Marlin Families,
We wish to communicate the attached alternate schedule we will use Tuesday and Wednesday (9/2-9/3) next week when students take the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) PM 1. We ask that you encourage your child to do the best they can on these tests as they assist teachers in modifying instruction according to student needs. We hope you have a wonderful 3 day weekend. No school Monday and we will see everyone Tuesday! https://5il.co/3ov70
1 day ago, Gary Massey
Here is your Destin Middle School Newsletter! https://5il.co/3oxl5
1 day ago, Gary Massey
OCSD Schools and offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. Classes and regular office hours will resume Tuesday, September 2nd 2025.
3 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Labor Day Monday September 1, 2025
Marlin 5th Grade Families,
Thank you for attending our highly successful 5th Grade Curriculum Night! Please follow this link for the information covered as a review or if you missed the event. Go Marlins! https://5il.co/3ore9
3 days ago, Gary Massey
Marlin Families,
Destin Middle School will be holding our first Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) 1st General Membership Meeting tomorrow, 8/28, at 9:05 am. We ask that you arrive by 8:55 am to be escorted to the meeting.
Whether you're already a member, or considering becoming a member, please come out to the meeting and hear what our PTSA is all about. As a reminder, parents that do not arrive by 8:55 am to be escorted to the meeting will need to check in through the front office.
3 days ago, Gary Massey
Destin Middle School 5th Grade Curriculum Night, Tuesday, August 26th 5-6 pm. See link for more information: https://5il.co/3of8u
6 days ago, Gary Massey
Destin Middle School announces the 1st FAST State Assessment for Progress Monitoring starts next week! Please encourage your child to do their best on the tests! See link for more information: https://5il.co/3od4j
9 days ago, Gary Massey

Internet speeds have been restored. Thank you, Cox, for your quick response! Have a great day, OCSD Family!

17 days ago, Communications
We are currently experiencing slow internet speeds district-wide. This may affect phones. We are working with our service provider to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
17 days ago, Communications
Destin Middle School invites you to make a difference by joining the Parent Teacher Student Association:.
See the link to sign up. https://5il.co/3niob
20 days ago, Gary Massey
Destin Middle School Spirit Wear NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
See QR Code :
22 days ago, Gary Massey
DMS Spirit Wear QR Code
We apologize for the repeat but we left Ms. Jowers off the first newsletter. See you all Friday! https://5il.co/3nc8k
24 days ago, Gary Massey
Welcome Back to School Newsletter from Destin Middle School! https://5il.co/3nbnx
24 days ago, Gary Massey
New legislation in Florida restricts student use of cellular phones during the school day, aiming to minimize distractions and to support a focused learning environment.

Educational Benefits
Research shows that limiting cell phone use in schools can:
- Improve student focus and attention during instruction
- Boost academic performance and engagement
- Reduce cyberbullying incidents during school hours
- Enhance face-to-face social interactions

Per Florida House Bill 1105 (2025)
Elementary and Middle School Students - the use of a cellular phone is prohibited in elementary and middle school during the school day.

Daily Expectations
- Before/After School: Students will only be able to use their cell phone before the first bell or after the last bell of the day
- During School: Phones must remain put away and out of sight.
- Phone Confiscation: Students in violation of the policy may have their phone temporarily confiscated and disciplinary action may be taken for repeat offenders.

Student or Family Emergencies
- Student Needs to Contact Family: must go to main office
- Family Needs to Contact Student: Call the student's main office
Medical Condition: Students with medical conditions may have phone access with proper documentation
School Emergencies: The school will communicate directly with families
25 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Student Use of Cellular Phones
OCSD has partnered with the Florida Department of Health to provide free immunizations to students on the following dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please contact your school or local health department for details.

Clinic Dates and Locations:
- August 6 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM - OCSD Central Office, Niceville
- August 8 - 9:00AM - 11:30AM - Shoal River Middle School
- August 8 - 1:00PM - 2:30PM - Bruner Middle School

Vaccines Offered
- Tdap (Required for entry into 7th grade)
- HPV (Human Pappillomavirus)
- Meningitis

Important Information
- Parent/Guardian must be onsite with insurance card (if applicable)
- No record transcription or religious exemptions will be available at the clinic
- After vaccination, students will receive a form with the vaccination date to give to school administration
- School staff will retrieve the official 680 form once it's received - no printing will be done onsite.

25 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Back to School Immunization Clinics
Back to School Savings Alert!

Did you know Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent and runs the entire month of August? From August 1–31, families can save on essential school items tax-free — including clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and even personal computers!

Plan your shopping and check out the official list of tax-free items here: https://floridarevenue.com/.../Documents/TIP_25A01-08.pdf

Please note: School supply lists are provided individually by each school. Many of our secondary teachers will share their specific supply requests during orientation or on the first day of school. Reach out to your school if you have any questions!

We can't wait to see everyone back in our buildings on August 11th!
about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
BTS Sales Tax Holiday

Attention Destin Middle School Marlin Families: School starts August 11th!

Curious about 2025-2026 bus routes? Check out this link for information on all OCSD bus routes!

https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/bus-routes

about 1 month ago, Gary Massey
Destin Middle School 2025-2026 Supply List!
https://5il.co/3m13v
about 1 month ago, Gary Massey
☀️📚 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗡! 📚☀️
Looking to make your child’s summer reading more exciting? Help them grab a book and check off these sunny spots—because every page is better under the sun! Don't forget the sunscreen!
✅ In the sun
✅ While eating ice cream
✅ At the beach
✅ In a car
✅ By a pool
✅ With a friend
✅ In a park
Whether you're lounging poolside or chilling under a tree, every page counts!
Share your kids' summer reading adventures by tagging us—let's turn this season into a story worth telling!
about 2 months ago, OCSD Webmaster
Summer Reading Quest
Spirit Wear Sales begin July 24th at 1 pm in the Destin Middle School Gym! See the link for more info! https://5il.co/3ltnn
about 2 months ago, Gary Massey