Frequently Asked Questions

(Will be updated over the summer as information changes for the 2009-2010 school year)

1. When do classes start and end?
For the 2009-2010 school year the school day will be 8:10 a.m. - 3:35 p.m .

2. Where can I find information about bus schedules?
Click here (opens Transfinderi website) to look up bus routes and schedules. Information for this year will be updated by August 14th.

3. What can I wear to school?
You can find these answers in the Dress Code (MS Word).

4. What school supplies does my child need?
DMS 6th Grade Supply List-2009-2010
DMS 7th Grade Supply List 2009-2010
DMS 8th Grade Supply List-2009-2010

Regular backpacks are now allowed on campus.

5. What does the daily class schedule look like?
Regular Bell Schedule

Assembly Bell Schedule

Early Release Bell Schedule

6. How do I request homework if my child is absent?
Please call 594-2600 and let the receptionist, Ms. Mancha know that you would like to request make up work for your child.

7. How do I find out if my child has any homework?
Please ask your student to write homework assignments in his/her Agenda Page. You can check this daily.

8. If my child loses his/her agenda, how can we get a new one?
New agendas are available in the Front Office for $5.00.

9. What do I do if my child has a doctor's appointment that will cause him/her to be tardy or miss class?
Please bring a note from the doctor when your student returns to school. If a student leaves during the school day, a parent must sign them out. When the student returns to school, don't forget the doctor's note. Absences due to a doctor's visit are considered excused absences.

10. How can I contact the teachers?
You may call the school and request to leave a message for the teacher(s) to contact you. You may also email teachers. All staff emails and voicemail numbers are listed on the Staff page. Please allow teachers at least 24 hours to respond to either a phone call or email.

11. How do I call the cafeteria if I have questions about lunch money?
Please call 594-2600 and ask to talk to the Cafeteria Manager.

12. What is the phone number for Peterman Transportation, if I have a bus-related question?
(512) 594-0475

13. Can I have lunch with my student?
We encourage parents/guardians, and anyone with parent/guardian permission to have lunch with their student.

14. Can I bring flowers, gifts, or balloons to my student for their birthday or special occasion?
Please DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS. Students don't have a place to keep these during the day. They can't carry them around during the day. The student would not get to enjoy them.

15. Can students bring blankets and stuffed animals to school?
Do not bring these items to school.

16. What time should I pick up my student from football games, volleyball games, dances, etc?
All "B" team football games end around 6:30pm or so while the "A" games end around 8:00pm. All "B" team volleyball games end around 6:30pm or so while the "A" games end around 7:45pm. Please try to be here before the event ends. You need to make sure to pick up your child by the time the event ends. Keep in touch with coaches, band, choir, and orchestra teachers for ending times of other events.

17. How do I find out how my student is performing academically or check my child's grades and attendence records?

• Click here to link to the Parent Portal.(then click on the txConnect link)
• Registration will be held on August 21st and during our Open House.
• Parents can register for the Parent Portal ANYTIME by coming up to the Front Office with a driver's licence or ID.

We send home all Interim progress reports and all report cards with students. We typically indicate we are sending grade reports home on the marquee to alert parents. If you do not receive a report at the appropriate time, you may call the school. Click here to see the PISD Calender.

18. How much are PE uniforms and band instruments?

• PE Uniforms
  • T-shirts - $5.00/ shorts - $10.00.  Students are not required to purchase these from the school, but must have appropriate clothing for p.e.
• Band
  • Please contact the band director, Denise Bell, about your instrument options. Click here to visit the DMS Band website.