Discovery Digest
December 2019
DMS Faculty Newsletter
In this newsletter:
BREAK is coming! You can do this!
- Exam Schedule: Click the button below for the exam schedule
- Check out our BIRTHDAY list!
- WELCOME Mrs. Sparks!
- Events: Faculty Meeting, End of the Year Jingle and Mingle and DMS Holiday Fiesta!
- Teacher Pro Tips
- Announcements: Coffee reminder, Buy an Ornament, Congrats, Band!
- Sugar Plum Tree
If there is anything you would like for me to add to this newsletter, please let me know!
WELCOME to DMS, Mrs. Sparks!
TASIA SPARKS
7th Grade ELA
My name is Tasia Sparks and I am originally from Muscle Shoals, Al. My husband serves in the United States Army and we have two children, Madalyn who is three and Kamden who is 10 weeks old.
I attended the University of North Alabama and after graduation I began working at Florence High School teaching 10th and 11th grade English along with being the yearbook coordinator. I taught and Florence for two years and then I took a little time off to have my son and now I am here at Discovery!
I am a movie lover of all genres. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of my favorite movies. I also LOVE all marvel movies.
DEC. FACULTY MEETING
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019, 03:30 PM
DMS Media Center
HAPPY December BIRTHDAYS!
December 6 - Emily Smith - ELA
December 7 - Scott Smith - Science
December 8 - Turquoise Tucker - Resource
December 13 - Garrett Sloman - SPED
December 22 - Cindy Stovall - SPED
Whose birthday did we forget?? Let us know and we will add you!
jmmerritt@madisoncity.k12.al.us
If we didn't know it was your birthday, and it is -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Teacher - PRO TIPS
- Check out this TRELLO board (maybe you'd like to use Trello for your own to-do lists) and add any cool technology we have discovered here at DMS! See if there is helpful info you can use. https://trello.com/invite/b/o1Adqr2G/b076a754c10f04a83f6452d65472e5f9/dms-tech-plc
- Drag and Drop links to these things on your desktop so you can access easily and remember to use:
- Technology Reservation Calendar (reserving chromebooks or the library)
- Discipline Log for Behavior Notes (using 2nd 9 week tab now)
- Lunchroom Cleaners Spreadsheet
- DMS Purchase Order Request
- P2 DMS Calendar - Advisory
- Counselor Referral Form
- link to end of the day BUS page
Email Merritt if you need any of these links sent directly to you. If you can't find them by searching your email, just let me know!
Below: click the box below for the discipline log (spreadsheet where you record the behavior notes you've given).
DMS COFFEE Donations appreciated!
Please see Mrs. Mackey if you'd like to continue to keep the wonderful coffee flowing!
Buy an ORNAMENT in the front office! Cost is $8.00 - They make great gifts!
Since the band director is the one who does this newsletter....here comes the shameless band concert plug!
CONGRATULATIONS to our Advanced Band for being selected to perform at The University of Alabama this month!
DMS Symphonic Band
Words from Merritt:
I'm excited for the students to have the opportunity to perform at my alma mater on the stage that meant so much to me as an undergraduate. I can't wait for them to have this experience without the pressure of being assessed, graded or adjudicated. They were selected as an example of how a middle school band SHOULD sound and operate, which is an incredible accomplishment. Students from all over the southeast are in attendance at this honor band, and they will all be in the audience for the DMS performance. Its going to be a fun performance for music loving students at the University of Alabama Honor Band and a great afternoon for everyone to celebrate the fantastic DMS advanced band! The students will follow their performance with a campus tour and dinner in Tuscaloosa. We can't wait!
Holiday Fiesta!!
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019, 04:00 PM
Buenavista Mexican Cantina (Madison), Highway 72 West, Madison, AL, USA
Jingle and Mingle
Monday, Dec 9, 2019, 11:00 AM
DMS Media Center
DMS Sugar Plum Tree
We are requesting that all items be delivered to DMS no later than Monday, December 16. This will provide ample time for us to sort, wrap, shop, fill in gaps, and deliver gifts to families before leaving for Winter Break.
DMS Social Committee
This faculty newsletter is brought to you by the DMS Social Committee in an effort to keep us all connected - we are family, after all.
Judy Bagwell (Head)
Leigh Shergy
Emily Stephenson
Megan Wilson
Kristen Barofsky
Jenney Merritt
Leslie Hughes
Matt Brewer
Minouche Perry
Morgan Gentry
Kelle Moody
Kelsey Cooper
Rosalind Bailey
Come see any one of us if you have questions about anything or suggestions for faculty social events! We look forward to hearing from you!
Discovery Middle School
Website: discoverymiddleschoolpta.weebly.com
Location: 1304 Hughes Road, Madison, AL, USA
Phone: 256-837-3735
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoveryMiddlePTA
Twitter: @DMSpanthers1