We have been nominated as one of Best Public Schools in the Area!!! We are the ONLY middle school on the list! It would be great to see our hard work recognized and let everyone see that were are raising the BAR AT DunBAR. Click the link below to vote. Forward this email to friends, family, and/or post to your social media pages! You can vote once every day! Let’s share and vote!
Touching Bases: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our first Touching Bases parent-teacher conference will be this coming Thursday, 9/13, from 3:30-6:30PM in the gym. All of our teachers will be in the gym for your convenience. These conferences are designed to be a "quick, touching base" to see how your student is doing. If you need a longer conference with a teacher, you can schedule it at that time. (Heads up: our next Touching Bases will be after 2nd quarter interim reports go home. We have a TENTATIVE date of Thursday, 11/15/17 3:30-6:30PM)
Rachel's Challenge *** READ THIS ***
Everyday in America 160,000 kids skip school because they are afraid of being bullied. Rachel's Challenge is a movement in schools across America that is helping to positively transform the culture within those schools and communities. When students are inspired to make their school a positive environment full of acceptance and encouragement, they find one that is free from bullying.
Rachel’s Challenge is coming to LCS on Monday, 9/17. The organization will do a presentation for E.C. Glass and ALL three middle schools. All middle schools will travel together to the ECG auditorium at 9:30 to hear the presentation. We plan on talking every student in the school. If you feel that you do not want your child to hear this message, contact Principal Dr. Brown at 434-515-5310 before Friday, 9/14 to opt your student out. Please watch the video below to get a feel for what this is all about.
Hello Parent/Guardians,
Greetings from the guidance department!! My name is Lazarus Hamlett Jr. and I am the new School Counseling Director here at Dunbar Middle School for Innovation. Mrs. Calloway and I have been very busy, and we are excited about the new school year. We have planned various groups, activities and career explorations. As someone who is new to Dunbar, I am looking forward to building a rapport with you and your child. Earlier in August, Mrs. Calloway and I presented a classroom lesson to all students during their gym classes. The purpose was to introduce the students to the guidance department and in what capacities we serve your children. Topics ranged from bullying, social media, confidentiality, scheduling, academic planning, to career interests. Please continue to look at the school website and the Principals Pen for updated information! As your school counselors, we want to ensure you and your children that we are here for them – and that they have an awesome school year!
Post from the PTO
The Dunbar PTO would like to welcome all new and returning families to the 2018-19 school year! Everyone is automatically a member of our Parent Teacher Organization and there are no dues to be paid. We hope you will spend some time getting to know your school and that you will consider assisting the PTO in our efforts with your time and participation. We had a very successful year last year supporting many new initiatives at the school and hope to continue the same this year. Please be on the lookout for all the ways YOU can get involved!
The 1st PTO meeting of the year will be on 9/10/2018 at 6:p.m. in the DMS Library.
PTO Future Meeting Schedule: We will meet the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the library; we try to keep meetings to about one hour; students and siblings are welcome to attend.
Want to get involved in PTO for 2018-19? PTO is always looking for people who want to be involved, and has a number of openings on the board -- or a number of ways to become involved as much (or little) as you'd like. Contact PTO President Jessie Thompson for more info at jmthompson5@gmail.com.
Stay in touch on social media: Did you know that Dunbar has an official Facebook page? Search for “Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation” to find the official one (look for the purple school seal and about 700 likes)! Then be sure to “like and follow” the page so you stay in the know! Like Dunbar Theatre? Check out the “Dunbar Theatre Connection” Facebook page and do the same. These are two active and current Facebook pages being used at Dunbar. And, for the first year ever, we have an Instagram account. Click here to join. You can also find us on Instagram @paullaurencedunbarpoets
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to the Lynchburg City Schools newsletter to get updates about what is going on around the school division. Click here or log on to www.lcsedu.net/community and click on the Community Email Newsletters link.
CLUBS AT DMS
21st Century After School Program!
"We're so excited to get started with our 21st Century programming for the 2018-19 school year! We have numerous opportunities listed below! Contact our program director Stephanie Andrews if you are interested in signing your child up for any 21st century programs! andrewssc@lcsedu.net
Dunbar Overtime, our academic/enrichment program which focuses on Math and English and offers enrichment opportunities (Art, Cooking, Herpetology, Fitness) will begin on September 10. We will meet Mondays through Thursdays, from 3:05-5:30pm.
Aqua Poets, our partnership with the YMCA Downtown, offers swimming lessons as well as nutrition and fitness classes. This program takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:05-5:30pm, and will begin September 25, 2018.
Kids in College, our partnership with Randolph College focuses on literacy. College education students will mentor and tutor our DMS students as they improve their reading skills through a variety of engaging activities and projects. Dinner in the Randolph College cafeteria will be served 1-2 times a month! This program takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:05-5:30pm, and will begin September 18.
Digital Photography- This class gives students an introduction to digital photography. Students will learn the ins and outs of how to use a digital camera, edit photos, and take aerial drone photos! This class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays...start date is TBA.
Transportation is provided for all participating students, and all of these programs are 100% free. Students can participate in Dunbar Overtime and also participate in Aqua Poets, and Kids in College on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Keep an eye out for emails with more information and updates!
Our Spanish teacher Mrs. Thompson is leading a group in the Spring of 2019 to explore Madrid and Barcelona. It will be an amazing, adventurous-filled experience and we hope you can participate.
How can two cities that share so much history still have their own unique cultures and character? In bustling Barcelona, step inside the playful and imaginative mind of Antoni Gaudí. In elegant Madrid the scene is just as artistic and lively, as you'll discover at the Prado (arguably the world's best museum), and during your very own flamenco lesson.
Questions? Send a message to thompsondh@lcsedu.net
German Club: Is open to any students currently or previously enrolled in German.
The club will meet twice monthly and will begin early October. Students will learn about German culture, language, music, and holiday traditions. Students will also do some arts and crafts. Meets from 3:10 to 4 p.m. in W102.
Garden Club
DMS Garden Club is starting back up on September 5 from 3:15 to 4:30pm! Bring a bottle of water and clothes you can get dirty in. If you have small pruning shears, please bring them. We are going to be tackling some weeds to kick off our gardening activities! An activity bus will be provided. Contact Ms. Rettke if you have any questions at rettkeel@lcsedu.net
Rubies: Is a club for any young lady in DMS who is interested in being a part of a group of girls who are: Respectful, Unique, Beautiful, Intelligent, Encouraging, Sisters. Our mission is to help our ladies build positive attitudes, build leadership skills, to provide service to the community, to build relationships, and to strengthen our minds, bodies and character.
Rubies Step Team- The step team is a branch of that club. Step is a type of percussive team dance in which students stomp, clap, and yell to make synchronized beats. It will focus on sisterhood, teamwork, and discipline. Start date TBA.
How students join: They can join by coming to any of our meetings. They can find and turn in enrollment forms in the main office.
When they meet: We meet twice per month. Our next meeting will be held this Tuesday, 9/11/17. 3:05-4:30
TIN Men (Turning Into Noble Men) starts Tuesday, September 11 and will meet from 3:05 to 4:30 p.m. All of the young men of Dunbar are invited to join the TIN Men. Every week TIN Men will feature a guest speaker, and we will begin conducting some community service events soon. TIN Men is focused on helping the young men of Dunbar make good choices and have good friends. They will learn about courage, character, honor, and generosity. If your son is interested in this club, please see Coach Sandvig for more details, permission forms are in the main office!
How students join: They can join by coming to any of our meetings. They can find and turn in enrollment forms in the main office
When they meet: They meet twice per month. Their next meeting will be held next Tuesday 9/11/18.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Who: Open to all students at DMS
What: A student led club that encourages members to mature and develop as a Christian student and/or athlete
Where: Communications Room
When: Every Wednesday morning @ 7:30
Just a reminder that all 7th and 8th grade students are required to dress out for PE each day. Students who repeatedly do not dress out could serve lunch detention. Gum is not allow in our school, but especially during Gym, which has a new floor. We find several pieces on gum on our floor each day, despite multiple warnings. Please email or call your child's gym teacher if you have questions about them dressing out for Gym.
Other School Reminders
Bookbag Policy- Small nylon sting bags are permitted to be carried by students throughout the day.
Students’ bookbags/backpacks are not permitted to be carried during the school day. Bookbags/backpacks must be stored in student lockers prior to first period. Students can take their backpacks to their 7th period class if they don't have time to get to their locker and make it to the bus on time.
Students with medical, IEP, or 504 plans may use their bookbag as stated by their prescription or plan’s stated accommodation(s). Students must receive this written permission from Dr. Glover.
Cell Phone-The use and possession of cellular telephones by students within the school building between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. is prohibited. Students using cell phones to make phone calls in anticipation of behavioral consequences, during a safety drill, and/or during an investigation will result in a referral.
Students are expected to have cell phones turned off and stored in their locker during school hours.
- First offense, the phone is confiscated and a parent has to pick it up from the main office.
- Second offense, the phone is confiscated and a parent has to pick it up from the main office, and the student receives one day of AIA.
- Third offense, the phone is confiscated and a parent has to pick it up from the main office. The student receives and out-of-school suspension. The student is banned from bringing the phone back to school.
School Board Policy for Dress Code- Student Dress
Students are expected to dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment. Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia or clothing that contains threats (such as gang symbols) is prohibited.
Clothing should conform to standards of safety and be appropriate for the learning environment. Clothing that does not meet these standards includes the following:
- Loose fitting clothing that could cause safety hazards
- Flip-flops and other footwear that are tripping hazards or injury risks
- Clothing that exposes or highlights private areas or shows an excessive amount of bare skin
- Hats and other head coverings, unless for religious or health purposes
Additionally, disciplinary action will be taken against any student taking part in gang-related activities that are disruptive to the school environment, which include the display of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, tattoo, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students requiring accommodation for religious beliefs, disabilities, or other good causes should contact the principal.
Students not complying with this policy will be asked to cover the non-complying clothing, change clothes, or go home.
- PTO Meeting 9/10 6:00 PM DMS Library
- Picture Day!!! 9/13
- Touching Bases 9/13 3:30-6:30
- National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony-9/13 6:30-7:00
- Rachel's Challenge Presentation at E.C.Glass.
- Always check the DMS website calendar for a complete list of DMS events
INNOVATION SPACE
After a failed start last year...we are currently we are working on setting up an Innovation Space in the lower library of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School. This space will provide an environment where students can conduct experiments, design, and create under teacher supervision. We need your help to make this a success for all our students. We are asking parents to contribute some of the consumable resources we will be using in our Innovation Space. As you clean out over the summer to get ready for the new school year, please think about donating any of the following items below.
The Golden Poet Award
As you know, our mission at DunBAR is to "Raise the BAR". An initiative we started last year that will hopefully help our kids do just that is called the Golden Poet Award. Students can earn the Golden Poet status once per nine weeks by achieving three out of four of the following standards: two hours of community service (must complete a community service form in the main office. See Ms. Bell for a form.), no discipline referrals or behavior issues, no unexcused absences, or a positive referral. Students who achieve the Golden Poet status will be recognized on the morning announcements and placed in a quarterly drawing for prizes. This is just another way for us to show our kids that doing the right thing, and going the extra mile, does pay off.
We will host a special awards ceremony to recognize Golden Poets and present each with a Golden Poet T-shirt during the second quarter in the DMS auditorium.
Encourage our teachers- We know our teachers and staff members work very hard and need a pat on the back every now and then. If you would like to recognize a staff member for going above and beyond, you can. Click here to submit a positive referral using our Google Form, or email me with your nominations browndr@lcsedu.net (Our teachers appreciate this more than you know!)
The Principal's Challenge
I will begin issuing a weekly challenge for all our students to complete each week. These challenges are simple and quick acts of kindness and respect toward peers and staff. Students will NOT receive any reward or special acknowledgement for completing these challenges. It's just our way of giving them the opportunity to "Raise the BAR"! Please help us out with this by asking your child what the challenge for the week is and how they are completing it. This week's challenge was to simply "write a thank you note to your parents or an adult that you really care about."
Before students came back my entire staff and I sat down and had a serious conversation about the values that we wanted to commit to exhibiting consistently for our parents, students, and each other. I am sharing those values that we all agreed upon, along with our mission, vision, and goals so that you can hold us accountable. We want to be about action here at Dunbar, not lip-service! We are determined to raise the BAR!
- Professional
- Respectful
- Responsible
- Collaborative
- Positive
- Helpful
- Inspiring
Vision- To be a National School Model for Innovation and Student Success for ALL.
Mission- To raise the BAR: Through innovation and inspiration, high expectations for ALL, and strong relationships.
Goals- National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and a Model PLC School
Theme for the Year: Family
Credits:
Created with images by cosma - "Quill Near Inkwell" • mindscanner - "Signpost "Counseling"" • the UMF - "Social Media v1" • ACP prod - "group of young photographer student on photography shooting workshop course indoor in a photo studio" • niroworld - "Spain Map 3d Shape" • Will Palmer - "German Flag, Berlin" • BRAYDAWG - "BRI - CAM" • michaeljung - "hands in gloves with soil and a plant" • Alex Green - "dumbbells"