Dear Dragon Families,

What a wonderful week it’s been at school! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTA and all the parents who contributed to another incredible staff luncheon. Your thoughtfulness and support mean so much to our team—it truly lifts spirits and builds the sense of community we’re so proud of here.

Shout out to our incredible Drama Club and their amazing advisors! What an incredible job they did this week presenting Annie Jr. It was such a joy to see our students in their element, shining on stage and sharing their talents with the school community. Bravo!

Next week brings an important academic focus as students participate in NC Check-Ins. These assessments help us track student progress and prepare intentionally for the End-of-Grade (EOG) tests coming up. The data we gather allows teachers to tailor instruction to student needs and ensure everyone is on track for success. Your support in making sure students arrive rested and ready is greatly appreciated!

To those celebrating: Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and to everyone—please enjoy the beauty of the weekend ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership!

Your Proud Principal,

Margaret Feldman

 

THE WEEK AHEAD

• Monday – B Day
• Tuesday –A Day
• Wednesday – B Day
• Thursday – A Day
• Friday – B Day

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Monday, April 21^st – Softball vs Martin – 4:00PM
• Tuesday, April 22^nd – NC Check-Ins MATH
• Tuesday, April 22^nd – Soccer @ Salem
• Wednesday, April 23^rd MATH - NC Check-Ins
• Wednesday, April 23^rd – MUSIC ENSEMBLE – 5:00PM – 7:00PM
• Thursday, April 24^th – Softball @ Ligon
• Saturday, April 26^th - 9:00am – 11:00am – Campus Clean-up

 

END OF YEAR DATES

• 8^th Grade Celebration Dance – June 6^th
• 8^th Grade Moving on Ceremony – June 13^th – Morning and Early Afternoon – Times coming soon.
• 7^th Grade Awards – June 12^th by team – parents whose student is getting an award will be notified and invited to attend.
• 6^th Grade Awards – June 11^th by team - parents whose student is getting an award will be notified and invited to attend.
• 6^th Grade Field Day – June 12^th
• 7^th Grade Field Day – June 11^th.

CAMPUS CLEAN-UP – April 26 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Join us for a morning of community, care, and climate action! On Friday, April 26, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, we’re rolling up our sleeves for a Campus Cleanup at Dillard. Bring your gardening gloves, rakes, and tools as we work together to make our campus shine. This event supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Climate Action and is proudly led by our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Let’s show our Dragon pride and make a difference—one weed at a time!

Dress Code Reminder - As the weather warms up, we are noticing an increase in students wearing clothing that does not meet our school/WCPSS dress code expectations. Please help us ensure that all students are dressed appropriately for a focused and respectful learning environment. Items such as short shorts, crop tops or belly shirts, durags, bonnets, and blankets are not permitted at school. If a student arrives in attire that does not align with the dress code, a parent or guardian will be contacted to bring a change of clothing. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and distraction-free environment for all students. Thank you!

SUMMER FOOD SUPPORT – Click Here for information about food support for the summer.

 

SPRING FLING TALENT SHOW - Dragons Got Talent on Friday, May 9!  On Friday, May 9, DDMMS will have its annual Spring Fling!  As part of this event, we will have a Dragon Showcase in the auditorium from 6-7pm. STUDENTS and STAFF are welcome to share their talents with our community! Clubs and groups are welcome to perform in group acts as well. You can also participate by submitting an entry to our program cover contest! For more information, see our Application Form:  Google Form or Google Doc.

 

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Panorama Family Survey

Each year, WCPSS provides families an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences within the WCPSS and Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School. We take this feedback to heart. For the past two years, our families have responded with one of the highest completion rates in the county. The survey only takes a few minutes. HERE is a link to the survey and more information. Or feel free to scan the QR code to the right. The survey will be open from April 7 - May 16. Once you take it, click here and share that you took the survey, and we will enter your child’s name into a CHICK-FIL-A Lunch on us raffle! Our pleasure!

 

WE NEED YOUR RECYCLABLES – We have an artist coming to 6^th grade to create a coral reef project that connects to the informational text they are reading World Without Fish. But we need your help. Please look at this flyer. Donations can be delivered to your child’s ELA teacher – due date May 2. This is so exciting!

 

PTA SECTION

WE NEED YOU IN OUR PTA -We've had a successful 2024-25 year and believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about next year.  We will hold officer elections in our May meeting, the last PTA meeting of the year. If you are interested in serving as an officer or committee member next year or you'd like to nominate someone for a position, please complete this form. https://forms.gle/ro9jAMDeBGdNYA6A7

Spring Fling 2025 Basket Raffle - The PTA will have several baskets available for a raffle at the Spring Fling on May 8! Tickets are 1 for $1, 6 for $5, or 15 for $10. Here's a preview of some of the baskets:

• 4 Front Row tickets to the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony in June
• VIP Parking at the 1st spot in the Carpool Loop
•  Squishmellows Basket
•  Legos Basket
• Self Care Basket
• Charcuterie Board Basket
• and many more!

Need Help with Spring Fling Planning - The Spring Fling returns on Friday, May 9.  It is a night of fun and games with many FREE events for the entire family. (The only costs are if you purchase food or participate in the basket raffle.) We are looking for folks who are interested in helping with the planning and on the night of the event. So far we have these committees:

• Food 
• Games
• Dunking Booth
• Bingo?
• Basket Raffle 
• Talent Show 

 If you are interested in helping, please contact Marie Dexter at president@ddmmspta.com.

SUPPORT OUR GLOBAL THEME – NOW RECRUITING!! Want to share your Career experiences with our students? We have 2 opportunities for you! Both are half day events roughly 8 - 12, but if you cannot do the whole time, you can still participate! Use the QR code to get a brief overview. Contact Ms. Simmons, our Career Development Coordinator at lesimmons@wcpss.net to get more information and volunteer!  (Put Event Volunteer in the subject line.)

 

FOR FAMILIES – Fast Break Football Camp is back for its 8th year! This year's camp will run from Monday, 6/23 to Friday, 6/27, 2025 and is open to boys and girls in rising 4th - 8th grades. Fast Break Football Camp is unique in that it focuses on character, general athletic development, and weight room fundamentals in addition to football specific instruction.  This is a NON-CONTACT camp that requires no football pads. Coaches at Fast Break Football Camp will teach young athletes the key character traits required of good teammates, the fundamentals of the game of football, and the athletic postures and movements necessary to excel in any sport. Instruction will be clear and concrete. Activities will be fun and fast-paced. Register and pay today by visiting www.fastbreakfootballcamp.com.  Financial Aid is available.  No camper will be turned away for financial reasons. More questions? Please email Coach McGuire at fastbreakfootballcamp@gmail.com.

 

YOUTH LEADERS IN ACTION -  The Youth Leaders in Action  Program (JLA) is an initiative of el centro Hispanic to support and provide resources for personal growth and academic advancement to latinx youth and their families. Another program called "Semillas del Futuro" (Seeds of the future) is a partnership with POE Health Center, and students meet once a month, usually on the first Wednesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. 

In this project, we serve students aged 11 to 14, working on leadership, communication, teamwork, and prevention of substance abuse, especially tobacco. The idea is that, over the course of this year, students will prepare projects to present at the Wake County Tobacco-free Forum next year.

 

FREE STEM SUMMER CAMP Exploring STEM Careers - Rising 8th graders

For those planning to attend Athens Drive Magnet, Enloe Magnet, Apex Friendship, or Southeast Raleigh Magnet Schools

Why are STEM careers important and what do they look like?   
At this FREE mini camp, campers will take on the role of a STEM Professional. Through a collaborative teamwork approach, campers progress through the design process solving a real-world problem.  Campers will interact with experts from Engineering, Biomedical Research, and IT field to design and build a working prototype.  Campers will have access to project materials, 3D printers, modeling software, and other technology.  Camp will culminate with a showcase to present their prototype.  Space is limited to 12 campers at each location.

Food (lunch and snacks) and transportation (if needed) is being provided through the grant.

 The registration deadline is April 13^th.

June 18 - 20 & 23 -24, 2025                                     

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

(optional field trip June 19th)

 

Sign up: https://bit.ly/ExploreSTEM2025

 

FROM THE HALLS

• ^8th Grade – CLICK HERE
• 7^th Grade – CLICK HERE
• 6^th GRADE - CLICK HERE

 

REMEMBER TO STAY IN THE LOOP -   Follow Mrs. Feldman, DDMMS, and WCPSS on Twitter. Even if you don't ever tweet, it's a great source of information. @msfeldman and @DDMMSDragons. We also have a DDMMS Facebook page.