Greetings DMS Families,

Our DMS Awards Night is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st (5:30-7:30 PM) and will take place in our Performing Arts Center. Students who are to receive an award from staff should have received an RSVP letter from the building. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Last week our Mr. Leigh, DMS ELL Support Teacher, took our ELL students to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek which is celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Students enjoyed time outside together and learned a lot about the animals that are living in their artificial and natural habitats.

Mrs. Cromer's Student Council went on their annual end of year fieldtrip to the Double JJ Waterpark located in Rothbury, MI. Students enjoyed a variety of activities and had a great time despite some of the attractions being closed for maintenance.

Mrs. Mott's, SMC Education Talent Search (ETS) Coordinator, 8th grade ETS students recently visited Southwest Michigan College's campus to learn more about college life and the programs that are available to them as they begin their transition to Dowagiac Union High School. Students attending DUHS are able to take college courses from SMC as Dual Enrolled Students. Students who take advantage of this can earn as many as 30 hours towards a college degree before graduating high school at no cost to their families. More information about this program is available by contacting the high school counseling department.

This week we have our 5th grade students coming to DMS for a brief orientation of what to expect as a 6th grade student next year. Students will visit classrooms, tour the building and meet some of their teachers and other staff. Our Counseling and Admin Team will be hosting the visit which will take place on the following dates and times:

• Justus Gage & Kincheloe, Thursday, May 22nd (9:30 am - 10:15 am)

• Pat Ham & Sister Lakes, Friday, May 23rd (9:30 am - 10:15 am)

Looking ahead: We wanted to remind everyone there will be no school on Monday, May 26th in honor of Memorial Day. Also, we wanted to inform you we will be collecting student Chromebooks and chargers on Wednesday, May 28th. Additionally, library books will need to be returned as soon as possible on or before that day in order to avoid fines. We ask for you to assist us in reminding your son or daughter about these important items as we begin to move closer to the end of the school year (We will follow up with students as well). Thank you for your support.

GREAT things are ALWAYS happening at DMS!!

Dr. Wightman

Mr. Tidey - Resource -

Resource students with Mr. Tidey have been learning how to maintain the grades they worked so hard to achieve this semester. They have learned how to recover from missing work, now they are learning how to maintain those passing grades. I couldn't be any more proud of how hard I have seen my students work in the past few weeks. We will continue to push that motivation further as we wrap up the year.

Mrs. Leighton - Life Skills

Students in Mrs. Leighton's class have been working hard on their Cookie Food Trucks. They had to create a company snapshot with a logo, slogan, and menu. They designed their menu, created paper food trucks, and worked in groups on one cookie recipe to share with the group. This was their last time cooking for the school year. I am so proud of how everything turned out. Good job! 

May 21: DMS Award's Night; 5:30PM

May 26: NO School - Memorial Day

May 28: DMS Title I Family Planning Meeting; 5:30PM

May 29: Exams ~~ Half Day (Dismissal 10:47AM)

May 30: Exams ~~ Half Day (Dismissal 10:47AM) ; Last Day of School

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/