Field Day

<h3 style="text-align: center">DMS Students Visit Binder Park Zoo</h3>

Greg Blomgren

Superintendent

Printable 2025-26 Calendar

Dowagiac girls soccer blanks Constantine in D3 district opener

DOWAGIAC — On a late Spring night that felt more like a cold autumn day in October, the Dowagiac girls’ soccer team overcame the elements and posted a 5-0 Division 3 district quarterfinal win over visiting Constantine Tuesday. Dowagiac (11-6-1) advances to face Three Rivers (10-7-3) in next Tuesday’s district semifinal at 7 p.m. in Berrien Springs. The other semifinal at 5 p.m. pits Buchanan against the winner of today’s match in Berrien Springs between the host school and Hartford. The finals are Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. in Berrien Springs.

Senior Signing

Poetry Performance

A Letter Through Time:

8th Graders Reunite with Their Past Selves

2025-26 SY Calendar

<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Justus Gage Elementary</strong></span></p>

Message from Superintendent Blomgren

<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 16px">Mrs. Barnes' second-grade class has earned a donut party for winning the Penny War for grades K-2. Congratulations to Mrs. Barnes and her students! The smiles on their faces clearly indicate their enjoyment of the delicious donuts!</span></p>

FGF

<h3 style="text-align: center">Student Council at Double JJ Waterpark</h3>

Graduation

Congratulations Class of 2025

<ul><li><p>Donna Bailey, DUHS Health Aide</p></li><li><p>Lissa Carter, DUHS Guidance Secretary</p></li><li><p>Kelly Cromer, DMS English Teacher</p></li><li><p>Katrina Daiga, DUS Director of State/Federal Grants </p></li><li><p>Judi Henckel, DUHS Business Math Teacher</p></li><li><p>Dee Herman, DUS Technology Computer Technician</p></li><li><p>Cynthia Hollingsworth, DMS Head Custodian</p></li></ul>

Math-A-Rama

<h3 style="text-align: center">MEC Safety Poster Contest</h3>

<p>On May 5, <span style="font-size: 16px">DUHS S</span>eniors<span style="font-size: 16px"> </span>experienced a touching moment as they opened letters written by their 8th grade selves. Originally <span style="font-size: 16px">written</span> in 2021 as a final assignment<span style="font-size: 16px"> </span>in Mrs. Stockwell’s <span style="font-size: 16px">8th grade </span>English class, the letters were heartfelt messages to their "Senior Self," filled with memories, dreams, and encouragement for the future.</p><p>The classroom was filled with emotion as students reconnected with who they were four years ago. For many, the letters served as a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come and what they once hoped to become. Laughter<span style="font-size: 16px">, </span>and even a few tears<span style="font-size: 16px">,</span> marked this unique reflection on their journey through high school.</p>

Penny War Winners

<h3 style="text-align: center">5th Grade Field Trip</h3>

Family Engagement Night

<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Kincheloe Elementary</strong></span></p>

Lyons Reading Fund

Math-A-Rama

5th Grade Field Trip

Young Writers Day

<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-size: 16px">Hector Paredes was selected as the Dowagiac District's featured book. He was chosen from a variety of submissions presented by Dowagiac students. His story was retold by a storyteller to the audience.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Sister Lakes Elementary</strong></span></p>

The 2024-2025 school year will wrap up tomorrow! We have had so many awesome moments, points of pride, and reasons to celebrate this year. This last month, especially, has been filled with so many opportunities for us to celebrate our students and staff, many of which I have been able to observe or participate in myself.

While we conclude this school year, I would like to personally thank our staff at Dowagiac Union Schools. As you have heard me say before, every single staff member in our district makes an impact on our students and their experiences. WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE and together we make a lasting impact! Thus, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our staff for your team approach, daily efforts, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help our students and families each and every day.

Parents and families, thank you for your support, trust, and confidence as we continue to work in partnership to provide the best possible educational opportunity for your children. While we might not always agree, it is the collaborative and respectful approach we take together that allows us to continue to do what’s best for our students. Your support for me returning to the district I once taught and coached in has been immeasurable. I can’t wait for next year!

Last, to our teachers, who are the heroes of our school district, thank you for your commitment, care, and professional approach to our students and families! It is our teachers who do the lion’s share of the work by welcoming, challenging, teaching, engaging, building relationships, and celebrating our kiddos each and every day. I am hopeful and excited about what we can accomplish together as we continue to move Dowagiac Union Schools forward.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have or thoughts as we finish out this year and begin planning for next school year. Thank you again for a great 2024-2025 school year!

Go Chieftains!

Dowagiac Middle School

Dowagiac adaptive track athlete celebrates new experiences, two regional titles
DOWAGIAC — Ethan Nearpass has never been one to shy away from enjoying new experiences. Like most teenagers, the 16-year old Dowagiac High School sophomore keeps himself busy through his participation in extra curricular activities, including sporting events. Despite suffering from Spina Bifida that has him confined to a wheelchair, Ethan competes in Sled Hockey, wheelchair basketball and this spring he joined the Dowagiac High School track and field team.

Students enjoyed a variety of activities and had a great time despite some of the attractions being closed for maintenance.

Students enjoyed time outside together and learned a lot about the animals that are living in their artificial and natural habitats.

2025 Retirees

DMS Esports Team finishes 2nd Place in the East Region of the Middle School Esports League.

The seniors printed their final slides and exchanged heartfelt messages with one another as part of their year-end celebration. This was a wonderful way to conclude the academic year!