DHS Newsletter

MISSION

Our mission is to prepare all learners for life-long success through a safe, collaborative, and innovative learning community.

VISION

Success for all!

DHS ADMIN

• Jeff Brandt, Principal - jbrandt@dpsnd.org
  
• Tad Schye, Asst. Principal - tschye@dpsnd.org
  
• Randy Cranston, Asst. Principal - rcranston@dpsnd.org
  
• Guy Fridley, Athletic Director - gfridley@dpsnd.org

The weather may not indicate it, but we are in the last two months of the school year! For our seniors this will be the last 8 weeks of their high school careers. I want to encourage all of our students to finish the school year strong. Once the weather gets nice (and it will get nice eventually!) students tend to put their studies on the backburner.

Parents, please encourage your students to continue keeping up with their school work. Please check PowerSchool regularly and contact the school if you have any concerns or questions!

Enjoy the spring!

Jeff Brandt

April 6th-10th - No School

April 11th & 12th- North Dakota State Science Test

April 26th - Parent Teacher Conferences

April 28th- Early Release

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences for the rest of the school year will be April 26th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. No appointment needed to meet with teachers.

Early Release

For early release at the HIGHSCHOOL, classes will be dismissed for the day at 12:30pm. Lunch will still be available to students after dismissal. Busses for the district will start running at 1:00pm.

Beginning April 3rd, Dickinson High School will move towards having secured entrances

by making the following changes:

● All entrances, with the exception of one door in the Student Affairs/West entrance

entryway, will be locked throughout the school day.

● Because of our open campus, open lunch, and numerous buildings on campus, we will

unlock doors during class transitions and lunch.

● Students can still be dropped off before school and picked up after school from the East

Entrance, but doors will remain locked and students will not be allowed inside before 7:45.

● All visitors during the school day, with the exception of deliveries, must use the Students

Affairs/West entrance.

● Once inside the building, please check in at the main office.

In addition to securing our campus during the day, we will begin adhering to the building hours

listed in the student handbook. Unless a student is in an extra-curricular activity, students should

not be in the building before 7:45 am and after 4:00 pm. Students in the building outside of those

hours create a supervision and safety hazard. We understand this may create challenges for

families. However, we hope our families understand and appreciate that the safety and security

of DHS students and staff is our top priority.

In March, the Peer to Peer class from Dickinson High School had an experience of a lifetime to

fly to Minnesota. In Minneapolis, the students were able t to experience many fulfilling opportunities such as an NBA game, a waterpark, TopGolf, and the Mall Of America. This trip was filled with many smiles and laughs, and bonds that were formed between the students will last a lifetime. From watching the Timberwolves warm up, to staying up till 2 AM, the students didn’t want this trip to end so soon. As we got on the flight back home, we reminisced about all the opportunities we experienced, relived the talent show that displayed the closeness that came with this class throughout the trip, and felt a sense of pride from the hard work of fundraising.

Many nights throughout the fall and winter were spent at Dickinson High School games raffling

tickets for our goal of $40,000. We held a silent auction, a Pizza Ranch fundraiser, and reached out to many businesses who generously donated. We wouldn’t have been able to make this trip if it weren't for all the businesses throughout the community that donated or the dedication of our students who always showed up whether it was after a long late night practice, family events, or after many hours of planning.

Yes, this trip was super-stressful to plan, but it brought awareness to the community of who we were and why this trip was important. Businesses were amazed by this program and to hear that this trip wasn’t just for fun but for a learning experience. Many students with or without disabilities haven’t or won’t get to experience a trip to this magnitude which was a critical goal for this class. We got to display our mission throughout the community of spreading inclusion with our motto “Person Over Label”.

-Mrs. Steffan

Special Education Instructor

The Technology Student Association Celebrates State Conference with Dickinson High School's Impressive Performance

From March 19th to March 21st, the Technology Student Association (TSA) held its annual state conference, where students from all over the state of North Dakota gathered to showcase their talents in various technology competitions. This year, the conference was a resounding success, with Dickinson High School's chapter earning several awards in different categories.

Among the notable awards, Stephanie Tally and Alyssa Sadowsky secured first place in the Biotechnology design category. Their project was a testament to the dedication and hard work they put into their research and development. Likewise, the Video game design team comprising Brayden Jangula, Brandon Shutes, Lucas Shilman, and Gus Zettel, impressed the judges with their skills and creativity, winning first place in the category.

Gus Zettel continued his impressive performance, finishing second in the Tech bowl test and the Extemporaneous speech category. In addition, he and Brandon Shute and Hunter Hicks finished second in the Tech Bowl category. Brayden Jangula and Lucas Shilman also displayed excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills, finishing second in the Technology problem-solving category. Lastly, we are also celebrating Isabella Samman second place on the scavenger hunt competition.

The TSA conference provided a platform for students to showcase their talents, engage with other students, and learn from industry professionals. The events were designed to challenge students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Dickinson High School's TSA chapter deserves recognition for their exceptional performance. Their success is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and passion for technology. Their achievements in the various categories show the depth and breadth of their knowledge and skills, making them an inspiration to their peers.

The TSA conference is an excellent opportunity for students interested in technology to showcase their talents and learn from industry professionals. It is also an avenue to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are essential in today's tech-driven world.

In conclusion, the TSA conference was a great success, and Dickinson High School's TSA chapter deserves recognition for their exceptional performance. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students, and we look forward to seeing them continue to excel in their future endeavors.

We are looking for volunteers to serve as an advisor for DHS students attending the T4 Summit this spring in Dickinson. T4 (Tools, Trades, Torque, Tech) is the premier way for tomorrow’s workforce to get an up-close look at the inner workings of industry! The T4 Summit introduces students to workforce skills, needs, training and networking opportunities with industry leaders and technicians. Students will participate in hands-on learning sessions throughout their time at the T4 Summit.

The volunteer advisors will lead a group of 10-15 students to 4 sessions at the T4 Summit. The event will be May 9-10 from 9:00am-2:00pm and sessions will be taking place at the Ice Center, DHS, and Trinity High School. Help us provide DHS students with the opportunity to explore different careers by serving as a volunteer advisor!

If you are interested in volunteering for one or both days of the T4 Summit, please fill out the volunteer form here: https://forms.gle/rJgVtLsBQA3z3jx5A.

DHS placed 1st and 2nd place at this years Tech Wars hosted by Valley City State University. This is a relatively new competition that our Science Club has participated in. Over the years DHS has had several students win tech prizes such as Rocketbooks, notebooks, Bluetooth speakers, Kindle Fire sticks, and scholarship money to attend VCSU. This is the fourth year VCSU has hosted this competition and Dickinson High School has placed 1st all four years!

Team Kingfisher Industries (Gus Zettel, Brandon Shutes, and Brayden Jangula) took first place for the 4th year in a row. Team Big Chongus Gaming took 2nd (Lucas Shilman, Rowan Lange, and Nathaniel Fry) The teams were asked to design a soccer video game in the spirit of the World Cup.

Great Job DHS Science Club!

Congratulations to the students who participated in the WDA Vocal Solo/Small Ensemble contest on Thursday, March 30th in Bismarck ND. We had 33 student events total, 25 received a 1- Excellent Performance rating, 5 received a 2-Good Performance rating and we had 3 students qualify for State Vocal music contest, which is held at the end of April in Jamestown. Our students who earned this recognition are:

Elizabeth Goettle- Vocal Solo

Reina Williams- Vocal Solo

Faith Hernandez- Vocal Solo

Students who performed at WDA:

Solos:

Elizabeth Goettle

Reina Williams

Faith Hernandez

Jared Petersen

Keziah Dvorak

Kyleigh Triplett

Desmond Cain

Erick Silva Cruz

Haley Schallmo

Parqer Fred

Annabelle Klimpel

Emma Lovell

Jasmyn Galicia

Geena Mathiason

Lincoln Goettle

Gabe Ricks

Angel Weigum

Marlee Winkelspecht

Jasmine Casas

Owen Hansen

Alexis Hall

Brianna Freeburg

Steaddmann Snyder

Students who participated in small ensembles:

Duets:

Faith Hernandez & Reina Williams

Elizabeth Goettle & Faith Hernandez

Jared Petersen & Annabelle Klimpel

Leyris Ferrer Mandado & Jasmine Casas

Trio:

Geena Mathiason, Breanna Freeburg, and Vanessa Reyes

Quartet:

Alexis Hall, Aubry Hutzenbeler, Ella Nelson, and Matteson Swearson

Elizabeth Goettle, June Devero, Faith Hernandez, and Reina Williams

Larger Ensembles:

Freshman Small Group: Dremon English, Lincoln Goettle, Ella Nelson, Jasmine Casas, Geena Mathiason, Brianna Freeburg

Men’s Ensemble: Gabe Ricks, Lincoln Goettle, Zeke Dustin, Desmond Cain, Cameron Harness, Ethan Wilkie, Erick Silva Cruz

Freshman Girls: Marlee Winkelspecht, Kaitlynn Bleenblossom, Alexis Hall, Aubry Hutzenbeler, Geena Mathiason, Ella Nelson, Vanessa Reyes, Matteson Swearson, Angelica Torres

Senior Banquet will be held on May 5th at the DHS Main Gym starting at 6:00pm. There will be a guest speaker and a senior slide show. Blood Cords, (High) Honor Cords, Seal of Biliteracy Cords, and Students of Service Cords will also be presented to students at this time.

We encourage parents/guardians to attend with every senior student. If you are planning to attend, please stop in at the Dickinson High School front office by Thursday April 27th, 2023 to pay the necessary fees and to register those attending. Over the phone registrations will not be accepted.The cost to attend is $20 per person (students and guests).

We are asking students to submit fun, candid photos of students with other senior friends, doing school-related activities, group pictures, prom, hanging out, etc., for the senior slide show. These photos can be from any age, including elementary and middle school. Please note that we do not need senior portraits for this section of the slideshow. Photos can be sent to lroemmich@dpschools.org by April 28.

Dickinson High School is happy to announce that for the first time in DHS history we are able to award a select few of our students with the North Dakota Seal of Biliteracy. This seal goes on the students’ diplomas and transcripts as a recognition of demonstrating proficiency in a language in addition to English and will identify them to future employers and post-secondary institutions. To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, each student needs to take several tests and score high enough to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, in both English and a second language. There are two levels of the NDSB, Gold and Silver, based on the testing scores.

The students that earned the Gold Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish are: Eden Nunez, Auden Olivas-Garcia, Lucas Shilman, and Kimberly Valadez. Mouchefa Batcha earned the Gold Seal in French. The students that earned the Silver Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish are: Brayden Jangula and Brandon Schutes. Ella Meka Reusora earned the Silver Seal in Philipino.

There was a special lunch to celebrate these students as well as our International students. ELL instructor Lia Bradley, along with students and staff, participated in making and sharing food dishes from different countries including Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Thailand, Philippines, Belize, Chile, Puerto Rico, Norway, as well as others. During the lunch there was fellowship with staff and students as well as a speech from foreign language student, Valentina Martinez Foronda about the importance of being bilingual. We hope that both the Seal of Biliteracy and the International Celebration will become a tradition at DHS.

Congratulations to the DHS Acalympics team! The team finished 2nd in the WDA competition. That 2nd place finish advanced them to the state competition where they placed 5th!

Agustin Zettel, Elizabeth Keele, Joseaphine Thomas, and Katherine Welk have also qualified for the Know Your State Finals in Bismarck. The finals will be held April 25th 2023 at Bismarck State College.

Team Members: Owen Bittner, Brandon Tackett, Elisabeth Keele, Joseaphine Thomas, Agustin Zettel, and Brandon Schutes.

Coach: Sheila Hlibichuck.

Graduation for the class of 2023 will be Sunday, May 28th. The ceremony will be held at the BAC at 1:00pm, weather permitting. Caps and gowns have arrived and were handed out on March 28th. If your student did not pick up their cap and gown, please have them stop by the front office.

• Call 701-456-0030 and choose option 1 for attendance.
• Give us your student’s name and requested dismissal time.
• PLEASE notify us at least 2 hours before requested dismissal time. We cannot guarantee your student be released on time without sufficient notice.
• Phone calls must be placed by a parent or guardian.
• At the time of dismissal, your student is free to leave campus. Parents do not need to enter the building.
• All medical appointments require medical documentation to be considered excused.

Like our Facebook Pages and follow our Snapchat to stay up to date on upcoming activities!

• https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonHighND/
• https://www.facebook.com/people/Dickinson-High-Activities/100063692525106/
• Snapchat - dhighschool6