The Panther Post

Please visit our DMS website at https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/discovery for ALL things DMS.

* School hours are 8:15 am - 3:20 pm Monday-Friday

* BACED rotation schedule for week 3, 8/12-8/16

* Advisory schedule Tuesday, August 13th

* School picture day is Monday, August 12th!! Look sharp!!

* Meet the Panthers (Fall Sports) event on Tuesday, August 13th (see DMS newsletter)

* Our fall DMS volleyball and football teams begin action on the 22nd!! Good luck!!

* Please talk with your child as severe weather, fire and lockout/lockdown drills were completed this week!!

* Navigation throughout the building has gone really well during each transition with students getting to class ON TIME!! Students will begin to receive tardy detention next week on Monday if late to class. Please continue to get your child to school on time and use the car line provided by DMS as this area is as smooth as ever!! DO NOT drop off or pick your student up at any other location on campus other than the designated areas!!

* Businesses to our north and south are off limits for student pick up and/or drop off and violators are subject to citations by the Madison Police Dept.

* Bus evacuations will be held the week of August 19 as well for ALL students, regardless of whether they ride the bus now. Field trips will require bus transportation!!

* Building opens at 7:40 am (car line closes at 8:10 am daily) - for car line access, please enter at the north entrance off Hughes Rd (if arriving after 8:10 am, please report to the front office)...students enter at the gym for car line, bikes and walkers and cafeteria for bus riders, bikes and walkers

* Transportation info is on the DMS website...Buses will enter and exit on the south side of the building between DMS and the tennis courts/senior center

* Parent parking is in the main lot at football field ONLY (badge access required to park in front loop)

* See the DMS student handbook on our website paying close attention to all items, especially dress code, cell phone policy and tardiness to class

* Medication drop-off (please schedule a time with Nurse Kemi through front office) - DO NOT send items with your students

* Check student backpacks and other belongings for items that do not belong on school grounds (see MCS code of conduct)

* Parents can pay fees online by clicking DMS fee payment on our website or they can bring a check or cash to the front office between 8:30-11:30 am

* Please go over your subdivision / street address with your child for transportation purposes

Tuesday:

Chicken bites, General T'so sauce, vegetable fried rice, vegetable egg roll, steamed broccoli, and fruit.

Thursday:

Chicken Alfredo, steamed broccoli, steamed carrots, and garlic bread.

Careers are rarely linear and we are looking for volunteers to share their career experience and pathway with our secondary students. Would you be willing to share your WHY for your career? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you make an impact helping people? Can you truly relate to the concept of career reinvention because you've been there? Have you learned lessons from failing forward and/or taking risks? Have you started at an entry-level job and advanced throughout the years? Have you built a career in the corporate and higher-education arenas, working your way up to leadership roles?

If you can answer Yes to any of these questions, we need your help. If you are willing to be a speaker, mentor, or volunteer, please consider filling out this community volunteers & resources form.

Thank You!

MCS Career Coach Team (Michelle Hyams, Sara Baragona, Jodi Jones)

Form Link: https://forms.gle/G94sLkv33JbytXVr9

On Tuesday, Aug 20th at 7 PM, a parent interest meeting will held for 7th and 8th grade students interested in traveling to DC this spring. The meeting will be held in the lunch room with the entrance using the back doors. Information regarding the trip can also be found here: 2025 DC Trip Information Site. Additionally, questions can be sent to Mr. Holt at hjholt@madisoncity.k12.al.us.

6th Grade students interested in Running Club should see Mrs. Haselden for a permission form. Students must have a permission form in order to participate. Running Club will start 8/14.

Bob Jones Girls' Golf Team tryouts will be held September 3rd and 5th from 4:15 - 6:15 at Madison Golf Center (on course tryouts to be scheduled the following week if necessary). All athletes will need a current physical in order to participate. Tryouts are open to girls in 7th-12th grades at Bob Jones High School, Discovery Middle School, and Journey Middle School (who would be zoned for Bob Jones). If you have any questions please contact Coach Wright at jcorywright@madisoncity.k12.al.us or stop by room B106 at Bob Jones High School.

Please complete the google form below if interested.

https://forms.gle/WfqU5famVrnsFhK76

• Please ensure that your students adhere to the dress code. All clothing must meet appropriate guidelines as noted in the DMS Student Handbook and MCS Code of Conduct. Also, students may bring a jacket or sweater if they are cold; however, blankets and stuffed animals are not allowed as a cover at school.

• Attendance is very important. Please be sure to send absence notes to dmsattendance@madisoncity.k12.al.us whenever your student is absent from school.
• Students should arrive to class on time and be in their seats when the tardy bell rings.
  
• For morning drop off and afternoon dismissal, parking in the front northeast lot or in the loop at the front office will soon require a clearly marked parking pass. Those without this pass are asked to use the car line. Thanks to everyone for using the car line unless you have an "approved reason" from the DMS administration. Approved reasons are for SRO, medical/emergency, special needs, late arrival, etc. We are working for the safety of all of our students and staff at DMS. Thank you for your continued support!
  

• Please encourage your students to check the DMS Lost & Found near the front office if they have misplaced any items.
• The Lost and Found will be cleared out on the first day of each month and unclaimed items will be donated to a worthy cause.

The DMS PTA is excited to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year!

Whether you're a returning family or joining us for the first time, we understand the importance of strong school-family partnerships. Your involvement plays a crucial role in your child's success at school.

One fantastic way to get involved is by joining our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)! The PTA is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting our school community through a variety of programs and events. From organizing fun family activities to fundraising for educational resources, the PTA makes a real difference.

If you haven't purchased your membership yet, please consider joining today. Who can join the DMS PTA? Everyone! Families, teachers, administrators, staff, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, even businesses can join the PTA. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. Thank you to everyone that has joined for the 2024/2025 school year!

Here are just a few benefits of joining the PTA:

• Stay informed: Be the first to know about upcoming events, school news, and volunteer opportunities.
• Make a difference: Help shape the future of our school and directly impact your child's learning environment.
• Connect with others: Build friendships with other parents and families, fostering a strong school community.
• Have fun! Enjoy attending PTA-sponsored events and activities throughout the year.
• No matter how much time you can contribute, your involvement is valuable. Whether you'd like to join a committee, volunteer for a few hours, or simply attend meetings, the PTA welcomes everyone!

PTA Meetings: We'll be hosting the first PTA General Meeting of the school year at 9:00am on August 22nd at Discovery Middle School. The theme is "Donuts with the Principal". This is a great opportunity to learn more about the PTA, hear from school admin, meet other parents, and ask any questions you might have.

The Spirit Wear Store is Open: We have lots of new items, including a quarter-zip! Shop here.

Spirit Night at the HCFC: Discovery Middle School PTA will be participating in the Inaugural HCFC Spirit Night Competition. A portion of each ticket purchased will go back to the DMS PTA directly. The school that sells the most tickets will not only have bragging rights but will also have a Huntsville City FC special guest come to the school for a day! This contest will run until their last match on 9/22 so grab a ticket and help donate to a wonderful cause! For questions please contact Luke Tyler at LTyler@HuntsvilleCityFC.com or call at 256-864-6431

Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/yhv32wu6

Have you linked your Kroger account to the Discovery Middle School PTA? The Kroger Community Rewards program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Kroger Rewards Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card, and Kroger will donate a portion of your total to the organization of your choice. Your price stays the same.

The Care Closet is in need of supplies: There is a Care Closet in the boys and girls locker room. It helps all students that come through the physical education department with personal hygiene.
Please consider donating any of the following items, which can be dropped off at the front desk:
Band aids
Body wipes
Deodorant(mini)
Ponytail holders
Tampons
Pads
Panties
Socks
Hand sanitizer(mini)
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes

Support MCS Special Education: Registration has opened for the 7th Annual Tootsie Roll 5K Run/Walk benefiting students with special learning needs. This race is put on by the Knights of Columbus Council 10232 and Council 17519 of Madison. 100% of the proceeds goes to the Madison City Schools Special Education department. Students can get $5 off when choosing their school on the team registration details page. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Madison/KofCTootsieRoll5K

Have questions for the PTA? Email us at DiscoveryMiddlePTA@gmail.com

Follow the PTA on: Facebook
Instagram: @discoverymiddlepta

X: @DMS_PTAmadison

Website: https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/discovery
Location: 1304 Hughes Road, Madison, AL, USA
Phone: 256-837-3735
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverymspanthers/