How to Be More Optimistic

If you tend toward mostly pessimistic thinking, you can get better at seeing what's good. Here are some things to try:

• Notice good things as they happen. At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to run through your day and come up with things that you're grateful for. Write them down in a journal or keep track using a motivational app on your phone or tablet.
• Train your mind to believe you can make good things happen in your life. Get in a habit of telling yourself specific things you can do to succeed. For example: "If I study, I can get a better grade." "If I practice, I'll perform well at the audition." "If I go on that volunteer trip, I'll meet new friends."
• Don't blame yourself when things go wrong. What does your inner voice say when things don't go as planned? Instead of thinking, "I failed that math test because I'm terrible at math," tell yourself: "I failed that test because I didn't study enough. I won't let that happen next time!" Instead of saying, "Grace broke up with me because I'm such a loser," think: "Now I know why people say breakups are so painful, but hanging out with my friends will help me feel better again."
• When something good happens, give yourself credit. Think of what you did to make a good outcome possible. Did you prepare for the test? Practice with dedication? Think of the strengths you used and how they helped you succeed.
• Remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. As soon as something goes wrong, remind yourself that it will pass — and come up with a plan for making that happen. For example: "My SAT results aren't what I hoped, but I can study more and take the test again."
• Notice how other people talk about themselves. Are friends and family members optimistic or pessimistic? For example, does your dad say, "I burned the hot dogs, I'm just a terrible cook!"? Or does he say: "I burned the hot dogs because I got distracted watching the dog chase a squirrel around the backyard!"?

Optimism is a thinking style that can be learned, which means that pessimism can be unlearned! It can take a little while, so don't feel discouraged. Becoming more aware of the two styles can gradually help you start noticing more ways to be optimistic. Just keep telling yourself, "I can be more optimistic and I'm going to keep practicing!"

The Amazing Reading Race Project

Ryan McCarthy, Alex Lazarow, and Lucas Sartori are the fastest, most efficient group to ever compete. They get together regularly outside of school to work on applying their strategies together and are having a blast. :)

Our 6th grade students are studying the patterns of weather and making predictions. Who will be our next Ben Noll?

6th and 7th Grade are receiving an introduction to coding with the use of Sphero robots. The challenge revolved around teamwork and precision.

The objective was to write code for your sphero so that it drives around the perimeter of a large piece of paper, the more precise the better. With the use of aiming, choosing the correct heading (in degrees), speed and duration all became important factors.

ALL students did an exceptional job at this.

In 7th grade science, students solved a real-world problem using science concepts and the engineering process. They used information from texts and data collected from a variety of experiments to determine and revise criteria and constraints for homemade MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). They designed flameless heaters using a chemical reaction as a heat source to heat “food”. We then built and tested prototypes of our designs using everyday materials.

Benjamin Brill - A truly dedicated scholar. He gives his all to his work, asks thoughtful questions, and participates consistently in class.

Callie Tuthill - Shows real leadership qualities. When engaging in group work, she organizes the group and warmly encourages her peers to continue with the work.

Mike Perez Sandoval - Most enthusiastic science student. Consistently brings in knowledge of related content to share with our class.

Stephanie Fernandez Escobedo - Another dedicated scholar. She asks questions and is willing to put in the work to grow her brain!

Nathaniel Smith- Willing to take on extra tasks to help our class by helping teachers, looking up information, calculating amounts, etc.

Our students working their decoding through the use of games and competition- Great work Mason Ranita and Derrick Gamez Castillo!

Luca Setaro doing a stellar job on his virtual reading portfolio. Students are creating their own google site to monitor their growth and progression through material.

Laila Rusell and Luna Macias have been noted as giving an outstanding effort in their academics

Marking Period 2 comes to an end on January 26th. Be sure to check parent portal weekly for your student's marking period average and assignments.

Come join us for an artist showcase of Dover Middle School's finest work at the Dover Plains Library.

More info below ⬇️

As the weather turns colder please be mindful that we do like to provide the option for students to get fresh air during lunch time.

🧥Students will need a jacket to go outside

🧤Gloves and hats are strongly encouraged

If you are not able to provide these for your student please contact the middle school main office to see how we can support.

Students are expected to have materials needed for class. The following items are neccessary to engage in academics:

✍️Pen/pencil
📓Notebook/Paper
📒Folder/Binder
📚any required materials by teacher (ex: Novel for class reading)

If you are not able to provide these for your student please contact the middle school main office to see how we can support.

Community Service is a requirement for graduation. Students must complete 90 hours of community service by the end of their senior year of high school.

Dover Middle School issued a requirement for students to be able to walk in their 8th grade moving up ceremony.

The class of 2024 has a requirement of 15 hours of community service by the end of 8th grade

The class of 2025 has a requirement of 30 hours of community service by the end of 8th grade

Please use Volunteer Access to see any community service opportunities available. Also feel free to reach out to our Dover Middle School Community Service Coordinator if you have any questions.

DMS Community Service Coordinator

Ms. Janine Loos

janine.loos@doverschools.org

Laura Holloran our Middle/High School Social Worker compiled helpful info for resources that may be helpful for families. Please see below ⤵️

❄️☃️January 2024: Mental Wellness Month

🔦Character spotlight: Optimism

• CBT Simulation 1/25

• End of Fall MP2: 01/26

• Fall MP2 Report Cards Mailed home: 2/5

• DMS Art Show at Dover Plains Library: 2/6

😍💕February 2024: Black History Month + American Heart Month

🔦Character spotlight: Kindness

• National Wear Red Day: 02/02

• DMS Activity Night (Rescheduled Date): 02/02

• DMS Activity Night: 2/9

• DMS Honor Roll Breakfast: 02/09

• DMS Activity Night at 6pm: 02/09

• DMHS Cabaret Set Up: 02/23

• DMHS Cabaret at 3:30 and 7pm: 02/24

☘️🍀March 2024: Women’s History Month

🔦Character spotlight: Love of Learning

• DMS Activity Night: 03/08

• Pi Day: 03/14

• Superintendent's Conference Day: 03/15

• Progress Report End: 03/01

• Progress Report Due: 03/06

Please click on the button below to view the office hours for January. This is a live document and will be updated in real time.

Please note that teachers stay after one day per month until 3:00pm for extra help. Students are able to take the 3:30 bus home.