Skip to main content

Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School

Empowering Students to Achieve Excellence

DYMS Digest Vol. 31 (2025-2026)

Posted Date: 04/06/26 (08:15 AM)


Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School logo featuring a dolphin and the letters 'DY'.

DYMS Digest Vol. 31

April 6th-12th, 2026

April 6, 2026
A modern building with a curved roof and large windows at dusk.

WELCOME TO THE DENNIS YARMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL DIGEST

Each week, we’ll bring you a snapshot of the exciting events, important updates, and celebrations happening throughout our DYMS community. This newsletter is your go-to source to stay connected and informed. Be sure to check your messages every Monday so you don’t miss a moment of what’s happening at school!
 

Important Dates

The word 'APRIL' is displayed in large, stylized pink and white letters, surrounded by green leaves and small white circles.
6th-10th - National Assistant Principals Week
8th & 9th - ELA MCAS
10th - Awards Ceremony (6th @ 9:15, 7th @10:15)
10th - Winter Guard & Percussion (6th grade)
13th & 14th - Spring MAP testing
15th - Teen Truth Assembly 1-2 PM
22nd - Administrative Professional Day
28th - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
29th - Anthony Valentine Presentation
The word 'May' written in elegant black script, surrounded by colorful flowers, leaves, and butterflies.
1st - School Principals Day
1st - Spring Fling Dance (6-8 PM)
4th-8th - Teacher Appreciation Week
6th - School Nurse Day
13th & 14th - Math MCAS
18th - Speech Pathologist Day
20th-22nd - 7th Grade Bass River Trip
25th - Memorial Day (No School)
27th - Author Visit
 

Celebrating Our Assistant Principals at DYMS

April 6th–10th is National Assistant Principals Week, and we are proud to recognize the outstanding leadership at Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School.

At DYMS, Ms. Burns and Mr. Hanscom work closely with both 6th and 7th grade teams, rotating throughout the building to support students, staff, and families. Their leadership helps create a positive and organized school environment where students are known, supported, and encouraged to do their best each day.

We are grateful for the steady presence they bring to classrooms, team meetings, and hallways. From problem-solving to celebrating student success, they are an essential part of what makes DYMS such a strong school community.

Thank you, Ms. Burns and Mr. Hanscom, for your dedication, energy, and commitment to our students and staff.

Poster celebrating National Assistant Principals Week, featuring photos of Ms. Burns (6th Grade) and Mr. Hanscom (7th Grade).
 

Exploring Future Careers in French Class

In French class, students have begun their new unit, “University,” where they are learning how to talk about their future plans using new verbs like “I want to be.” They’ve been practicing by asking each other what they want to be when they grow up, all in French. A wide range of careers has come up in conversation, including lawyer, doctor, florist, physiotherapist, nurse, veterinarian, plumber, art teacher, engineer, firefighter, pilot, and professional athlete. It’s been a great way to build language skills while exploring future goals.
Two students smile while holding open notebooks with handwritten notes in French, titled 'L'université'.
Two students stand in a classroom, holding open notebooks and looking towards the camera.
 
Students in a classroom watch a presentation on a large screen displaying an alphabet chart with symbols.

Writing Like the Ancients

In Mr. Monroe’s social studies class, students are learning how to write in ancient cuneiform on clay, the first writing system in history. Through this hands-on experience, they are exploring how early civilizations communicated and recorded information. It’s been a fun and engaging way to bring history to life while connecting with one of the world’s earliest forms of writing.
A student works with clay at a desk in a classroom, with shelves of books in the background.
A young boy in a grey hoodie concentrates on shaping white clay with a teal tool at his desk.
 

DY Middle School Teachers Receive Cape Cod 5 Mini Grants

Dennis-Yarmouth teachers have been awarded Cape Cod 5 mini grants to support creative and engaging classroom learning experiences. Funded projects include STEM exploration, Model UN, social-emotional learning activities, and inclusive art opportunities, including student work inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama.

These grants will help bring hands-on, meaningful learning to students across content areas. Thank you to Mr. Monroe, Ms. Fears, Mrs. Persichillo, Mrs. Christopher, Mr. Ahern, Ms. Coffey, Ms. Sassaman, and Ms. O'Connor for their initiative and commitment to enriching student learning.

A photo booth strip features three rows of smiling people posing in front of a 'CAPE COD 5' backdrop.
 
Several yellow envelopes addressed to Mars Wrigley Confectionary are stacked on a desk, with papers spread out in front.

ELA Students Want Their Voices Heard!

Students in 6th grade spent the past weeks delving into an ELA unit that explored child labor in West Africa. They had the opportunity to voice their opinions about this practice by writing persuasive letters to major chocolate companies in the hopes of trying to bring about real change. Students are hopeful to hear a response from the companies to their outpouring of support for the cocoa farmers harvesting their cocoa beans.Through their research, students examined the complex realities faced by children working in the cocoa industry and discussed the ethical responsibilities of both corporations and consumers. They learned how persuasive writing can be a powerful tool for advocacy, using evidence, emotional appeals, and clear arguments to support their claims. This project not only strengthened students’ reading and writing skills, but also empowered them to see themselves as global citizens capable of making a difference. By connecting classroom learning to real-world issues, students gained a deeper understanding of how their voices can contribute to meaningful change.The 6th graders are proud of their efforts and remain optimistic that their letters will spark awareness and inspire action. Their work serves as a reminder that even small voices can have a big impact.
 

Chocolate in School Lunches Debate

In Mrs. Kochen’s and Mrs. Greer’s 6th Grade ELA classes, students recently took part in an engaging debate on whether chocolate should be included in school lunches. Using evidence from multiple articles, students explored both sides of the issue and supported their claims with clear reasoning and thoughtful discussion

To extend the lesson, students made real-world connections to fair trade practices and how cocoa is sourced. Students learned that some chocolate companies use cocoa from Fair Trade Certified farms, deepening their understanding of how fair trade supports farmers through fair wages, ethical working conditions, and environmentally responsible production.

A student stands at a podium in a classroom, holding a tablet and presenting to the class.
A young student speaks into a microphone at a desk, with "Speaker" written on a sign.
A young boy speaks into a microphone at a podium in a classroom, with a large screen displaying debate topics behind him.
A young woman speaks into a microphone at a podium in a classroom, with bags of Sanders Thins chocolate on display.
A student stands at a podium in a classroom, speaking into a microphone with bags of Sanders snacks on display.
A young boy stands at a podium with a microphone, presenting Sanders Thins chocolate.
A young boy stands at a podium in a classroom, presenting with Sanders chocolate bags.
Students participate in a classroom activity, with one student presenting at a podium.
 

🌉 7th Grade Bridge Finale Results!

The 7th Grade Bridge Finale took place yesterday during lunch, featuring the top 8 bridges from across the grade. Each team designed and built their bridge using only 100 popsicle sticks—putting their engineering skills to the test!

When it was time to load the bridges, the results were impressive:
🥇 1st Place – Catherine, Alina, Abdias (103.6 lbs)
🥈 2nd Place – Luiza, Rachel (83.9 lbs)
🥉 3rd Place – Andrew Gianakis, Vinicius (Vinnie) Souza E Silva, Malachi Demello-Torres (79.4 lbs)
4th – Dustin Hoyt, Lucas Pinheiro, Kai Alberti (68.9 lbs)
5th – Tommy Drake, Liam Conklin, Shawn Medeiros (68.4 lbs)
6th – Harper Peirce, Flore Ducas, Gunner Sylvia (65.5 lbs)
7th – Hibba Azim, Alexis Greene (61 lbs)
8th – Leonardo (KJ) Lyle, Liam Clark, Isaac Escribano (57.5 lbs)

Great work to all of our 7th grade engineers—your creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving were on full display!
Three students stand together, one holding a model bridge, with an American flag in the background.
A person adds a weight plate to a testing apparatus for a wooden bridge model.
A popsicle stick bridge is being tested for strength by pouring sand into a bucket attached to it.
A popsicle stick bridge is being tested for strength by adding sand from a container into an orange bucket.
A person tests the strength of a popsicle stick bridge by adding weight to it via a bucket.
A group of young women pose for a photo in a bright, modern indoor space.
 
Logo for Child & Family Services featuring stylized figures of adults and children.

Supporting Student Well-Being at DY Middle School

DYM is working to bring a school-based counseling program to our school in partnership with Child & Family Services (CFS). Once we have enough interested students and required paperwork is completed, we will be able to offer this support during the school day. CFS provides counseling services for students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns. Services are delivered by licensed therapists, billed through medical insurance, and include collaboration with school staff. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please review the information attached about the CFS Outreach Counseling Program and complete the steps for your child to be involved.
 
A person sits at a desk, taking an online test on a computer with multiple-choice questions.

MCAS ELA Testing Reminder & Student Preparation Tips

Our students will be participating in MCAS ELA testing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 and Thursday, April 9, 2026. We appreciate your support in helping them feel prepared and confident.

What students should bring and do:
  • Come to school with a fully charged iPad
  • Get a good night’s sleep before each testing day
  • Eat breakfast at home or take advantage of school breakfast
  • Bring a silent reading book (iPads will not be available after testing until the window closes)

Helpful tips for students:
  • Take your time and read each question carefully
  • Reread passages when needed to check for understanding
  • Use evidence from the text to support your answers
  • Stay focused and do your best work from start to finish
  • If you feel stuck, pause, take a breath, and try again

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for helping support our students during testing!
 

Teen Truth Assembly – April 15th


On April 15th from 1:00–2:00PM, our entire school will gather in the auditorium for a youth empowerment assembly presented by TEEN TRUTH.

This 60-minute program is designed to inspire connection, resilience, and positive decision-making through engaging storytelling and interactive elements. We look forward to bringing our school community together for what promises to be a meaningful and impactful experience for all students.

For more information about the program, please visit:

DYMS School Menu

April Menu
 

Yearbook Information

Yearbooks are officially on sale!

The DYMS 2025-2026 yearbooks is available now. Don't wait prices go up as the years goes on.

  • $25 now through 1/31
  • $27 from 1/31-3/1
  • $30 after 3/1

Order online at yearbookforever.com to purchase, personalize, and explore additional options. Payment is easy with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Yearbookforever.com
A QR code with the text 'SCAN HERE' in a black and white design.

📸 Snap & Share!

Got pics? We want ‘em! Show off the awesome stuff happening at DY Middle School—events, sports , projects , clubs , or anything fun! Just upload your pics with the QR code 📲 or email them to nickersj@dy-regional.k12.ma.us

Don’t forget a short caption so we know what’s going on in your photo. Your snaps could end up in the yearbook, newsletters, or on our social media!

Facebook: @Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School   
Instagram: @dymiddleschool
 
Poster for Dennis Yarmouth Middle School Career Day on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
 

Important Links

DYMS Handbook
Schoolwide Expectations
Afterschool Help
 

Around the District

District Calendar
 
Poster for a free community performance featuring DY Winter Percussion & DY Winter Guard on Tuesday, April 7th at 8 PM in the DYRHS Upper Gym.
 
Black hoodie with a badge on the front and a dog graphic on the back.

SRO Finley Spirit Wear

Show your love for DYIMS' favorite SRO...Finley. Shirts and sweatshirts are available online.
Order Now
 

DYIMS PTO

The letters PTO are written in white chalk on a gray background.
The DYIMS PTO meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the DYIMS library.

Save the dates and stay tuned for more ways to get involved. Together, a big impact can be made for the students!
 

Community Happenings

Poster for Goose Hummock's Kids Fishing Festival on April 25th, 9 AM-12 PM, featuring a goose in a hat and fishing gear.
 
Cranberry Coast Field Hockey logo with crossed sticks and a map outline.

Cranberry Coast Youth Field Hockey Registration Now Open!

Summer registration for Cranberry Coast Youth Field Hockey is now open for Grades K-12! The 6-week program begins Wednesday, July 8th, at the D-Y Middle School turf.

  • Grades K-2: Instructional clinic
  • Grades 3-7: 7v7 league with 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of games
  • Grades 8-12: 11v11 league
Register now to secure your spot: https://ccyfh.playbookapi.com/programs/register/

Don’t miss the chance for your child to learn and play field hockey this summer! Logo and program details are attached.
 

📚Yarmouth Libraries 📚

April calendar for Yarmouth Town Libraries Youth Services, featuring events like Storytime, Crafts, and KPop parties.
Poster for a K-Pop Party presented by Yarmouth Town Libraries & Hyannis Public Library.
Advertisement for the 'My Own Creation Club' at South Yarmouth Library on Friday, April 19, from 10 AM to 4 PM, featuring brick-built characters and a spaceship.
An astronaut helmet with the text 'Designing an Astronaut Suit for an Alien World' is displayed against a starry background.
Poster for 'Interactive Movies and Makers' event at South Yarmouth Library featuring Buzz Lightyear and Sox.
Poster for CODCon 2026, a free comic convention presented by Hyannis and Yarmouth Town Libraries.
A colorful flyer from Yarmouth Town Libraries announces April Vacation Week activities with dates and age ranges.

Contact Us & Follow

Students exit the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School building.
Location: 288 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth, MA 02664
Phone: 508-778-7979
Facebook: @DennisYarmouthMiddleSchool
Instagram: @dymiddleschool