Skip to main content

Weekly Parent Updates

Douglas Middle School - Parent Weekly Update: 9/29/25

Principal's Message

Dear DMS Families,

Homecoming Week is always an exciting time for our middle school students, and we’re looking forward to a week filled with spirit and fun! Below you’ll find the dress-up day themes — a great way for students to show their school spirit. As a reminder, all outfits must follow the school dress code (no hats, and clothing must be school-appropriate).

Alongside the fun, we remain focused on academic success. This Friday, we will hold Academic Recovery sessions for students who currently have an F in one or more classes. These students will work in designated classrooms to focus on improving their grades before the end of the quarter.

Students who are passing all their classes will get to participate in a fun, teacher-led activity that day.

We encourage you to talk with your child about their current grades and support them in finishing the quarter strong. A little extra effort this week can make a big difference — and help them join in on Friday’s fun!

We will also be conducting a Fire Drill on Wednesday, October 1.

The purpose of this drill is to ensure that all students and staff know how to respond quickly and safely in the event of a real fire or emergency. Practicing these procedures helps us stay prepared, stay calm, and keep everyone safe.

Please reassure your child that this is only a drill and part of our regular safety routines.

Thank you for your continued support.

 Principal Stacey Cowen


Homecoming Week Dress-Up Days 

 Mellow Monday
 Wear school-appropriate PJs or a comfy sweatsuit. Start the week cozy!

Time Warp Tuesday
 Each grade dresses from a different decade:

  • 6th: Groovy 70s

  • 7th: Awesome 80s

  • 8th: Gnarly 90s

 Wacky Wednesday
 Mix it up! Mismatched socks, clashing patterns, wild colors—go all out!

 Tropical Thursday
 Beach vibes: Hawaiian shirts, leis, sunnies, and floral prints.

🇺🇸 Patriot Day Color Wars Friday
 Wear your grade’s color with pride:

  • 6th: White

  • 7th: Blue

  • 8th: Red

Counselors

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This month presents an opportunity for us to encourage our students to take action against bullying behavior and help create a safe and supportive school environment for everyone. 

The Counselors will be visiting each grade level separately during October to discuss different types of bullying behavior and how to respond. Presenters from Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC, will also be talking to students this month about Cyberbullying and the importance of Internet Safety. 

PBIS 

Just a reminder that students earn tickets for following our PATS Pledge of being Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Kind.  Please reiterate these expectations with your students at home to continue to support a positive learning environment.  Also remind them to utilize their tickets in our weekly classroom and office drawings as well as our PATS store!  Stay tuned for future incentives and events in the future!

Nurse

Douglas Middle School will host a School-Based Immunization Clinic on Tuesday, October 21 with the South Dakota Department of Health for 6th graders and transfer students.

  • Pre-registration is required (see attached flyer for QR code). If you are unsure of what your student still needs, please feel free to reach out to nurse Kara at 605-923-0054.
  • A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
  • Most major insurances are accepted; children without insurance may qualify for free vaccines.

Please see the attached flyer for details and registration.

Back to School Immunization Clinics

Attendance:  REMINDER!

Please click the link below to review the updated attendance procedures for the DSD.  We understand there have been many questions regarding the attendance letters being sent home when a student has reached a certain number of absences. The updated procedures aim to provide clarity on this process.

District Attendance Policy  (click to view) 

If your child is going to be absent for the day please remember to call our attendance secretary by 8:00am.  605-923-0050


Upcoming Events

    • September 29– Gym Construction Begins
  • September 29-October 3- Homecoming week 
  • October 7 & 9 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30–7:00 PM)
    • October 10 – Conference Comp Day – No School
    • October 13 – Native American Day – No School
    • October 14 – District PD Day - No Students 
  • October 23-  ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Presentation -In the auditorium (TBD grade level specific sessions during the school day)