el dios m
you belong with us!
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.� - Colin Powell
welcome to del dios middle school Del Dios Middle School is preparing students for college and career readiness. Students in partnership with Del Dios Middle School faculty and staff engage in meaningful academic tasks in preparation for participation in high school, college and 21st Century careers. Del Dios Middle School curriculum is student-centered focusing on the 21st Century skills of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Del Dios Dragons are preparing for college and career readiness today in order to become the leaders of tomorrow. It is the mission of Del Dios Middle school to educate all students to meet district and state standards regardless of past academic performance, socio-economic status, race, or gender. This will be done while fostering a school of resourceful problem solvers, who respect diversity and the environment, and are prepared to meet their future goals.
administration Suzanne Adkins
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760.432.2439 sadkins@eusd.org
Albert Ngo
760.432.2439 ango@eusd.org
Hee-Jin Peterson
760.432.2439 hpeterson@eusd.org
WELCOME
“In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” - Eric Hoffer
the pillars of success At the very heart of the Del Dios community are the Pillars of Success. Every Dragon knows them and each year students focus on two of the six. As First Years, students learn what Determination and Respect look and feel like in the classroom and in our school community. As Second Years, the focus moves toward understanding how Achievement is dependent upon Goal Setting and how this is a necessary component of academic and career success. Students practice reading their performance data and learn how to set goals based on that data, achievable by writing and implementing an Individual Learning Plan. As Third Year Dragons, students begin to practice the true meaning of Ownership and No Excuses in both their academic responsibilities and community relationships on campus. Dedicated time for developing these pillars is provided daily during a school-wide Advisory period because it is our commitment that as students transition to high school, they move forward as confident, critical thinkers and personally responsible, global citizens.
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DETERMINATION “The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength; not a lack of knowledge; but rather a lack of will.” -Vince Lombardi
you belong here. no, seriously. you BELONG! Built upon the Pillars of Success, every Dragon belongs to one of our four Houses. Why? Because it’s good to be in a place where everyone knows your name and where you feel like you’re home. Each House represents a natural element, but it’s a metaphor for how we all need each other to succeed. While each of the four houses take part in spirit competitions, the true spirit comes from knowing we’re all Dragons. Dragons are sorted their first year at Del Dios and remain in their Houses for all three years. As each new year brings new Dragons, Second and Third year Dragons take on a mentoring role and continue to build House spirit and pride creating an atmosphere of belonging and family. We can’t wait to welcome YOU!
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RESPECT
“Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.” - Clint Eastwood
56 68 1 the number of points our entire student population GAINED on our API score over the last three years as a result of implementing our Pillars of Success, on-FIRE learning strategies and the House system
the number of points our English Language Development student population GAINED on our API score over the last three years as a result of implementing the above as well as the Power Literacy reading strategies for understanding informational texts
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our Science department’s place in the district for CST scores - two years running - oh, yeah!
ACHIEVEMENT
“There is no short cut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation - veneer isn’t worth anything.” - George Washington Carver
student success. it starts with us. From the programs and courses we offer to the extracurricular activities; from the intramural sports seasons to the clubs and organizations; from the student body-created spirit events to the house competitions - all of it starts with student engagement and building relationships and adds up to being college and career ready. What’s our key to success? It’s the same as our goal. Student engagement through building relationships. Belonging to a house means we know you and you know your Del Dios family. Having that connection means you know people care about you. Knowing people care about you means you know you’ll have the support to achieve your goals. Knowing you can achieve makes the difference in actually getting there. Student engagement. Building relationships. College and career ready. That’s what we’re about. Ready to succeed? Then Del Dios Middle School is right where you belong!
GOALS
“First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end. “ - Aristotle
cjsf we GOT
THIS
Del Dios Middle School sends our top students to the Rotary LEAD conference. We are the ONLY middle school - public, charter, or private - in Escondido that has a chapter of the California Junior Scholarship Federation on campus - which is a nationally recognized honors organization
Del Dios is also home to a vibrant AVID program. Our college readiness program has increased student learning and performance school-wide because all of our teachers implement several AVID strategies as a result of supporting the program on campus. For those students enrolled in the AVID courses, opportunities for college tours and tutoring sessions are available as well as time spent with their AVID teacher for developing college readiness skills.
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OWNERSHIP
“...the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” - Anne Frank
FOCUS
your thinking, intentionally! You’ll be amazed at how much more you learn!
ENGAGE
During every class and in every learning situation, remember to
RESPOND
FOCUS
INTENTION
FOCUS
Del Dios is on FIRE for learning! providing OPPORTUNITIES to SOAR First and foremost are our engagement strategies for in the classroom. Being on-FIRE for learning mean that students are FOCUSED, INTENTIONAL in their studies and work, RESPONDING to the teaching and ENGAGED in the learning. These are non-negotiables in every classroom at Del Dios.
INTENTION
RESPOND
ENGAGE
Setting your mind Your teachers Being a part of to something ask questions and class College Bound Academy is our own way ofteam creating time usuallyformeans sure outside discussions students to focustoonmake their studies of school time will you’ll do it. Be understand. to move where they can you receive one-on-one tutoring,help mentoring, coaching, and assistance with homework, setting goals, When you new information INTENTIONAL analyzing performance data and catching up. Teachers, into your RESPOND in your studies. guidance counselors, college tutors, andlong-term other staff memory. are Your grades will they know how to available during this time and regularly meet with the show it! adjust the lesson ENGAGE students. for you! yourself in the learning process! Saturday Scholars provide students extra time on the weekends to support whatever he may need to achieve the academic goals set by students. Offered twice a month, Saturday Scholars is a program dedicated to ensuring that ALL Del Dios students have access to the support they need.
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F I RE
NO EXCUSES
“Not managing your time and making excuses are two bad habits. Don’t put them both together by claiming that you ‘don’t have the time’. - Bo Bennett
visual and performance arts Del Dios Middle School is very proud to support the arts with elective courses and clubs such as Theater, Dance, French and Spanish as second languages, Art, Music Appreciation, Band and Advanced Band, Choir, Digital Media, and Journalism. VAPA students take part in community events and competitions placing in the winner’s circle consistently. At the San Diego County Fair, our students have taken Best of Show in Art, Journalism and Digital Media beating out almost 800 other entries in their categories including high schools and junior colleges. At the smART festival, held annually at Grape Day Park, our students participate in the “Chair”ity event. Studentpainted chairs auction for upward of $200 - and not by parents! These are community members bidding on fantastic works of art and people appreciating the academic and technical skill levels presented by the students.
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CREATIVITY
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” - Edward de Bono
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science, technology, engineering and math. oh, my! Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) provides academic support for our students so they can excel in math and science and graduate with baccalaureate degrees in science, engineering, computer science, and other math-based fields. Our MESA instructors provide rigorous academic development that includes math and science curriculum based on the Common Core Math and Science Standards. MESA also offers individualized academic planning, study skills training, peer group learning techniques, career exploration, parent involvement, professional development, transfer assistance, and special orientation classes and services for students in community college and four year institutions. The Del Dios Middle School MESA team consistently scores in first place as well as places in the top three in most every event at both the local and county competitions. In addition, Del Dios has outstanding Industrial Technology and Digital Media courses routinely competing and ranking in the top percentages oftentimes placing above high school and junior colleges.
COLLABORATION “Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.� - Mattie Stepanek
newspaper & magazine Under various titles, Spirit of the Dragon has been serving the Del Dios School community since 1961, winning numerous awards in its 50 years for both editorial and design. Spirit of the Dragon is read by DDMS staff, students and their families, district employees, the four other middle schools in Escondido, members of the EUSD School Board, Kiwanis and Rotary Club members and by the surrounding business community. In addition, papers are sent to article contributors from all over the United States, a few over seas and is available online. Spirit of the Dragon covers on-campus and off-campus news, student interests, entertainment, and sports events. The newspaper also provides a place for student voice and highlights their accomplishments throughout the year. Our latest addition - a literary magazine - includes artwork and creative writing.
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COMMUNICATION “The power to mould the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.” - Joseph Pulitzer
which sponsor are YOU?
From sponsoring an entire year’s-worth of operating costs for a program to simply making a one-time donation, your sponsorship is vital to the continuation of our school-to-career opportunities for the students of Del Dios Middle School. Your financial contributions not only assist in making programs available on campus, but help to secure a future for the journalism class in a volatile world of educational budget cuts and the elimination of vocational arts programs.
sponsorship & donations DRAGON Sponsors
PUBLICATIONS sponsors
Being more than half of a century old has its challenges is basic structural, landscaping, and foundational areas. Campus Sponsors provide funding, materials, and other gifts for renovation, remodel, and/or beautification of our campus.
The Spirit of the Dragon newspaper is in its fiftysecond year of publication. Support for this publication also makes possible the publishing of our award-winning literary magazine. Issue sponsors as well as volume sponsors are welcome!
From dance teams to drama scenes; art walks to author talks; and show choirs to painted fires, our visual and performing arts team does it all. With your help, it looks a little better, sounds a little louder and shines a little brighter. Your contributions of time, talent and treasure are very welcome in these departments!
STEM Sponsors
Robotics and suspension bridges are the tip of the iceberg. Sponsors of STEM projects ensure f u n d i n g f o r o u r S c i e n c e , Te c h n o l o g y, Engineering and Math programs, competitions, extra supplies and even field trips not covered by government program funding.
PROJECT Donors Through grants and direct funding, Project Donors provide financial support for classroom projects and special activities.
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VAPA Sponsors
SUSTAINABILITY “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin
alenda OCT’13
17-18: Student-led Conferences 24-25: VAPA Fall Celebration
NOV’13
November Events to be announced
DEC’13
12: 52nd Annual Del Dios Winter Concert
JAN’14
16: Science Fair @ Del Dios MS 30: San Diego County Science Fair Screening
FEB’14
8: MESA Day Competition @ SDSU 20: VAPA Winter Celebration
APR’14
MAR’14
22: San Diego Science Expo 25: VAPA Fall Celebration Night 29: Regional MESA Day Competition @ Chapman University
26: Engineering Your Future Day Competition @ SDSU TBA: SmART Festival @ Grape Day Park
MAY’14
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22: 52nd Annual Del Dios Spring Concert 27: EUSD Middle School Band Concert with the Marine Corp Band @ CCAE TBA: Music in the Parks Festival @ Disneyland 29: Del Dios Spring Student Showcase
JUN’14
TBA: Annual Del Dios Talent Show
SAVE THE DATE “The thing about performance, even if it’s only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities.” - Sydney Smith
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CONNECT
“There is a huge need and a huge opportunity to get everyone in the world connected, to give everyone a voice and to help transform society for the future.” - Mark Zuckerberg
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del dios middle school 1400 w. 9th avenue | escondido, ca 92029 760/ 432 2439 x147 deldios.eusd.org