We want to thank everyone for making the beginning of the 2024-25 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 125 students engaged in. Immediately following the event, information was shared with caregivers about what to expect for the upcoming school year.
Over 300 students and their families visited DMS for our Annual Open House event which took place on Tuesday, August 20th. After a brief introduction of staff and an overview of the year, students visited teacher classrooms and walked their school schedules. It was so nice to see so many people looking forward to a new school year.
WARNING: We we want to make you aware we are going to be strictly upholding our Cell Phone Policy this year ( DMS 2024-25 Student Handbook, pg. 10). These devices have proven to be a BIG distraction/annoyance to students in their learning which is why we are taking these steps. This concern has also been recognized by other lawmakers and school districts in neighboring states who are banning/limiting cell phone use in buildings because of its impact it plays on the educational environment and social emotional health of adolescents (Singer, 2024).
Reminders:
If you haven’t registered your child for the 2024-25 school year, please take a few minutes to do so (DMS 2024-25 Registration). By providing us with your most current contact information, we will be able to keep in touch with you about events and programs or if the need should arise.
FYI-Student Chromebook distribution will begin this week (Tues, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 6). Technology User Agreement Forms 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.
Mark your calendars-Picture Day at DMS will take place on Thursday, September 26th. 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.
Great things are always happening at DMS!
Dr. Sean Wightman
