Dakota Minute

We are just about done with NWEA testing and I have heard nothing but great things from our teachers about the performance of our students. Our next steps will be to analyze our students needs so we can be strategic in our instruction for the second half the year. I very proud of the work our students are putting in and it is exciting to see student's invested in their learning .

As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, we are focusing on consistence attendance. A student is considered to be consistently attending school if they attend more than 90 percent of school days. Consistent attendance on its own is an important predictor of a student's academic success. If your student is on pace to miss more than 17 days of school this year, you will receive a communication from the school to collaborate together on ways to improve attendance.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

Our DMMS 6th graders had an amazing time at Mount Kato skiing and being outside in the wonderful weather!

Congrats to the January 2024 Shining Scarlets!

We had so much fun for our Februrary All School Dance! Thank you to the students, families, PTA, and volunteers! It was filled with smiles, laughter and dancing.

DMMS students discussed controllables in advisory this week! Ask your middle schooler what things they can control outside of school to make their world better!"

Spring Conferences for DMMS will be Thursday, February 29th and Monday, March 4th. Families will be able to sign up with any teacher, it does not have to be your student(s) advisor teacher.

Link will be shared by: Friday, February 23rd!

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

February 14th, 2024. March 13th, 2024. April 17th, 2024. May 15th, 2024.

There are no middle school practices on early release days. ALL DMMS student athletes should be picked up or use bus transportation home on these days.There is also no activity bus to Mankato West on Early release days. Student Athletes that participate at the high school level may have practices as normal but will have to provide their own transportation or contact their coach.

DMMS Families,

The year is flying by, and PTA is excited to continue providing opportunities to our DMMS community! Here's how you can get involved:

- Attend PTA meetings. Our next PTA meeting is this Monday, 2/19, at 6:15pm at DMMS, in the multipurpose space adjacent to the library.

- Help spread the word! As you connect with DMMS families and friends outside of school, share the opportunities to get involved! Share a Facebook post, ask a grandparent to help with an event, invite a neighbor to attend an activity - you can help us bring awareness to our community.

- Donate! Donations to the One and Done fundraiser can be made here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/907498

- Volunteer! Areas for which you could volunteer include, but are not limited to:

1) 7th and 8th grade parents are encouraged to help organize the 8th grade celebration event!

2) .Volunteer to help with our March Family BINGO event

3) Join the Fun Run committee.

4) Help with the Spring Scholastic Book Fair

5) Help with Spring Conference Staff meals

6) Help with Teacher Appreciation Week

If you are interested in helping with any of the above mentioned activities or events, please email PTA at ptadmms@gmail.com

As always, thank you for all that you've done to support the DMMS community this year. We look forward to your continued support in the second semester!

https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/988752

With Much Appreciation,

Archery for Teens Grades 7-12, Tuesdays starting March 5

Intro to Hand & Machine Sewing Grades 3-8, Thursdays starting April 4

West Boys Bball Camp Grades 6-8, Sundays starting April 7

Red Cross Advanced Babysitter Training Ages 11+, Wednesday April 10

Adult & Child Intro to Ceramics Grades 3-9 + adult, Tuesdays starting April 16

Please make sure to view the student calendar on our district website. This will have our early releases and no school days. In addition, the Google Calendar will have DMMS Specific information.