Crockett Middle School Newsletter
Friday, September 6, 2024
Greetings Parents & Guardians,
This week's newsletter contains NEW information regarding:
*Free & Reduced Lunch Benefits
*September Gifted & Talented Parent Newsletter
*FBISD Board of Trustees Listening Tour
*NWEA MAP BOY Testing Window---Update
*Focus on Kindness-September Theme: Generosity
*FBISD GT Referral Window
*Hispanic Heritage Spirit Days
*DCMS Spirit Shirts
*September DCMS Counselor Newsletter (attached)
*Not new but EXTREMELY important: Student Verification (English & Spanish attached)
Student Verification is completed ONLINE. It closed on August 18, 2024, but has reopened again.
It will stay open until September 13, 2024. It only takes a few minutes, and it is so very important. Thank you very much for participating in this very important process.
Thank you for partnering with us to give the students at David Crockett Middle School the best middle school experiences possible. Our A-rating is on the horizon, and with your support, we will continue to assist our students in reaching the highest levels of academic growth and achievement possible!
DCMS 2024 Accountability Ratings Overall Summary to Date
School Achievement: 82
School Progress Part A: 82
School Progress Part B: 90
Closing the Gaps: 86
Overall Rating: 89
Sincerely,
Mrs. K. Griffin
Free & Reduced Lunch Benefits
Please be sure to apply for free and reduced lunch. The process is not long at all and if your child qualifies for free and/or reduced lunch services, they could benefit in other ways beyond middle school and high school.
September Gifted & Talented Parent Newsletter
Please click on the link to access the September Gifted & Talented Parent Newsletter
Timely and Safe Arrival & Dismissal at DCMS
Our day begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 4:10 p.m.
Students are counted as tardy if they are not seated in their class at 8:50 a.m. As they transition through each period of the school day (seven periods in all), students will be counted tardy if they are not in their designated class when the tardy bell rings. When students arrive late, they miss out on meaningful moments in the school day. This has negative impacts on their academic growth and achievement, and their SEL (social emotional learning) experience. They also incur consequences in accordance with the FBISD Student Code of Conduct. These consequences range from a verbal warning, a parent-teacher/admin conference, upwards to various detentions and/or suspensions. Please ensure that your child arrives on time, ready to learn, each day.
Parents who drop off and pick up students, are to use the car rider line. The line runs in front of the entrance of the school. Please do not drop off students in any parking lot. Additionally, do not drop them off along the curb, in the street, or in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is unsafe and you will get ticketed by FBISD police and/or Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
While in the car rider line, proceed legally and with care. You are in a school zone. Stay off your phone and please be attentive to all that is going on around you. This includes, but is not limited to, pulling all the way forward when you are motioned to and/or asked to do so. Our goal is to safely and efficiently, get as many students as possible, loaded into their cars and on their way home. Thank you for assisting us with this endeavor. Your support, respect and kindness are appreciated and needed more than you realize.
Early pickups are highly discouraged, as every second of learning counts. Please be sure to see the attached 24-25 Instructional Calendar, so that you can take advantage of trying to schedule necessary appointments on days we are not in school. For those moments, when you must understandably check out your child early, please do so by 3:30 p.m. or sooner. If you attempt to check your child out any later, it will take a greater amount of time to secure them, as we are concluding the day and preparing for various modes of p.m. dismissal.
The FBISD PAC Award
Fort Bend ISD is excited to bring you the PAC Award, an employee of the month recognition. The award is presented to staff members who contribute to the success of Fort Bend ISD staff and students.
The award recognizes employees who demonstrate what it means to Lead the PAC:
- Professionalism – exemplifying integrity and approaching the task with a commitment to excellence (who we are and how we show up every day)
- Accountability – obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions (how we hold ourselves and others to the standard)
- Communication – effectively giving, receiving, and sharing information (essential to building trust)
PAC Award recipients will be recognized at their work location with a surprise visit from the Superintendent and Executive Team, social media shouts, a FBISD website mention, a district swag bag and a special gift from the Fort Bend Education Foundation.
Monthly nominations are due on the 15th of each month. To nominate an employee who is Leading the PAC, click on the link attached to this notification.
FBISD Board of Trustees Listening Tour
October 7, 5pm Willowridge HS
This event will provide the community with an opportunity to engage with board members and other district leaders. Student entertainment and artwork will be showcased. Light refreshments will be served.
Parents, staff, and community members can participate in roundtable discussions with FBISD Board of Trustees and district leaders.
Following the event, attendees are invited to attend the monthly Board Agenda Workshop
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join the NJHS members of DCMS as we strive to wear gold (yellow) each Wednesday. The color gold and gold ribbons are used to represent the value of children's lives. NJHS will also provide a fact each week.
This week's fact is:
Texas Children's Hospital in Houston is the largest treatment center for pediatric cancer in the entire United States.
Ms. Allison, NJHS Sponsor
Reminders for Excellence at DCMS
The message below is communicated to all students and staff, via morning announcements.
Reminders for Excellence at DCMS
Students, please adhere to the following reminders for excellence at DCMS:
Cellphones and earbuds are to be turned off and placed in backpacks, and ID badges are worn properly around our necks, once you enter the building. ID badges must be on and visible every day. Hoods, hats, bonnets and bandanas are not worn in the building. In an effort to maintain the highest level of safety, students please walk in our hallways and do not run. Please be mindful of your volume in the hallway because some students are still in class learning during certain periods. Additionally, please be considerate of others and always use school-appropriate language in and around the building.
As you walk around our campus, be sure to pick up any trash you drop. Thank you for being a Magnificent Maverick by keeping our school looking great!
Mavs, we appreciate you for respecting each other, respecting our building, and most importantly respecting yourselves and your parents every day. Remember that our 3 pillars for success at DCMS are: Care, Commitment & Trust! Let's exhibit CCT in the best way every day!
Have a great rest of the day & go Mavs!
Focus on Kindness-September Theme: Generosity
This September, our focus on kindness will center around Generosity. Each day, we will offer tips on how our campus can highlight the spirit of generosity with acts of kindness so that we can continue to build a supportive and compassionate Maverick community.
DCMS Counseling Department
FBISD GT Referral Window
The GT (Gifted & Talented) referral window opened on Thursday, August 8, 2024, and will close on Monday, September 30, 2024. To submit a referral, the parent/guardian must use the following link: https://gt.fortbendisd.com/. No late referrals will be accepted. Parent/guardian(s) must provide consent to have their student tested if a staff member referred their student.
Additional information about GT services can be found online by visiting FBISD GT Homepage
College Shirt Day & DCMS Spirit Day
Every Monday we encourage our students to join the DCMS faculty and staff in wearing college shirt of their choice. Represent the college you will attend or dream of attending. The future is near and its YOURS Mavs! We look forward to seeing you in your college shirt and hearing your "why".
Every Friday is our DCMS spirit day. Let's go Crockett Green! For our Mavs who have purchased 2024-2025 spirit shirts, you can expect to receive them within the next 7-10 days...or sooner. Like you all, many of us staff members are waiting anxiously for our shirts too. We can't wait to show our DCMS pride!
2024-2025 1st Nine Weeks Grading Timeline
Progress Report 1
August 8-30, 2024
Grades Posted in Skyward Family Access on September 4, 2024
Progress Report 2
August 8-September 20, 2024
Grades Posted in Skyward Family Access on September 24, 2024
Term 1
August 8-October 9, 2024
Report Cards Posted in Skyward Family Access on October 16, 2024.
A Message From FBISD: FBISD UPLIFT Mentor Program
One of the key priorities for the Department of Collaborative Communities is to support student mentoring efforts throughout the District. For the 2024-2025 school year, FBISD has launched its UPLIFT Mentor Program where community members will engage with students in mentoring. We invite you to join the UPLIFT mentoring effort in the FBISD community and commit to support a student as we look forward to the start of a new school year by clicking this link and the below flier with your networks. Thank you.
NWEA MAP
Beginning this year, students in Fort Bend ISD will complete NWEA MAP computer-adaptive assessments three times a year to gain information about what students know and what they are ready to learn next. MAP also gives insight into how students are growing academically, allowing you to track your student's progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Families will have access to their child's results after each testing window. NWEA MAP is replacing Renaissance 360. For more information, visit the NWEA Family Toolkit linked here or contact your child’s teacher.
NWEA MAP BOY Testing Window---Update
Reading
6, 7,8, ELA I, ELA II
WAS September 3-5, 2024
Now taking place September 9-11, 2024
Testing begins the first day the window opens.
Math
6,7,8, Algebra I, Geo, Algebra II
WAS September 6-10, 2024
Now taking place September 12-16, 2024
Testing begins the first day the window opens.
Science
6, 7,8, Biology
WAS September 18-20, 2024
Now taking place September 23-25, 2024
Testing begins the first day the window opens.
2024-2025 Back to School Information
Please click on the link below to access helpful information about:
- Bus Routes
- Free/Reduced Meal Applications
- New Student Online Registration/Enrollment
- Attendance Zones
- Schoology
- Skyward Family Access for Parents
- Students 1:1 Laptop Program
- District Instructional Calendar
- School Hours
- Student Password Information
- Immunization Requirements
- Pay for My Child's Breakfast/Lunch
Vaccinations for the 2024-2025 School Year!
Currently, we have about 15 7th grade students who are not current with their required vaccinations.
All incoming 7th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year are required to obtain Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines per Texas law.
Todos los estudiantes que ingresen al 7.º grado para el año escolar 2024-2025 deben obtener las siguientes vacunas Tdap y meningocócica según la ley de Texas.
Parents, you are appreciated for attending to this very important matter as soon as possible.
2024-2025 Volunteer Criminal History Information
All 2023-2024 FBISD criminal history clearances were inactivated on June 30.
To be able to volunteer for the 2024-2025 FBISD school year, one is required to have a current school year FBISD Volunteer Criminal History clearance in Raptor and Taleo. Volunteering applies to (but not limited to) parent & community, chaperones, field trips, class parties, PTO/PTA Executive Board, Booster Club members, Pro Grad, Shared Dreams, Junior Achievement, tutors, private lesson instructors, contracted services, etc. Please allow 3 – 5 business days for processing. Your Clearance Status can be found in your application by clicking the tab 'MyJobpage'.
The FBISD Volunteer Criminal History Application for the current year can be found at https://bit.ly/3S9nVhz. The Job Posting Title is Volunteers (240001RC). Please support DCMS by volunteering!
Reminders About Dress Code
The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance.
Students must comply with the following dress and grooming standards, including in online learning platforms.
Shirts, Blouses, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Vests
- Shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests that expose undergarments and/or midriff are prohibited;
- Shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests must not depict or reference alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, nudity, gang affiliation, death, violence, vulgar or obscene language or images, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, or other emblems or writing that may be expected to cause a material or substantial disruption of, or interference with, normal school operations.
Dresses, Jumpers, Skirts, Shorts, Skorts, Pants, and Jeans
- Dresses, jumpers, skirts, and skorts may be worn at a length that is slightly above mid-thigh;
- Shorts, jeans, and all pants shall be worn at the hip or higher and must cover undergarments;
- Shorts may be worn at a length that is approximately above mid-thigh; and
- Athletic wear, which may include yoga pants, stretch leggings and fitness tights, are permissible as long as they do not reveal undergarments, do not have sections of see through material, or are worn with a shirt that covers the posterior, or are not disruptive to the school environment.
Shoes
- Shoes shall be worn, and if designed to be tied shall be properly tied
- Unsafe footwear is not permitted (i.e., house shoes, slippers); and
- Appropriate shoes must be worn during PE/athletics classes, as well as during lab activities in science, CTE, etc.
Hair
- All hair, including facial hair, shall be neat, clean, and well groomed, and worn in a style that is not distractive.
- Mustaches, beards, or goatees shall be neat, clean, and well groomed, and worn in a style that does not display derogatory remarks, symbols, or statements that disrupts the learning environment. Hair markings must not depict or reference alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, nudity, gang affiliation, violence, vulgar or obscene language, or images that substantially disrupt or interfere with normal school operations. Drawings, icons, and/or other markings cut into the hair, including eyebrows, and not associated with required religious markings or hairstyles are not permitted.
Miscellaneous
- Proper undergarments shall be worn at all times;
- Revealing clothing of any type may not be worn;
- No clothing that has been ripped, torn, or cut in a way as to reveal undergarments, midriff, chest, or posterior;
- Clothing including face coverings with profanity, obscene patches, references to alcohol, drugs, weapons or tobacco, or anything that may be construed as violent, vulgar or obscene
- Language or images, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, or other emblems or writing that may be expected to cause a material or substantial disruption of, or interference with, normal school operations.
- Any attire, tattoo, icons, or markings on body, e.g. bandanas, shoelaces, chains, t-shirts, etc., that is distractive, causes a disturbance, or identifies a student as part of an unauthorized group, gang, or society are not permitted that includes but is not limited to virtual background choices. No pajama wear of any type except on-campus designated days;
- Body piercings that are distractive or that pose a safety concern are not permitted;
- No hats, caps, doo-rags, wave caps, bandanas or hoods worn indoors, except on campus designated days or during designated times permitted by the campus; and
- No sunglasses may be worn inside the building unless there is a medical note on file.
Skyward Family Access Link & Notification Settings Job Aide
Student Absences & Absence Notes
An absence note is needed for us to excuse any absence when your child is not in attendance.
Blackboard Connect
Student Laptops
We are excited to announce the implementation of a student 1:1 laptop program (EquippED) for all secondary students starting with the 2024-25 school year. Each student in grades 6-12 will receive a laptop to use for their academic and personal growth. Students will take the laptop to and from home/school for online learning, research, communication, and collaboration. The laptop will also feature advanced end-point protection software to ensure the safety and security of our students and the district network.
The EquippED 1:1 program supports the district's vision of preparing students for their future. It aligns with Fort Bend ISD’s instructional goal of providing differentiated learning opportunities that promote purposeful technology integration. The program will foster student agency and voice while enhancing student engagement and achievement and will help empower our students to become lifelong learners and leaders.
Note: All students are required to have an EquippED 1:1 laptop for classroom instruction. Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires state tests like STAAR & TELPAS be conducted on a district issued device. Personal laptops/tablets are not allowed.
DCMS distributed on August 21st-23rd, 2024, during the school day. Students are REQUIRED to bring their laptop to school EVERY DAY.
If you have any questions on the Equipped 1:1 program, please visit the district website at this link https://www.fortbendisd.com/equipped
To purchase insurance, visit Revtrack HERE
FBISD recommends that all students purchase laptop insurance annually to protect their EquippED laptop against accidental damage, loss, or theft. The deadline to purchase insurance for the 2024-2025 school year (for current students) was August 30th 2024. Students that enroll after this date will have to opportunity to purchase insurance during the enrollment process.
The FBISD EquippED insurance will cover up to two repairs per year (at 100%) or one total loss (at 100% after a $150 deductible). Laptop repairs with insurance are covered at 100%. A lost, stolen, or unrepairable laptop replacement (total loss) is covered at 100% after a $150 deductible. Once purchased, coverage is valid through August 15, 2025.
Student ID Badges
On Monday, August 12, 2024, students began receiving their ID badges. Badges will be utilized during lunches, on school buses and at school as an added security measure.
As in previous years, students are required to wear their ID badge EVERY DAY.
Birthday Shout Outs!
Birthday Shout Outs are now available to purchase in the DCMS RevTrak webstore!
The cost is $15 and the shoutout will run for one week—Monday through Sunday. This is the Monday starting the week of your child’s birthday. For example, if your student’s birthday is on Thursday, the message will run starting the Monday of that week and be removed on the following Monday morning.
All messages will say “Happy Birthday” and Child's First name and Last initial.
Visit the "Birthday Marquee" revtrak webstore located on our campus website if interested or click here: DCMS Marquee | Fort Bend ISD (revtrak.net)