Please click on the link to fill out the survey for SUMMER MEALS: https://forms.office.com/e/QMWWxmrZkB

Greetings DMS Families,

We want to send out a BIG CHIEFTAINS THANK YOU to Dowagiac's Lyons family and the Michigan Gateway Foundation for donating books to our school to continue encouraging our students to READ over the summer. Thank you for all of your support and investment in our community!

On Friday, May 2nd Mrs. Cromer (7th grade ELA Teacher) and her Student Council sponsored the Annual DMS Farewell Dance. Over 150 7th & 8th grade students attended this year's festivities. We want to give a special SHOUT OUT to all of our parents who volunteered to help at the event and "DJ Pac Man" for keeping the music going. Thank you for making it a memorable night.

We want to congratulate our DMS/ETS Esports Team who finished in 2nd place in the Eastern United States MSEL Spring Playoffs. They had another outstanding season and we look forward to what they will accomplish next year! Nice work CHIEFTAINS!

"DMS GIRLS ON THE RUN" Miss Sellers (DMS Social Worker) & Mrs. Leighton (DMS Life Skills Teacher) brought a team of 10 student-athletes to the annual "Girls on the Run" event at the Whirlpool Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI on Friday, May 2nd. Students participated in the 5K distance event which entertained hundreds of girls from surrounding Southwest Michigan communities. Way to go ladies!

SPRING TESTING CONTINUES. Students in 6th and 7th grades recently completed their Math M-STEP. In the next few days, our 8th grade students will be taking the Science M-STEP. We will conclude our year by administering the ELA (week of May 12) and Math NWEA (week of May 19) test which is scheduled in the next couple weeks. To assist us, we ask you to please remind your child to charge their Chromebook the night before they come to school. This will help them to "stay connected" when taking these tests. Also, please encourage your son or daughter to get plenty of rest and to eat breakfast in the morning (for your convenience, we have "FREE" breakfast available for all of our students beginning at 7:25 am).

We want to recognize all of our talented Fine Arts Students at DMS for taking part in the Annual DUS Fine Arts Night. Students had numerous art projects on display at the event and our DMS Choir teamed up with the high school and performed live for the community. We want to also congratulate 6th grade DMS Choir student, Kenley L., for receiving the "Rebecca Walker Memorial Scholarship" which was presented to her by the Dowagiac Fine Arts Boosters. Kenley won this award for her essay she wrote about "What do the Arts mean to you?"

GREAT things are ALWAYS happening at DMS!!

Dr. Wightman

Students Shoutout!

Ms. Gil's 6th and 7th grade math students have been doing an amazing job during testing and are taking a well-earned break this week! As we wrap up the 2024–2025 testing season, ask your child how far their star has moved— it's a fun and encouraging way to celebrate their IXL progress. We're proud of their hard work and determination! 

Mrs. Kruger - Science

8th grade students in Mrs. Kruger's Earth Science class have been focused and  working hard this week on the M-STEP  assessment. Once finished with the test, students will receive a passport to travel the solar system and learn about the physical properties of the planets, sun and moon: their location and how they move!

7th and 8th grade students in Mrs. Kruger's STEAM class researched the STEAM career of Zoology/Wildlife Biology and then used their discoveries to create an online zoo.

Miss Hamilton - Social Studies

Students are learning about the history of ancient Chinese dynasties such as the Tang, Shang, Qing, and Ming dynasties. We're not just looking at names and dates, but we're actively engaging with the material by considering the long-lasting effects of ideas and innovations of these times. To assess student learning they're writing an argumentative essay focused on which invention had the greatest impact, they will be developing critical thinking skills, learning to weigh evidence, and constructing persuasive arguments. This task encourages them to look beyond the immediate use of an invention and analyze its effects throughout history, allowing for a deeper understanding of how the insight of ancient China continues to shape our world today.

Mrs. Marrs - Healthy Living / Media Literacy

7th-Grade Healthy Living

This week, students in Mrs. Marrs' PE class have been learning about soccer. After learning about the game, its rules, and basic skills, students created teams and played against one another.

8th-Grade Media Literacy

Students in Media Literacy have been practicing their photography skills this week. Students learned about the 9 rules of photography and then each day went around the school taking pictures, applying the 9 rules. Students will work in groups and create a photo book to display their work.

Mrs. Cline - Art

Fine Arts Night!! I'm super proud of all the artwork our students completed this year. They filled the DMS portion of the art show with a nice variety of pieces!

ATTENTION FAMILIES - TOP SECRET MISSION!

I need your help! As parents and guardians you have been a very important and powerful influence on how your child has progressed. For this reason, I am asking you to click the link below to partake in a TOP SECRET MISSION - surprising your scholar(s) with a motivational goodie bag for state testing! 

Miss Bulifant - Math

May 13: Band Concert; 7PM

May 15: Choir Concert; 7PM

May 19: Board Meeting; 6PM (PAC)

May 21: DMS Award's Night

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/