Weekly Update
February 26, 2021
6th Grade Return to Campus Parent Survey Emailed Home
The cover letter to our 6th grade parent survey answers many of the questions regarding the specifics of returning to campus. More information regarding the return to campus for our 7th and 8th grade students will be shared at the upcoming March 8th school board meeting. Until then, thank you for supporting Dartmouth and your child's growth during this pandemic. We have faith in knowing that our school community will bounce back stronger than ever once we return. Go Eagles!
Return to School Updates
Reopening Schools Presentation with Stanford Children's Health
Our school district recently broadcasted an informational community presentation discussing the science behind school reopening with panelists from the Union School District, Stanford Children's Health Center, and Dr. Roshni Mathew, Associate Medical Director, Infection Prevention & Control at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
If you haven't had the opportunity to watch this highly informative presentation, you may do so now by clicking this link: Informational Night with Stanford Children's Health
Dartmouth Math Club is Off the Chart!
Pam Rissmann, Dartmouth's STEM teachers and head coach for the Dartmouth Math Club has a lot to be proud about. She just sent out this message to our staff and I thought it would be appropriate to showcase her students' amazing achievements here.
On February 5, the top 15 Dartmouth Math Club students competed in our Chapter's MathCounts Competition. This was done virtually this year. The contest included a Sprint Round where they solved 30 problems (puzzles) in 40 minutes, and a Target Round where they solved 8 problems, but they are given just 6 minutes for every 2 problems. Needless to say, the contest is very challenging and competitive.
All the students did great, and one did exceptionally well: Yufan Wang. He is ranked #1 in the chapter, and was invited to the Chapter Invitational on Feb 25. We will let you know how he does, but just getting to this point is a huge achievement!
On another mathy note, Eddie Wang scored 24 on the prestigious and nationwide AMC 8 competition (25 questions) which put him in the top 1% nationally. Incredible Feat! Students: Seah Jung, Yufan Wang, Aldwyn Lin, Abigail Ho, and Aiden Jeong all did extremely well, and they are ranked in the top 5% nationally.
We certainly have some dedicated math superstars here at DMS! And by the way, these students may be gifted, but they also put in the hard work! -Pam Rissmann
CJSF Student Charity Fundraiser
Support our CJSF Fundraising efforts & Silicon Valley Strong - Order your mask or make a donation here.
Counselor's Corner
From your School Counselor, Maya Yereslove:
Below are some study tips that students have found helpful during distance learning:
Get organized. It's very helpful to write down assignments in a to-do list. I recommend either writing in a planner; or writing in a chromebook/phone app (such as "do") short tasks; and crossing them off when you're finished. It's so satisfying to cross off what you've completed!
Be prepared for class. Treat zoom classes just like you would an in-person class - come on time; make sure your chromebook is charged; bring something to write with as well as anything else you need.
Take breaks. Get up and walk around the house, get a drink or a snack, go outside for some fresh air & sunlight if possible.
Keep to Good Sleep Habits. I cannot overemphasize the significant effects of sleep habits on our everyday ability to focus and mood.
Take advantage of DLS (distance learning support). Struggling to complete an assignment? Wondering how to raise a low grade? You're not alone. Teachers have told us that they love when students attend DLS (distance learning support), and they are really able to offer personalized help during DLS time. I recommend attending DLS any time you feel "stuck"; it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with your teacher and get the help you need.
Please remember that counseling support services continue to be available throughout distance learning. You may contact me at: yereslovem@unionsd.org
Mental Health Mondays Student Newsletter
The next edition of Mental Health Mondays has arrived and covers the topic of growth mindset. Some of you may have already heard or learned about growth mindset before, while many of you may not have any idea what I am referring to - both are 100% okay! Growth mindset can be a difficult idea to understand at first, which is where this week's newsletter comes in.
In this week's newsletter, you will learn about the differences between fixed vs. growth mindset, the many benefits of having a growth mindset, and specific strategies you can start practicing today to help you work towards adopting more of a growth mindset. It is important to learn about the two main mindsets because they influence how we approach challenges, deal with frustration, and learn/grow from feedback and criticism. You can click here to read the newsletter.
Important Dates
E-Waste Day @ DMS 2/27 from 9 am to 3 pm
HSC Mtg 3/11 @ 6:00 pm
Daylight Savings Begins 3/15
End of 3rd Quarter 3/19
Dartmouth Middle School
Email: martinor@unionsd.org
Website: dartmouth.unionsd.org/
Location: 5575 Dartmouth Drive, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 264-1122
Twitter: @DartmouthMS