November 7, 2025

Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve

Dear Chieftain Families,

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework designed to promote positive behavior, strengthen social-emotional skills, and enhance academic achievement. This proactive approach emphasizes the explicit teaching and consistent reinforcement of positive behaviors, establishing clear expectations and fostering a supportive and inclusive school climate.

At Dowagiac Middle School, our staff has integrated the PBIS framework into our Chieftain identity through the HEROES model. Each letter in HEROES represents a key Chieftain characteristic that all students are encouraged to demonstrate: Helpful, Engaged, Respectful, Ownership, Empathy, and Safe.

Each week, we emphasize one of these core traits and recognize students who exemplify it. Students demonstrating these positive behaviors receive a Chieftain HEROES Ticket, which may be redeemed for prizes at our weekly HEROES Store.

We are exceptionally proud of our Chieftains for their ongoing commitment to upholding these values. Their efforts continue to strengthen our school community and exemplify the pride and character of Dowagiac Middle School.

Sincerely,

Greg Guernsey

Principal

DMS SPORTS SCHEDULE 25/26

Classroom Instruction

6th Grade Math is finishing up our Module on Ratios and Rates!!

We will review on Monday and Tuesday and start the test on Wednesday. There are two parts to the test so it will take Wednesday and Thursday. After finishing this Module we will move on to Fractions and Percentages. We will spend some time on things like: sales tax as a percent, discounts on sale items as percentages, and how to figure a tip using percentages.

We are working on being responsible students and putting forth effort to get our assignments finished on time.

_{Mrs. Leighton's 6th-grade ELA class read Chapter 3, "The Bicycle & The Sweet-Shop" From Boy Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. Students also discussed the difference between Narrative and Argument Writing.}

Students in Mrs. Winters’s Computers A class have been working on coding games this week in class. Students are using code.org to learn about the block based method of coding, game design basics, and then will work to create their own game from scratch.

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

November 17 - Board Meeting (PAC) ~ 7PM

November 21 - Activities Night ~ 4-6PM

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

December 3 - DMS Band & Choir Concert ~ 7PM

December 5 - Dowagiac Holiday Parade ~ 7PM

Community Events

The Cass Family Medical Mobile Clinic is now open and will be going around to different communities to provide appointments and walk in for medical care as well as medical health services. This is a calendar of where they are going to be located throughout the month.

They will be adding more locations as soon as they can get them set up. If you are looking for care or can not get into your provider, please contact Cass Family Clinic for an appointment at 269-445-3874.