Davidsen Middle School
October Newsletter
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Thank you for showing your DMS spirit and supporting your students this past month. Our students have been faced with difficult situations like the infamous Tok Tok challenge, along with many limitations created by the pandemic and its fallout. We want to say thank to all of our families who have worked with us in keeping our students productive, and for taking the time to speak with them about the dangers of internet "challenges". A big thank you also goes out to the vast majority of our great students who have made and continue to make the right choices every day.
We hope you enjoy our October newsletter; we will catch up on some of the highlights from last month, and share what to be prepared for and look forward to in October.
Hispanic Heritage Month at Davidsen
Our students are decorating the halls with artwork and projects that celebrate the many influences and contributions made by people of Latin descent. Ms. Smith and Ms. Hall's Art classes have created beautiful posters, while Ms. Velez's ESOL students have recreated flags of Latin countries. Ms. Hesson's Spanish language students are adding a focus to the cultural aspects of Latin and Ibero countries. In Culinary Arts, students learned how to make the famous Mexican treat, Churros, and are looking forward to making Empanadas next week. They are also writing about the origins of recipes and learning some fun facts. From Sept 15 - October 15, all students and teachers are discussing ideas and are encouraged to take pride in their own Hispanic heritage as well as celebrate it from all perspectives.
ESOL students recreate flags
Art work in the halls
Framed work in the front offices
Start With Hello Week
Teacher of the Year: Melissa Degusipe
Dragon Team Highlights
Steel Dragons 8th Grade language arts students have begun their study of heroism and the challenges of both real and fictional heroes. Students will read stories, poems, nonfictional articles, and watch film clips during this unit of study.
Earth Dragons Ms Thomas's CS3 class learned about energy this month by conducting experiments with string and weights. Students designed and conducted their own experiments to investigate how changing the parts of a pendulum can affect its potential and kinetic energy.
Water Dragons Students are learning about the importance of having a "Growth Mindset," as opposed to a "fixed" mindset and how to recognize the difference in their own actions. As they approach challenging work they are encouraged to ask questions and not feel pressured to appear "smart" but instead to seek answers and be engaged. This approach to learning has been proven to be highly beneficial for people of all ages!
Metal Dragons 7th and 8th grade AVID students are focused on note taking and using the 5 steps of the "Focused Note Taking" process. Ms Wilton says, if you want to remember information, ask an AVID student about FNT!
Thunder Dragons Our ESE students are working on writing, reading, and math skills at their individual paces. This year students are also participating in a new course called "Peers as Partners." In this program, students who have been accepted to the course by submitting an essay, accompany students with exceptionalities to a preferred elective. This year's class is currently full, but if you would like to learn more about Peers as Partners, contact our ESE Specialist, Erin Stiers. If you would like to participate in a similar program outside of school, we recommend Best Buddies. Ask Ms. Arthur for details about Best Buddies.
October News
DMS Band & Dance @Alonso Raven Band & Dance Team
The Symphonic Band, along with Davidsen Dance, will get a sneak peek of High School with the Alonso Raven Marching Band and Dance Team during their Friday night football game vs Steinbrenner. All families are invited to enjoy this special night of football, music, and dance on Friday, Oct 1! you can purchase game tickets here online
You can follow the DMS music department on Instagram @DavidsenMusicRocks, Dance @DavidsenDance, and art classes @DavidsenVisualArts
National Jr. Honor Society
8th Grade PSAT
Media Center: MakerSpace and Fiction Workshop with Kelly Coons
Students will have the opportunity to attend a fiction-writing workshop with author Kelly Coons on October 15th via zoom. Students who would like to attend may stop by the Media Center to sign up. Contact Ms. Suits for more information.
The Media Center has wrapped up the on site Scholastic Book Fair, but you can still support DMS by shopping the Online Book Fair until Oct 5.
Music
Our new chorus teacher Ms. Pilkington is having fun with her new classes and has welcomed USF intern, Andrew Dennis.
Jazz Band is learning about the Blues style of music and has impressed Ms Jones by learning their first full chart already. 6th graders are having a great time learning about all of the different band instruments on "the Wheel".
Orchestra students are impressing Mr Donataccio with their focus and skill every day, and his Chamber Orchestra is getting ready for the "Sweets & Strings" Concert on Oct 26th.
Sweets & Strings with Orchestra and Culinary
PTSA Fundraisers: *NEW* Stock the Teachers' Lounge
That's why we are launching a year-round opportunity for DMS families to show appreciation for our teachers by sprinkling the staff lounge with some healthy snacks, beverages, and treats throughout the year. We are calling this effort "Stock the Teachers' Lounge" and you can participate by clicking here! Your name (and/or student's name) will be listed as a sponsor on a new sign displayed in the lounge each month. If you have (or know of) a business who would like to participate, please contact our PTSA President, Scott.
Let's help keep our teachers energized for our students!
Reflections
Athletics
Our first game will be on October 19 at Farnell. Come out and support the Dragons! Game tickets can be purchased online at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Domain/2455
The Dragon Reward Store wins new items from the TB Buccaneers
Last month, Davidsen was a winning school for "Raise the Flag" Day! Because of our awesome team spirit, the Tampa Bay Bucs selected Davidsen to receive fun Buccaneer branded school supplies that will be available in the Dragon Reward Store. The store is currently open on Thursdays, and students may spend their Dragon Dollars as they earn them for modeling the Dragon motto, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. If you would like to donate to our Dragon Store inventory, please contact our Student Success Coach Mr. Galime: matthew.galime@hcps.net or write to our PTSA at dmsvols@gmail.com
2021-22 Yearbook
DTV Morning Show
Red Ribbon Week Oct 25-29
Reminders
Canvas Grades
https://hcpscanvasproject.azurewebsites.net
For more information on setting up Canvas, click here
OAR (extra help) Schedule
Teachers offer OAR for our students who would like to receive extra help in a subject. Students who have questions or need extra help outside of regular class time should plan to attend their teacher’s OAR during lunch.
OAR Schedule by subject:
Reading/Language Arts: Tuesday
Math: Wednesday
Science: Thursday
History: Friday
College Readiness and AVID
Ms. Wilton also keeps a collection of gently worn college tees to give out as prizes, and for students who would like to wear, but do not have the means to purchase one. If you have college apparel that you would like to donate to our AVID sponsored college readiness initiative, please contact Ms Wilton or drop off a bag labeled "Wilton, room 407"
Dragon Gear Uniform updates
All Dragon Gear orders have been delivered to the school as of Friday Oct 1. Thanks everyone for your patience as we worked through backorder issues across the industry. Due to this shortage of inventory we are unable, unfortunately, to make size exchanges. We thank you for your understanding. If there's a different problem with your order, please contact the vendor, Mascot Universe at (813)933-2333.
The Dragon Gear Spirit Shop will reopen in November. You can also still buy PDQ cards and the new DMS car magnet at the PTSA Shop. Other questions about Dragon Gear may be directed to Carrie Garmendia spiritline@davidsenptsa.org
OCTOBER DATES
Oct 1- Middle School Band and Dance Team night at Alonso
Oct 4- NJHS Induction Ceremony
Oct 6-Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Oct 7-Boys Volleyball Tryouts
Oct 7- School Picture Retakes (code EVTG2XNDK)
Oct 8 & 18- 8th Grade Tee Days
Oct 15-Fiction Workshop with Kelly Coons (via zoom)
Oct 15-Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct 8- End of Grading Period
Oct 13- 8th Grade PSAT
Oct 25-29 - Red Ribbon Week
Oct 26-Sweets & Strings: Culinary & Orchestra event
Oct 26-Reflections Entires due
Oct 29-"Outsiders Day" 7th Grade
Oct 29- Krispy Kreme Donut sales before school
TBD- Principals Honor Roll Breakfast
click here for Volleyball Schedule
Cell Phone Policy
School Hours and lunch times
Davidsen PTSA
You can also sign up to volunteer with the PTSA by emailing dmsvols@gmail.com
Volunteers must also complete the district volunteer form.
Davidsen Middle School Center for the Arts
Email: stacy.arena@hcps.net
Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/davidsen
Location: 10501 Montague Street, Tampa, FL 33626, USA
Phone: (813) 558-5300
Facebook: facebook.com/davidsenptsa
Twitter: @davidsendragons