Our students have started the school year strong and have done a wonderful job easing into their routines. We are proud of the positive energy in our classrooms and the way our Falcons are engaging in their learning and school community. In fact, in recognition of our Positive Behavior Interventions and support, Dacula Middle School has just been named a Distinguished PBIS School by the Georgia Department of Education. We are proud of our REAL Falcons, who are Respectful, Engaged, Accountable Leaders. That is truly something to be proud of.

With that being said, I do have a concern that I am compelled to share with you. At Dacula Middle, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We strive every day to create a positive environment where all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Recently, we have had several students make the poor choice of making threatening comments regarding weapons. In addition, items such as toy guns or any type of weapon have absolutely no place at school. These actions, even when intended as jokes or pranks, are in direct violation of the Gwinnett County Public Schools Student Conduct Code. As a result, students who engage in this behavior are receiving strong but appropriate consequences. These behaviors are taken very seriously because they have a negative impact on the entire school environment and the Dacula community as a whole.

We ask for your help in talking with your child about the seriousness of their actions. Please take a moment each morning to check your child’s book bag to ensure that no prohibited items are brought to school. Most importantly, speak with your child about how their words and choices matter, and how together we can keep our school safe.

It is important that I also recognize the overwhelming majority of our students who make positive choices every day. They are working extremely hard and committed to being REAL Falcons. Their behavior sets the tone for a safe and supportive learning environment that benefits us all

Thank you for partnering with us in reinforcing these important expectations for our Respectful Engaged Accountable Leaders. With your support, we can continue to ensure that Dacula Middle School remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving place for all students.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Kimberly Bussey

Help Shape the GCPS School Calendar for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years!

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is reviewing school calendar features for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years, and your voice matters. Families, staff, students in grades 6–12, and community members are invited to share feedback on the features that are most important to them.  

Survey Dates: Monday, September 8 – Wednesday, October 8  

Weekly Progress Reports will be sent home every Friday.

They will be sent by one teacher on your student's team and include current grades for all of their classes. 

Progress Reports will be sent through Synergy.

Families that ordered Digital Picture Packages should have received these on Tuesday, 9/9th from Magic Moment.

Please check your Spam or Junk folders to see if this email may have gone there instead of your inbox.

For issues with Digital Packages, please contact Magic Moment directly: magicmoment777@yahoo.com

As soon as we receive the traditional picture packages from the photographer, students will be bringing those home.

** Anyone not happy with their physical traditional packages must bring them back in on Picture Retake Day on 10/1st. **

Parents,

Schools will no longer receive hard copies of Parental Rights Booklets. You can also find a copy of your Parental Rights on the district’s website under Special Education and Psychological Services Parent Handbook. 

If you would prefer a printed copy of your Parental Rights, please contact me, Charisse Deramus at charisse.deramus@gcpsk12.org, or your child's case manager.

We look forward to a great year of making an impact one student at a time!

Charisse Deramus

Special Education Assistant Principal

Children need healthy meals to learn. Gwinnett County Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. At DMS, breakfast is FREE and lunch is $2.75. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS?

• All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or TANF are eligible for free.

• Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free.

• Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free.

• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free.

• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Chart.

SY25-26 Free and Reduced Price Meal Application

We communicate through our website, social media, ParentSquare, and News from the Nest newsletter.

Please be sure your email is correct on the Parent Portal to ensure you are staying connected.

** If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please contact our registrar's office. **