In the Middle Newsletter
May Newsletter from Dakota Meadows Middle School
End of the Year Chromebook Reminders
All Chromebooks will stay at school starting Monday, May 22nd in your child's 8th hour class at the end of the day.
All Chromebooks will be turned in on Friday, May 26th in your Advisory.
Remember students need to return the bag, cord and brick with the Chromebook. If your child has a damaged/lost cords and bricks, they can stop by the media center and purchase a new one.
DMMS Adaptive Bowling Team Heading to State!
8th Grade Band and Orchestra Tour
The DMMS 8th Grade Band and Orchestra did their annual performance tour of the Westside Elementary Schools on Friday, May 12. The band has performed at the schools for the past 20 years, and this year marked a new tradition with the orchestra joining them. Each group played separately and then joined together for the final piece "Siyahamba." The students visited Roosevelt, Jefferson, Monroe, and Hoover Schools.
Sixth Grade Track and Field Day
All students competed in a running & field event, 4x100 relay, team tug-o-war in the morning.
Afternoon included rotation to Capture the Flag, VB, Softball and our Fun Run/Walk.
Special thank to the 6th grade Mendota & Minnesota staff for giving their time and energy, P4 Teens and amazing parents for volunteering their time.
Laws of Life Essay Contest
The Laws of Life Essay contest invites young people (middle and senior high school students) to express in writing their personal ideals and the law of life they value the most. All students in the Mankato area are eligible to participate in this essay contest. The top 30 essays are chosen at middle and senior high school level.
The following students were part of the top 15 essays for the Middle School Division of the Laws of Life Essay Contest at Dakota Meadows Middle School:
Grace C.
McKenna H.
Noah G.
Dawson W.
Brianna S.
Congratulations to these students on earning this accomplishment. A reception to honor the essayists was held on Sunday, April 30th.
The following students at Dakota Meadows students were finalists in the Laws of Life Essay contest. Their essays were among the 33 out of 99 that were sent to our judges. The Laws of Life committee doesn't have enough awards for everyone, but wanted to recognize their contribution and accomplishment.
Katie R., Anna B., Emma P.S., Brooklyn B., Genisis J.
Summer Opportunities for Students
Summer Opportunities for Students
At DMMS, we would also like students to read as much as possible throughout the summer. Please view this presentation from our media specialist, Kari Healy, for ideas to keep your child reading this summer!
Ukeleles for our Music Students
Students in Mrs. Zimmerman's 7th Grade Music Class have been learning with the ukeleles from the support of Educare and John Just Sr.!
Research Projects in U.S. Studies
Fifth Grade Students Receive Tour of DMMS
Health Services: Measles Information
The primary goal of the District Health Services Team is to promote the health and
safety of all students. Therefore, the Licensed School Nurses, think it is important to be proactive in sharing information with families and staff in regard to the recent measles outbreak that at this time is primarily occurring in the Twin Cities area. The Licensed School Nurses collaborate with and have close communication with our partners, Local County Public Health Departments (LPH) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), including the local state epidemiologist. Any action required by the Licensed School Nurses and Health Services Staff, should an outbreak of measles occur in this area, would be directed by the LPH and MDH. The Licensed School Nurses and Health Services Team members work year round to assure that student immunizations are up to date and provide direct communication with parents regarding the required school immunizations. The Licensed School Nurses are available to all parents to answer any questions or concerns regarding the diseases that are prevented by immunizations as well as questions regarding immunizations.
The important information to know about Measles (Rubeola) includes:
I.) GET VACCINATED: The Measles Vaccine (MMR) is safe and effective in preventing measles. If you aren’t sure if you are immunized, please check with your healthcare provider.
2.) WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS: Measles is a virus that begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash develops a few days after the initial symptoms and spreads from head to the rest of the body. Measles spreads easily and can include serious complications, even death.
3.) CALL A CLINIC OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU SEE SYMPTOMS: Since measles is extremely contagious, it is important that it is not spread to others who are not yet vaccinated (i.e. infants under 12-15 months of age or people with compromised immune system). Call the clinic first for instructions of where and when to see a healthcare provider.
The individual school health office staff, including the health assistants, are informed of the established guidelines and will be vigilant regarding measles symptoms in students who are ill and come to the health office. We encourage parents to follow the district guidelines which are available on the website in the “Am I Well Enough to Attend School” brochure. The guidelines include symptoms in which a child should not come to school: Fever of 100 degrees or more until fever free for 24 hrs without fever reducing medication, vomiting or diarrhea, until 24 hrs. following the last episode, any rash that may be disease related or for which the cause is unknown until confirming with the healthcare provider, a harsh cough that keeps the student awake at night or may interrupt other students. Parents, students or staff that have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact one of the Licensed School Nurses.
Gloria Heidemann, RN,PHN, LSN: 207-3287 Terri Helland RN,PHN,LSN: 207-3913
Jan Derksen-Roth, RN,PHN,LSN: 207-6027 Kim Peterson RN,PHN,LSN: 207-3626
New Assistant Principal Fall 2107
Dear Dakota Meadows Families, Students, Staff:
My name is Andrew Kellenberger and I am excited to be your new Assistant Principal. I feel privileged to join the Mankato Area Public Schools and specifically the DMMS staff. The moment I first walked through DMMS’s front doors this Spring, I knew this was a school with high expectations for all students and staff. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future.
For the past 12 years, I have been teaching various elementary and middle school grade levels, as well as, working as an Administrative Dean. I spent the past eight years teaching in Bloomington Public Schools and, most recently, received my Administrative Principal license from Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota. I also hold a Masters of Education degree from the University of Minnesota.
Outside of school, you can usually find me on some outdoor excursion such as hiking, canoeing or camping with my family. My wife, Natasha, is currently a Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also a wonderful mother to our two very active children, Henry (3) and Nora (2). The title of ‘dad’ is one of my most cherished responsibilities and the teacher-side of me continues to plan weekend family field trips. I also pride myself as being a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan. Skol Vikings!
My family and I are excited to be part of DMMS and to join the Mankato community this summer. Please feel free to stop on by school (after July 1st) and say ‘hello’. I look forward to all the relationships that will be made as we work to help ALL students achieve excellence at Dakota Meadows and beyond.
Warmest Regards,
Andrew Kellenberger
Dates to Remember
May 22 - DMMS Orchestra & Band Spring Concert - 6th Grade - 6:00 p.m.
DMMS Orchestra & Band Spring Concert - ⅞ Grades - 8:00 p.m.MWHS
May 26 - Chromebooks will be collected from all students
May 30 - Yearbooks will be distributed to students
June 1 - Last day of Classes for Students
Dakota Meadows Middle School
Assuring learning excellence and readiness for a changing world.
DMMS PRIDE
Preparedness - BE READY!
Respect - BE KIND!
Integrity - BE HONEST!
Determination - BE BRAVE!
Excellence - BE YOU!
Website: http://www.dms.isd77.org/
Location: 1900 Howard Drive West, North Mankato, MN, United States
Phone: 507-387-5077