DKHS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Hopefully, you had the chance to visit with teachers this week during our Parent/Teacher conferences. Today wraps up the end of the 9-week marking period, but kids still have time to go back to make corrections and retake some tests and other summative assignments. Please encourage your student to communicate with teachers and do everything in their power to find success.

Friday, we hosted Judge Schipper from the Barry County District Court to talk with our kids about the potential dangers and legal ramifications of inappropriate use of technology and social media, as well as having a Q & A session with our kids. He also invited any student who might be interested in a career in law to shadow him for a day. See Mr. Vanhoose to set up an appointment if you are interested. Please have a conversation with your student about the proper use of their social media platforms, their technology devices, and our Chromebooks. We have many students who are using backdoor access to bypass our school blocks and filters to go to sites that are not allowed at school, are drawing them off task, and may pose a potential risk to their safety.

In an effort to improve the safety and security of our students and to limit student access to unsupervised areas, we are establishing some new boundaries within the school during the day. Below is some new handbook language that goes into effect immediately.

The entire gym area, including stairwells, balconies, bathrooms, locker rooms, halls, and gyms, is off-limits to students unless you have a PE class, and then only during that class time in your schedule. The family bathroom is only available for students who need an ADA accessible facility with administrative permission. Students found on the north side of the southern wall of the main gym will be considered in violation and face behavior consequences.

Additionally, in the safety and awareness category, I want to share some information we pulled after learning that some of our kids are using Mojo caffeine pouches. Here is some information we pulled regarding the health concerns for these products.

⚠️ Caffeine Pouches & Teen Health

What Parents and Students Should Know about “Mojo” and Similar Products

💡 What Are They?

Mojo caffeine pouches are small packets placed between the lip and gum.
Each pouch contains about 50 mg of caffeine, absorbed directly through the mouth.
Marketed as “energy” or “focus” boosters — often used in place of coffee or energy drinks.
They are discreet and easy to hide, making them appealing to teens.

🚫 Why They’re a Concern for High School Students

Risk Area

What Happens

Why It Matters for Teens

Too Much Caffeine

Teens can easily exceed safe limits (recommended < 100 mg/day). Two pouches = 100 mg already.

Can cause jitteriness, headaches, nausea, heart palpitations, and anxiety.

Sleep Disruption

Caffeine can stay in the body for 6–8 hours.

Poor sleep = lower focus, memory, mood, and academic performance.

Heart & Blood Pressure Effects

Raises heart rate and blood pressure.

Riskier for teens with heart or anxiety issues.

Dependence

Regular use → tolerance → withdrawal (fatigue, irritability).

Teens may rely on it to “function,” masking poor sleep or nutrition.

Oral Irritation

Long contact with gums/tissue may cause sores or irritation.

Especially concerning for daily users.

Lack of Oversight

These products are not strictly regulated by the FDA.

Ingredients, labeling, and dosage may vary.

⚖️ Recommended Caffeine Limits

Age Group

Daily Limit (Approx.)

Mojo Pouches Equivalent

12–18 years

≤ 100 mg

2 pouches (50 mg each)

Adults

≤ 400 mg

8 pouches

Even small amounts add up fast when combined with coffee, soda, or energy drinks.

🧠 Warning Signs of Overuse

Fast heartbeat or chest fluttering
Nervousness, shakiness, or irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Headaches or stomach upset
Using caffeine daily just to feel “normal”

💬 Healthy Alternatives

Regular sleep (8–10 hours for teens)
Water and balanced meals for energy
Physical activity and short movement breaks
Time management and stress-reduction strategies
Open conversation with parents, coaches, and school staff

🏫 School & Parent Partnership

Schools are seeing increased use of caffeine pouches — similar in appearance to nicotine pouches.
Families can help by:

Asking open questions rather than accusing
Checking product packaging at home
Discussing healthy ways to stay energized
Contacting the school nurse or counselor if concerned

Caffeine pouches like Mojo may seem harmless, but for teens, they pose real health and academic risks. Awareness and conversation are the best prevention.

Over 30 FFA students visited Munsell’s Poultry Processing in Fowlerville, MI, to witness and learn about the chicken processing stage of the farm-to-table journey. These students helped raise the chickens from day one, gaining first hand experience in responsible animal care and food production. Our Farm-to-Table class will soon complete the cycle by preparing and enjoying the chickens through recipes we create together as a class. #FFA #FarmToTable #HandsOnLearning #AgriculturalEducation