January 16, 2026

 

Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve

 

Dear Chieftain Families,

I hope this message finds you and your families well. I am writing to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the many positive aspects of our school community.

Our staff continues to demonstrate an incredible commitment to supporting students both academically and socially. Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff work closely together each day to ensure students feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Their dedication to building strong relationships and providing guidance makes a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students.

Equally important, we are proud of our students. Our middle schoolers consistently show kindness, resilience, and respect toward one another and adults in the building. They are working hard in their classes, supporting their peers, and growing into responsible, thoughtful young people. Their positive choices and willingness to learn contribute greatly to the welcoming environment we strive to maintain.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. When families and schools work together, our students thrive. We are grateful to be part of such a caring and collaborative community.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. We look forward to continuing a successful and positive school year together.

Warm regards,

Mr. Guernsey, Principal

 

Classroom Instruction

7th Grade Math with Miss Bee 


This week has been all about the middle of the year math iReady diagnostic! If you would like their scores explained, please come to conferences in February for a deeper dive into their score and placement. In the meantime, have a conversation with your scholar about their score and where they fall overall. Ideally a typical 7th Grade student, middle of the year, should be in the range of 480 - 574. Next week, we start Module 6: Write and Solve Equations. 

 

Mr. Tidey - Resource

Students spent this week writing down skills they feel are necessary to be able to tackle the new semester. They also identified one skill they could improve over the course of the semester. They are doing a great job staying organized and utilizing class time to get work done.

 

 Join the Spelling Bee Team! 
Do you love words? Enjoy a good challenge? Want to show off your spelling superpowers?

Then come join our Spelling Bee Team!

We’ll practice together, learn new vocabulary, and get ready for the school-wide competition. This is a great chance to build confidence, have fun, and challenge yourself alongside friends.

All students are welcome—no experience needed!
If you’re interested, talk to Ms. Spivey or Ms. Gil!  Sign up in the main office or at lunch.

 

Let’s spell our way to success! 

                       Spelling Bee practice is on Mondays and Thursdays 2:30-4:00PM

 
 

After School Tutoring

DMS offers after school tutoring sessions for any DMS student that needs/wants extra support. Each session runs from 2:30 - 3:30 PM.

Transportation will not be provided for those staying. Students will need to be picked up or given permission to walk home at the end of each session. Pick-up will be in the front of the school building.

Tutoring Schedule:

ELA: Miss Gil de Lamadrid; Mon & Thur

Math: Miss Bulifant; Only Thursdays

Social Studies: Miss Gabrielle Cook; Wed & Thur

Science: TBA

Schedule of DMS Events

January 13 - Winter Sports Pictures (Premier Photography)

                       http://premier-photography.hhimagehost.com/DowagiacMSWinter26

January 16 - District Spelling Bee (PAC)

January 19 - No School, Staff Professional Development

January 19 - Board Meeting (PAC) ~ 6PM

January 24 - Miss Dowagiac Pageant (PAC) ~ 7PM

January 26 - 7th/8th Girls Basketball Game AWAY @ Brandywine Middle School ~ 4PM

January 28 - 7th/8th Girls Basketball Game HOME vs. Lakeshore Middle School ~ 4PM

January 30 - DMS Activities Night ~4-6PM

Community Events

Building Information

Principal

Greg Guernsey

gguernsey@dowagaicschools.org

Assistant Principal

Courtney Harjung

charjung@dowagiacschools.org

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Building Secretary

Tammi Spivey

tspivey@dowagiacschools.org

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Guidance Secretary

Jennifer O'Brien

jobrien@dowagiacschools.org

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Student Services Secretary

Tammy Crawford

tcrawford@dowagiacschools.org

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Guidance Counselor

Chonda Rimpson

crimpson@dowagiacschools.org

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Student Advocate

Brittany Brooks

bbrooks@dowagiacschools.org

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Social Worker

Katelyn Sellers

ksellers@dowagiacschools.org

Drop Off Time: 7:15 a.m.

Breakfast: 7:15 a.m.-7:35 a.m.

Building Times: 7:37 a.m.-2:23 p.m.

Half Day Dismissal: 10:47 a.m.

Building Office Phone: 269-782-4440

Social Media

Dowagiac Middle School Website:

https://www.dowagiacschools.org/o/dms

Dowagiac Middle School Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DowagiacMiddle/

Lunch Menu:

https://dowagiacschools.nutrislice.com/menu

District Website:

https://www.dowagiacschools.org/

District Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dowagiacschools/

Daily Bell Schedule

6th Grade

7:15-Student Drop Off/Breakfast

7:37-8:29 1st Period

8:33-9:23-2nd Period

9:27-10:17-3rd Period

10:17-10:47-Lunch A

10:51-11:41-4th Period

11:45-12:35-5th Period

12:39-1:29-6th Period

1:33-2:23-7th Period

2:23-Dismissal

7th Grade

7:15-Student Drop Off/Breakfast

7:37-8:29 1st Period

8:33-9:23-2nd Period

9:27-10:17-3rd Period

10:21-11:11-4th Period

11:11-11:41-Lunch B

11:45-12:35-5th Period

12:39-1:29-6th Period

1:33-2:23-7th Period

2:23-Dismissal

8th Grade

7:15-Student Drop Off/Breakfast

7:37-8:29 1st Period

8:33-9:23-2nd Period

9:27-10:17-3rd Period

10:21-11:11-4th Period

11:15-12:05-5th Period

12:05-12:35-Lunch C

12:39-1:29-6th Period

1:33-2:23-7th Period

2:23-Dismissal

GO CHIEFTAINS!