Cardinal Call
Dodge City Middle School
March Newsletter
Email: dcms@443mail.org
Website: https://usd443.org/DCMS
Location: Dodge City Middle School, 6th Avenue, Dodge City, KS, USA
Phone: (620) 471-2100
Facebook: facebook.com/dodgecitymiddleschool
Twitter: @DodgeCityMiddle
School Hours
Class Hours: 8:00am - 3:15pm
Office Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Late Start Office Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Late Start Class Hours: 9:30am – 3:15pm
Principal's News!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of us principals with any questions.
Go Cardinals!
DCMS Principals
Mrs. Wells - Head Principal (7th Grade Principal)
Mrs. Bogner - Assistant Principal (8th Grade Principal)
Mr. Still - Assistant Principal/Athletic Director (6th Grade Principal)
Nurse's Corner
How Can I Help My Child Be More Physically Active?
Being physically active has many health benefits no matter what age you are. It’s especially important to help kids develop and grow into healthy adults. The American Heart Association recommends that kids and teens (ages 6-17) get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
In today’s digital world, it can be hard to get your kids to put down the devices and do something active. But with a little effort, we can help them learn healthy habits now and find activities they can love for a lifetime.
Why is it important for kids to be active?
Just like in adults, increased physical activity is associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of many diseases and health problems. In other words, a longer and healthier life! There are also some benefits that may appeal to kids’ competitive nature and desire to do their best.
Active kids are more likely to have:
- a healthy weight
- stronger, healthier bones and muscles
- better heart and brain health
- improved brain function, including memory, attention and problem-solving
- better school attendance and academic performance, especially in math, reading and writing
- lower long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some kinds of cancer
- less stress and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression
- less inappropriate and distracting classroom behavior
- improved mental health and psychological well-being, including confidence and self-esteem
How do I encourage my child to be active?
Children are naturally active. As they grow into adolescents, they tend to become less active. This is especially true for girls, who may need even more support and encouragement to stay active. Don’t be surprised or disappointed if your kids’ interests shift or they lose interest in activities they used to love. Help them find other activities they can enjoy instead of becoming inactive.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Be a role model for an active lifestyle. Start moving more yourself and find ways to be active together as a family.
- Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents. Encourage kids to keep trying activities to discover the ones they like and will stick with. Don’t use physical activity as a punishment.
- Reduce or limit sedentary screen time, including watching television, playing video games and using a digital device. Don’t use the TV or a device as a babysitter.
- Provide kids with opportunities to be active. Give them active toys and games, like bikes, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, jump ropes, balls and sports equipment.
- Support their participation in sports, dance and other active recreation like swimming, biking and running. Get familiar with community facilities near you, like pools, recreation centers, bike paths and parks.
- When safe, let them walk or bike places instead of always driving them in the car. For example, you could walk or bike to school or the bus stop together.
- If your child is very inactive now, start slowly. Increase the amount and intensity of activity gradually each week or so. This may help them avoid discomfort or injury and adjust to a more active lifestyle without becoming discouraged.
- Praise, rewards and encouragement help kids to stay active.
What if my child is uncoordinated, disabled or overweight?
All children, even differently-abled ones, need to be physically active. Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical and psychological well-being of children with a disability or weight problem. Support them in being as active as possible. Avoid comparing them to other children or shaming them if they’re not able to do as much. Celebrate their achievements and successes. Above all, keep it safe, and keep it fun!
What’s the takeaway?
We all benefit from moving more and sitting less. How can you add easy and fun ways to move more into your family’s daily routine?
Learn more about the American Heart Association’s physical activity recommendations for kids and adults.
Want to help all kids have more opportunities for physical activity? Learn how to advocate in your community by signing up for Voices for Healthy Kids.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Tips from the Counselors
Top Ten Test-Taking Tips for Students
Here are the top ten tips to success!
1. Have a Positive Attitude
Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.2. Make a Plan
The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.
3. The Night Before
Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!
4. The Morning of the Test
Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up.
5. Test Time
Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.
6. Manage Your Time
Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.
7. I'm Stuck!
Those tricky problems can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you don't lose points for wrong answers.
8. Multiple-Choice Questions
The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.
9. Neatness Counts
If your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully.
10. I'm Done!
Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.
Follow these test tips, and you'll know you did your best - congratulations!
Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers enjoyed a trip to Boothill to learn about Dodge City's history and the Old West!
(Pictures Below)
Spartans
Here are your Student of the Month and Citizenship winners for the Spartan team for the Month of January. Winners were given a non-uniform day and a medal!
Pictured Right to Left:
Maleia Chaffin (ELA - Barajas), Jair Ponce (DeLaTorre - Math), Shavi Arnulfo Alonzo (Social Studies - Tieben), Azure Drake (Science - Buckner), Eric Castillo Rojas (Citizenship Award), Jayden Sotelo (ELA - Ramirez), Jesus Hernandez (Bradshaw P.E.), Jesus Mateo Tomas (Math - Dierksen), and Danica Herrada (Martinez- Connect)
Olympians
EXITO
EXITO students had the opportunity to enjoy a day at Boothill! They were able to explore the new building while learning about Dodge City's history and the Old West!
(Pictures Below)
Odyssey
From the Odyssey Team:
In the month of March, Odyssey students will receive engaging instruction in many areas.
- In science, students will be learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students will be designing a zip line project utilizing Newton’s Laws to land a marble in a cup.
- In social studies, students will focus on the period immediately before Kansas became the 34th state. This time is often referred to as “Bleeding Kansas” because there was so much fighting over the issue of slavery. In Mrs. Lapka’s math class, students will be introduced to equations with rational numbers and solving for a variable.
- During the month of March, P.E. teacher Mr. Shuette will be introducing Pickle ball. Pickle ball is a lifetime sport that can be played by all. Skills needed to play Pickle ball include agility, hand-eye coordination, striking with a short handled implement, and communication.
- ELA teachers Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Rodriguez will continue administering the KELPA tests.
- Ms. Camacho teaches computer application class to both Odyssey and Voyager teams. In the month of March, her students will continue building their Xello profiles. They will also engage in cross-curricular activities involving science, building a 3-D digital roller coaster.
Voyagers
As a team we are so proud of our families taking the time to come in for conferences. The students worked really on their Xello projects to share with their parents. Families also please help your students keep on top of their assignments as the quarter starts to come to an end.
*7th grade has implemented a new hall pass for all students.
Each student will only be allowed to leave the classroom 3 times a day.
All-Stars
Student of The Month: March
The All-Star team is proud to announce their March Students of the Month. The following students are recognized for their hard work: Jonathan Ibarra, Sean Almaraz, Roman Ayala, Emiliano Gonzalez, Meghan Casey, Yaremy Macias, Lorena Equihua, and Gabriela Ralios.
DEFENDERS
The Defenders Team would like to congratulate the following students (pictured below) who received the Academic award and the Cardinal award! Yareli Garcia, Jasmine Castanon, Andrea Macario, Tamara Schubert Everic McKinley, Alex Hernandez, Esaid Ontiberos, Christopher Juarez, Chris Montes, Kevin Sanchez, Jocelyn Lopez and Emely Espinoza.
Great job and keep it up!!
Explores
We really enjoyed seeing all of the families in conferences. Students in Health have been participating in Yoga as part of their “Fit Fridays.” Band-O-Rama is March 8th at the Civic Center. The new quarter starts after spring break so we encourage all the students to look at their upcoming elective classes.
EXITO
Uniform Policy
Uniform apparel may be purchased at DCMS, the DCMS online store, The Locker Room, Embroid Me, and V&M Stitch.
Top Apparel
- Polos, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Spirit/Organizational Shirts, 1/4 zip & full zip are allowed– Red, White, Gray, and Black are the only colors allowed
- Solid/Plain Colored Top Apparel without any logos are allowed
- Top Apparel with a brand name logo (Nike, Adidas, Champion) must have the DCMS or Cardinal Logo as well.
- Polos can be long or short sleeved, and must have a collar.
- Long sleeved crewneck or pullover hoodie sweatshirt may be worn and worn right side out. All undershirts or camisoles must be a solid color. Undershirts and camisoles may not have lettering or logos visible through the polo.
Bottom Apparel
- Pants, Shorts, Skirts, or Jumpers
- Khaki in color or Blue Jean
- Shorts may not be longer than the lower part of the kneecap but not shorter than fingertip length with arms at the side
- Skirts and jumpers may be longer than the kneecap, but not shorter than fingertip length with arms at the side.
- All clothing must be hemmed. No slits, holes, or fraying are allowed in the legs of pants, shorts, skirts/jumpers. No second layer of clothing may be worn underneath to mask holes in outer garment.
Handbooks
Security Procedures
We are asking for your assistance to ensure that our security procedures during the school day are effective. As many of you know, our school has a security camera, intercom, and buzzer at the front entrance for use during the school day. To help us assist you when you would like to enter the school:
1. Please press the buzzer to speak with someone in the office
2. You will be asked to give your name and reason for visiting
3. Office staff will then be able to buzz you inside
4. All visitors must immediately register in the office
In addition, we are asking you to not let any visitors in the door as you enter (and they come up behind you) or as you exit the building.
The teachers and staff are committed to student safety and security and we would like to thank you for your assistance in helping keep the students at DCMS safe.
March Calendar Dates
Events subject to change. Please contact the Dodge City Middle School office with questions at 620-471-2100.
3/1/22: Pre-Festival Orchestra Concert @7:00 PM
3/2/22: EXITO Parent Game Night @3:30-4:30 PM
3/8/22: Band-O-Roma @Civic Center @7:30 PM
3/8/22: McTeacher's Night 5:00-8:00 PM -North McDonalds
3/10-3/11: NO SCHOOL
3/14-3/18: SPRING BREAK
3/22-3/23: 8th Grade Freshman Enrollment Computer Application
3/24/22: MS STEM Night @5:30-7:00 PM -Comanche
View the Dodge City Middle School calendar by clicking here.
Calendar Subscription
Subscribing to the DCMS calendar pulls the events from this calendar and displays them in your Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, iPhone, iPad, Android, or other device. You will need to click here in order to subscribe.
DCMS Athletic Schedule
3/7/22: FIRST DAY OF SPRING SPORTS- Track and Soccer
BOYS BASKETBALL GAMES:
3/3/22: MSWAC 8th @Liberal @4:00 PM
3/3/22: MSWAC 7th @Garden City @4:00 PM
3/5/22: MSWAC 8th @Liberal @10:00 AM
3/5/22: MSWAC 7th @Garden City @10:00 AM
SOCCER GAMES:
3/24/22: vs Eisenhower @4:00 PM
3/29/22: @Great Bend @4:00 PM
Red & White Days March Calendar
Key: Red filled boxes = red day
White filled boxes = white day
Gray filled boxes = no school
6th Grade Team Red Day/White Day Schedule
Spartans (Red Day = P.E.) (White Day = Connect)
Olympians (Red Day = Connect) (White Day = P.E.)
7th Grade Team Red Day/White Day Schedule
Odyssey (Red Day = P.E.) (White Day = Connect)
Voyagers (Red Day = Connect) (White Day = P.E.)
8th Grade Team Red Day/White Day Schedule
All Stars (Red Day = P.E.) (White Day = Connect)
Defenders (Red Day= Connect) (White Day = P.E.)
Skyward Family Access
Please communicate with the Dodge City Middle School Office Staff 620-471-2100 if you have any changes in any contact information and we will get this updated in Skyward.
Laptop - Protocol & Student Responsibilities
Student Laptop Protocol
● The Laptop is school property that you are being allowed to use. Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law will be reported to proper authorities.
● If the student is using an app or website inappropriately, it may result in consequences or loss of privileges.
● Student laptop will be filtered through the district’s technology department.
● School staff members have the right to check any material stored on a student’s laptop.
Student Responsibilities - Laptop Care
The student will:
● use their laptop in a responsible and ethical manner,
● be responsible for keeping their laptop in good working order,
● report any laptop damage to their advisory teacher,
● use only a soft cloth to clean the screen, no cleaners of any kind,
● not have any writing or stickers on the laptop.
● leave laptops at school in a charging station and plugged in.
Student Responsibilities - Laptop Usage
The student will:
● use laptop only when directed by the teacher.
● use earbuds only when permission has been given by a teacher.
● only play music if permission has been given by the teacher
● not access games unless directed by a teacher.
● not take photos or videos unless it is being used in a project assigned by a teacher,
● not use any social media sites during school,
● not take their laptop into the restrooms, locker rooms, or into the cafeteria,
● use the school approved passwords and screensavers.
● keep the originally installed apps on the laptop in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times
● be responsible for making sure their laptop is charged and ready for the next day. Students will pick up their device each morning from their advisory
Hardware Charges
● Hotspot Cord Replacement - $15.00
● Hotspot Replacement - $135.00
● iPad Replacement - $100.00
● Laptop Charge Cords Replacement - $40.00
● Laptop Charge Port Replacement - $40.00
● Laptop Keyboard Replacement - $10.00
● Laptop Lost/Stolen/Broken - $800.00
● Laptop Screen Replacement - $240.00
● Laptop Sleeve Replacement - $14.00
COVID-19
Masks will be optional for all students and staff. Sanitizing stations will be available in high traffic areas.
Please click here for any updated information.