News from the Nest
Dacula Middle School
137 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 / 770.963.1110
May 8, 2020
Final Exams are Next Week: 5/11th - 5/15th
ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE FINAL EXAMS!!!
Instructions for completing each class's final will be posted on each teacher's eClass page.
Students will have access to each final exam for 24 hours starting at 8:00 a.m on the date that subject is scheduled. They may complete that test at any point during that 24 hour period.
Tech Tips & Reminders for Final Exams:
1) Using a Chromebook or non-Apple device? You will need to use Chrome as their browser when completing Final Exams. Using other browsers will allow students to sign into their GCPS Student Portal account but will not allow the different resources and materials to function properly.
If a student is using Chrome and having difficulties accessing assessments, you may need to change the Chrome user. This is important because when a user clicks on links, permissions are read based on the user from the Chrome profile, not just the G Suite/Student Portal accounts that you have logged into.
2) Using an iPad or Apple device? Use the Safari browser when working on a SchoolNet assessment.
3) Clear your device's cache & history if items you were able to access previously are no longer able to connect.
End of Year Information
Student Item Pick Up / Return Dates
Wednesday, May 20th: Item Return Day:
Any student that borrowed items from school will need to return them to school via car rider drive-thru. (instruments, library, textbooks, DMS Chromebook & charger)
These students can also pick up any items from school at the same time.
Thursday, May 21st: Item Pick Up Day:
All other students that need to pick items up from school will get them at DMS via car rider drive-thru. (instruments, medication, pre-ordered yearbook, pre-ordered pictures, pre-ordered 8th grade t-shirt)
Please let us know what you will be dropped off and/or picked up by completing this form no later than Monday, May 11th:
Final Report Cards will be mailed home on Friday, May 22nd to the address currently on file with our school.
Teacher Appreciation from our Students!
DLD Resources and Guides
DLD Instructional Overview Guide
We have created a DLD Instructional Overview Guide for families that covers instruction guidelines and online tools being utilized by teachers, daily "live" sessions by subject area, and grading policies.
GCPS Digital Learning will continue through 5/20th, the scheduled last day of the school year.
The attached GCPS Digital Learning Update provides information on a number of topics, including assessments, help for students who are struggling, grading, promotion, and graduation.
Student meals (breakfast & lunch) are available for pick-up at 67 designated school sites, or by delivery at school bus stops.
School Site Pick Up: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m, M-F
School Bus Delivery: 11 a.m.- 12 noon, making stops at regular bus stops
It is important to remember that in order to receive a meal, the child must be present at the school site or at the bus stop when the bus arrives. These meals are available at no cost to anyone 18 years of age or younger, no matter which school a child attends.
Tutor.com Now Available!
This service is now live and can be accessed from the top of our DMS Landing page in eClass with how-to instructions and video.
Students that wish to use this service must have a GCPL library card or be part of the Branch Out program through GCPS.
CLICK HERE to complete the Branch Out program form (if needed).
Help is available from 8am - 10pm with help for native Spanish speakers starting daily at 2pm.
Students will be able to get real time help, be able to submit written work for feedback (12 hour turn-around time), as well as be able to submit a Math problem for step-by-step help (24-hour turn-around time).
Overdue Library Books
Many of our students have overdue library books. Please do not worry about overdue items at this time. DMS does not charge overdue fines.
Plan to keep all books at home for the next few weeks. As we near the end of the school year, additional communication regarding the return process for library books will be shared.
Please continue to check the Dacula MS Website for updated information throughout the GCPS Digital Learning Days for school specific information located as part of "This Week's DMS Top 3" section.
Progress Reports are emailed home every Thursday.
Families should have received a progress report email from each of their student's Core and Connections teachers.
If you did not receive one, please check your email's Spam/Junk folder in case they were routed there instead of the Inbox.
Please reach out to the specific teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
What's Happening Around DMS
Current 8th Graders/Rising 9th Graders:
Registration is now open for the 2020 Summer Health & PE Class through Dacula Community School.
Please note due to Covid-19 both classes will now be held entirely online vs. in person at DHS.
Start date is Monday, June 8th.
We look forward to serving your child on-line this summer!
Register now through My Payments Plus.
Click Here for more information from the Dacula High School Community School webpage.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YYicpb2T8qei_zBG_WNyPeJuskmspY-in7by3f_Rh6Q/edit?usp=sharing
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Information (SB10)
Under a state law passed by the Georgia State Legislature in 2007, parents of students who receive special education services may request to transfer their child to another public or private school in Georgia provided that their child has an IEP and has been enrolled for a full academic year in a Georgia public school.
Letters explaining this program, along with transfer request forms, are now posted on the GCPS website.
Special Education Parent Surveys
The Georgia Department of Education is required to survey parents of students receiving special education services each year. The survey is taken on-line and is accessed through the Georgia Department of Education Website. Survey responses must be submitted by June 30,2020. A copy of a letter to parents with directions on accessing the survey is attached. The letter is in both English and Spanish.
Yearbooks are scheduled to be delivered to school between May 6th - 13th. As soon as these have arrived and a plan is in place for distribution we will let our families know about how to pick their copy up.
Thank you for your understanding and patience!
PTSA Events
Home of the R.E.A.L. Falcons
20/20 Vision Beyond 2020
Dacula Middle School will become a world-class school that provides a safe and nurturing environment where students acquire the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and beliefs to be successful in college and careers in a diverse society.
