Principal Welcome Back Message:

Welcome back Jr Oilers! We hope you had an amazing summer and are just as excited as us about the 2012/13 school year. Dwyer underwent many changes in preparation for the huge number of students this year. Over the summer Dwyer expanded the number of classrooms and the number of excellent teachers to make room for the increase in enrollment. As your principal, I am proud to share the successes from last year and the new programs Dwyer will be implementing this year.

The Dwyer PTSA and student leadership team represented by ASB and NJHS rolled out the red carpet for our parents and students at our back-to-school registration.  Our volunteers greeted new and returning students with smiles, reassurance and enthusiasm. Even though we experienced one of the warmest days of the summer, the lines moved very quickly and we were ready with Baskin Robbins to enjoy as students got their pictures taken.

I am very happy to share that Dwyer has improved its API score and remains as one of the top Middle Schools in Orange County. With successful programs like ZAP (Zero’s Aren’t Permitted), and School Paycheck, Dwyer ensures students will have every opportunity to succeed and be rewarded for their hard work. Dwyer students reduced the number of D&F letter grades by nearly 1,000 over the course of last year and a record number of students earned honor roll.

Dwyer is continually looking for Ways to reach students and connect them to the wonderful things we can offer. Part of doing well at school is feeling good about coming to school to do your best. Dwyer is leading the way when it comes to preventing bullying at school. Dwyer starts the process with multiple discipline and Anti-Bullying Assemblies for all grade levels. We use a progressive discipline policy supported by Outreach Counseling, a School Psychologist, Huntington Beach School Resource Officer and our highly trained staff to serve the needs of both bullies and students who are bullied. Students are encouraged to use our Safe-to-Speak link and Text-to-Tip anonymous reporting options to advocate for themselves and others. Our top priority is to make sure students are safe and can do their best at school each and every day.

Part of the ways we are planning to connect both students and parents to Dwyer is the development of Academies. We are in the process of designing academies that focus on the needs of our specific student parent groups such as GATE, ELL and Special Education. This is in addition to our already established PTSA, School Site Council and student leadership groups. Find your connection at Dwyer Middle School this year!

This is going to be the best year Dwyer has ever had and it’s thanks to the amazing support we receive from our Dwyer families. To find out how to support your student’s success sign up to become a member of PTSA and join us at our monthly meetings. The more you know the better your Dwyer Middle School experience will be. Go Jr Oilers!!!

Sincerely,

Dr. Morgan Smith