Panther Press Volume 7
Excellence,Everywhere,Everyday
Greetings Panther Nation!
WOW! It is hard to believe that we are already seven weeks into the school year. Time really flies when you are having fun! Our teachers and students continually amaze me with what they are able to accomplish together in a relatively short period of time.
With the end of the 1st Nine Weeks approaching, there is a sense of urgency in the air! If your student needs tutoring, make sure they are taking advantage of our morning and afternoon tutoring times. If they have practice or other commitments, the morning tutoring, which is built into our daily schedule is an excellent way to get it done early and not interfere with their after school activities. We want to make sure they are dotting all i’s and crossing all t’s when it comes to getting work turned in on time, and be present at school every day.
We appreciate your partnership in your child’s education, and realize we cannot do it alone. Building relationships with you is key to our success. We need you! If you have not joined our PTSA, please consider doing so. All of the money goes directly back to Duncanville High School.
Fall sports continues to go well for DHS Athletics!! Additionally, our football and volleyball teams are performing well this season. I think we can all begin to eye the playoffs and prepare for the postseason!
Again, and I think it bears repeating, our athletics are supportive of our academics. Sports and other extra-curricular activities together help create the well-rounded young students that are the hallmark of Duncanville High School. This is increasingly what the colleges and universities are looking for as well.
I appreciate all your support and let’s continue working together to help our students plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win as they move through this semester.
Michael McDonald
PSAT Testing Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 is School-Wide PSAT Test Day. All scholars in grades 9th-11th are taking the PSAT during the school day for FREE. PSAT results determine scholarship opportunities, Advanced Placement Potential, and eligibility for National Merit Scholar recognition. Calculators are allowed for use on the PSAT. Your scholar may choose to bring any of the allowable calculators.
Scholars will have a delayed lunch. Please make sure your scholar eats a healthy breakfast in the morning. Both cafeterias will be open at 6:45 AM. Also, if your scholar would like to bring a snack to eat during the five minute break(s), then it must be stored in a clear sandwich bag. Only clear water bottles are allowed in testing rooms.
*New Electronic Policies: All cell phones and wearable technology (smart watch) will be collected by Proctor (teacher) prior to the start of test.
ASVAB Career Exploration Program Test
Are you in interested in taking the ASVAB Career Exploration Program Test? The ASVAB is an examination that offers students insight into future careers in which they demonstrate an aptitude. While the test is created by the military, it is in NO way a commitment to join the military or even to speak with a military recruiter. Only YOU can release your scores to the military. Should you decide the military is an option for you, recruiters can use this examination to determine what jobs you show an aptitude for within the military. For those of you who already know you are going to pursue a military career post-graduation, this test session will not count against the 3 attempts the armed forces allows.
If you are interested, you can use the QR Code located around the building or the link sent to your student email to sign up. Signups are limited to the first 100 SENIORS and will close at midnight on October 10, 2019. Underclassmen will have an opportunity to take the exam later in the school year. Should you have any questions, please feel free to see Mrs. Rader, the testing coordinator, in I116 or your counselor.
Free AP Exams!!!!
AP Exams
ALL AP students listen up! We are about to save you some money!!!! That’s right, Duncanville ISD will now pay for ALL AP exams. All AP students are required to take the AP exams in May but now they are FREE! ALL AP students must log into their college board accounts to sign up for their exams. Your AP teachers have the join codes to allow you to do this. All AP students MUST login to College Board and register no later than October 31, 2019. For questions or assistance, see your AP teachers or Mrs. Rader in the testing room, I116.
SAT Tutoring
SAT Math Tutoring
In addition to Saturday SAT Math Prep, we will begin SAT math tutoring after school every Tuesday in room B223 from 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM.
SAT English Tutoring
English SAT/PSAT tutoring is every Wednesday for the fall semester. You will find us in B133 from 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM. Don't be late! We have valuable information to share and we respect your time. The English teachers can't wait to see you there as we work toward Academic Excellence!
Did You Know?
Duncanville ISD offers two career pathways within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster: the Animal Science and Plant Science pathways. Did you know that one of the best ways to acquire out-of-class experience in your chosen career is by joining a career and technical student organization (CTSO)? In Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, the most helpful CTSOs include:
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- Future Farmers of America (FFA)
And DHS offers all three CTSOs and more!
An in-demand occupation within the Animal Science pathway is Veterinary Assistant. In Texas, jobs in this field are expected to increase by 25% from 2016 to 2026 and the median salary for Veterinary Assistants is about $27,000. Most Veterinary Assistants do not have a college degree, but earning a Veterinarian Assistant certification and getting work-based experience will put you ahead of the competition.
Students enrolled in Duncanville’s Animal Science pathway can take advantage of free opportunities to do both! Currently, students in the Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources course are interning with Camp Ascend, where they work with animals in the petting zoo, and you can visit their classroom to see how they’re using an incubator to hatch a variety of chicken eggs to better understand the life cycle of the chicken.
Students interning at Camp Ascend
Eggs currently being hatched in Ms. Bartoo’s classroom.
Homecoming 2019
It's Homecoming Week at DHS!!!
See the flyers with theme days and activities. START PLANNING YOUR ATTIRE FOR THEME DAYS NOW AND LETS MAKE THIS FUN!!!!
Get your tickets for the DHS Homecoming Dance
Spirit Wear is in!
And so it begins! The culture and climate of a campus is somehow elevated when we all look and feel like one! It's not just about the shirt... it's the intentional meaning of each message and the progressive cultivation of pride!
Let's go Panthers!
Shirts will be sold during all lunches in the east cafeteria and at all home football games at Panther Stadium.
Small - 2XL $10
3XL - 5XL $12
Hoodies $25
Our Goal is 97% or Better Each Week. Good Attendance =Better Grades=Graduation
Friday Night Lights in Duncanville!
Football games are such a great showcase of so many talented students both on and off the field. While we are there for a football game, we are privy to wonderful performances by our award winning band, High Hats, and cheerleaders. What you see in these performances are not done by accident, they happen through a lot of hard work by students and staff. As you can see, we have really hit the ground running and are off to a great start!
#UnfinishedBusiness 2019 Has Started!
Panthers take down the Skyline Raiders
Duncanville Defense shut out Skyline 61-0 for the victory Friday night!
#1MillionProject
BIG NEWS! Duncanville ISD has joined forces with the 1Million Project Foundation to help ensure every high school student has access to high-speed, mobile Internet access. The Internet is a key resource for learning and completing homework assignments, and through a partnership with 1Million Project, every eligible 9th-12th grade student can receive a smartphone + 10G of high-speed data per month to help them reach their full potential!
Panthers, if you haven’t already, take the eligibility survey at http://bit.ly/DISDoneMillion.
Students who do not have reliable Internet access at home will be identified and their parents will receive an email with a 1Million Project consent form. Here’s a flyer with more information.
Panther Parent Expo 2019
Departments across the district are joining together to host the first Panther Parent Expo on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Families of current students will get insight into specific programs and initiatives offered in the district. They’ll be able to choose from an array of sessions that focus on their needs and interests. Participants will enjoy door prizes, student performances and much more! We are seeking volunteers to serve and support the event. Please learn more about the expo @www.duncanvilleisd.org/parentexpo. Students seeking volunteer hours, please see the following link: https://forms.gle/7fdw1dmspYhE6W3a8.
Open to All Duncanville ISD Families
Saturday, October 19, 2019
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Duncanville High School – Main Entrance
900. West Camp Wisdom Road
Duncanville, TX 75116
Please see the highlights for the upcoming week:
Monday, October 7, 2019
- NO CLASSES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
- Homecoming Theme: TWIN TUESDAY, Match with a Friend
- 3:05 PM Tabernacle Meeting – West Seminar Room
- 3:05 PM Culinary Club: Nachos – J165
- 3:05 PM SAT Math Tutoring – B223
- 3:10 PM TSI Testing – G101/G102
- 3:15 PM Y Achievers Meeting – East Seminar Room/B108
- 3:15 PM ACAP Rehearsal – H132
- 3:15 PM Computer Club – I106
- 3:15 PM Anime Club - Library
- 3:15 PM Credit Retrieval – East Cafeteria
- 3:15 PM Student Council – East Cafeteria
- 4:00 PM Varsity Tennis vs. Molina – DHS Courts
- 5:30 PM 9th Red Volleyball vs. Richardson - Away
- 5:30 PM JV Volleyball vs. Richardson - Away
- 6:30 PM 9th Blue Volleyball vs. Richardson - Away
- 6:30 PM Varsity Volleyball vs. Richardson - Away
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
- Homecoming Theme: JERSEY WEDNESDAY, Wear Your Favorite Sports Jersey
- 7:00 AM Mathematics Club – B237
- ALL LUNCHES DCP Pledge Pep Rally – East Cafeteria
- 3:05 PM Writing Club - Library
- 3:05 PM TAFE Meeting – West Seminar Room
- 3:15 PM YAG Meeting - B108
- 3:15 PM English SAT/PSAT Tutoring – B133
- 3:15 PM Guitar Club – J160
- 3:15 PM Credit Retrieval – East Cafeteria
- 3:15 PM Panther Players Drama Club – H124
- 3:15 PM Panther Engineering/Robotics Club – K124
- 6:00 PM Swim Meet: DeSoto/Red Oak – DHS Natatorium
Thursday, October 10, 2019
- Homecoming Theme: THROWBACK THURSDAY, Dress Up from the Past
- 5:00 AM Cross Country: Brewer Bear Invitational – Central Park
- 3:15 PM Y Achievers Meeting – B108/East Seminar Room
- 3:15 PM Spanish Club – K136
- 3:15 PM Chess Club – B215
- 3:15 PM Credit Retrieval – East Cafeteria
- 3:15 PM DECA Meeting – I107
- 5:30 PM Freshman B Football vs. Lake Highlands – DHS, Panther Stadium
- 5:30 PM JV B Football vs. Lake Highlands – Away, Wildcat-Ram Stadium
- 7:00 PM Freshman A Football vs. Lake Highlands – DHS, Panther Stadium
- 7:00 PM JV A Football vs. Lake Highlands – Away, Wildcat-Ram Stadium
Friday, October 11, 2019
- Homecoming Theme: Spirit Day, 12th-White, 11th-Black, 10th-Red, 9th-Blue
- 7:00 AM FCA Meeting – Athletic Office
- ALL LUNCHES Listen & Learn: Podcast, Audiobook & Popcorn - Library
- 5:30 PM 9th Red Volleyball vs. Lake Highlands - DHS
- 5:30 PM JV Volleyball vs. Lake Highlands - DHS
- 6:30 PM 9th Blue Volleyball vs. Lake Highlands - DHS
- 6:30 PM Varsity Volleyball vs. Lake Highlands (Faculty Night) - DHS
- 7:30 PM Varsity Football vs. Lake Highlands – DHS, Panther Stadium
Saturday, October 12, 2019
- 7:00 PM HOMECOMING DANCE – East Cafeteria
SEL: Kindness Counts
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process for helping children and adults develop fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to manage ourselves, our relationships, and our work effectively and ethically.
In Duncanville ISD, we are committed to supporting the needs of the whole child through SEL. Kindness Counts is a multi-faceted initiative that encourages students, staff, and community members to become emotionally connected and to cultivate respect for others. This is a commitment to change the culture of our schools and community by promoting kindness and compassion.
During the 2019-20 school year, parents and staff are encouraged to join us for our Kindness Counts Series. Each event in the series has a centralized theme.
Learn more and see list of events here.
Michael McDonald
Location: 900 West Camp Wisdom Road, Duncanville, TX 75116, USA
Phone: 972-708-3700