The Dodge Dish
January 27th, 2023
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL NELSON
DMS Community,
Next week we will begin registration for the 23-24 school year. 6th and 7th grade families should expect to receive a communication on Monday, January 30th detailing the registration process. In Transitions classes, learners will be presented information and take home a registration sheet that needs to be signed by a parent or guardian. Important 23-24 registration dates are listed below:
- January 30: Specific Grade Level Communications sent to families
- Jan 31 & Feb 1: Registration Materials presented in Transitions class
- February 6th: Registration Forms due to Transitions Teacher
- February 7th-10th: Online Registration completed in Transitions class
I also encourage you to read below around an exciting opportunity for learners to get additional help after school through FHS NHS tutors starting on Tuesday, January 31st. After school support will run on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 in the cafeteria. If you are interested in this support for your learner, please fill out this google form
Have a great weekend!
Thanks,
Andy Nelson, Principal
Weekly Grade Level Planners
Useful Phone Numbers
School: 651-460-1500
Nurse: 651-460-1506
Food Service: 651-463-5025
Bus Company: 651-463-8689
School Fax: 651-460-1510
School Athletics: 651-252-2514
School Closing Line: 651-985-1100
Community Education: 651-460-3200
PARAPROFESSIONAL APPRECIATION WEEK
(Not Pictured: Ms. Haque)
LEARNING LEVELS IN CAMPUS PORTAL
DMS NHS TUTORS
Attention DMS families,
We are happy to announce that through a collaboration with Farmington High School National Honor Society we will be starting an after school homework help program.** This is not a one one tutoring program HS students will work with more than one student. Students who sign up must come prepared with specific work they need to complete and need assistance with.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Days of Program: Tuesday/ Thursdays from 3:30pm - 4:30 pm Starting January 31st.
TRANSPORTATION: Learners will need to have their own transportation arranged.
MEETING LOCATION: We will meet in the cafeteria
If you choose to have your learner in this program, you may want to pack a snack for them on those days due to food allergies, please do not pack anything with nuts.
If you are interested in this opportunity please fill out this google form.
If you have any questions please contact:
Theresa Agerter
8th grade Geography teacher
Tiger Academy Coordinator
DMS Homework Help
23-24 FHS REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Farmington High School Counselors will be visiting Boeckman and Dodge Middle School on January 24th - 26th to provide your child with the necessary information to register for the 2023-2024 school year. Prior to our FHS counselor’s presentation, I would like to invite you to Farmington High School for an informational course registration presentation on Wednesday, January 18th at 5:30pm in the Recital Hall. The presentation is not required, but if you would prefer to be in the know and help your child with this process it is highly encouraged that you attend if you can. We will also be recording the presentation and will send that out to all 8th grade families. The presentation will include:
- Registration dates and information for the 2023-2024 school year
- An overview of Farmington High School
- Tips to help your student select their high school courses.
FHS Counselors:
- Ms. Walker (A-BL Counselor)
- Mr. Yager (Bo - F Counselor)
- Ms. Kelly (G - KL Counselor)
- Ms. Belko (Km - N Counselor)
- Mr. Pfau (O - Si Counselor)
- Ms. Newman (Sk - Z Counselor)
IMPORTANT WINTER WEATHER REMINDERS
As the weather cools down and we head into the winter months, please take a moment to review the important winter weather information below:
Information on planned and emergency flexible learning days can be found here.
Information on cold weather events in ISD 192 can be found here.
Now is the time to be sure you have a plan for emergency closures and your contact information is up-to-date with your child's school. As the 2022 Annual Update window has closed, please contact the school office to make changes to your information.
FOOD FROM OUTSIDE THE BUILDING
An important focus at DMS is food safety for all learners. In support to this goal, we ask that lunches and food brought into the building be intended for and consumed by the children in your household only.
Additionally, we do not allow deliveries from outside food vendors during the school day.
MINNESOTA COMMUNITY CARE BUNDLE UP EVENT
7 MINDSETS - 100% ACCOUNTABLE
Own Your Life – If we give away the freedom to act and think for ourselves, we’re more likely to become victims. This happens when we allow the opinions of others and their actions toward us to matter more than our own feelings about ourselves. We must begin the process of owning all aspects of our lives and actions, and take responsibility for every moment and situation. When we do, we prevent others from asserting control over our lives.
Overcome Limiting Beliefs – The greatest limitations in our lives are those we place on ourselves. These come in the form of fears, excuses, and what we call the countermindsets. It is these limiting beliefs that distort our belief systems and drive ineffective or destructive behaviors. We can, however, reprogram our thinking to overcome and eliminate limiting beliefs.
Focus Your Energy – The people who get the most out of life do the most with the 24 hours each day that we all have. These individuals spend more time doing things that give them energy and use this energy to learn and accomplish what’s most important to them. We must constantly restructure our time in order to get the most out of the moments we have. When we do this each day, we take powerful steps toward reaching our dreams.
Grow Through Life – Life is about learning, and it’s a process of continual growth. We must recognize this and seek growth from all experiences, good and bad. When we do, we are constantly getting better. We must also proactively develop our strengths and build new skills. As we do this, we truly become 100% Accountable and capable of creating the lives of our dreams.
COUNSELOR CORNER
Registration Newsletter
This registration newsletter from DMS counselors will continue to be updated throughout the registration period. It has important information and dates as we approach registration from the 23-24 school year
8TH GRADE MENTORING OPPORTUNITY
This week the following information was posted in Schoology about an opportunity for 8th grade students to sign up to work with a high school mentor.
Schoology post to students:
We are almost ½ through the school year, registration is starting, and your middle school career is nearing the end! This is an exciting time, but change can bring on some anxious feelings, especially about high school. We are excited to announce the opportunity for 8th graders to connect with high school mentors for 6 relaxed, fun, and positive 30-minute sessions.
Who: 8th Grade Dodge Students
What: Meet with trained high school mentors to make connections, ask questions, get advice, and have fun! Groups of 2-4 middle school students meet with 1-2 high school mentors (groups picked by high school mentor coordinator). High school mentors lead the sessions.
When: 6 sessions in January, February, and March meet from 3:00 – 3:30. (8th graders are responsible for work missed in class).
Where: Dodge Media Center
Families if you would like more information, please view the family letter. If your 8th grade learner is interested, you can give permission using this Google form.
6TH GRADE MINNESOTA HISTORY PASS
Sixth graders can go to any MNHS location for FREE! It's a great way for children to explore history during non-school hours.
Any child who is in 6th grade during the 2022-23 school year is eligible for this pass. The pass provides free admittance for the 6th grader (not parents or siblings) to Minnesota Historical Society sites and museums through August 31, 2023. Not valid for field trips, paid programs or specially priced exhibits.
TIGER DANCE TEAM CLINIC
WHO: Kindergarten – 8th Grade
WHAT: Join the Tiger Dance Team for four hours of dance instruction and be a star in our winter showcase!
WHEN: January 28th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Farmington High School
PERFORMANCE: Saturday, January 28th 2 PM
$45 K-8th Grade
Fee Includes:
• Dance Camp Shirt
• Free Admission to the Showcase
• Warm-up exercise session
• Dance instruction taught by the Tiger Dance Team
• Healthy snack
• Dance Show Dress Rehearsal
• Group Finale
• Participation in the Tiger Dance Team Winter Showcase
• Autographed Poster
Clinic participants will be divided into groups according to their grade/age. Each group will be taught an age-appropriate routine, as well as a large group finale.
Check-in begins at 9:45 am on January 28th in the Farmington High School Athletic Entrance. Participants should arrive in what they will perform in.
Participants are invited to perform with the Tigers in their Winter Showcase immediately following the clinic. Participants should wear their clinic t-shirt, black bottoms (shorts/skirt and tights or black leggings) and tennis shoes or dance shoes. Admission to the showcase is free! Doors open to the public at 1:45 PM and the show begins at 2 pm.
All proceeds benefit the Farmington Tiger Dance Team.
For additional questions please contact ftdtcoaches@gmail.com or ftdtbooster@gmail.com
WE'RE HIRING
Farmington School District has some great opportunities for you! Have you ever thought about subbing as a teacher? Here is your chance to get more information about it. It is a great way to have the same schedule as your children and be involved in the schools. Effective Dec. 1st, sub pay will increase to $185.00. The links below will bring you to a website that will give you more information on how to get a license.
Also, please check out the other opportunities in the Farmington School District.
https://www.farmington.k12.mn.us/news/what_s_new/we_re_hiring_
DMS WEBSITE AND DODGE DISH
Please take some time to visit the DMS Website where you will find an abundance of helpful information to support your middle school student. Dodge Dish is an electronic publication that you will receive via email every week from our principal Mr. Nelson and the Dodge Dish is always available on the DMS website under “Social Media”. It is very helpful to take time to read through this publication to keep updated on upcoming events and happenings.
INFINITE CAMPUS MOBILE APPS
Download your free app for Campus Parent app (parents/guardians) or the Campus Student app (students) from your device's mobile app store for real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, announcements and more!
ATTENDANCE LINE
If a student will be absent, a parent/guardian must call Dodge Middle School’s attendance line at 651-460-1505 before 10:00 am each day of the absence. If the school does not receive a call from the parent/guardian the day of the absence, an automated phone call will be placed letting you know your student has been marked absent from school. To request a pre-excused absence, a parent/guardian needs to complete the online “Request to Waive Unexcused Status of Absence” form. This link can also be accessed by visiting the Dodge Middle School webpage under “QUICK LINKS” and “Pre-Arranged Student Absence”.
REVTRAK
RevTrak is an electronic enrollment program and online payment system used by Farmington Public Schools (ISD #192). Parents need to create an account with RevTrak to complete the iPad loan agreement for their student; completed iPad loan agreements are required for students to receive a school issued iPad. To create an online account with RevTrak and complete the iPad loan agreement please click HERE. If you need further assistance navigating RevTrak you can click Step by Step Directions to Completing the iPad Loan Agreement.