DMS Panther Press
February 2019 Newsletter
Principal's Corner
Panther Families,
Excitement abounds at Discovery! We have students that are showcasing their various talents and winning! It is great to see our students doing what they love and doing it well. We will be kicking off our spring sports season this month. That means there will be lots of opportunities to show our Panther Pride!
We are most excited that our construction process is winding down. We have overcome the biggest challenges associated with being in school and under construction at the same time. The benefits definitely outweigh the challenges of the process. One of our most important additions at Discovery Middle school has been our Exceptional Learning Center. The Exceptional Learning Center provides education for students with specific learning needs. Our students in the ELC have had a great year thus far and most recently enjoyed participation in a Special Olympics bowling field trip.
The spring semester is also the time for us to begin preparation for the upcoming school year. We will be hosting our Panther Parent University sessions in February and March. These sessions will provide lots of helpful information regarding the registration process. More information will be coming soon. Please continue to check out our newsletter and the DMS website for the latest news and information.
With Panther Pride,
Kim Stewart
Discovery Middle School: A place for innovation, excellence and discovery.
Upcoming Events
February 18: Weather Day - No School
February 21: DMS Showcase 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
February 25: Progress Reports Sent Home
February 26: Panther Parent University for Rising 6th graders 5:30 p.m.
February 28: Panther Parent University Rising 6th graders 5:30 p.m.
March 1: Panther Prowl for Rising 6th Grade Students
March 4: Panther Parent University for Rising 7th graders 5:30 p.m.
March 5: Panther Parent University Rising 8th graders 5:30 p.m.
March 6: All Student Registration Forms Due.
What is the DMS Showcase?
The theme of the DMS Showcase is "Get Connected" -- we want parents and future students to have the opportunity to learn about the different clubs, sports, academic activities, and courses we offer!
Our goal is that every student "Get Connected" by becoming actively involved in one or more of the wonderful activities provided by our school.
What is Panther Parent University?
Panther Parent University is an informational meeting provided for parents of rising DMS students. During Panther Parent University sessions parents will receive information about the numerous opportunities available to students at DMS. We are excited to welcome you to our wonderful school, and we encourage you to attend Panther Parent University to learn more about what we have to offer your student.
We understand that the transition to middle school is a significant step for both students and parents, and it is our goal to make the transition a positive experience!
Poetry Contest Winners
This national contest is open to public, private, and home-school students in grades K - 9. The poetry contest is held three times a year August, December, and April.
- Thais Arslanbekov (2nd invitation to be published this school year!)
- Gwendoline Jory (2nd invitation to be published this school year!)
- Puja Chopade
- Ashlyn Campbell
Geography Bee
We are so proud of these young ladies!
Photo: Puja Chopade (L) and Neha Chopade (R)
Special Olympics Bowling Trip
The students enjoyed spending time bowling and eating lunch with other students from Liberty and James Clemens.
Spelling Bee
Good Luck Ashwin!
DMS Scholar's Bowl
The following students will compete in the State Scholar's Bowl Tournament:
- Neha Chopade
- Puja Chopade
- Matt Stern
- Miriam Dotson
- Elaine Bao
- Colin Bryuns
School Board Appreciation
Mrs. Bagwell's Advanced Art students created a beautiful piece of art to present to the the board members to show appreciation for their dedication to our schools and community. The special artwork will be hung at DMS in the board’s honor.
DMS Band
The DMS band students have been practicing diligently and many have earned the opportunity to play in prestigious Honor Bands.
Auburn University Honor Band:
Hayden Purser (Clarinet), Tabitha Gioia (Clarinet), Ryan Shurtz (Percussion), Nolan Crabtree (Percussion), Katerina Fedoseyev (Flute), Bethany Stoots (Flute) , Shelby Ball (Trumpet), Shelley Averitt (Trumpet), Anna Digges (Trumpet), Emma Cook (Flute), Colby Sheehan (Bass Clarinet), and Andrew Huh (Tuba)
Alabama All-State Band:
Hayden Purser (Clarinet), Elaine Bao (Clarinet), Anna Digges (Trumpet), Timothy Zhu (Percussion), Colby Sheehan (Alternate - Bass Clarinet), and Chris Hurley (Alternate - French Horn)
District 1 Honor Band:
Katerina Fedoseyev (Flute), Hayden Purser (Clarinet), Elaine Bao (Clarinet), Colby Sheehan (Bass Clarinet), Anna Digges (Trumpet), Jonathan Yang (Trumpet), Francois LeRoux (Trumpet), Taylor Cunningham (Trumpet), Ana Ballard (Trumpet), Shelley Averitt (Trumpet), Timothy Zhu (Percussion), Josh Boyd (Percussion), and Daniel Wright (Percussion)
Indoor Track & Field
This has been a special season for our Discovery Middle School Track and Field athletes. Each student took on the challenge and the Girls Team brought home a Second Place finish at their Championship.
Placement:
- Sydney Truesdail - 1st Place Pole Vault
- Rian Edwards - 3rd Place 400M
- Carly White - 3rd Place 800M
- Aija Obligacion - 2nd Place Shot Put
- Girls 4 X 200 2nd Place
Three of these exceptional athletes, Rian Edwards, Carly White, and Marjorie Baumbach have been added to the Varsity Roster and will compete at the Indoor State Track and Field Championships held at the Birmingham Crossplex on February 1-2. Rian Edwards will compete on the 4 x 400 Relay, Carly White will compete on both the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 Relay Teams, and Marjorie Baumbach will compete on the 4 x 800 Relay Team.
Our BoysTeam finished overall in 6th place. Our boys 4 X 200 team finished 3rd in the state. The members included: Rashawn Hardy, Demontrae Johnson, Jordan Morrison, and C.J. Bush.
DMS Wrestling
The team consisted of 7th-9th grade students from both Bob Jones High School and Discovery Middle School. The students practiced hard, put forth a great amount of effort, and did a fantastic job representing our schools!
WZYP Teachers of the Week
Both ladies will be featured in a segment airing on February 5th.
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2019
This year Random Acts of Kindness Week will be celebrated February 11 – 15. Each day will have a different theme to help encourage our students to participate in different random acts of kindness toward one another.
- Monday, 2/11 Theme: Kindness is Magical – Wear a shirt with your favorite Disney character on it. Monday Kindness Challenge – Start the day in a magical way by greeting 15 people with a friendly “Good Morning”.
- Tuesday, 2/12 Theme: Discovery Panthers show that “Other People Matter” – Wear your favorite DMS shirt or gear. Tuesday Kindness Challenge – Smile at 25 people today!
- Wednesday, 2/13 Theme: Celebrate our Differences – Wear fun mismatched socks. Wednesday Kindness Challenge – Treat others the way you want to be treated and give 10 people a high five or fist bump.
- Thursday, 2/14 Theme: Kindness is From the Heart – Wear pink or red for Valentine’s Day. Thursday Kindness Challenge – Make someone’s day by giving out 5 compliments.
- Friday, 2/15 Theme: Being Kind is Super – Wear your favorite super hero shirt. Friday Kindness Challenge – Take time today to be super kind today and tell others “thank you” for all they do.
Reading Tips for Parents of Middle School Students
As your child’s first and most important teacher, you can be a tremendously positive influence in your child’s efforts to become a skillful reader!
Whether your child already reads proficiently or is struggling with reading, your support and encouragement can help your student make significant strides toward success!
Here are some ideas to help support your student’s reading at home:
- Create a quiet, special place in your home for your student to read. Keep books
and reading materials readily available.
- Help your student see that reading is important. Set a good example for
them by reading books, newspapers, and magazines. Talk about what you are
reading with your student and encourage active discussions.
- If your student has a reading assignment, try to read the same book so you can
have meaningful discussions about the story. If your student is struggling to
complete a reading assignment, try taking turns listening and reading aloud to them, checking frequently for understanding.
- Ask your student about reading strategies that they have learned at school.
- Encourage your student to use these strategies when reading at home.
- Visit bookstores, public and school libraries regularly to find materials for
pleasure reading.
- Encourage your child to re-read material to get a deeper understanding of its
contents.
- Write notes of encouragement along the way; a little positive reinforcement can go
a long way!
Library News
The DMS Library IS the place to be!
Online Public Access Catalog 24/7…
Students have online public access to our digital media center. They can conduct searches, manage virtual book bags, reserve books, renew books, and write book reviews. Students can also access eBooks and digital audiobooks with the use of the FREE eHub Reader app by Perma-Bound. For more information and directions regarding these features, visit our DMS library page.
Additionally, the Librista app for Apple and Android devices is FREE and enables students to use our Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) with mobile devices. Students can conduct searches, renew and/or reserve books, check due dates, and check to see if fines are owed. Stay up-to-date with this incredible, convenient resource!
Student Voice
Students asked for new books, and we listened! We frequently discuss books read with students to get their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Since Christmas break, we have added 221 books and eight audiobooks to our selection! Many of the new books are displayed in tall, acrylic book stands and on acrylic book shelves. The new selections are sure to attract all readers!
Book Club
Do you enjoy reading and discussing good books? Join our DMS Book Club! We are currently reading individual preferences and then creating book trailers to share with others. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the school's rotating schedule at 7:30 AM in the media center. Join us for our February meetings; February 12th and the 26th.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!! We are truly grateful for your time, assistance, and dedication!
Have suggestions on how to make our media center better? Come and share your ideas!
Visit us in the DMS library to "check out" valuable resources available to you!
New Displays Show Off Our New Books
"Check Out" Bruno and Friends
New Look, New Selections
Click on the link to view a tutorial on how to RESERVE a book in Atriuum.
Click on the link to view a tutorial on how to RENEW a book in Atriuum.
DMS Soccer Schedule 2019
- 2/13 (Home) vs Meridianville, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/20 (Home) vs Monrovia, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/22 (Away) vs Randolph, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/23 (Away) vs Westminster & Mars Hill, Boys @ 11:00 a.m.
- 2/25 (Home) vs Sparkman, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/27 (Home) vs Liberty, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/28 (Away) vs Decatur Jr. High, Girls @ 6:30 p.m.
- 3/1 (Home) vs Catholic/Decatur Jr. High, Girls @ 6:30 p.m. Boys @ 5:00 p.m.
- 3/2 (Away) vs Monrovia, Girls @ 12:30 p.m. Boys @ 11:00 a.m.
- 3/4 (Home) Randolph, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 3/9 (Away) Catholic, Boys @ 11:00 a.m.
- 3/11 (Away) Meridianville, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 3/14 (Home) Westminster, Boys @ 5:00 p.m.
- 3/25 (Away) Sparkman, Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 3/26 (Away) Austin Jr. High, Girls @ 5:00 p.m.
- 3/29 (Away) vs Liberty (City Cup), Girls @ 5:00 p.m. Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
- 4/2-4/6 (Away) @ Monrovia (Madison County Tournament), Times TBA
DMS Softball Schedule 2019
- 2/22 – 2/23 Tournament (Home) Palmer Park
- 2/26 (Away) vs Elkmont
- 2/28 (Away) vs Russelville
- 3/1 – 3/2 Tournament (Away) Ardmore
- 3/4 (Away) vs Liberty
- 3/7 (Home) vs Monrovia
- 3/8 – 3/9 Tournament (Away) Wilson Morgan Decatur
- 3/11 (Home) vs Meridianville
- 3/14 (Home) vs Sparkman
- 3/25 (Away) vs Athens
- 3/26 (Home) vs Lincoln County
- 3/28 (Away) vs Buckhorn
- 4/1 (Home - BJHS) vs Liberty
- 4/4 (Home) vs Buckhorn
- 4/8 (Away) vs Monrovia
- 4/9 (Home) vs Athens
- 4/11 (Away) vs Meridianville
- 4/15 (Away) vs Sparkman
- 4/18 – 4/22 County Tournament (Away) Monrovia
DMS Baseball Schedule 2019
- 2/18 (Away) Pre-Season Tournament @ Buckhorn Time TBA
- 2/19 (Away) vs Hartselle @ Buckhorn 6:30 p.m.
- 2/20 (Home) vs Decatur @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/21(Home) vs Madison Academy @ 6:30 p.m.
- 2/22 (Home) vs Liberty @ 4:00 p.m.
- 2/23 (Away) vs Muscle Shoals @ 11:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
- 2/28 (Away) vs Sparkman @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/2 (Away) vs Athens @ 11:00 a.m. / 1:30 p.m.
- 3/4 (Away) vs Liberty @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/5 (Away) vs Hartselle @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/7 (Home) vs Monrovia @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/9 (Home) vs Muscle Shoals @ 11:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
- 3/11 (Home) vs Meridianville @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/14 (Home) vs Sparkman @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/15 (Away) vs Scottsboro @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/16-3/20 Meridianville Spring Break Tournament, Times TBA
- 3/25 (Home) vs Scottsboro @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/26 (Home) vs Russellville @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/28 (Away) vs Buckhorn @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 3/30 (Home) vs Athens @ 11:00 a.m. / 1:30 p.m.
- 4/1 (Home) vs Liberty @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 4/4 (Home) vs Buckhorn @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.
- 4/8 (Away) vs Monrovia @ 4:00 p.m.
- 4/9 (Away) vs Monrovia @ 4:00 p.m.
- 4/11 (Away) vs Meridianville @ 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m
Discovery Middle School
A place for innovation, excellence and discovery.
http://dms.madisoncity.k12.al.us/
Website: http://dms.madisoncity.k12.al.us/
Phone: 256-837-3735
Facebook: facebook.com/discoverymspanthers
Twitter: @discoverypanthers1