April 29th Dana Update

April 29th Dana Update
Posted on 04/29/2023

April 17-19 Campus Events Update

Last week, we experienced two separate incidents involving female students on campus. We would like to update our community regarding the events that took place, how we respond to these types of situations, and what parents can do to help support the work taking place on campus.

Two fights involving female students took place on campus last week. The two altercations were unrelated to each other. Both incidents were witnessed by multiple students. The fact some minors possess smartphones and social media accounts resulted in videos of the event being shared on the internet.

The following steps are taken during these types of situations:

  • We follow school and district disciplinary policies - view our code of conduct;
  • Our staff is trained in and utilizes restorative practices to help students and adults understand the impact their actions have upon others - learn more about restorative practices;
  • We bring parents into the conversation regarding the actions of their children;
  • We coordinate with school police and/or district resources when necessary.

The students involved do not have a prior history of aggressive behavior. This fact reinforces the need for continued learning opportunities for all students on campus. We provide instruction on various socio-emotional goals through our grade level assemblies (view online), classroom presentations, and SEL mini-lessons offered throughout the year through various subject area departments. The life-skill for next month is “self-regulation.”

Parents frequently ask what they can do to help support the work currently taking place to keep our campus safe. Below are a few examples directly connected to the events that took place last week:

  • Have a conversation with your child - Let them know you are aware of what took place last week. Share with them that being under the supervision of adults at school is one of the safest places they can be. Remind your student that they can speak with you or a teacher / counselor / administrator if they have a question or concern.
  • Promote our See Something…Say Something program - In the case of the events which took place last week, dozens of students were aware of the ongoing conflict prior to the events taking place. Unfortunately none of the students notified an adult on campus. This policy applies to parents as well. In one of the cases, parents were aware of the conflict ahead of time and did not notify us. Use this link to view contact information.
  • Monitor student internet presence - much of the student/student communication prior to both events took place via social media and texting. Please randomly check your child’s smartphone to monitor their conversations and remember no child currently enrolled at Dana is old enough to legally possess an Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok or other social media accounts. 

Our school places a high priority upon providing a safe campus while offering opportunities to help students grow and develop from both an academic and socio-emotional lens. Your support and partnership is greatly appreciated.

May 2nd - ASB Spirit Day - Decades Day

On May 2 ASB will be having our next spirit day, decades day. Please dress up in clothes and accessories that represent 60s 70s 80s and 90s. We will be doing a catwalk ,relay races and guessing the song during lunch. 


Spring State Testing Information For Parents - Language Arts May 8-12

Our Spring CAASPP testing dates have been determined. Parents have the option to opt their children out of testing. Visit the CAASPP page in the assessment section of our website for more information including how to prepare for success.


Semester 2 - 2nd Progress Report Available

The P4 Progress Report grades are available in PowerSchool. A  PDF of the progress report was emailed home to the primary email address on file on April 29th. The title of the email was “Secondary Progress Report Card”.


How are grades calculated? What is a citizenship GPA? What is the difference between a progress report and a report card? Click here to learn more.


Important: P4 progress report citizenship grades are used as eligibility criteria for end of year activities. Click this link to learn more about our eligibility requirements.


May 4th - Principal’s Coffee

Join us at the Principal's Coffee to engage in dialog about the work taking place at Dana. Every other month Principal Irwin and Associate Principal Simon meet informally with parents who want to chat about events, share comments, and ask questions related to Dana Middle School. The meetings follow an informal format where parents have an opportunity to obtain accurate information about questions and concerns. Our meeting will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 AM in the main office.


School Tour May 4 

Incoming students and parents are invited to participate in an in-person school tour. Meet with Principal Irwin and other staff members during a Q/A session. Explore the campus and tour the library and classrooms. Dana Middle School conducts school tours on the first Thursday of the month. Our afternoon tour is held from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Reservations are not necessary. Tours start in the front office. Students are welcome. Click this link to learn more about Dana Middle.


Famosa Slough Clean-Up Project with Correia May 8th 

This is a fun opportunity to work with Correia students! After school on May 8 from 3:00 - 5:45 pm. Please sign up by completing this Google form. Deadline to sign up is Thursday, April 27. Spots are limited, so sign up soon!


The Correia ASB teacher, Mrs. Tinsley, and Correia ASB students will pick the Dana students up from campus on Monday, May 8 at 3:00 after school and walk to the slough. Pick up will be from Correia at 5:45pm. Our goal is to remove invasive species of plants from the slough. Pizza and snacks will be provided at the end of the event.


May 9th - FoDaC Meeting @ Dana

Come join us and learn more about FoDac and how you can help support the students and staff at Dana and Correia Middle Schools. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Meeting starts in the Dana Library at 6:00 PM. Visit our website for more information.

 

Incoming Parent Breakfast May 24th

Come have fun at our informal in-person breakfast!  Principal Irwin, Asst. Principal Simon, and Friends of Dana and Correia Directors will share all of the exciting ways Dana parents are involved with their child’s experience at the middle level. The Parent Breakfast is scheduled for May 24, 2023 from 9-10:30 AM. View our informational flier.

 

Explore other ways to learn more about our school!


Save The Date - May 24th Spring Open House

Join us as we celebrate your child’s learning. Parents and students may visit classrooms, check out projects, and chat with teachers during our free-flowing Spring Open House. Dana student musicians will be performing. Check out the Art Gallery in the front hallway! Don’t miss the Ice Cream Station near the lunch court. More information to follow.


Save The Date - June 7-9 Student Recognition Assemblies

The Dana Student Recognition Assembly is an opportunity to acknowledge students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment towards demonstrating the values and beliefs we are promoting in our students. Our 5th grade assembly will be held during Period 6 on Wednesday, June 7th. Our 6th grade assembly will be held during Period 6 on Friday, June 9th. Parents are invited to attend. Families of students receiving awards will be notified via email on May 24th. Click this link for more information.


Keep Track Of Events - View Our Online Event Calendar

Use our online calendar to keep track of events and happenings on campus. Bookmark this link today!
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