News
Weekly ASB Updates
Happening this week
8th Grade Dance and Activities
Choir and Drama Performance
Our choir and drama scholars are putting on a performance Thursday, June 13th 6:00pm – 7:30pm. It will be an evening of theater and songs with an exciting program that includes Jazz/Pop tunes and two one-act plays, “Anxiety is Orange” and “School Daze” by Lindsay Price.
Yearbooks
Yes, we have additional yearbooks! Sales will resume on Thursday, June 13th in the ASB office for $20, while supplies last. Scholars that pre-paid for their yearbook should receive them on Tuesday, June 11th, during 6th period.
8th Grade Recognition Ceremony
Our 8th grade recognition ceremony will be held on June 17th, 2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm in our gymnasium. Each scholar will receive a limited number of tickets due to capacity.
PE Locks
Please have your scholar turn in their PE locks from previous trimesters. We have many that have not been turned in and there may be a fine (or two) on your scholar’s account.
Sports 2024-2025
FinalForms will open for incoming 6th-8th graders to sign up for 2024-25 sports on June 1st, 2024.
Families are encouraged to make a FinalForms account and sign their child up between June 1 - June 15. This will allow the nurses to have time before summer to get the kids checked and cleared. Students with Health Plans can get those up to date in May as well. Get it all done before summer. For those who do not get it done before summer, they are welcome to make an account at any time to get signed up for the 2024-25 school year. Students are required to have a valid sports physical in order to participate. They are good for 2 years once completed.
Free Physicals
Free physicals will be offered on Wednesday, Aug 14th (5:00p-9:00p) and Thursday, Aug 15th (3:00p-7:00p)
@ Renton High School. Families will need to sign up for a 15 minute slot for a physical. More information will go out Mid-late May so people can begin signing up.
Resources
Monthly Family Update from the Principal
- August 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
August 2024
August 1, 2024
Greetings Dimmitt Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
As we embark on a new school year, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the journey ahead. This year, we are taking bold steps to enhance our educational experience, ensuring that every Dimmitt scholar feels connected, challenged, and inspired. Our goal is to create a learning environment that not only meets academic standards but also fosters a deep sense of belonging, curiosity, and real-world application.
I am excited to share some of the exciting developments and opportunities we have in store for your child this year.
1. Curriculum Redesign: Centering Community and Relevance This year, we are redesigning our curriculum to place the community at its heart, making learning more meaningful for our scholars. By integrating the community into our lessons, we aim to create a more relevant and engaging educational experience, allowing our scholars to see the direct connections between their schoolwork and the world around them.
2. Applying for IB MYP Accreditation We are proud to announce that we are in the process of applying for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) accreditation. The IB MYP is a globally recognized educational framework that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic learning. Achieving this accreditation will ensure that our scholars are receiving a high-quality, challenging education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world and opens doors for both high school and post-secondary options.
3. Strengthening Belonging Through Celebrations of Learning We believe that a strong sense of belonging is crucial for academic success. To strengthen this, we will be hosting regular celebrations of learning throughout the year. These events will give our scholars the opportunity to showcase their work, reflect on their growth, and celebrate their achievements with their peers, teachers, and families.
4. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Engaging in Learning Expeditions We are committed to bringing learning outside the classroom and into the real world. Our scholars will participate in learning expeditions that allow them to explore new environments, engage with the community, and apply their knowledge in practical, hands-on ways. These experiences will help our scholars develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they study and see the impact of their learning in real life.
5. Expanded Advisory and Science Classes We are excited to expand our advisory options this year! Every Friday, your child will have the opportunity to explore a variety of courses that connect learning with real-world skills and interests. From volunteering and student activism to gardening, chess, first aid and babysitting, these courses will allow scholars to discover new passions and apply their learning in creative ways. Additionally, we are expanding our science program to include 50 hours of engineering and design through our partnerships with career and technical education experts.
High Expectations for a Successful Year We have high expectations for your scholar this year, and we know they can rise to the challenge! We expect scholars to come to school on time, prepared with their charged Chromebook, and ready to push themselves to think critically and engage in meaningful conversations across lines of difference. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home will be invaluable.
Partnering with You We are excited to partner with you in your child’s education. We would love to have you as a volunteer in our building, whether it’s helping with events, supporting classroom activities, or sharing your own expertise with our scholars. Together, we can make this a year of growth, discovery, and achievement for all of our scholars. We are also eager to continue our work establishing a Dimmitt PTSA. Please reach out to our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll, for more information. She can be reached at Daniela.Driscoll@rentonschools.us.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s education.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00pm-3:00pm for our annual Back to School Barbeque and Business Day! You can pick up your scholar’s schedule, meet the teaching staff, and connect with friends. You can also purchase a yearbook, pay the one-time fee for the 24/25 school supplies, get your scholar’s NEW lunch number and skyward ID, complete required back-to-school vaccinations, and purchase an ASB card.
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 28th.
No School/Labor Day: Monday, September 2nd
No School/Professional Day: Friday, October 4th
We look forward to a fantastic school year! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Warm regards,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Tracey.Tymczyszyn@rentonschools.us
Dimmitt Updates
Assistant Principal Update
Mr. Pollard, Dimmitt Assistant Principal, will be on medical leave until February 2025. We are hopeful for Mr. Pollard’s swift recovery. In the meantime, Mr. Glyn Jenkins will serve as an interim Assistant Principal until Mr. Pollard’s return. Mr. Jenkins joins us from the Federal Way School District and we are grateful for his service in Mr. Pollard’s absence.
New Skyward
Our school district recently upgraded our skyward system. Your scholar will have a NEW ID number that will be used for lunch and skyward family access. You will receive your scholar’s NEW identification number at our Business Day and BBQ on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00-3:00pm. We apologize but much of our communication has also been limited due to this transfer. Please give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions.
School Picture Day
School picture day will take place on Wednesday, September 11th. Information will be sent home in your scholar’s blue or yellow folder.
Blue or Yellow Folder
All scholars will receive a blue or yellow folder. This folder will be used for the entire school year and will contain important paperwork that should be reviewed by families at home. Please be sure to check this folder daily.
School Supplies
School supplies will be distributed by teachers as needed throughout the year. You can pay a one-time fee of $30.00; or, if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, the one-time fee is $10.00.
ASB Card
Our school plans to host a number of fun events this year! The annual ASB fee helps us cover the cost of these fun events (dances, assemblies, and pep rallies). Please plan to purchase an ASB card ($25.00) at our BBQ and Business Day on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00-3:00. If you qualify for free and reduced price lunch, the ASB card is free.
Sports Physicals
Your scholar MUST have a sports physical prior to playing sports at Dimmitt Middle School. There is a FREE sports physical clinic on August 14th and 15th at Providence Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse, 1901 Oakesdale Avenue, SW, Renton. You must make an appointment. Appointments can be found on the RSD website.
Weekly ASB Update
Beginning on Friday, August 30th, our ASB coordinator will send out a weekly ASB bulletin. Be sure to check the bulletin for important events at Dimmitt.
Parent Square
Beginning this school year, our district will change from REMIND to Parent Square. Please consider downloading the ParentSquare APP to receive communication and updates from the school.
April 2024
April 30, 2024
Greetings DMS Families,
We've had an exhilarating month here at DMS, with our scholars showcasing excellence in various fields and our staff providing robust support in both academic and social-emotional domains. As we continue our journey towards IB Middle Years Program (MYP) accreditation, the engagement and enthusiasm from both our scholars and teachers has been remarkable.
In our endeavor to make learning meaningful and relevant, our teachers have been diligently incorporating community funds of knowledge alongside the expertise our scholars bring to school. This approach has resulted in truly impactful units that center around the curriculum and lived experiences of our community, fostering a deeper connection to learning.
One notable highlight from this month is the impressive project undertaken by our 8th-grade social studies scholars. Focused on the great migration within the Skyway community, scholars conducted interviews with community members and crafted powerful spoken word narratives. The courage they displayed in presenting their pieces on stage, many for the first time, was truly inspiring. Measured by scholar self-reflection pre and post unit, engagement increased by over 110 percent!
Similar unit planning is underway in all grades and content areas. The creation of a unit on the Pacific islands for our 6th-grade ancient world history curriculum, co-authored by scholars, allows them to gain firsthand knowledge about the history of the Pacific Islands (pre-colonization). Scholars helping to co-author the unit conducted interviews with family and community members that will serve as primary sources for the unit.
Additionally, our scholars have been engaged in immersive experiences outside the classroom, from visits to the Wing Luke Museum for an ELA field trip (exploring sites from the novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) to simulations at the Museum of Flight where scholars were assigned STEM jobs and had to carry out different experiments, collect data, and communicate findings to avoid being hit by an asteroid and ensure the safety of the crew. The month culminated with a visit to Raisbeck High School where several scholars have been accepted, or waitlisted, for their freshman year!. These experiences not only complement classroom learning but also ignite a passion for exploration and discovery.
Finally, our scholars have been actively involved in shaping the future of Dimmitt! From helping to create a vision for advisory next year to leading community circles, scholars are committed to making Dimmitt a place where everyone belongs.
As always, we value your feedback, questions, and ideas. Please don't hesitate to reach out; and, if you have any input, feel free to complete the feedback form.
As we continue to celebrate the achievements of our scholars, I want to extend my gratitude to you, our DMS families, for your unwavering support. Together, we are nurturing a community of learners who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally resilient.
All the best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal, DMS
8th Grade Recognition
Join us as we celebrate our 8th grade scholars' promotion to high school! Our 8th grade recognition ceremony will be held on June 17th, 2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm in our gymnasium. Each scholar will receive a limited number of tickets due to capacity. More information coming soon! If you wish to help plan/support our 8th grade celebration activities, please reach out to our 8th grade team lead, Jordy Larsen, at jordan.larsen@rentonschools.us.
Speak with Purpose
King 5 News &. Speak with Purpose celebrate Rising Voices Center Stage at Benaroya Hall, June 16th! Come celebrate the voices of our community. Check out the ad below featuring DMS scholars!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsVuz7pmtvU
SBA Testing
March 2024
March 31, 2024
Greetings DMS Families,
As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the warmer embrace of spring, I wanted to take a moment and share the great work happening at Dimmitt.
Throughout the month of March, scholars have been busy sharing their first spoken word piece, engaging with families and community at our STEM night, celebrating accomplishments at Bowlero, and engaging in learning expeditions at the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Art Museum and so much more.
The recent Dimmitt Showcase was a testament to the dedication and hard work of both our scholars and teachers. It was a joyous occasion where talents were showcased, from the melodious performances of our band and orchestra to the captivating presentations by our performing arts and choir students.
Our athletic department continues to excel, with our boys' basketball and wrestling teams achieving remarkable results. Likewise, our girls' volleyball and basketball teams have demonstrated remarkable progress, not only in skill development but also in fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming football and track seasons. For those interested in participating, please ensure that all necessary physical forms are up to date.
Our band and orchestra recently attended the Soundview Region Band and Orchestra Festival. Both INT/ADV Band and Orchestra received excellent rankings!
Our 7th grade scientists have been exploring what causes climate change and are working towards understanding its impacts on different ecosystems and different populations of people. Jill Pelto shared the work she has done tracking glacial retreat in the Cascades as well as how she creates data art. Scholars will continue to explore causes, impacts and mitigation strategies and then create their own data art with captions! We can't wait to see what they produce!
With the days lengthening and the flower blooming, there is a palpable sense of energy and excitement in the air. In the coming weeks and months, we have a variety of exciting events and activities planned, from field trips to athletic competitions to pep assemblies and dances. I invite you to volunteer in the classroom, attend school events or join our PTSA! Your participation plays a vital role in shaping the educational experience of our scholars.
You can stay connected and informed through our school website which can be translated into many languages along with announcements via REMIND. Additionally, weekly activities and resources are also shared through our ASB weekly update (which can also be found on our website).
As always, we value your feedback, questions, and ideas. Please don't hesitate to reach out; and, if you have any input, feel free to complete the feedback form.
Be sure to check the updates below for important information regarding after school club and activity registration along with dates for upcoming events and activities.
Thank you for entrusting us with your scholar. Here’s to a wonderful spring season filled with growth, joy and endless possibility.
Best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Spring Break
April 8-12- No School
Report Cards
You can access your scholar's report card using Skyward Family Access. Please call the school if you need assistance.
8th Grade Recognition
Join us as we celebrate our 8th grade scholars' promotion to high school! Our 8th grade recognition ceremony will be held on June 17th, 2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm in our gymnasium. Each scholar will receive a limited number of tickets due to capacity. More information coming soon! If you wish to help plan/support our 8th grade celebration activities, please reach out to our 8th grade team lead, Jordy Larsen, at jordan.larsen@rentonschools.us.
Tutoring Available
Literacy & Math Tutoring available M/T/W/TH.
Register here: https://forms.gle/U9pkhQYuiVPc99F2A
Contact: Marissa Thomas: (425) 204-2877 - marissa.thomas@rentonschools.us
Spring Quarter After School Clubs and Activities
Days: April 22nd - June 13th (Monday - Thursday)
Time: Session 1: 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm Session 2: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Students need to head straight to the cafeteria right then the bell rings at 2:35 pm
Transportation: Activity Bus Monday, Tuesday & Thursday pick up at 4:00 pm, Activity Bus Wednesday picks up at 5:00 pm
State Testing
State testing begins the week of April 22nd. Please ensure an on-time arrival to school.
Free Dental Exams
Big Smiles is coming to our building on April 16th to host free dental exams for DMS scholars! Please sign up using the link and reach out with any questions!
February 2024
February 29, 2024
Greetings DMS Families,
February has been a very busy month!
Renton High School visited our 8th grade scholars and shared important information about registration. You can access this information here.
This week, we closed out our celebration of Black history with a conversation about the importance of storytelling and the dangers of embracing a singular narrative. Scholars then met with Ari Glass, a local multidisciplinary artist, architect, and educator from the Skyway community, who shared his story at our Black History Month assembly, inspiring Dimmitt scholars to tell their own story. Ari combines gold, solar aesthetics, and human (r)evolution to echo the mythos of Indigenous and Black culture. Scholars were enamored by the charismatic presence of Ari as they prepare to launch into a journey of immersive storytelling presented by a mural installation that will run throughout the halls of Dimmitt Middle School. This work launches our efforts to bring the IB MYP program to the hearts and minds of our scholars. Integrating community and curriculum, fostering awareness, and cultivating a global perspective constitute crucial aspects of our efforts to shape an outstanding MYP (Middle Years Programme) at Dimmitt.
Earlier this month, we joyously embraced the spirit of love within our community during the Dimmitt Community Love event on February 16th. Both staff and community members came together to show love, share meals and exchange information on housing, utilities, and various resources. Community partners provided free haircuts, complimentary undergarments, and makeup lessons, while activities like face painting and yoga added an extra touch of enjoyment to the event.
We hope you will join us for our next community event, the Dimmitt Showcase on Thursday, March 14th from 6:00-8:00pm. Come and celebrate the hard work of your scholars as we display the learning throughout our building. We will have fun games, food, and raffles! This is also a great time to connect with your scholar's teachers and support staff. You don’t want to miss it!
Thank you all for your support and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
Best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
March 14, 2024
Dimmitt Showcase
6:00-8:00 PM
March 15, 2024
End of Trimester 2
March 19, 2024
[8th Graders ONLY] Renton High School Student Elective Choice form (Google form) is due. See more information here.
March 26, 2024
Report Cards Available in Skyward Family Access
January 2024
January 28, 2024
Good Evening Families,
January is in full swing at Dimmitt! Our scholars are immersed in various activities, from crafting poetry to delving into sewing techniques and scientific theories. Additionally, scholars are engaging in discussions about constitutional rights, contemplating the significance of perspective, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honing their skills in identifying an author's bias. We applaud the excellent work happening every day at Dimmitt and take pride in the dedication and hard work of each scholar.
As we gear up for spring planning, our staff is busy planning relevant and meaningful units. Units will be field tested this year in preparation for our application for accreditation with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. As an example, in December, scholars in math courses explored ratio and proportion through recipes and food. The units culminated with a math multicultural night co-sponsored by the Seattle Universal Math Museum.
Similarly, scholars in 8th grade interviewed community members about their experiences living and working on the West Hill. These profiles are now on display in the main hallway. We welcome you to stop by and take a look!
At Dimmitt, we believe in the transformative power of scholar involvement to enhance the overall school experience. Our scholars actively participate in initiatives aimed at making our school better in various ways. Through scholar-led committees, they contribute ideas, provide valuable feedback, and collaborate with faculty and staff to implement positive changes. Whether it's proposing innovative programs, planning and leading our assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, suggesting improvements to facilities, or fostering a culture of inclusivity, our scholar play a crucial role in shaping the school's environment. This collaborative approach not only empowers scholars to take ownership of their educational journey but also fosters a sense of community and pride in contributing to the continuous improvement of Dimmitt.
Scholars at Dimmitt have recently initiated a teacher feedback program designed to enhance instructional practices. Led by scholar leaders, the program includes conducting focus groups to generate constructive ideas for teachers to implement and refine their teaching methods. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment where both students and teachers actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of instructional quality at Dimmitt.
In addition to the project highlighted above, here are a few more scholar led initiatives:
- Advisory Lessons: Scholars in this group are working together to create our school wide advisory lessons. They are working to make the lessons more student centered and engaging.
- Scholar Connection Group: This group of scholars creates grade level incentives once per month. Their goal is to provide opportunities for students connect outside of the classroom.
- School Lunch Program: This group quickly realized many students were choosing not to eat lunch at school. Using Maslow's research, they realized eating is a basic need that is not being fulfilled. They created a school-wide survey to collect data on what students enjoyed and disliked about Dimmitt's lunch options. Students will be using this data to engage in a conversation with our food service employees to potentially add student voice to the menu.
- Mentor Group: With the help of our counselor team, scholars are working to build out a mentor program where 8th graders are paired with a 6th or 7th grader would benefit from a mentor. Students are planning monthly events for pairs to participate in as well as a weekly schedule for partners to check-in together.
Similarly, the Renton School District leadership team is also committed to hearing from scholars and leveraging the feedback to improve district wide leadership initiatives. Earlier this month, scholars shared their thoughts and celebrations about their school with Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude as he visited with them to hear directly about what they believe is going well at school and what can be improved.
The annual student meetings—which happen at all high schools, middle schools, and a handful of elementary schools—are a way for Superintendent Pattenaude to have honest, candid discussions with students on what they believe is going well at their school, the challenges they face, what they believe is important to their academic success, and some of the supports they believe can make a difference in their education.
We have much to celebrate but also significant work to do.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! What is important to you at Dimmitt? What would you like to see added or changed about our program? How can we better support you and your family? Please answer using the link below! We look forward to hearing from you.
Submit your feedback HERE.
Also, interested in volunteering at Dimmitt? Or, do you know someone ELSE who might be interested in volunteering at Dimmitt? We would LOVE to have you! If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know.
Interested in working at Dimmitt? We are always looking for great people!
Finally, we hope you will join us for our monthly Food and Fun events, each with a different theme. February’s Food and Fun event will take place on Thursday, February 15th- Self Love! The March event will take place on Thursday, March 14th- The Dimmitt Showcase. Join us for community, food and fun!
Also, we hope you will join Dimmitt’s PTSA! If you are interested in becoming a board member, please reach out to our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll at Daniela.driscoll@rentonschools.us.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
Best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Welcome Havilah Rand- Choir and Performing Arts
Havilah is an award winning singer songwriter and educator. Her musical journey spans five full length albums and two decades weaving its way through the jazz halls of New York City, the alternative rock venues of post grunge Seattle and countless coffeeshops and theaters across the United States And Europe. Havilah also holds a Masters Degree in Teaching and has been a classroom educator in both public and alternative school settings for over fifteen years. She is the founder of Holistic ArtVentures, an organization that uses songwriting as a tool for bolstering empathy, creativity, collaboration and confidence. Through various songwriting programs, Havilah has written songs with hundreds of children and elders and has even been nominated for the Esme Barrera Music in Education and Activism Award. She recently completed the rigorous National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification process and holds multiple teaching endorsements including Teaching English as a Second Language, Reading, Secondary Social Studies and Language Arts.
Thursday, February 15th
DMS Self-Love! Join us for food, fun and tons of great resources.
February 19-23
Mid-Winter Break- School Closed
Thursday, March 14th
Dimmitt Showcase! Join us for a celebration of your scholar's hard work.
December 2023
December 3, 2023
Good Afternoon Families,
Wow! I can’t believe it’s already December. The first trimester FLEW by!
We are very proud of our Dimmitt scholars. They have been working hard to show up for each other as we work to build a school that is safe and welcoming for all.
This summer, I met with dozens of scholars, asking them to share thoughts about important priorities for our school. Scholars shared their hopes for more field trips, more engaging learning experiences and less fighting.
Last week, scholar speakers Ahkiel, Chancela and Jonathan all spoke during community meetings about the importance of showing up for one another, creating a school that reflects the values we hold as a community. Scholars like Akhiel, Chancella and Jonathan join the many others who are taking a stand against fighting- helping their peers to find ways to resolve conflict restoratively rather than with violence.
To further this work, Dimmitt will join the hundreds of schools across the nation in the Global Cardboard Challenge as we make a commitment to show up for joy, creativity and imagination. Inspired by Caine’s Arcade, scholars are invited (either in teams or individually) to create a cardboard arcade game and bring it to school on Thursday, December 21st. We will transform our gym into an arcade launching Dimmitt’s first annual Day of Play.
No time at home? That’s okay! Scholars can work on their game during lunchtime in room 148.
Do you have extra cardboard (boxes, etc) lying around the house? If so, please consider donating it to Dimmitt! We are also looking for donations of scissors (adult size), duct tape, and any paper products that could be used for our arcade games (paper towel tubes, saran wrap, etc).
Interested in volunteering to help with this event? Email our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll, at Daniela.Driscoll@rentonschools.us. We would love to have your help!
To support our scholars’ desire for more relevant learning experiences, our staff has ALSO been busy working on our #IBforALL initiative. In the fall of 2024, Dimmitt will apply for our International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program accreditation. We’ve been busy writing both interdisciplinary units and subject specific IB units that incorporate a global context and lead scholars through an inquiry model that is rooted in real world experiences. We’ve also started experimenting with various ideas for our 8th grade community project. As an example, in John Austin’s 8th grade ELA class, scholars launched a project called “Voices of the West Hill,” an immersive study of the voices in our community. Scholars are in the process of interviewing West Hill residents and leaders, expanding their narrative writing skills.
In another example, scholars in Alexa Bissell’s 6th and 7th grade AVID class participated in a mock trial in partnership with the Renton Municipal Court. Judge Giner presided over Dimmitt scholars’ trial of Cade vs. The State of Oklahoma.
Scholars spent the weeks leading up to the event crafting arguments, finding evidence and defending why or why not Johnny Cade is guilty of manslaughter. Dimmitt scholars portrayed the roles of lawyers, key witnesses, and jurors. This activity supported the scholars’ study of “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, a classic novel telling the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a young teen investigating the true meaning of an “Outsider”.
There is much to share and I look forward to connecting with you soon! I hope you will join me for our Family School Showcase: A Journey Through Learning event at Dimmitt on Tuesday, December 5th from 10:00am-12:00pm. During our time together, we will share more about our school improvement plan, take a look at learning at Dimmitt by touring the school and discuss ways to engage families and improve our programming. A pizza lunch will be served- RSVP HERE.
Also, I hope to see you at our Math Multicultural Night on December 12th from 5:00-7:00pm.
We invite you to bring food, wear traditional clothing and/or join us for music, dance, photographs, and performances (and of course, hands on math)! Interested in learning more or volunteering at the event? Email our math Instructional coach, Alisha (Baldwin) Benonaih-Jumbo, at alisha.baldwin@rentonschools.us.
Finally, I hope you will share your feedback about our school by completing this short SURVEY. Your feedback is important to us. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, December 8th.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support.
All the best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Help DMS start a PTSA!
We almost have a full board! Email our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll, to get connected to our DMS PTSA. With a PTSA, so much is possible for our Dimmitt scholars! Email Daniela.driscoll@rentonschools.us to get enrolled.
Math Multicultural Night
December 12
5:00pm-7:00pm
Winter Band and Orchestra Concert
December 14
7:00pm-8:00pm
Winter Break
December 25-January 5
Questions or concerns about Title 1?
Please review the links below to learn more about Dimmitt’s requirements as a title 1 school receiving federal funds. As a parent, you have a right to request information about the professional qualification of your scholars’ teachers and paraeducators. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, the link below will explain how you can receive support or a resolution for your concern.
November 2023
11.9.23
Good Evening Families,
Happy Veteran's Day! On behalf of the DMS community, we thank all Veterans and their families for their service.
As we wrap up the first trimester, we have much to celebrate!
In Math, DMS scholars have been working hard to make sense of ratios and proportions, finding authentic ways to apply these skills with gardening, cooking, running, sports and so much more. With our new curriculum, scholars can explore these concepts by manipulating online tools and discovering relationships for themselves.
To level up our practice, math teachers engaged in their first learning lab in October, focused on helping scholars become leaders in their learning. Teachers worked closely with our math coach to plan a lesson and practice delivering it in the classroom (with feedback from peers and scholars too)! Learning is important at DMS, for everyone! Thanks to school improvement funds, all departments at Dimmitt will have the opportunity to engage in learning labs as a way to improve practice and norm across the school.
In science, scholars have been exploring SPACE. Recently, 8th Graders met with Claire Luce, Sebastien Tobacia and Oliver Daemen from Blue Origin and Club for the Future. Scholars have been working towards developing arguments from evidence to answer the question “Should we continue to invest in space exploration?” This presentation raised much debate! Claire and Sebastien shared about their career pathways into engineering at Blue Origin and Oliver shared about his trip to space in New Shepard in 2021. Scholars learned about reusable rocket systems, Blue Origin’s visions for the future and ways they can find mentors in the STEM field. Scholars were given postcards to write to themselves as part of Blue Origin’s “Postcards to Space” program. The postcards will go up in one of New Shepard’s flights and then be mailed back to students. Scholars are excited to continue debating the benefits of space exploration and space travel.
Scholars have also been exploring sound barriers, exploring how to protect frog habitats from noise pollution. Check it out below!
In Social Studies, scholars have been studying early human life. They recently focused on communication and how language has developed from past to present. They had the opportunity to create their own cave paintings and become archeologists as they investigated one another's designs.
Last week, scholars in Mr. Pfaff's 8th grade social studies class made murals and wrote arguments about the most important event in American Revolutionary history. Sixth grade scholars joined the gallery walk to learn from our 8th grade historians.
Art scholars have been very busy! Last week, they used toothpicks and their hands to shape, carve and mold Oreo crème to create relief sculptures. It was a delicious design challenge!
Leadership scholars recently met with our district painters to learn about how to organize a mural painting at Dimmitt. They created a design and discussed possible locations for their creative masterpiece.
Leadership scholars also recently visited Bryn Mawr Elementary school to read aloud to a kindergarten class. They felt strongly about the importance of literacy and wanted to visit their former elementary school to serve as mentors for future DMS vikings!
There is SO MUCH excellent work happening throughout our school and we look forward to sharing your scholar's success at our upcoming family conferences.
We hope you will join us on Monday, November 20th or Tuesday, November 21st to learn about your scholar's academic growth.
All teachers will be available (for 5-10 minutes per family per teacher) to connect in our gymnasium at the following times:
Monday, November 20th
12:00pm-3:30pm
OR
Tuesday, November 21st
12:00pm-3:30pm and 4:00pm-7:00pm
Translation services will be available on site. Please come at a time that works for your schedule! Our teachers (and scholars) are eager to share their progress with you.
We look forward to connecting with you soon! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Get Involved!
Help us launch a DMS PTSA! We are so close! We almost have a full board and enough members to get started. If you are interested in joining, please email our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll, at daniela.driscoll@rentonschools.us to get involved.
Safety Alert!
If your scholar walks home, please remind them to take caution and travel in groups. There have been a few incidents in the surrounding area where scholars have been approached by people in vehicles (when walking). Scholars should avoid talking to strangers and be aware of their surroundings.
Friday, November 10
No School
Friday, November 17
Regular FULL DAY SCHEDULE (7:55-2:35). No late start.
Monday, November 20 (Early Release)
School Hours: 7:55am-11:00am
Family Conferences: 12:00-3:30 (Gymnasium)
Tuesday, November 21 (Early Release)
School Hours: 7:55am-11:00am
Family Conferences: 12:00-3:30 and 4:00-7:00 (Gymnasium)
Wednesday, November 22 (Early Release)
School Hours: 7:55am-11:00am
Thursday, November 23 (School Closed)
Friday, November 24 (School Closed)
Friday, December 1st
No School/Last Day of Trimester
Tuesday, December 5
Pizza with the Principal (Time TBD)
Monday, December 11
Report Cards Available via SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS
October 2023
10.6.23
Greetings Families,
Thank you for a great first month of school! Dimmitt scholars have been working hard this month to build a classroom (and school) community and make sense of how to show up as scholars at school.
Understanding the notion of POWER has been particularly important. What power do we have as a collective to create a school where we feel heard, valued and seen?
In the photo below, our 8th grade Social Studies scholars dove deep into the world of critical thinking and thoughtful dialogue. In this snapshot, Dimmitt scholars participated in a Socratic Seminar, centered around the question: "Who has power and where does it come from?" Scholars prepared for this discussion by creating compelling claims backed by evidence from a variety of primary and secondary sources. As they shared their perspectives, they're shaping their own understanding of power dynamics in society.
In this photo below, 8th grade scholars shared words of wisdom with our 6th graders during a 6th grade community meeting. As 6th grade scholars transition to middle school, many face (sometimes for the first time) a range of emotions, particularly as they test boundaries and navigate an entirely new social dynamic with a new set of peers. Our 8th grade leaders did a beautiful job of sharing their journey and how they show up for each other as allies when it's hard.
As our adolescent learners move through one of the most IMPORTANT stages of their life, it's critical that we (as a community) remain connected to our scholars' every day experience, helping them make sense of a more "unfiltered" world. Whether we like it or not, scholars are exposed to some of the raw realities of life as they transition through secondary school. A beautiful awakening occurs throughout the middle school years, making it one of the most beautiful (albeit challenging) times of life. Joining your scholar on this journey is critical for their success.
To help you make sense of the middle school experience, I'd like to invite you to visit DMS during the day! Come and check out what classroom learning looks like each and every day at Dimmitt! Wondering if middle school looks like it did when you were in school? Is it crazy and silly? Calm and collected? Come and see for yourself!
Join us for our first Family School Showcase: A Journey Through Learning event. The event will be held in the morning on Tuesday, October 24th from 9:00-11:30 (breakfast provided). During our time together, I will share about our school goals, including our work to become an International Baccalaureate accredited Middle Years Program School and we can see these goals in action in the classroom. You can also see first-hand how our school leverages federal Title 1 grant money to accelerate learning. You don't want to miss it!
Finally, join me in celebrating the success of Dimmitt scholars who won FIRST PLACE in a national digital storytelling competition! You can view their award winning video "No More Processed" HERE. Throughout the summer, scholars became ACE DIGITAL STORYTELLERS through an internship created and sponsored by Dare2Be, a local non-profit. The video showcases the creativity and ingenuity of our learners and the power of community partnerships.
Thank you for celebrating our scholars and supporting our community! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
All the best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Please join me in welcoming Speak with Purpose!
SWP exists to cultivate inclusive and creative learning spaces that allow young scholars to deconstruct the dominant narratives by using public speaking to uplift their culture, self -authored identities, and communities.
Speak with Purpose will join the Dimmitt community in partnership with teachers to shape how we craft opportunities for authentic reading, writing and speaking. If you see them around, please say hi!
Please join me in welcoming Urban Family’s Game 360 partners to the Dimmitt Family! Our Game 360 partners join our scholars at lunchtime periodically during the week to support with mentorship and support. They also support with after school programming and a host of other resources for the community.
Please join me in welcoming Seattle Cares to the Dimmitt community! The Seattle Cares mentoring movement will provide weekly mentoring during 5th and 6th period to scholars in small groups while also providing a host of extended services to scholars and families both after school and on the weekends. If you are interested in learning more (or enrolling your scholar), please reach out!
Please join me in welcoming Hazel Health!
Renton School District is partnering with Hazel Health, a confidential and secure service to provide access to quality health care services for all students, at no cost to families. Hazel Health offers scheduled appointments with licensed therapists and on-demand access to medical providers. A school health representative can initiate a video visit with a Hazel health care provider while your child is at-school to provide mental health services. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential. Virtual therapy is funded by Providence's Wellbeing Trust.
Mental health services include:
- Scheduled therapy appointments: Therapy can help students cope with what they’re feeling, such as behavior changes, anxiety, bullying, withdrawal, grief, peer and family relationships, depression, or stress.
- Licensed therapists: Hazel Health therapists are bilingual, diverse and are experts in the needs of children and teens.
- Care coordination: If your child needs additional services outside of Hazel Health services, Hazel will help connect you to local resources.
- At school & home: Hazel is available at school, during regular school hours as we start the new school year. The school counselor or designated staff uses an iPad to help connect your child directly with a Hazel therapist over live video in a private and confidential room. Hazel is also available for your child to join therapy sessions at home using your Hazel account.
Providence’s Well Being Trust is honored to support this important work to advance the mental health and well-being of our youth. Learn more and sign up at https://my.hazel.co/rentonschools/info.
Interested in joining after school clubs/enrichment or expanded learning?
We still have space available in our after-school clubs/enrichment/expanded learning programs! Interested in learning more? Reach out to Marissa Thomas at marissa.thomas@rentonschools.us. You can access the after-school enrichment catalog here! Activity buses available for transportation.
Questions or concerns about Title 1?
Please review the links below to learn more about Dimmitt’s requirements as a title 1 school receiving federal funds. As a parent, you have a right to request information about the professional qualification of your scholars’ teachers and paraeducators. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, the link below will explain how you can receive support or a resolution for your concern.
September 2023
9.5.23
Greetings Families,
Thank you for an awesome first few days at Dimmitt! Our community is full of joy, laughter, and tons of curiosity. We have many exciting opportunities planned for our DMS scholars and look forward to sharing these opportunities with you next week at our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 14th from 5:30-7:30pm (more information to come).
So far, our scholars have been exploring the notion of power. What is power? Who has power? How is power exchanged? How is power shared?
As DMS scholars explore these concepts, they are challenged to shift the power in such a way that LEARNING and caring for one another become central to the DNA of our school. As scholars demonstrate their commitment to the collective culture of learning and love, we will celebrate, just as we did today!
This afternoon, the DMS community welcomed the Seattle Seahawks and Delta Airlines to Dimmitt Middle School to celebrate the start of the year and the commitment to love and learning that Mr. Banks, our security officer, has shared with the DMS community for over 23 years. Please join me in celebrating Mr. Banks as the next Delta Community Captain! The Delta Community Captains program is designed to recognize local individuals that are making a difference in the community by naming them as honorary Seahawks team captains.
Congratulations, Mr. Banks!
We look forward to meeting you next week and connecting over the coming weeks and months. As I mentioned before, we have many exciting things to share with you about our programming this year (and beyond) and look forward to working in partnership with you throughout the school year.
Be sure to check out the weekly ASB bulletin (sent to families and scholars) with weekly updates regarding sports and other activities.
Don't forget, if you're interested in volunteering at DMS, sign up here!
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We are here to support.
All the best,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Wednesday, September 13
School Picture Day
Thursday, September 14
Back to School Night
5:30pm-7:30pm
Helpful Resources
Peachjar eFlyers - View flyers for events, activities or outside program opportunities for your student and family!
Title 1 information - Visit our Title I page to learn about this designation and how it impacts our school.