We want to thank everyone for making the beginning of the 2025-26 School Year so AMAZING!
Prior to school starting, new incoming students were invited to participate in a special DMS Orientation Day. Students were given the opportunity to become familiar with our expectations and layout of the building. For many, it was the first time they had the chance to meet their peers they will be spending the next 3 years with. A variety of activities were scheduled (e.g. Scavenger Hunt, Team Building, H.E.R.O.E.S. Presentation, Door Prizes, etc.) that over 160 students engaged in. Immediately following the event, information was shared with families about what to expect for the upcoming school year.
Several families visited DMS for our Annual Open House event which took place on Tuesday, August 19th. Students visited teacher classrooms, practiced opening lockers and walked their school schedules. It was so nice to see so many people looking forward to a new school year.
As part of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) DMS uses the acronym H.E.R.O.E.S. to define student behavioral expectations. Each letter represents a positive behavior we hope to observe in all of our students. Addyson Meyer and Aurora Holland (8th Graders) were "caught" being HELPFUL to a new student Wednesday in our lunch room. The student was visibly upset and both girls went to console him. This type of behavior captures humanity at its finest! We are so proud of these two young ladies!
Go Chieftain Heroes!
Reminders:
FYI-Student Chromebook distribution will begin next week (Wednesday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 5). Technology User Agreement Forms (Spanish version) were sent home last week to assist with this process and must be signed and returned to the school prior to a device being issued to your son or daughter. Additionally, as in past years, there will be a $20 non refundable Insurance Fee (cash or check made payable to Dowagiac Union Schools) that will also need to be paid at the time of pickup.
Dowagiac Union Schools is fortunate to have received federal financial assistance covering the cost of both breakfast and lunch to ALL Dowagiac students through 2028! Please encourage your students to take advantage of these delicious meals!
Mark your calendars-Picture Day at DMS will take place on Thursday, September 25th. Orders Forms will be sent home with students soon. Please be on the lookout for them.
Feel free to contact me or any of your child’s teachers if you have any questions. We are here to help and are only a phone call away.
Sincerely,
Greg Guernsey, Principal
