Destin Middle School

The Okaloosa County School District has been made aware of scam phone calls targeting parents. In these calls, individuals falsely claim that a student has an outstanding lunch balance and instructs the parent to "press 1" to make a payment immediately. Please be advised: • The Okaloosa County School District does not contact families by phone to request payment in this manner. • Any legitimate communication regarding student meal accounts would come through official district channels. • In the recently reported case, the scammer provided incorrect student information and used what appeared to be a local phone number, which may have been spoofed. If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide personal or payment information. Instead, hang up and contact your child's school or the district's Food Services Department directly for verification. Thank you for helping us keep our families informed and protected.

Your Marlin Newsletter! https://5il.co/3cpc9

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Next Thursday, March 13, is the last day of the 3rd 9-week grading period. Spring Break begins on Friday, March 14, and continues through Friday, March 21. Monday, March 24, is a Teacher Workday. Students return for the 4th and final 9-week grading period of the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, March 25. We hope everyone has a safe and restful week off!

Good afternoon. This is the Okaloosa County School District with an important weather update. The Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety, Patrick Maddox, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a storm with an enhanced risk that is forecasted to enter the Florida Panhandle this evening. The main threats with this storm are the possibility of damaging winds and tornadoes. While the exact timing is uncertain, it is expected to affect our area between 8 PM this evening (Tuesday) and 3 AM Wednesday. To ensure the safety of our students and staff, all afterschool activities are canceled this afternoon and evening. This does not include daycare or tutoring. Please check your school’s social media and website, or contact your activity’s point of contact for information about rescheduled events. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Ah-ha! Happy Friday! Your Marlin Messenger is here! Click the link and have a great weekend! Go Marlins! https://5il.co/395ji

DMS 8th grade parents this is an important announcement. Tomorrow, Feb. 13th is the very last possible day to purchase the 8th grade recognition ads in the yearbook. Click the link below to design and purchase student recognition ads by close of business tomorrow. https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/yearbook-ads This deadline is controlled by Jostens not DMS, so it is very important to submit by the close of business tomorrow, February 13th.

Good Luck at semi-finals tonight for boys' and girls' soccer and girls' basketball! All games begin at 5:30 p.m. Boys' soccer and girls' basketball are at home against Ruckel. Advanced ticket sales for boys' soccer can be purchased at https://gofan.co/event/3178234?schoolId=FL78336 Ticket sales for girls' basketball can be purchased at https://gofan.co/event/3184697?schoolId=FL78336 Girls' soccer will be at Davidson and can be purchased at the gate. All tickets for playoffs are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Go Marlins!

Going to be out of town in the morning or sleep in? That's okay! You can still register for the I Love Destin 5K and just donate to a much needed educational cause! Click here https://ilovedestin5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15559 to register to run/walk or just donate. Not up to a bidding tonight? That's okay! You also have the option to can register at the "givebutter" site and simply click the "donate" button . Enter any amount of your choosing at https://givebutter.com/c/3rdILoveDestin5k/auction Two great sites, one great cause! Any and all donations are great appreciated and support technology expansion for students. For those coming in the morning, we will be out at the stadium by 6:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to bring your lawn chairs to hang out and wear your favorite sports team apparel! We can't wait to see you all in the morning! Food trucks for coffee and brunch will be available!

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! This week, we celebrate and honor our incredible school counselors who play a vital role in supporting our students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. From guiding students through their educational journeys to providing a listening ear and valuable advice, our counselors are always there to help. Thank you to all our dedicated school counselors for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you make every day. Your hard work and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of our students.

Text 2 of 2: If you haven't already pre-registered, go to the site below and sign everyone you know up for the race; and yes, your dog can run too! Help us break over 200 runners this year! https://ilovedestin5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15559 Not a runner? Not a problem! You can support the school by bidding on some awesome items donated by beloved families and businesses in the silent auction that just went live! Go to the site below to register and place your bid to pamper yourself or loved ones: https://givebutter.com/c/3rdILoveDestin5k (Toggle at the top from "Overview" to "Auction" to see the amazing items and experiences up for bid!) Thank you for your support!

Text 1 of 2: Show some love for DMS students this Valentine's month : The PTSA is raising money for continuing the noble mission of modernizing our technology tools for education. The community fundraiser is in process and you can help! Sign up for the race and/or check out the highly anticipated Auction! The 3rd Annual “I Love Destin” 5k Run (or walk!) will begin at the DMS track on Sunday, February 9th at 8:30 a.m.. We race (or stroll) through beautiful Regatta Bay and ultimately finish back at DMS for awards, music, and food!

Last call for Early Bird registration pricing and guarantee race day t-shirt! Sign up for the 3rd Annual I Love Destin 5K race now. https://ilovedestin5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15559 Early bird registration peace of mind and guarantees ends Wednesday (tomorrow). So hurry! Your support is greatly appreciated! Proceeds go to enhancing technology for all DMS students!

Don't miss out on this year's special event t-shirt! To guarantee the 2025 I Love Destin 5K race day shirt and lock in early bird pricing , sign up your family and friends tonight The early bird registration guarantees end Wednesday, January 29th. Click on the link and lock in! https://ilovedestin5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15559 Race morning is February 9, 2025. There will be awards, food trucks, music, fellowship and fun for all ages! This year's theme: Fav Sports Team Apparel ! Sign up now to guarantee your 3rd Annual Event T-shirt and early bird pricing! Thank you for your support and go Marlins!

Due to school closures last week, Winter Sport Playoffs overlap Spring Sport Tryouts. All interested students will have the opportunity to tryout. Spring sport rosters will be posted once all have an opportunity to tryout. Please contact the head coach for a Spring sport tryout out date. You may visit our website under Athletics for contact information. https://www.okaloosaschools.com/o/destinms/page/athletics Go Marlins!

Attention!! We will now have dedicated times for notary services. Additional days/times will be posted if there is a school function/event that requires forms to be notarized. If you need a school form notarized, please come during the times listed: -Tuesdays: 9:30 am-11:30 am -Thursdays: 12:00 pm-2:30 pm **Identification is required for notary services**

This week, the Okaloosa County School District and the State of Florida are celebrating the joy of reading and the power of literacy! We are highlighting the importance of literacy in our schools and communities. From engaging classroom activities to exciting reading challenges, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to all our dedicated teachers, librarians, and staff for fostering a love of reading in our students!

The 8th grade Sparkle Dance has been rescheduled for Friday, January 31st, 2025. The special event flyer below for additional details! See you soon! Enjoy the historical snow and be safe! Go Marlins!

The highly anticipated 8th grade Sparkle Dance scheduled for this Friday is postponed. The Sparkle Dance announcement regarding the new date of the event will be forthcoming today via text message to 8th grade families. Stay safe, Marlins!

Are you stuck inside with nothing to do? Dreaming of being outside again? The DMS PTSA has a great suggestion; sign up for the 3rd Annual I Love Destin 5K. This family friendly race is on Sunday, February 9th, at 8:30 a.m. and starts on the DMS track. All proceeds from the race go towards technology upgrades for the students at DMS. Runners are encouraged to dress as their favorite sport team. Go to the website, and register now!! https://ilovedestin5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15559

Tryout Announcement for Spring Sports Attention all students interested in participating in Spring sports! Tryouts for most Spring sports will begin around the first week of February (as early at 2/7/25). Specific dates and times for each sport will be posted on our website on the athletic page, under each individual sport tab, and on the events as they come in from the coaches. To be eligible to try out, you must meet the following requirements: • Have a current physical and athletic packet on file with the school-**Athletic packets/physicals are good for 1 year-Please check the dates** • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. We will have a Notary Available in the front office during specific times to assist with athletic packets from Monday, January 27th through Friday, January 31st, during the following hours: • 9:15 am – 11:00 am • 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Be sure to get your packets in order so you're ready for tryouts! We are looking forward to an amazing spring season and wish all athletes the best of luck! Go Marlins!