February Newsletter 2026 - Special Edition
Gradebook:
Transitioning to a Forward-Facing Gradebook
At Miller Middle School, we are constantly looking for ways to improve communication between the classroom and home. We are excited to share a new shift in our grading practices designed to empower students and provide families with a clear roadmap for success.
What’s Changing?
Starting this term, teachers will be "pre-loading" assignments into the Infinite Campus (IC) Gradebook in advance. This means when you log into the portal, you won’t just see what your student did—you’ll see what is coming up.
Why the Shift?
We believe that transparency reduces anxiety. By providing a window into future assignments, we aim to:
- Improve Time Management: Students can see upcoming projects and quizzes early, allowing them to balance schoolwork with sports, clubs, and family time.
- Remove Surprises: Families can act as partners in the learning process by seeing the "horizon" of the curriculum.
- Ensure Accuracy: These future entries are "Excluded from Calculation," meaning they will not affect your student's GPA until the work is actually due and graded.
What Can Caregivers Do?
Look for the upcoming assignments in the Infinite Campus portal. Use this as a conversation starter with your student: "I see a project is starting in Science; do you have the materials you need?"
Our goal is to make the gradebook a living tool for growth, not just a list of past scores. We appreciate your partnership as we work to make this school year as predictable and successful as possible for every student.
Conferences:
Student-led conferences are on March 2, 2026! Please be on the lookout for communication from your student’s Advisory teacher that will include a sign-up link. Conferences will be from 11:00-7:00. Scheduled conferences are from 11:00 am-6:00 pm, and drop-in conferences are from 6:00-7:00 pm. Miller’s conferences are student-led, so please make sure your student is in attendance.
Bullying Meeting:
Miller Middle School is hosting a Bullying 101 featuring insights from Shayla Mackey (LCSW) and our own school leadership for Parents session on Thursday February 19th to help families distinguish between rude behavior and actual bullying.
Featuring insights from school leadership and mental health experts, the presentation will cover the "7 C’s" of resilience, how to turn bystanders into "Upstanders," and practical communication scripts for home use. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the school's safety initiatives, like "Class Meetings That Matter," while gaining tools to support your child’s social growth.
We look forward to seeing you!
February Newsletter 2026
Miller Families,
We are moving right along through the second half of the school year! Middle of Year (MOY) data is now available, and we encourage you to ask your child about their progress and goals. This month is packed with important milestones, including National School Counselor Week and Spring Picture Day. We are also officially beginning transition meetings, which include visiting our local elementary schools, and our 8th graders are looking forward to their visit to DHS!
We invite you to join us for a special presentation on how our schools address bullying to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Additionally, please remember to complete the annual Family-School Relationship Survey. This survey measures your perceptions of school climate, safety, and sense of belonging. We use your feedback to improve our school environment continually. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and...
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Miller a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Go Angels!
Vernadette Norman
Proud Principal, Miller Middle School
Reminders:
- Please review the Student/Caregiver Handbook
- Students must only cross Junction St at the crosswalk.
- Student IDs are required to enter the building. If they don’t have their physical ID, they can use their digital ID in Minga or Infinite Campus. Report lost IDs to the front office. There is a fee for a replacement.
- Phones must be off and put away during the school day.
- When attending after-school events, please do not park in bike lanes or fire lanes. The lower and upper parking lots may be used for parking.
- Drinks are not allowed in classrooms
- Items in our Lost & Found are donated before each break, be sure to check it before it’s gone!
- We want to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete the annual Miller Middle School Family Survey between Feb 2nd and March 2nd. We’ve removed the need for access codes this year to make it easier than ever to share your input. Click the link to begin: Complete the survey. Paper copies are also available in the front office.
Winter Weather & Snow:
- If there is no delay or closure message by 6 a.m., schools are open on a regular schedule
- Expect possible bus delays, and give yourself extra time to get to bus stops and school.
- You can find more details in our Snow Day Frequently Asked Questions web page on the district website.
- Outside Activities & Recess:
- For temperatures 10°F and above, we will be outside for recess. Students should dress warmly in a jacket and closed-toe shoes. Below 10°F, we will be inside.
Important Dates:
- 2/2 No School for Students
- 2/2-3/2: We want to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete the annual Miller Middle School Family Survey between Feb 2nd and March 2nd. We’ve removed the need for access codes this year to make it easier than ever to share your input. Complete the survey: Complete the survey. Paper copies are also available in the front office.
- 2/10 Spring Picture Day
- 2/19 5:00 - 6:00 pm Bullying Information Meeting
Want to join the Durango Schools team? Find out how to apply!