DMS Mini Course Week – November 2-5

We’re excited to announce that all Douglas Middle School students will be participating in Mini Courses during the week of November 2–5 (Monday–Thursday). Please note: there will be no school on Friday, November 6.
During this special week, DMS will follow an alternative bell schedule to accommodate the unique structure of Mini Courses.

What are Mini Courses?
Mini Courses are offered twice each school year and are designed to:

Expand students’ experiences
Explore areas of personal interest
Encourage hobbies and new passions
Provide opportunities that may not be available in the regular curriculum

This is a great chance for students to try something new, connect with peers, and engage in learning in a fun and meaningful way!

We’re looking forward to a week full of discovery and excitement!

How to access your students' report card:

Parents and guardians are able to access their student(s) report cards using the web browser on their smart phone or on their computer.

Unfortunately, the mobile PowerSchool app will show grades and schedules, but it will not show report cards.

STEPS TO ACCESS REPORT CARDS:
1. Using the web browser on your computer or smart phone, login to the PowerSchool Parent portal
(https://ccsd1.powerschool.com/public/home.html)

2. Select your student at the top of the screen

3. Click on “Student Reports” from the left-hand navigation menu

4. Click on “Current Grade Report Card” to view your student’s report card

VIDEO TUTORIALS:
Video – Report cards from your smart phone
Video – Report cards from your computer’s web browser

Reminder: All DMS families are invited to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 28 from 4:00–7:00 PM.

Families are welcome to drop in anytime during this window to connect with teachers. Conferences will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure everyone has a chance to meet with teachers, each family will have a maximum of 3-5 minutes per teacher.

To make the most of your visit, please come prepared with your student’s class schedule so you know which teachers to meet with. You can find this information on PowerSchool or the CCSD1 app.

Converse County Public Health will be offering vaccines and immunizations in the DMS Nurse’s Office for any family wishing to take advantage of this convenient service.

In the main hallway, will be information about and ways for families to participate in our DMS KIT GRIT work.

Be sure to stop by the Commons Area for valuable family resources and information from:

• Gear Up

• School Resource Officer (SRO) – Safety Info

• DMS Clubs & Activities

• DMS Spirit Wear Store

• Parenting Early Adolescents – helpful tips and resources for supporting your middle schooler

PAC (Parent Advisory Council) Participate in their Stock the Lounge event by bringing an item to share with DMS staff in their staff lounge. Items can be dropped off at the PAC table in the commons. A list of ideas for items to donate is below.

We look forward to seeing you and partnering together to support your student’s success!

Suggested items for Stock the Lounge:

• iced tea

• Dr. Pepper/7-Up

• Cookies

• Jerky

• Pretzels/Chips

• Popcorn

• Diet Coke

• Ramen Noodles

• Gatorade

• Chocolate/Candy

• Dried Fruit

• Gum

• Drink packets

• Anything else they think the staff may enjoy.

You are invited to join us for the Douglas Middle School choir concert.

DMS After the Bell Club starts October 13.

At After the Bell Club, DMS students have an opportunity to complete missing/incomplete work (especially to be eligible for activities and sports), get caught up from being absent, and/or complete retakes!

After the Bell Club will be offered to any DMS students that need some more time to work on schoolwork Monday through Thursday from 3:15 - 4:30pm in Room 58 (Mrs. Olivarez).

This program will be offered only on full school days Monday through Thursday; not on any early out days. There will be a certified staff member there to help students with their work.

Students will need to show up at the beginning (3:15pm) but may leave when they need if they have a way home. There is a bus available for students that may need it at 4:30 pm, as well. This bus will take students directly to their home, so it will take students longer or shorter to get dropped off based on how many students need to ride the bus that day.

If this sounds like a program your student might benefit from, please enroll here: 2026-2027 21st Century CATS Enrollment Form, Grades K-12 – Fill out form

Students may come anytime they need extra time to work on schoolwork; they do not need to come everyday if they do not have schoolwork to do. If students come to After the Bell Club without first filling out the enrollment form, that is okay! A form will be sent to parent/guardians after the first day in attendance and is good for the whole school year to drop into the club as needed.

Halloween at DMS : Costume Guidelines and Dance
We’re excited to celebrate Halloween at Douglas Middle School and welcome students to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 30.
To keep the day fun, safe, and focused on learning, please follow these costume expectations:

🚫 Not Allowed:
Blow-up/inflatable costumes
Weapons of any kind (real or fake)
Face paint or masks
Blood or gore

Costumes must follow the DMS dress code and be school-appropriate. Students should be able to participate fully in all classes and activities while in costume.

After school, there will be a Halloween Dance organized by the DMS student council from 1:30-3:00pm:

• $3 entrance fees

• snacks, drinks and pictures for purchase

• students must meet eligibility requirements to attend

Thank you for helping us create a safe and festive environment for all students!