To find Gwinnett County Food Security Resources:

https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/communityservices/foodsecurityresources 

"Avoid the BLUES"

As we wrap up this semester and look ahead to the new year, I want to update you about our continued efforts to keep our students and staff safe. Over the last several days, our students have responded extremely well to the new entry process we implemented in preparation for the official launch of our Evolv Weapons Detection System on January 26. Their flexibility, cooperation, and positive attitude have helped us prepare tremendously. Safety is—and will always remain—our top priority, and this system will allow us to maintain a secure environment while keeping student arrival efficient and smooth.

Because this is a new process for all of us, we are continuing to take time now to prepare early, and we invite you to do the same. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be practicing the new routines with students so that they are confident and ready on Day 1. A big part of making this work is helping students understand what items must be taken out of backpacks each morning before going through the system.

To help students “Avoid the BLUES,” here are the items that will need to be removed from their bags and presented separately for screening:

·         B – Binders
Whenever possible, students should avoid bringing 3-ring binders with metal rings. If you want to avoid the shopping crowds over the break, folders will be on sale in the Falcons Nest as an easy, inexpensive replacement. If your student truly prefers using a binder, please make sure it has non-metal rings.

·         L – Laptops
Car riders will need to remove Chromebooks from backpacks before entering, as they cannot go through the system inside the bag.

·         U – Umbrellas
These should only be brought on rainy days. Otherwise, please keep them at home whenever possible.

·         E – Eye Glass Cases
Cases with metal hinges must be taken out before screening. If possible, consider a case without metal.

·         S – Spray Bottles
Cologne, perfume, deodorant, and other spray containers will need to be removed—or better yet, avoided altogether.

We know this is a change, but with your partnership and a little planning, our students will adjust quickly. Please take a moment over the break to help your child prepare their backpack for second semester and think through what they truly need to bring each day.

Thank you for your continued support, your flexibility, and your trust. Together, we will keep our REAL Falcons safe, focused, and ready to soar.

One Family. One Dacula.

— Kimberly Bussey, Proud Principal

DMS Arrival Procedures

At Dacula Middle School, student safety is always our top priority. As we continue strengthening our safety systems and preparing for the implementation of our new Evolv weapons detection system, we will begin transitioning to a new morning arrival process, which begins Monday, December 8 for all students.

 This updated procedure represents the first phase of preparing students for smooth, efficient, and secure entry into the building once the Evolv system is fully activated. During Advisement, students received a lesson outlining what this process will look like and why it is important.

 To help families stay informed, you may access portions of the slideshow used during the Advisement lesson by clicking the link below:

We ask for your support and patience as we introduce these changes. Our goal is to ensure that all students understand the expectations, feel comfortable with the new process, and enter school each day safely and ready to learn.

 Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to uphold what it means to be a REAL Falcon—Respectful, Engaged, Accountable Leaders.

School Redistricting Information

For information, timeline, maps, and access to the GCPS feedback survey, please visit the 2026 GCPS Redistricting webpage.

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

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