Destin Middle School

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

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.

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!

Destin Middle School 2025-2026 Supply List!
https://5il.co/3m13v

☀️📚 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!

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

Your Destin Middle School June Newsletter with useful Summer Information! https://5il.co/3jiqs

The final bell of the school year is almost here! Tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, marks the last day of school for students in the Okaloosa County School District. All OCSD schools will follow an early dismissal schedule, and lunch will still be served before students head off to start their summer break! Let’s finish strong and celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and achievement. We’re proud of each and every student, and we wish you a safe, fun, and restful summer!

Your Marlin Newsletter https://5il.co/3f90r

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!