

Principal Newsletter
August 2024

May is Here
Super Viking Parents and Guardians
And just like that... it’s May. This school year has moved fast and furiously, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students. They have done an amazing job staying focused, showing growth, and rising to the expectations we’ve set together.
I’m pleased to share that discipline referrals are down more than 25% from last year — a testament to our students' commitment and the support they receive at home. Our kids have been locked in on their education, and your collaboration has made all the difference. From consistent communication to your presence at events and academic meetings, you’ve helped make DMS a campus that lives Above the Line.
That said, the year isn’t over — and we still have important work to do.
A Few Critical Reminders:
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The school year is still in session.
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Please continue to check Skyward daily for grades and attendance updates.
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Students who do not pass their classes will be required to attend summer school.
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We know students are getting tired, but this is the time to talk with them about perseverance and finishing strong. Every assignment matters.
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Chat with the Principal – Coming Soon
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In just a few weeks, we’ll host an online “Chat with the Principal” session, giving you the chance to share feedback and ideas on how we can continue to grow and improve at DMS. Your voice matters, and I look forward to hearing from you.
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Let’s close out the year strong — focused, united, and Above the Line in all we do.
It is with profound joy — and just a little bit of sadness — that we share some exciting news:
Our very own Mr. Squires has been named the new Principal of the James Reese Career and Technical Center in Fort Bend ISD.
We are incredibly proud of Mr. Squires and the outstanding work he has done here at DMS. His leadership, dedication, and heart for students have made a lasting impact on our campus, and while we will miss him greatly, we know he is destined to do amazing things at the Reese Center.
Please join us in celebrating and saluting Mr. Squires as he begins this new chapter.
He will always be a part of the DMS family.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Monday, May 5 – Friday, May 9 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I don’t have to tell you — we are truly blessed with the best teachers in the world here at DMS.
Their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students exceed every expectation. Teaching is, without a doubt, one of the hardest and most impactful professions, and far too often, our educators don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
Your child is fortunate to be taught, guided, and cared for by such an exceptional team of professionals. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage you to take a moment to send a thank-you note, a kind message, or a small gift to show your gratitude. Even the simplest gesture can go a long way in letting our teachers know just how much they’re valued.
Let’s honor them the Dulles way — with respect, appreciation, and Above the Line behavior.
STAAR scores will be available in the Family Portal the week of July 25.
If you have any questions or need help accessing your child's scores over the summer, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We're here to support you.
The Culture and Climate (Parents/Guardians and All Staff), and Student Engagement Surveys are live! The survey window is from April 28th through May 12th . Below are a few updates and reminders critical for this window.
Culture and Climate (Parents/Guardians and All Staff):
· Parents and Guardians who have an email address on file in Skyward should have received their emails about the survey. The link and QR code below can be used by Parents/Guardians only to take the survey if they didn’t receive a link.
Parent Open Link https://fortbendisd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4VFrGtSq3Hcn1pc
Summer School & Final Grades
Families will be notified on May 6th if their student has failed a course and may need to attend summer school. We encourage you to check Skyward regularly for final grades and updates. Reach out to your student’s teachers if you have any questions about their grades in a particular class. We are here to support you and your students. Let’s work together as a team!
End-of-Year Awards Ceremonies
We’re excited to celebrate our students! The 7th grade awards ceremony will be held on May 20th, and the 6th and 8th grade ceremonies will take place on May 21st. If your student will be receiving an award, an invitation will be sent home by May 6th.
Want Updates on what’s going on at DMS?
Join our DMS Facebook for pictures, updates, and school news https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550952656159&mibextid=D4KYlr
Follow our www.Instagram.com/dms_vikings_
Margaret Lyambo and Yiming Ning
Janalise Morales and Tristen Blackmon
Saya Bhattathiry
Unsung Heroes
Jake and Adam are the very definition of unsung heroes at Dulles Middle School.
Day in and day out, they go above and beyond what is asked—without seeking recognition, applause, or credit.
Whether it’s Jake faithfully monitoring the 100 hallway bathrooms, ensuring students are safe and the environment stays respectful, or Mr. Blakey stepping in during testing to make sure everything runs smoothly, they consistently rise to the occasion.
They handle the behind-the-scenes work that most people don’t see—but we feel the impact of their presence every day. It’s not about titles or visibility with them—it’s about doing the job and doing it well.
We salute these gentlemen for their humility, consistency, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff.
Thank you, Jake and Adam, for being the steady hands that help hold this campus together.
You are truly Above the Line.
Wearing Student Badges
All students are required to visibly display their Student ID badge during normal school hours while on campus. The badge must be worn above the waist with the student’s picture clearly visible. Exceptions are afforded for students participating in vigorous activity related to recess or a PE credit class. Elementary students in PreK, Kindergarten, first grade, and self-contained classrooms are exempt from displaying badges during the school day.
Student Badge Use
Student badges provide access to services within the building, including the following access/check-ins:
• Cafeteria meal payments
• Library services
• Students who ride the Bus
• Entrance to campus events (dances, pep rallies, etc.)
• Entrance to games
• Students and Staff entering campus locations (effective date TBD)
Student Badge Replacement
There are several reasons a student might need a replacement badge and no badge replacement fee will be required for the following circumstances:
• Student enrolls at a new campus
• Student appearance changes significantly
• Legal name change
Students are expected to turn in their old ID when a new one is provided.
Students who lose their badge will be offered temporary identification. If the old badge cannot be located replacement fees may be required.
Temporary Identification – Secondary Students Only
If a secondary student arrives at school without a badge, they will be given a temporary wristband to wear during the school day at the beginning of their first period on campus. The student must wear the wristband all day. The student’s name is recorded by the issuing staff member to assist with tracking.
Our distribution of student laptops was recently completed, and student usage is off to a great start. We are working with students as needed to address any technology concerns as they arise with support from district IT support. If you haven’t had a chance to purchase insurance and would like to do so, please use the following link to access RevTrak payments: https://fortbendisd.revtrak.net/departments-group/fbisd-information-technology/fbisd-student-issued-laptop/#/list
Our Fall Book Fair was a huge success. Thank you to everyone for your support. The funds raised support library materials and programming. If you missed out on this fair, mark your calendars for our Spring Fair happening in March.
Marquee Signup
Welcome to a new school year filled with possibilities and unforgettable moments! Don’t miss the opportunity to preserve your student’s memories with the 2025 Dulles Middle School Yearbook.
We’re thrilled to announce the return of our yearbook signing event! This much-anticipated gathering is a chance for students to relive the highlights of the year and leave messages for each other that will last a lifetime.
Plus, with Jostens' interest-free payment plans available online, owning a piece of this year’s history has never been easier.
Don’t wait—secure your copy today!
To purchase online, please visit: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A08606490 or send your student with cash or check made out to “Dulles Middle School” to room 106 on campus. If there are questions or concerns, email david.hale@fortbendisd.gov
Student Dress Code
The District believes the Student Dress Code shall promote the attributes of the Profile of a Graduate. Therefore, students are expected to dress in a way that promotes respect for self and others, a safe learning environment, and honors the diversity of the learning community. Students and parent/guardians may determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided they comply with the general guidelines set forth in this Code and Board policy FNCA (Local). Generally, students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat, does not cause distraction from learning, and that does not disrupt the learning environment. 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;
Leggings, Stretch pants
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 seethrough 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 Must have straps Length can be slightly above midthigh Entire area from armpit to armpit down to midthigh Clothing must cover areas from one armpit to the other armpit, down to the mid-thigh. Tops must have shoulder straps and be long enough to adequately cover the waistline and not expose the midriff.