Panther PRESS

Hey Panthers! 🐾

Another great week in the books! As a reminder, there is no school for students today and Monday, so take some time to enjoy the long weekend with your kids. We’re also excited to kick off our first home Panther football game tonight, which is extra special because it’s Senior Night! Come out and show your support! Whether we win or lose, we do it with pride, sportsmanship, and class-because that's the Panther Way!

A reminder if you are coming to the game, all students will enter the stadium through Gate B and must have their Student ID. Students must sit in the student section.

Please Note: There is a section at the very bottom that includes campus information that has been shared in previous newsletters in case you missed it.

Seniors- Please note the special Senior section towards the bottom

Go 2 and Go Panthers!

Amanda Rodgers, Midlothian High School Principal

With the excitement of football season in full swing, I want to make sure and draw your attention to the MISD Stadium Rules and Guidelines as they specifically relate to High School students. The full document is at the bottom of the newsletter if you would like additional information.

• High school students must enter the stadium through Gate B and must show a student ID in order to enter the facility. High school students will be required to use the restrooms and concession stand at Gate B. High school students not sitting with their parents must sit in either section W-1 or W-3. High school students from another school must be accompanied by their parents or sit on the visitor’s side.
• Students are expected to be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the end of any athletic event. Failure to pick up students within the 30-minute grace period may result in students being restricted from attending future athletic events.

Failure to follow these guidelines or loitering by students may result in removal from the stadium and at a minimum the student will not be allowed to attend any further high school football games for the season.

As always, student safety at all UIL events is of prime importance to MISD. Football is a spectator sport and all students attending the game are expected to sit and watch the game. These measures will more effectively ensure the enjoyment of all persons attending varsity football events hosted by MISD.

Thursday, August 29th- August 31st- Volleyball Tournament @ Argyle

Thursday, August 29th: JV Tennis @ Home

Thursday, August 29th: Sub Varsity Football

Thursday, August 29th: JV Tennis @ Home

Friday, August 30th: No School for Students

Friday, August 30th: Varsity Football @ Home vs. Cedar Hill: Senior Night!

Monday, September 2nd: School Holiday

Tuesday, September 3rd: Varsity Tennis @ Home

Tuesday, September 3rd: Volleyball @ Mansfield High School

Wednesday, September 4th: UIL Grade Check

Wednesday, September 4th: Senior Parent Meeting and Scholarship Night (Flyer in the Senior Section)

Thursday, September 5th: Picture Day

Thursday, September 5th: JV Tennis @ Ennis

Thursday, September 5th: Sub-Varsity Football

Friday, September 6th: Volleyball @ Desoto High School

Friday, September 6th: Varsity Football @ Ennis High School

Saturday, September 7th: Cross Country Meet @ Crandall

Saturday, September 7th: Freshman Volleyball @ Arlington HS

Monday, September 9th: Meet the Teacher- 5:30pm-7:00pm

It’s almost Senior Year and you do not want to miss out on all the exciting activities planned! We will start Spirit Nights this summer. Please register now to join Project Graduation and follow the social media pages to stay up-to-date on all the fun things planned for the Class of 2025.

Your senior must be a Project Graduation member to attend the “big four” events including the Senior Breakfast, Senior Picnic, Senior Dinner and the All-Nighter on Graduation Eve. Please register now as Senior Year will be a whirlwind.

Please email MHS2025PG@gmail.com with any questions.

For more information on the clear bag policy, as well as prohibited items, please visit the MISD Athletics website.

If your child is going to be out all day, coming to school late or leaving early, please email the attendance clerk. You may also email any doctor notes to them.

When a student checks out with attendance and then returns to school at a later time, that student will need to check back in through the attendance office before resuming their normal schedule.

Students cannot be released by a phone call.

Email or call the Attendance Clerks for any assistance needed!

Last Name A- La = sandy.heit@midlothianisd.org and 469-856-5123

Last Name Le - Z = karen.girman@midlothianisd.org and 469-856-5122

It is imperative that students are in class on time for each period throughout the school day. In order to receive credit for the class, students must be in attendance for 90% of the class period. If a student is late more than 10 minutes to class, the tardy will change to an absence for that class period.

At MHS we will be using a consistent system to monitor, address, and communicate tardies to parents/guardians.

When the tardy bell rings, teachers will shut their doors and they will be locked for the instructional block. If a student is tardy (10 minutes or less), they will:

• Go to the nearest Tardy Kiosk located in their hallway.
• The student will scan their Student ID and a tardy slip will be printed.
• On the printed slip, it will notify the student of the number of tardies they have received and issue a consequence If needed (determined by the matrix listed below).
• The parent/guardian will receive an email and text (optional) notifying them of the tardy and the assigned consequence.

The Tardy Matrix is listed below with details regarding the Disciplinary action taken for tardy accumulations. This will be the primary source of communication from MHS regarding tardies.

Thank you for your support as we continue to enforce the MISD Dress Code and ID requirements on campus. The vast majority of our students are in compliance and we are very appreciative!

Students are expected to follow the MISD Dress Code linked below:

https://www.misd.gs/student-life/dress-code

If a student is found to be out of dress code, they will be sent to their Assistant Principal (AP). If the student can correct the issue, they will be allowed to return to class. If the issue cannot be corrected, disciplinary action will be taken.

If a student is late to class because they are out of dress code and are trying to correct the issue, they will be counted tardy.

Remember it is mandatory for students to wear their ID on all MISD campuses. If they forget their ID, they will need to get a temporary ID for the day ($1). If they lose their permanent ID, they can purchase a new one for $3. Holders and Lanyards are each $1. We will not issue a new ID Badge without payment.

If a student is late to class because they have to get an ID, they will be counted tardy.

As we start this new school year, we want to address an important matter regarding the use of cell phones during instructional time and its impact on the educational experience of our students. Over time, we've noticed an increase in classroom distractions due to cell phone use, which interrupts learning. To ensure a focused and engaged learning environment, we will be strictly enforcing the District cell phone policy from the first day of school in a streamlined and structured manner.

Outlined below are the procedures designed to minimize disruptions caused by cell phones during each of the seven instructional periods, from the tardy bell to the dismissal bell of each class. Students will still be permitted to use their phones during passing periods as they transition to their next class and during lunch. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that these procedural changes are followed.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Procedures:

1. All Phones and Headphones Must Be Turned Off and Stored Away: During instructional periods, students are required to turn off their cell phones and store them in their backpacks. This will help maintain a more focused learning environment and prevent distractions.

2. Instructional Activities Requiring Apps: If a teacher initiates an instructional activity that requires the use of a cell phone app, they will set clear expectations for that activity to ensure that cell phones are used solely for educational purposes.

3. Restroom Pass: When students need to use the restroom, they must hand over their cell phones to the teacher to receive the restroom pass.

4. Consequences for Unauthorized Cell Phone Use:

   • First Violation: If a student is found with their cell phone out during instructional time when it should be stored away, the teacher will confiscate the phone until the end of class. This will serve as a warning.
   • Second Violation: An additional warning will be issued.
   • Third Violation: A referral will be issued, and the cell phone will be turned over to the Assistant Principal.
   • Refusal to Hand Over Phone: If a student refuses to surrender their phone when requested, an immediate referral will be written.
   • Handling Warnings and Referrals: For warnings, the phone will be returned to the student at the end of class. For referrals, the phone will be sent to the Assistant Principal's office.

These procedures are in place to create an optimal learning environment where students can fully engage in their studies. MISD’s Electronic Devices Policy can be found at https://www.midlothianisd.org/student-life/student-handbook starting on page 41. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your support and commitment to the education and success of our students. Together, we can ensure that each student reaches their full potential.

As a reminder: Students are not permitted to have food delivered by third-party vendors or services (Ex: UberEats, DoorDash, Chick-fil-A Delivery, Papa Johns).

We only permit students to have food delivered by a parent or guardian reflected on their Skyward account. Parents or guardians can only bring food for their student(s).

Thank you for your cooperation!

All students & staff members need a parking pass to park on MISD property. See Brett Ratzlaff to purchase a parking pass. Student parking passes are $45.00. Citations for not having a parking pass will start on Monday, August 19th.

Student safety is our top priority!

Please take a few moments to view the maps below which show the drop-off and pick-up locations/routes for the 2024-2025 school year. Please pay particular attention to the entrance and exits for each parking lot.

AM Drop-off

Students can be dropped off in the North and South Parking Lot in the morning. They will enter the building through either Door 29 (Cafeteria) or Door 37 (Auditorium).

If a student arrives after 8:30 am and does not drive, they should enter at Door 1/Main Entrance.

If a student arrives after 8:30 am and they drive themselves, they should enter at Door 37.

PM Pick-up

Students can be picked up after school in the North Parking Lot or the Front Drive/Rotunda area only. There is no student pick-up in the South Parking Lot.

Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe and efficient!

Midlothian ISD Athletics Hall of Honor is thrilled to announce the second annual Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run, set to take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. This exciting community event celebrates and honors the legacy of outstanding athletes, coaches, teams, and community supporters from Midlothian ISD.

The Fun Run will kick off at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 5K Race at 8:15 a.m. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join in this family-friendly event, whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a fun morning out with friends and family.

The Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run not only promotes health and wellness in our community but also raises funds to support the Midlothian ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for graduating MISD student-athletes and help promote the annual induction banquet.

Event Details:

- Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

- Location: Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium

- Packet Pick-Up / Day of Registration: 7:00 a.m.

- Fun Run Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

- 5K Start Time: 8:15 a.m.

Participants can register online at www.midlothianhoh.com or on-site on the day of the event. Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot and T-shirt size (Virtual Runner Options are available).

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Midlothian ISD Athletics and honoring those who have made significant contributions to our athletics programs. We invite everyone to lace up their running shoes and be a part of this exciting day!

For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, please visit www.midlothianhoh.com.

Together, let’s make this year’s Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run an event to remember!

MISD Visitor Procedures

MISD prioritizes the safety and security of our staff and students. We ask our MISD visitors to help us in the effort to keep kids as safe as possible. MISD appreciates your patience as we follow these procedures. To learn more about campus security and visitor guidelines, visit https://bit.ly/3QqqQzl.

If there is anything you would like to see in the newsletter that you do not, please let us know!

Email: amanda.rodgers@midlothianisd.org
Website: https://www.midlothianisd.org/
Location: 923 South 9th Street, Midlothian, TX, USA
Phone: 469-856-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/MidlothianHS
Twitter: @MHSPanthers