DMS May Family Update

Students eagerly embraced the challenges of the DMS Challenge from the start of Day 1. They immediately showed their dedication by helping peers organize their binders, practiced mindfulness by giving up their phones for 24 hours, and demonstrated scholarly behavior by mastering the civics section of the US Naturalization Test—all within the first day! They are definitely on track to meet their goal! :)

Patricia Torrance - Grade 6 and Messiah Marzariegos - Grade 7 already completed their challegne within week one!!!

6th grade ASL students researched topics related to ASL and Deaf culture, such as the TTY system, Famous Deaf People, Hearing Service Dogs and Cochlear Implants. They researched a topic of their choice and created phenomenal presentations for their classmates.

Our 6th Grade students learned about what it takes to plan and run their own business. Students were provided money to spend at their peer's businesses and discussed what went well and what could have been improved.

A hands on learning experience in social studies- our 6th graders built their own pyramids while applying STEM concepts to see who's pyramid could stand the test of time

The following students attended the NYSSMA Solo Festival on Saturday April 20th: Messiah Mazariegos, Callie Tuthill, Anthony Della Rossa, Emily Arnold, Aylin Pelaez, Sarah Duran, Jolie Green, Ryan McCarthy, Luna Macias, Joseph Abreu, Seth Marin, Joseph Abreu, and Maya Niles.

Our ENL students took a trip to Mystic Aquarium where they learned about aquatic life and participated in a squid dissection and then explored the touch tank.

First, our “Paws, Relax and Donate” group organized a donation collection of newspapers and supplies for Happy Life Animal Rescue in Patterson. As a middle school, we collected a total of 400 pounds of newspaper and 400 items to benefit the animals at the shelter. This remarkable response reflects the kindness and compassion within our community. On April 18th, we visited Happy Life Animal Rescue to deliver the donations and help care for the animals at the shelter.

Next, our “AVID Clean-up Crew” group organized an event to foster environmental consciousness and inspire lifelong habits of responsibility. On Earth Day, April 22nd, students participated in a Dover Schools cleanup initiative where they cleaned DMS/DHS, DES, WES, Dover Stone Church, and Boyce Park.

These events allowed our students to contribute positively and also provided invaluable learning experiences that foster empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Shout out to Shawn Wilcox Jr. and Jeter Tuthill for their incredible dedication on the "Scene Recreation" project in Media class! These two have ambitiously chosen to recreate a classic scene from "The Godfather" and are going all out, despite working with no budget. They've smartly enlisted Mr. Sowul's help for suit jackets and are gearing up to film next week. Their scene promises to be a dynamic one, involving multiple actors and carefully crafted mood lighting. Great initiative and teamwork, guys! Keep up the good work!

Our global Arts students planned and created their own kites which took flight on a beautiful day!

Our 8th grade students read To Kill a Mockingbird and held a mock trial in class- Joseph Speziale dressed the part at Atticus for his role in the trial.

Progress Reports will be mailed out by Friday, May 10th

Please be sure to check Parent Portal for missing assignments.

Math: May 1st and 2nd

Final Performance of the School Year at 7:30 pm

May 2024

Character spotlight: Perseverance

• Progress Report End: 05/03

• NYS Math Computer Based Test: 05/01-05/02

• Honor Roll Breakfast MP3: 5/03

• NYS Math Computer Based Test Make Ups: 05/03-05/08

• 8th Grade Trip to NYS Museum: 5/09

• NO SCHOOL- GIve Back Day: 5/13

• NYS Science 8 Test: 5/15

• NYS Science 8 Test Make Ups: 5/16-5/17

• DMS Activity Night at 6pm: 05/17

• Spring Concert: 5/21

• 8th Grade Trip to Yankee Game: 5/23

• NO SCHOOL - 5/24-5/28

• MS Musical- Finding Nemo 5/31-6/1
  

June 2024

Character spotlight: Enthusiasm

• 8th Grade Trip to NYC Lunch Cruise: 6/21

• 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony and Dance: 06/26

• End of Spring MP2: 06/24

• Spring MP2 Report Card Grades Due: 06/26

Below is a helpful resource for parents titled "How Can I Help to Improve My Child’s Reading Comprehension?" It offers evidence-based strategies to support children's reading comprehension at home specifically for middle school students.

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

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.

Dover Library has multiple events available for students and families - check out the links below.