thursday, October 2 - 3-5p - The PTO invites all students to its annual All School Tailgate. Join us out back right after school for pizza, some music, and hanging with friends. We'll provide a piece of pizza, chips, and a drink for you for free! Kona Ice will be available for purchase. Stay to cheer on the football team to a victory over Davis!

You can donate to the Sells PTO all year and it is easy to do! Donations support several

fun, FREE things planned for the students and teachers and they wouldn't be possible

without your support!

Just click link below or your child can drop off a check in the office in an envelope

marked PTO Donation.

https://john-sells-middle-school-pto.square.site/

Don’t forget to join the Sells Middle School PTO Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1741183269442405

High School Redistricting Information

For the latest updates about High School Redistricting please visit: Dublin City Schools Redistricting webpage.

Check Out the Info Hub for Events & Activities for Students and Families

The beginning of the school year is a great time to become familiar with all the sources of information and activities available to our students and families. The Info Hub is your go to resource for opportunities outside of school, including DYA, i9 sports, special events such as Coffman Marching Band’s 5K run and the Thurber House’s Young Writers’ studio. Check out the Info Hub to see all the opportunities offered for DCS families. Bookmark it and check back frequently because we add new opportunities all the time.

PERC - Suicide Prevention Training Opportunities

PERC is offering free Suicide Prevention Trainings for parents, caregivers, community leaders and educators. Attend in person on September 18 or 30 or virtually on September 24. Learn more and register here: Suicide Prevention Training Sessions/

Explore Career Pathways This Fall
Dublin City Schools is hosting three fall events for students (grades 6–12) and families to explore career pathways, DCS programs, and postsecondary opportunities. Attendees can connect with college faculty, local professionals, and DCS staff for future planning insights. Learn more here. Questions? Contact DCS Pathways Counselor, Kevin Patton @ patton_kevin@dublinschools.net

Dates & Focus Areas

Wed, Sept 24 – Health Sciences, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Public Admin/Safety/Gov

Wed, Oct 22 – Business & Law, Education & Human Services, Hospitality

Wed, Nov 19 – Engineering/Technology/Transportation, Arts & Communication

All events will be held at Emerald Campus, 5157 Emerald Parkway, 6:30–8:00 PM

DCRC Reopened + New Lounge for Active Adults & Seniors

The Dublin Community Recreation Center has reopened after its annual shutdown, and we’re excited to introduce The Lounge — a bright, welcoming space designed for active adults 18+ to gather, play games and connect. Stop by to see what's new!

Charity Softball with Your Dublin Police

Batter up! Dublin Police and 911 dispatchers will step up to the plate for the regional "Sandlot Skirmish" charity softball tournament Sept. 20. Join us to enjoy the game, food trucks, raffles and donate to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. See how to donate.