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Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

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Principal's Message

Welcome to Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

Hello Colts Families, 

It is truly my honor and pleasure to serve as your new principal here at DMMS. With over 30 years in education—spanning preschool to high school across five different states—I’m thrilled to bring my experience, energy, and passion to this incredible school community. 

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School is a place where students thrive, grow, and discover who they are. We are committed to continuous improvement, inclusion, and ensuring that every student finds their place, feels connected, and has access to a wide range of educational and enrichment opportunities. From advanced academics to the arts—including band, color guard, drumline, drama, choir, and visual arts—we celebrate creativity, talent, and expression. 

At DMMS, we hold high expectations for both academics and behavior. While we’re proud of our test scores, accolades, and awards, we never rest on our laurels. We’re always striving to reach the next level—for our students, our staff, and our community. 

I encourage all families to get involved, stay connected, and communicate with us. We believe in teamwork and collaboration, and we know that strong partnerships with families make all the difference. Our staff is one of the most talented and dedicated teams I’ve worked with in my entire career, and we’re here to support every student, every step of the way. 

We also believe in creating a safe and respectful campus, where students are expected to be OKC—On Task, Kind, and Careful—every day. These values guide our behavior and help us build a positive school culture. 

My door is always open, and I welcome your input, ideas, and feedback. Together, we can make this an amazing year for our Colts. 

Thank you for your partnership—and here’s to a fantastic school year ahead! 

Mrs. Heather Just 

Principal