Hello DMS Families,

On behalf of the staff at DMS, we would like to invite you and your child to our Annual Title I Family Engagement Night scheduled for this Thursday, February 20th (5:00-7:00 pm).  Our theme for this year's event is "GET A CLUE?" Over the course of the evening, students will team with their parent/s to solve education puzzles/questions which will lead them to clues to help solve our "Mystery Crime." All who participate will have a chance to earn special prizes (e.g. gift cards, Chromebooks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, books, games, etc.). Refreshments will be provided to all in attendance. RSVP for this special night by selecting the following weblink: DMS Title I Family Night Registration.

We want to thank all of our guests who joined us on Saturday, February 15th for our Annual Band Spaghetti Dinner! Additionally, we want to extend a special CHIEFTAINS SHOUT OUT to Jennifer Dudley and all of our Band Boosters for organizing and making the afternoon a success. In case you missed it, DUS Band Director, Mr. Ben VanRokel, hosted the event by having our DMS and DUHS Bands perform for those in attendance. Everyone was treated to a fantastic "dinner and show!"

We would like to recognize all of our DMS parents for sending your child to school on Wednesday, February 12th for "COUNT DAY." We appreciate you!! (Over 92% of our students came to school that day.)

A well deserved congratulations goes out to our DMS 7th and 8th grade Basketball Teams for getting it done both on and off the court last week. The girls played 3 games (Bridgman, Coloma & Upton Middle Schools) and showed their grit and determination with their good sportsmanship. They will be back in action at Berrien Springs Middle School on Wednesday, February 19th. Good luck Lady Chieftains!

Finally, we want to remind everyone once again Winter Parent Teacher Conferences are just around the corner and will be held on Monday, February 24th from (4:30-7:30 pm) and Wednesday, February 26th (12:00-3:00 pm). We look forward to seeing you.

GREAT things are always happening at DMS!

Dr. Wightman

Scan the code or click on the link provided to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP9S21YUCO1d-kbygGyoYqrLJ5yF5dQRrljukEDOmnaR-kdw/viewform

January 2025

Mrs. Wightmans's 6th Grade Life Science

This week we are wrapping up with our lesson on Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.  Students are using their prior knowledge and the Gizmos virtual computer lab to reinforce their understanding from the lesson as well as learn about a Prairie Ecosystem.  They are able to make predictions and manipulate the program to discover the actual effects on plants, prairie dogs, ferrets, and foxes when there is a change in the environment. 

Mrs. Cline - Art

Art 2 just completed Resist Dye techniques.

Art 1 is work on their ABC project. This challenges them to collaborate with a partner in class and work together to create a themed alphabet. 

Mrs. Leighton's Life Skills

Students are learning hand-sewing techniques

 Mrs. Collins' 6th-grade ELA

Students are reading Shrek the Play and have each chosen a character to focus on, exploring their traits and roles within the story. To enhance their reading fluency, they are practicing their lines in different voices, bringing their characters to life with unique tones, pacing, and expressions. Additionally, they are working to improve their ability to read with confidence, emotion and engage more deeply with the text. Once they finish the play, the class is excited to compare their reading experience with the actual Shrek musical.  This will allow them to explore the differences between the written script and the live performance, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the characters, themes, and how the story is adapted for the stage.

February 17 - Board of Education Meeting; 6:00PM @PAC

February 19 - Cass County Spelling Bee @ SMC; 8:30AM

February 20 - Title I Family Engagement Night; 5:00-7:00PM

February 22 - DMS Wrestling Meet AWAY @ Galesburg; 9:00AM

February 24 - 7th/8th Girls Basketball Game HOME vs. Brandywine; 4:00PM

February 24 - Parent/Teacher Conf.; 4:30-7:30PM

February 25 - 7th/8th Girls Basketball Game AWAY vs. Pinkerton Academy; 4:00PM

February 26 - DMS Wrestling Meet AWAY @ Vicksburg; 5:00PM

February 26 - Half Day Dismissal @ 10:47AM

February 26 - Parent/Teacher Conf.; 12:00-3:00PM

February 28 - Activities Night; 4:00-6:00PM

ATTENTION BUS RIDERS: rider families to make sure they are at bus stop pickups and ready to hop on the bus 5-10 early each day so that they drivers and routes can stay on schedule!!!

If you would like to recognize a DMS staff member for a special "Chieftains Shout Out", please use the following link to do so: Staff Shout Out Link

Drop Off Time: 7:25 a.m.

Breakfast: 7:25 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

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/