Principal Newsletter
August 2024
Welcome to DMS 2025
Super Viking Parents and Guardians
I trust that you and our students had a restful and joyful holiday break. As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we made together in 2024 and share our excitement for the opportunities ahead in 2025.
Last year, our DMS community achieved significant gains in both academic growth and fostering a positive school culture. These successes were the result of our shared commitment to excellence and the hard work of our students, teachers, and families. Together, we embraced challenges, supported one another, and lived by our school motto: "We Are Dulles... We Live Above the Line."
This year, we are focused on building upon that momentum. Our priorities include:
- Closing Achievement Gaps: Through targeted small group instruction, unmatched Tier 1 instruction, tutorials, The Zone, Viking Voyage, we aim to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.
- Fostering Positive Behavior: We are continuing to implement PBIS initiatives and other strategies to promote respect, responsibility, and resilience among our students.
- Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence: This milestone anniversary will be a time to honor the rich history of Dulles Middle School and celebrate the vibrant community we have today.
We cannot achieve these goals without the continued partnership of our families. Your involvement—whether through supporting your child at home, engaging in school activities, or collaborating with teachers—plays a critical role in our success.
As we begin this semester, please take note of a few key reminders:
- Attendance Matters: Regular attendance is vital for academic success. Let’s work together to ensure our students are here, on time, and ready to learn every day.
- Communication is Key: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers, counselor, or administrators. We are here to support you.
- Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for more details about our 60th Anniversary Celebration and other exciting activities this semester.
We are excited to welcome your children back to a thriving learning environment and look forward to another successful year. Thank you for your unwavering support of Dulles Middle School.
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
· Check Skyward Regularly
- Stay updated on grades, attendance, and assignment completion.
- Monitor progress and address concerns early.
· Encourage Use of Tutorials
- Ensure your child knows the tutorial schedule for extra support.
- Encourage attendance if they need help with challenging subjects.
· Communicate with Teachers
- Establish and maintain open communication with teachers.
- Ask for updates on your child’s performance and ways to support learning at home.
· Engage with Schoology
- Familiarize yourself with this platform to track assignments and announcements.
- Help your child stay organized by reviewing their coursework and due dates.
· Promote Use of DreamBox
- Encourage your child to regularly use DreamBox for math practice.
- Set goals and celebrate milestones achieved through the program.
· Create a Supportive Learning Environment
- Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for studying and completing assignments.
- Establish a consistent routine to prioritize homework and study time.
· Encourage Goal Setting and Accountability
- Help your child set realistic academic goals and track progress.
- Praise effort and achievements to build confidence and motivation.
Introducing DreamBox
Students who complete 4 modules per week will earn a 100 as a daily grade. The modules take less than 20 minutes.
We hope you’re doing well! We are excited to introduce you to DreamBox, a valuable math tool designed to meet students where they are and help them grow. The program provides personalized lessons to strengthen each student's math skills based on their individual needs.
Students have already completed the program launch and know their login information, so they are ready to get started! To maximize the benefits of this resource, we encourage students to complete 3-5 lessons each week. As an added incentive, students who complete 4 modules per week will earn a 100 as a daily grade. The modules take less than 20 minutes. We will also offer prizes for individual students and classes that complete the most modules!
Here are a few ways you can support your child in using DreamBox effectively:
- Set a Routine: Encourage your child to dedicate a specific time each week for their DreamBox lessons.
- Check Progress: Regularly review their progress and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
- Stay Involved: Ask your child about what they’re learning and engage in conversations about math to reinforce their skills.
Bring Your Family to FBID’s STEM Fair this weekend.
Event Details:
· Date: January 11th
· Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
· Location: First Colony Middle School, 3225 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479
There will be hands on activities, information about careers in technology, mathematics, science, and engineering, interactive demonstrations, and giveaways!
After-school Y Teen L.I.F.E Achievers Club
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are feeling refreshed as we begin 2025.
We are excited to the offer a new after-school club, Y Teen L.I.F.E Achievers Club with YMCA. It is an after-school club for any DMS student in grades 6-8 on Thursdays where your child will learn college and career readiness, leadership skills, and gain valuable community service hours. Snacks will be offered~
Attached, you’ll find the flyer. Please fill out the survey by scanning the QR code if you want you student to participate in the 1st meeting on January 16th.
Additionally, mark your calendars for the following events:
1/15/25 DHS counselors will visit 8th graders during advisory hour during school to talk about course selection and 9th grade transition.
1/21 & 1/22 5th graders visit to DMS
1/22 5th grade parent night at DMS at 6pm
1/22 8th grade parent night at DHS (more info to come)
1/30 & 1/31 8th grade students will enter their course selections in SchooLinks
2/3 & 2/4 6th and 7th grade students will enter their course selections in SchooLinks
There will be many opportunities to learn about courses offered next year for 6-8th grade students. Please be on the lookout for information and take advantage of the webinars. We hope to see you at the after-school meetings on January 22nd if you have an incoming 6th or 9th grader.
SchooLinks:
Families, please log into SchooLinks, FBISD’s college and career platform for students and familiarize yourself with the platform. Visit app.schoolinks.com/login/member to access the login page for Guardians.
Viking Victory Hour
During Advisory on Wednesdays, students will focus on checking Skyward and Schoology, completing missing assignments, and studying. Please encourage your student to use this time wisely. It will help them develop great study and organization habits.
Check Skyward
Please continue to check Skyward and review your student’s grades and progress. 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!
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_
The Zone
Need help with your homework, or just a quiet place to work? Maybe meet with a partner on a class project? The Zone is for you! Please join your fellow Vikings every Tuesday and Thursday
from 4:10 – 5:10 😀
There will be four cores academic DMS teachers along with Dulles HS National Honor Society students on hand to offer tutorials! See the attached flyer for dates and transportation options.
Viking Voyage
Our mission is to provide your child with a quality education that will equip them for a future beyond what they can imagine. In helping us achieve this mission, we will be providing an intervention opportunity for students who need additional support to meet grade level standards on targeted skills.
Last semester we started our Viking Voyage program and it was such a big success that we are continuing it in semester two. We offering additional academic support in 6-8 Math and ELA, and 8 Science and Social Studies. If you are interested in signing up your child please email their teacher. The dates are:
January 23rd and February 20th for 6-8 Math and 8 Social Studies
January 28th and February 25th for 6-8 ELA and 8 Science
STAAR Testing Dates and Information
Please review the attached letter for STAAR testing dates and campus testing details. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email Roberta LaValley, DMS Campus Testing Coordinator at 281-634-5763 or roberta.lavalley@fortbendisd.gov.
Congratulations to Ms. Holt for being named Teacher of the Month! She perfectly embodies this month’s theme, "Neighborly," through her unwavering support for the 7th-grade team, her science department, parents, and students. Always available and willing to help, she goes above and beyond to assist colleagues and ensure her students’ success. Ms. Holt fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where parents, students, and staff feel supported and valued. Her dedication, positivity, and kindness make her a true asset to our school community. Thank you, Ms. Holt, for all you do to inspire and uplift those around you!
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.