Donald L. Pavlik Middle School

Great to see the school spirit with a large student section at the first Middle School boys game of the season!

The After School Program will be closed this week, 1/17 - 1/21, due to unforeseen staffing shortages. The Program will resume on 1/24/21

As you may be aware, neighboring districts are experiencing high levels of COVID cases impacting their ability to continue face-to-face instruction. APS would like to prevent additional spread across our district. We encourage everyone to wear a mask, remain socially distanced and continue best practice sanitization strategies. Masks will be available at school, on our buses and in all offices.

Registration for virtual parent-teacher conferences at DLPMS will remain open until 3:30 pm on Wednesday, January 12th. Conferences will be held on Thursday, January 13th, 4:00-7:00 pm. Parent-Teacher Conference Teacher Links: https://www.almaschools.net/o/dlpms/article/621958

VFW - Voice of Democracy Competition Laila Heiss, Karly Crowe, and Bonnie Lord were recognized as Alma Post winners.   Bonnie won 1st place at the district competition. Luca Lebron Alma post winner for Patriots Pen from the middle school.

7th grade science students had a blast making models of atoms in Ms. Bontrager's class.

Mr. Hoppe’s 7th grade P.E. class is playing floor hockey today.

Monday 1/3/22 is the first day of the 2nd winter sports season at DLPMS. Tryouts for MS Cheer are 3:30-5:00 and 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball are 3:30-5:30. All interested students must have a completed physical on file in the MS Main Office in order to participate in tryouts.

Happy New Year! As we return to face to face instruction tomorrow, Alma Public Schools asks that parents and guardians keep symptomatic children home. We also encourage students to mask as we return from a high exposure holiday period. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep kids in school.

Do you know someone interested in becoming a K-12 Director/Supervisor of Special Education? If so, it is not too late to apply. Send the requested application materials to Stacey Criner, Superintendent scriner@almaschools.net before 4:00 PM on Monday, January 3, 2022.

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying family time and the holiday season. I am writing to inform parents and the community that Mrs. Showers has decided to go back into the classroom in a neighboring district and leave administration. Although this is a loss and significant mid-year change for DLPMS, it is also an opportunity for APS to strengthen our whole system. I am pleased to announce that Nick O’Neill, DLPMS Dean of Students, will be stepping up as Interim Principal for the remainder of this school year. His familiarity and stability with the district and building will ensure continuity for students and parents. Furthermore, APS has posted a K-12 Director/Supervisor of Special Education position. The selected applicant will be assigned to DLPMS as administrative support this year as well. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. O’Neill, noneill@almaschools.net or myself, Stacey Criner, scriner@almaschools.net with any questions.

Ms. Rowley’s 7th grade music class is spreading cheer by caroling to DLPMS students and staff this afternoon.

As we continue to update you regarding the safety protocols in our schools, we wanted to be sure that you all are aware of a “challenge” that is currently being led by the social media platform, Tik Tok. This evening we learned of a nation-wide challenge on Tik Tok, encouraging users to make threats of violence against their schools on Friday, December 17th. Once again, we are asking for your help as parents/guardians. Please talk to your children about this type of social media challenge and encourage them to speak out against it. Remind your students of the consequences of this behavior. Sometimes our students do not realize the serious consequences or threats to the safety of our schools and community until it is too late. There have been no threats specific to APS. This is informational only.

The MS students and staff are looking great in their ugly sweaters today.

Update for Girls Basketball fans: The start time for games today has been changed from 4:30 to 5:00. Again, the 7th grade girls game will begin at 5:00 in the DLPMS gym today. Good luck, Panthers!

The Lionheart Experience shared their positive message with DLPMS students in the high school gym today. Then we had the pleasure of their company during 6th grade lunch today! It was a powerful experience.

We're in the holiday spirit at DLPMS! Students are preparing for the Door Decorating contest organized by our Student Council.

DLPMS Student Council members are working on their public speaking skills with mentors from Alma College. Thanks to Ms. Seeley and Mrs. Nevins for arranging this event! It is wonderful when we can connect with others in our Alma community to help develop student leadership.

Officer Mueller is visiting our 8th grade history classes to share with students how strongly his job is rooted in the Constitution. He even brought Blue with him today!

Attention Girls basketball parents and other spectators: Swan Valley, the host of tonight's game, currently has a mask mandate for all students and staff. We will be expected to wear masks upon entering the building. The girls will need to wear masks except while they are actually playing. We wanted to provide advance notice for you. Thank you for your understanding.