Credible Mind: A free confidential access to mental health and wellbeing resources. Offered by Dawson County Health Dept.
🧬🍓 DNA Extraction in Action! 🍓🧬
Mr. Pagawisan’s Sophomore Biology and Advanced Biology classes recently completed an exciting DNA Extraction Laboratory Activity, combining hands-on learning with deeper scientific understanding.
🔬 Sophomore Biology students extracted strawberry DNA, focusing on observing DNA as the genetic material found in all living things. Using a simple but powerful method—a buffer solution made of water, dish soap, and salt, followed by cold rubbing alcohol—students were amazed to see DNA appear right before their eyes.
🧪 Advanced Biology students used the same process but expanded their thinking by extracting DNA from strawberry, kiwi, and their own saliva. Beyond observation, they analyzed why each step works: soap breaks down cell membranes, salt helps DNA clump together, and cold alcohol causes DNA to precipitate due to differences in solubility. They also compared DNA yield across organisms, reinforcing DNA as the universal molecule of life.
From simple observation to deeper molecular analysis, this lab showed how science builds from curiosity to understanding. Great work, future scientists! 👏🔬🧠
Mr. Pagawisan’s Sophomore Biology and Advanced Biology classes recently completed an exciting DNA Extraction Laboratory Activity, combining hands-on learning with deeper scientific understanding.
🔬 Sophomore Biology students extracted strawberry DNA, focusing on observing DNA as the genetic material found in all living things. Using a simple but powerful method—a buffer solution made of water, dish soap, and salt, followed by cold rubbing alcohol—students were amazed to see DNA appear right before their eyes.
🧪 Advanced Biology students used the same process but expanded their thinking by extracting DNA from strawberry, kiwi, and their own saliva. Beyond observation, they analyzed why each step works: soap breaks down cell membranes, salt helps DNA clump together, and cold alcohol causes DNA to precipitate due to differences in solubility. They also compared DNA yield across organisms, reinforcing DNA as the universal molecule of life.
From simple observation to deeper molecular analysis, this lab showed how science builds from curiosity to understanding. Great work, future scientists! 👏🔬🧠
Update from DCHS Forensics:
On Saturday, January 17th, DCHS hosted a Forensics meet, "One Meet to Rule Them All," with the help of an amazing group of volunteer judges. We appreciate their help making this meet run smoothly! We also want to thank the staff and administration who helped, the EMTMA group for running concessions, Denise Beach for taking care of the hospitality room, ReTreat for donating chili and cookies to the hospitality room, and all the coaches and bus drivers who brought their teams to perform. It was a good day to help everyone prepare for Divisionals in Billings next week.
Eleven schools attended, six of which were Class A. DCHS earned 3rd in Class A Speech Sweeps and 1st in Class A Drama Sweeps!
Individually, here are the final awards:
Ora Neves: 1st in Dramatic Solo
Ora Neves and Nathan Marley: 1st in Humorous Theatre
Avery Hammons: 2nd in MPA
Jack Carter and Quinn Sargent: 2nd in Public Forum Debate
David Kingstad, Duncan Kingstad, and Nathan Marley: 2nd in Classical Theatre
Bella McCoy and Eryck Cantrell: 3rd in Duo Interp
Zackariah Henson and Tori Engle: 3rd in Dramatic Theatre
Emma Hynes: 4th in Informative
Zackariah Henson and Duncan Kingstad: 4th in Humorous Theatre
Jace Gabbert: 5th in Mime
Emma Hynes: 5th in Dramatic Interpretation
Roman Tuma: 5th in Impromptu
Aubrey Carter: 5th in Informative
Eryck Cantrell: 5th in POI
Jace Gabbert and Harrison Cook: 6th in Humorous Theatre
Eli Olmstead: 7th in Dramatic Interpretation
Elexxsis Geiger: 7th in Impromptu
David Kingstad: 10th in Humorous Solo
If you're sad you missed out on the fun of judging this year, please email tumas@glendiveschools.org to be contacted next year!
On Saturday, January 17th, DCHS hosted a Forensics meet, "One Meet to Rule Them All," with the help of an amazing group of volunteer judges. We appreciate their help making this meet run smoothly! We also want to thank the staff and administration who helped, the EMTMA group for running concessions, Denise Beach for taking care of the hospitality room, ReTreat for donating chili and cookies to the hospitality room, and all the coaches and bus drivers who brought their teams to perform. It was a good day to help everyone prepare for Divisionals in Billings next week.
Eleven schools attended, six of which were Class A. DCHS earned 3rd in Class A Speech Sweeps and 1st in Class A Drama Sweeps!
Individually, here are the final awards:
Ora Neves: 1st in Dramatic Solo
Ora Neves and Nathan Marley: 1st in Humorous Theatre
Avery Hammons: 2nd in MPA
Jack Carter and Quinn Sargent: 2nd in Public Forum Debate
David Kingstad, Duncan Kingstad, and Nathan Marley: 2nd in Classical Theatre
Bella McCoy and Eryck Cantrell: 3rd in Duo Interp
Zackariah Henson and Tori Engle: 3rd in Dramatic Theatre
Emma Hynes: 4th in Informative
Zackariah Henson and Duncan Kingstad: 4th in Humorous Theatre
Jace Gabbert: 5th in Mime
Emma Hynes: 5th in Dramatic Interpretation
Roman Tuma: 5th in Impromptu
Aubrey Carter: 5th in Informative
Eryck Cantrell: 5th in POI
Jace Gabbert and Harrison Cook: 6th in Humorous Theatre
Eli Olmstead: 7th in Dramatic Interpretation
Elexxsis Geiger: 7th in Impromptu
David Kingstad: 10th in Humorous Solo
If you're sad you missed out on the fun of judging this year, please email tumas@glendiveschools.org to be contacted next year!
Honoring Our Oilfield Workers!
Through long hours, tough conditions, and hard work, oilfield workers help power our community and our economy. We are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and sacrifice you bring to the job every day.
Join us at the DCHS Wrestling Invite as we recognize oilfield workers!
All oilfield workers are invited to attend and be recognized. Come enjoy a day of wrestling, and let us show our appreciation for all you do!
Through long hours, tough conditions, and hard work, oilfield workers help power our community and our economy. We are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and sacrifice you bring to the job every day.
Join us at the DCHS Wrestling Invite as we recognize oilfield workers!
All oilfield workers are invited to attend and be recognized. Come enjoy a day of wrestling, and let us show our appreciation for all you do!
Celebrating Our Small Business Owners!
Small businesses are the heart of our community—creating jobs, supporting local families, and helping our town thrive. We’re grateful for the passion, risk-taking, and hard work of our local business owners.
Join us at the home basketball game against the Hardin Bulldogs on Friday, January 23, as we recognize small business owners during halftime!
All local small business owners are invited to attend and be celebrated. Come enjoy the game and let us say thank you for everything you do for our community!
Small businesses are the heart of our community—creating jobs, supporting local families, and helping our town thrive. We’re grateful for the passion, risk-taking, and hard work of our local business owners.
Join us at the home basketball game against the Hardin Bulldogs on Friday, January 23, as we recognize small business owners during halftime!
All local small business owners are invited to attend and be celebrated. Come enjoy the game and let us say thank you for everything you do for our community!
DCHS Activities January 19-23
Thank You to Our Trade Professionals!
From building and fixing to creating and maintaining, our tradespeople keep our community strong and running every day. We’re proud to recognize the skilled workers who make a difference through their dedication and craftsmanship.
Join us at the wrestling duel on against the Glasgow Scotties on January 20!
All electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, and other skilled trades professionals are invited to attend and be recognized. Come enjoy the game and let us show our appreciation for the work you do!
From building and fixing to creating and maintaining, our tradespeople keep our community strong and running every day. We’re proud to recognize the skilled workers who make a difference through their dedication and craftsmanship.
Join us at the wrestling duel on against the Glasgow Scotties on January 20!
All electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, and other skilled trades professionals are invited to attend and be recognized. Come enjoy the game and let us show our appreciation for the work you do!
Bridge the Gap: The first order of business for the newly formed Bridge the Gap Coalition is to better understand the needs, strengths, and priorities of our community. To do that, we’re conducting a community behavioral health assessment—and we want to hear from you.
This quick survey will help guide future planning, programs, and partnerships to improve mental health and well-being in our community. Your voice matters, and every response helps shape what comes next.
Survey link: bit.ly/btgdawsonsurvey
This quick survey will help guide future planning, programs, and partnerships to improve mental health and well-being in our community. Your voice matters, and every response helps shape what comes next.
Survey link: bit.ly/btgdawsonsurvey
DCHS Activities January 12-17
🏆🔬 Dawson FFA Spotlight | 2025 National FFA SAE Grant Recipient 🔬🏆
Please help us congratulate Connor, our 2025 National FFA SAE Grant recipient! 💙💛
Connor’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is focused on Food Science and Meat Processing, where he specializes in processing wild game. Through his project, Connor is gaining hands-on experience in proper handling, food safety, cutting techniques, and value-added processing.
Looking ahead, Connor has big goals. He hopes to expand into processing for the public and eventually work with domestic meat processing, including hogs, beef, and lambs. His passion for the industry doesn’t stop there — Connor is also a proud member of our Meat Science Team, continuing to build skills that prepare him for a future career in meat science and food systems.
🔹 What is an SAE?
SAE projects are student-led, real-world learning experiences that allow FFA members to explore career interests, build technical skills, and apply classroom knowledge through agriculture-related projects or businesses.
🔹 About the National FFA SAE Grant Program
The National FFA SAE Grant Program provides financial support to help members start, grow, or expand their SAE projects. These grants empower students like Connor to turn passion into opportunity while developing career-ready skills.
We are incredibly proud of Connor and excited to see where his dedication to food science and meat processing takes him! 👏🥩
Please help us congratulate Connor, our 2025 National FFA SAE Grant recipient! 💙💛
Connor’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is focused on Food Science and Meat Processing, where he specializes in processing wild game. Through his project, Connor is gaining hands-on experience in proper handling, food safety, cutting techniques, and value-added processing.
Looking ahead, Connor has big goals. He hopes to expand into processing for the public and eventually work with domestic meat processing, including hogs, beef, and lambs. His passion for the industry doesn’t stop there — Connor is also a proud member of our Meat Science Team, continuing to build skills that prepare him for a future career in meat science and food systems.
🔹 What is an SAE?
SAE projects are student-led, real-world learning experiences that allow FFA members to explore career interests, build technical skills, and apply classroom knowledge through agriculture-related projects or businesses.
🔹 About the National FFA SAE Grant Program
The National FFA SAE Grant Program provides financial support to help members start, grow, or expand their SAE projects. These grants empower students like Connor to turn passion into opportunity while developing career-ready skills.
We are incredibly proud of Connor and excited to see where his dedication to food science and meat processing takes him! 👏🥩
🌍💙 Dawson FFA Member Spotlight – Service Beyond Borders 💙🌍
This Christmas break, Dawson FFA officer and member Dresden chose to spend part of his vacation giving back in a powerful way — through community service in Mexico.
Dresden is part of a team working to build a school for 6th–9th grade students, helping provide access to education for children who might otherwise be sent to orphanages simply because their families cannot afford schooling. This project allows students to stay in their home communities while receiving the education they deserve.
The school is nearing completion, and the team is currently working on the electrical installation and interior finishing, bringing this important project closer to opening its doors.
We are incredibly proud of Dresden for representing Dawson FFA with compassion, leadership, and a true heart for service. This is what Living to Serve looks like. 💙💛
This Christmas break, Dawson FFA officer and member Dresden chose to spend part of his vacation giving back in a powerful way — through community service in Mexico.
Dresden is part of a team working to build a school for 6th–9th grade students, helping provide access to education for children who might otherwise be sent to orphanages simply because their families cannot afford schooling. This project allows students to stay in their home communities while receiving the education they deserve.
The school is nearing completion, and the team is currently working on the electrical installation and interior finishing, bringing this important project closer to opening its doors.
We are incredibly proud of Dresden for representing Dawson FFA with compassion, leadership, and a true heart for service. This is what Living to Serve looks like. 💙💛
🐑🩺 Hands-On Learning in Intro to Vet Science! 🩺🐑
Students in the Intro to Vet Science class at DCHS Ag, Welding & Woods had a powerful real-world learning experience this week. After Mrs. Hoagland had a lamb born overnight showing “dummy lamb” symptoms, the class was able to observe and discuss the use of the Madigan Squeeze technique firsthand.
The lab included an in-depth discussion on Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS), identification of symptoms, and a live demonstration of the Madigan Squeeze procedure using the lamb. Students witnessed the signs of NMS in real time, observed the proper technique, and then saw the lamb show clear improvement following the process. In the lab we discussed the importance of working with your vet and maintaining a working relationship with them to support good animal husbandry.
Using a lab worksheet, students worked through diagnosis, procedure steps, safety considerations, ethics, and outcomes—connecting classroom knowledge to real-life veterinary practice. Experiences like this bring science to life and help students truly understand animal health and welfare.
Students in the Intro to Vet Science class at DCHS Ag, Welding & Woods had a powerful real-world learning experience this week. After Mrs. Hoagland had a lamb born overnight showing “dummy lamb” symptoms, the class was able to observe and discuss the use of the Madigan Squeeze technique firsthand.
The lab included an in-depth discussion on Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS), identification of symptoms, and a live demonstration of the Madigan Squeeze procedure using the lamb. Students witnessed the signs of NMS in real time, observed the proper technique, and then saw the lamb show clear improvement following the process. In the lab we discussed the importance of working with your vet and maintaining a working relationship with them to support good animal husbandry.
Using a lab worksheet, students worked through diagnosis, procedure steps, safety considerations, ethics, and outcomes—connecting classroom knowledge to real-life veterinary practice. Experiences like this bring science to life and help students truly understand animal health and welfare.
Honoring Our Local Masons!
DCHS is excited to recognize the members of our local Masonic Lodge for their outstanding service, leadership, and continued support of our students. From community contributions to generous donations that help fund a wide variety of DCHS activities, your impact is felt throughout our school every day.
We invite all Masons to join us at this Friday's, January 9, home basketball game, where we will proudly honor your commitment to service and your dedication to helping our students succeed.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen both our school and our community. We look forward to celebrating you!
GO DEVILS!!!!
DCHS is excited to recognize the members of our local Masonic Lodge for their outstanding service, leadership, and continued support of our students. From community contributions to generous donations that help fund a wide variety of DCHS activities, your impact is felt throughout our school every day.
We invite all Masons to join us at this Friday's, January 9, home basketball game, where we will proudly honor your commitment to service and your dedication to helping our students succeed.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen both our school and our community. We look forward to celebrating you!
GO DEVILS!!!!
DCHS Activities December 29-January 4
Don't forget about the DCHS Winter Choir Concert tonight at the DCHS Auditorium! The performance begins at 7:30 pm. See you there!
DCHS Announcements Monday December 15:
Lunch for Today: Taco in a bag with veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
Lunch for Tomorrow: Cheeseburger with French fries, veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
COED photos are available for pick up in Ms. Cohen's room before school, after school or during lunch.
The DCHS Elf is out and about. If you see her please bring her to the office for a treat.
Yearbook: Don’t forget! Yearbook prices increase after January 1st. Get yours now and save!
Lunch for Today: Taco in a bag with veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
Lunch for Tomorrow: Cheeseburger with French fries, veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
COED photos are available for pick up in Ms. Cohen's room before school, after school or during lunch.
The DCHS Elf is out and about. If you see her please bring her to the office for a treat.
Yearbook: Don’t forget! Yearbook prices increase after January 1st. Get yours now and save!
🎄❤️ Spreading Christmas Cheer Across Our Community ❤️🎄
Last Friday, the DCHS staff had the joy of delivering a little Christmas cheer to residents at the Heritage, GMC Extended Care, Grandview, and the Eastern Montana Veterans Home.
With cookies, heartfelt cards, handmade ornaments crafted by our shop students, and beautiful paper wreaths created by elementary students, we shared smiles, gratitude, and holiday spirit with those who mean so much to our community.
Thank you to our students and staff for coming together to make the season brighter—and to the residents for welcoming us so warmly. Moments like these remind us what the holidays are truly about.
Last Friday, the DCHS staff had the joy of delivering a little Christmas cheer to residents at the Heritage, GMC Extended Care, Grandview, and the Eastern Montana Veterans Home.
With cookies, heartfelt cards, handmade ornaments crafted by our shop students, and beautiful paper wreaths created by elementary students, we shared smiles, gratitude, and holiday spirit with those who mean so much to our community.
Thank you to our students and staff for coming together to make the season brighter—and to the residents for welcoming us so warmly. Moments like these remind us what the holidays are truly about.
DCHS Activities and Events December 15-20
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT:
All basketball games against Billings Central today, 12/12, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date.
All basketball games against Billings Central today, 12/12, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date.
DCHS Announcements Thursday December 11:
Lunch for Today: Turkey dinner with all the fix ins & milk or SALAD
BAR!
Lunch for Monday: Taco in a bag with veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
COED photos are available for pick up in Ms. Cohen's room before school, after school or during lunch.
NHS Members: Please take a moment to review and complete the questions/assignments on Google Classroom. If you have any questions, please let Fawns know, and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
FFA will be practicing for our contests at noon—Ag Sales is Monday, Vet Science is Tuesday, and Floriculture is Thursday. Please be at practices to ensure we are prepared for contests.
There will be a softball interest meeting on Thursday, December 11th during lunch, starting at 12:10 PM in the Boardroom. If you are interested in playing softball this spring or simply want more information, you are encouraged to attend. Please bring your lunch with you, and we’ll share details about the season, opportunities, and what the offseason will look like.
The DCHS Elf is out and about. If you see her please bring her to the office for a treat.
Yearbook: Don’t forget! Yearbook prices increase after January 1st. Get yours now and save!
Lunch for Today: Turkey dinner with all the fix ins & milk or SALAD
BAR!
Lunch for Monday: Taco in a bag with veggie, Fruit, & milk or SALAD
BAR!
COED photos are available for pick up in Ms. Cohen's room before school, after school or during lunch.
NHS Members: Please take a moment to review and complete the questions/assignments on Google Classroom. If you have any questions, please let Fawns know, and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
FFA will be practicing for our contests at noon—Ag Sales is Monday, Vet Science is Tuesday, and Floriculture is Thursday. Please be at practices to ensure we are prepared for contests.
There will be a softball interest meeting on Thursday, December 11th during lunch, starting at 12:10 PM in the Boardroom. If you are interested in playing softball this spring or simply want more information, you are encouraged to attend. Please bring your lunch with you, and we’ll share details about the season, opportunities, and what the offseason will look like.
The DCHS Elf is out and about. If you see her please bring her to the office for a treat.
Yearbook: Don’t forget! Yearbook prices increase after January 1st. Get yours now and save!