Dakota Minute

I want to extend a huge "thank you" to all of our students for the incredible focus and effort they displayed during the Reading MCA sessions. It was wonderful to see so many of them taking their time and truly showing what they know. As we pivot toward our remaining assessments, we want to finish the year strong by doubling down on our commitment to school attendance.

Our goal is for every student to be in school at least 90% of the time, as consistent attendance is an important factor in academic success and testing confidence. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your child meets that goal.

Principal Hyer

We are super proud of how strong the start of 4th quarter has been. Within the final quarter, comes Dakota Meadows Middle School's first every Polar Plunge! We are excited for this opportunity to participate in a great cause for our Unified Classes and MN Special Olympics. A semi truck will be coming to DMMS on Monday, April 27th for this first ever event.

Please see the photo below for how to register and links! If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's advisory teacher. More detailed information to come.

Please see our video below!

DMMS PTA – We Need You for the Final Meeting of the Year!

As we approach the end of another school year, the DMMS PTA has exciting momentum—and a real need for more voices, more ideas, and more helping hands.

Join us for our FINAL PTA Meeting:
April 26 at DMMS or Virtually on Teams Meeting ID: 268 905 990 707 Passcode: Np3Q4rG6
6:00 PM

This meeting is more important than ever. We’re not just wrapping up the year—we’re building what comes next.

Why This Meeting Matters

Right now, a small group of dedicated volunteers has been working hard behind the scenes to support our students, staff, and school community. But to keep growing—and to take on the exciting projects ahead—we need reinforcements.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should get more involved,” this is your moment.

Big Things Are Happening at DMMS

1. A New Outdoor Space ($125,000 Investment!)
We are moving forward with plans for a beautiful, functional outdoor space that will benefit both students and the broader community. This project will need support, coordination, and fresh ideas to bring it to life.

2. Expanding School Spirit with Concessions
We are working to launch concessions at DMMS sports events—creating a fun experience for families while raising funds for the school. To make this successful, we need volunteers to help.

3. Leadership Opportunities – Step In, Make a Difference

We are currently looking to fill two critical PTA leadership roles for next year: The commitment is monthly meetings and a desire to support our students and staff.

• Treasurer
• Secretary

These roles are essential to keeping the PTA running smoothly. You don’t need prior PTA experience—just a willingness to help, stay organized, and be part of a team that cares deeply about our school.

The Reality

Attendance at meetings has been low, and our current volunteers are in need of support. Without additional support, it becomes difficult to sustain programs—let alone grow them.

But with just a few more people stepping in, we can do so much more.

Be Part of What’s Next

This is your chance to:

• Have a voice in school initiatives
• Support meaningful projects for students
• Connect with other engaged families
• Help shape the future of DMMS

Even if you can only attend occasionally or help in small ways, your presence matters.

Come to the meeting. Bring a friend. Be part of the team.

Let’s finish the year strong—and build something even better together.

Sincerely,

Meghan Maes

DMMS PTA President

LAST CALL for Yearbooks!

Today, April 10th, is the final deadline to guarantee your copy! After today, the online store will stay open only until our extra stock is sold out.

If the website still lets you place an order, you will receive a yearbook. However, once those extra copies are gone, they’re gone for good!

• Order here: buytheyearbook.com
• School Code: 730521

Don’t miss out on the memories!

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 13–17, 2026

Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, HSEM collaborates with the National Weather

Service to sponsor Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to

refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to

avoid them.

Statewide tornado drills

The most important events during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the two annual statewide

tornado drills.

In Minnesota, the 2026 statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 1:45 p.m.

and 6:45 p.m. CDT.

I know we are still in the midst of the sick season. If your student is not feeling well during the school day then they must go to the Health Office. Our Health Office will reach out to families if your student is not well enough to stay in school.

If your student reaches out to you to go home during the school day and it is not the Health Office contacting the parent/guardian, the absence will not be excused through our Attendance Office.

As a reminder, when calling the Attendance Line, please leave a detailed voicemail. Voicemails are checked often. We are not always able to answer the phone; as we we are helping other students and families.You can also email our Attendance Office at dmmsattendance@isd77.org

If you have any questions, please reach out myself or Assistant Principal Henderson

• Anytime your student is absent from school or if you plan on your student being absent from school, please call the office and leave a voicemail with 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)

• The attendance office can be reached by:

• calling (507)387-5077 Option 1; please leave a detailed message

• 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 of 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 your student talk directly with their teacher.

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.

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

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.

• 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 27 (our pond side parking lot) is used for buses to pick up and drop off students.