DMS Newsletter
Sept. 14-18, 2020
Dates to Remember
Sept. 25 – Wear GREEN for responsibility contest
Oct. 2 – SubSAC/Title I Parent Meeting at 3 p.m.
Ms. Newton's Notes
Hello DMS Families!
Here are some things to note:
- I NEED YOU! We have a School Advisory Committee. This committee will meet four times throughout the year. We can meet in person and virtually at the same time. The committee looks at the school's improvement plan goals, talks about ways to improve the school, and brings forth any issues we need to address. If you would like to be part of this team, please email me newtonk@fsdbk12.org.
- Title I: We are a Title I school meaning we receive funds to help support our students. As part of this we need to create some documents together. Our first parent meeting will be October 2 at 3 p.m. I will share the link soon. This will also be our first SubSAC meeting as well. If you cannot make it, I will share the documents for you to review.
A Note from the Principal
This week, our hearts go out to the families, schools, and businesses in the Pensacola area who were affected by Hurricane Sally. It is a reminder that we are right in the middle of a very busy hurricane season and that we all need to be prepared for weather emergencies. FSDB has an incident management team who monitors weather situations closely and are ready with plans to keep our students safe and to ensure that families can be together should there be an imminent storm. This week take some time to make sure that your hurricane kit is ready. Have a safe weekend!
Brick and Mortar (BAM) Student Absences
Board of Trustees Meeting
The FSDB Board of Trustees will hold a meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. Two committee meetings will be held prior to the board meeting, starting with enrollment/outreach at 8:30 a.m. and endowment/investment at 8:45 a.m. All meetings will be held in Kirk Auditorium and are open to the public. The board meeting will also be live streamed on the FSDB Board of Trustees Meetings page. American Sign Language interpreters will be provided.
Fall Sports Conditioning Available
Our fall sports coaches are holding conditioning and small group skill-development drills for student-athletes (grades 6-12) after school (brick and mortar/BAM). ILE students may condition at home doing exercises while having the opportunity to communicate with coaches. Both BAM and ILE students must have sports physicals (EL2) and consent forms (EL3) completed, signed and on file with FSDB before student-athletes may participate in these development drills. Forms may be found by clicking here. Questions may be directed to Athletic Director Donna Johnson at johnsond@fsdbk12.org.
The students in Gregg Hall had a busy week. For curriculum this week we focused on understanding how the level system works and we went over the expectations and rules with them. We also covered the lockdown procedures and PBIS with them as well. They have been involved a lot of dorm and recreation activities this week. This is their favorite time of the evening. Some of them also have been busy with volleyball, swimming and cheer practice. At the end of this month the middle school students will have a welcome back dorm party outside. They will have their mask color dyed and will play some fun activities. We will provide them pizza, hot dogs, chips, ice cream and cookies. They are really looking forward to it.
The McLane hall students have been enjoying their time in the dorm. We have welcomed a few new students to FSBD this year. We are excited to say that we have watched them become more comfortable and develop friendships with other students. The boys enjoy playing games like Jenga and Connect 4 with their friends and staff. One of our staff set up an incentive box. In return for displaying excellent mature and cooperative behavior the boys can select a small snack or gift out of the box. The boys have been trying to find the balance of free time and homework time, but they are working hard to do well.
If you have any questions or you need to reach out to the boarding supervisors, here are their office numbers: Gregg hall Supervisor, Tiffany Oakes at 904-201-4506 (VP) and McLane Hall Supervisor, Katherine Youngren at 904-827-2624 or 904-201-4562(VP).
PBiS Incorporates Character Education
FSDB PB(i)S students are developing great character! Each month, FSDB focuses on a different positive character trait. This month we are emphasizing responsibility. Some of the phrases associated with responsibility that we are introducing to the students include:
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions and attitudes • Set a good example for others.
Teachers and boarding staff are asked to include lessons that may fit into the curriculum naturally. We are excited with this Character Education emphasis at FSDB. We are hoping that our students continue to be their very best now and in the future.
We will be wearing green September 25 to celebrate responsibility!
Parent Connection
Virtual Parent Sign Language Classes
FSDB Parent University is hosting two virtual sign language classes for FSDB families starting the week of Sept. 21, 2020 and continuing weekly through the end of October. Beginner and intermediate classes are available, both from 4-5 p.m. No advance registration is required and classes will be held via Zoom. Click here for dates and more details.
Helpful Information
Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today!
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be prepared for an emergency. The Department of Homeland Security has great checklists and other resources. Make your plan today!
McKinney Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this federal program, state educational agencies must ensure that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and youth.
If you are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason, you may qualify for McKinney Vento services. FSDB has a program. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You have already helped your child greatly by keeping them in school. Let us help you by finding resources for your family.
Please contact the Liaison for Homeless Students, Christi Boortz, boortzc@fsdbk12.org, 904-827-2284.
Photos
Students from Maddy Brady's ELA course went on an inferencing scavenger hunt to figure out why AP, Karen Newton, was missing.
Links
Contact Us
DMS Office
PH: 904-827-2530
VP: 904-201-4600
Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910
Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747
Gregg Hall (Girls Dorm)
PH: 904-827-2628
VP: 904-201-4506
McLane Hall (Boys Dorm)
PH: 904-827-2624
VP: 904-201-4562
Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527
Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315
Email: newtonk@fsdbk12.org
Website: www.fsdbk12.org/deaf-middle-school
Location: 207 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL, USA