We are excited for many reasons as we work through the end of summer. We have added Animal Science and Carpentry to our Career Tech Ed Course offerings. The new air conditioning in the U-building is nice and cold even on these humid 90+ degree days. Our new staff members are going through training as I write and will strengthen our ranks. Our sports teams are all off to strong starts. Student schedules are completed for all students that have turned in complete enrollment packets. The summer team has worked hard to make all things ready for a great 23-24 school year. Most importantly, we are excited to welcome back our students on Monday, August 28, 2023.

This newsletter will share important information so you can be prepared for the 23-24 school year. Please read it carefully and let us know of questions you may have. Also, the student handbook is attached and available for download.

Freshman Orientation is on August 17th in the main gym by the stadium parking lot from 2:30 to 4:00 for last names beginning with A-L, and 5:00 – 6:30 for last names M-Z. Students are split by alphabet to help reduce the crowd. The goal of Freshman Orientation is to allow Freshman students pick up a schedule, familiarize yourself with the campus, and hear about different processes and educational opportunities involving high school. Students and parents will meet key staff members, and learn of club and enrichment opportunities.

Open House is on August 24th from 2:30 – 5:30 pm. The goal of this night is for all students to pick up a schedule(if they have not done so already), locate their classes, meet teachers, gather supply lists, and orient themselves with the campus. Some teachers will have coaching responsibilities on the night of Open House and will have limited availability. Students and families can come at a time convenient for them.

Onslow County Schools updated the start times for all high schools for the 2023-2024 school year. This year students should arrive on campus between 6:40 AM and 7:00 AM. Instruction in first period classes will begin promptly at 7:00 AM. The school day will end at 2:10 PM. Please see the schedule below for our new bell schedule.

1st Bell- 6:45 AM (Campus opens to students)

1st Period 7:00 – 8:24 AM

2nd Period 8:31 – 9:56 AM

Homeroom 10:03 – 10:33 AM

3rd Period/Lunches 10:40 PM – 12:35 PM

4th Period 12:47 – 2:10 PM

Schedules were available for pick up last week Seniors and Juniors and this week for underclassmen. If students did not pick up their schedule, they are available in the front office from 8-12 this week only. If students don't get their schedules this week, they will need to wait for Open House. Freshman schedules will be available at Freshman Orientation on August 17. Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores will also be able to collect their schedule at Open House, on August 24, from 2:30 until 5:30 pm, from their homeroom teacher. Powerschool access for parents and students will open on August 24th, before Open House.

Any student who has an issue with their schedule will need to work with our School Counselors. Please use the link below to book an appointment with our School Counselors to get corrections made to schedules. Students can schedule an appointment time using the QR code below. In most cases schedules have been created based on student preferences with upperclassmen getting first preference. Schedule change requests are are not guaranteed.

Parking passes are required for all cars parked on campus on a daily basis. The cost of a parking pass is $25.00. Seniors and Juniors were able to obtain a parking pass last week. Any Junior or Senior student still interested in a parking pass for the upcoming school year should see Mr. Blair. Passes may only be granted if parking spots are still available.

Students may only exit and enter a vehicle in the stadium parking lot and in the annex parking lot. Please refrain from loading and unloading students on any side roads, the bus parking lot, or any side roads. This creates a safety risk to all pedestrians and drivers on our campus during these busy and congested transitions. Please be patient during the first week of school as new drivers, new students, new parents are all learning to navigate the student drop off system at DHS.

Bus Transportation Locator forms will be available at Open House in the cafeteria. All students who wish to ride the bus must fill out a Locator Form and turn it in to Transportation or their driver. Please be sure to stop by the cafeteria during Open House to secure your child’s spot on the school bus.

School buses may arrive on campus before 6:45 AM. In this event, students will be released from the bus at 6:40 AM and move to the cafeteria with school staff. Students will be released from the cafeteria at 6:45 AM and move to classes.

Please read through the student handbook with your child. There have been notable changes to the cell phone policy.

On Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7am, DHS will offer 9th and 10th grader who have already passed Math I the opportunity to take the PSAT. The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT. Taking the PSAT will give the test taker some insight on what to review for the SAT and the highest scores are entered into the National Merit Scholarship Program competition. In order to take the PSAT, you must sign up on the school's website. Sign up is open now and will close on Friday, 09/01 (we apologize for the short timeframe, but orders are due early this year!). On the website, go to Testing Information, then PSAT, and use the form to sign up. If you have questions, please reach out to Yanessa Miller, Testing Coordinator, at 910.347.2958, ext. 30021, when she returns to her office on 8/21.

*Please note: ALL 10th graders will take the PreACT on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

School breakfast for the 2023/2024 school year is $1.25. School lunch for the 2023/2024 school year is $2.50. Parents may pay for school lunches online at www.k12paymentcenter.com. To see if your child qualifies for free and reduced lunch please fill out the application www.lunchapplication.com.

Teachers will share supply lists with families at Open House, on their web pages, and/or in the class syllabus. Students should come to school on the first day with writing utensils and notebooks to write in. Please refer to the individual teacher for specific guidance on materials your student will need for each class.

Senior year is a busy and exciting time in every student’s life. Below is a list of significant dates for our graduating seniors to remember this year.

• Sept 13, 2023: Jostens on campus to present cap and ring information

• Sept 23, 2023 (Saturday): last day to place orders for cap/gown/ring with Jostens

• Nov 13, 2023: Senior Portrait Make-up Day

• Jan 10, 2024: Ring Ceremony

• March 14, 2024: Delivery of graduation orders

Early Release/Late Arrival/Online Courses

Any student with a period off campus must complete the "Alternative Schedule Agreement". This must be submitted before Sept. 8th. After Sept. 8th, any student who has not submitted this form will be assigned periods on campus (i.e. study hall for online courses or in person courses for LA/ER). The agreement must be printed and signed; you may also pick up a copy from Guidance or the Front Office. Alternative Schedule Agreement__.pdf

Big 5 Scholarships

Ms. Balsamo is still accepting applications for the Big 5 scholarship. Nominees will be notified the week of Sept. 11th. Application Link: Scholarship Package_.pdf

Student Passwords

Student passwords have been reset for this school year. If you need to access your accounts now, you may email Ms. Balsamo to request your new password. Please identify yourself and include your student number in the request. All students will receive their passwords when school begins.

Athletic Eligibility & Schedule Changes

All athletes should ensure that their schedules are set up to maintain eligibility. You may ask Coach Marks or Ms. Balsamo to check this for you. Eligibility is based on the semester prior to the sport season.

Seniors scenarios:

• 3 semester courses - MUST pass all 3 courses to be eligible.
• 2 A/B AP courses and 2 additional semester courses: MUST be passing their A/B courses and pass the 2 semester courses to be eligible.
• 2 4th period CCP courses and 1 semester course = MUST pass all 3 courses to be eligible. Dropping a course will result in ineligibility regardless of grades.
• Less than 3 courses = ineligible

In these situations, failing/dropping a course will result in ineligibility regardless of grades. This includes online and Coastal courses.

College Processes

Any student planning to attend a college/university/technical school in NC should complete the Residency Application (RDS) and FAFSA. The RDS is always open and may be completed anytime. You will need your RDS number to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA has been redesigned for this year to allow more students to qualify for aid. Due to this, it will open in December instead of October. All students should complete the FAFSA even if you do not believe you are eligible or have military benefits. The FAFSA is a requirement for many scholarships, grant, and honors programs.

Onslow County Schools has purchased 15 new walk-through metal detectors. This includes two for each high school and one at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. This equipment will be used at varsity football games, and possibly other special events as we move forward, not for daily school entry.

All patrons will be expected to enter through the metal detectors upon entrance to football games. If metal detectors go off, patrons will have an opportunity to make adjustments and walk through the detector again. To expedite entrance into the stadium area, only clear bags/backpacks will be allowed at events where metal detectors are in use. Patrons may need to come early due to the delay with processing through the metal detector. Gates for 7 pm varsity games will open at 5:30 pm. DHS' first home varsity football game is Friday, August 25th, against Topsail High School.

PowerSchool will open on Aug. 24th, any student planning to graduate this year should be coded in PowerSchool as a senior. If you are planning on graduating this school year and you are not coded as a senior, please let Ms. Balsamo know, to ensure you receive the appropriate information.

FF Contracts

Students who received an FF last school year(poor attendance) during the Spring semester will receive an FF contract this Fall. FF Contracts will be given to students at Open House (HR teacher) or in Homeroom once school begins. Students must maintain less than 10 unexcused absences in ALL courses to reverse an FF and earn the credit for those courses. If the terms of the contract are not met, the student will be assigned credit recovery to earn credit for that course. Contracts must be signed by the student and parent and returned to Ms. Balsamo by Sept. 8th.

NCVPS and CCP Courses

The application period for the Fall semester has ended. NCVPS applications for Spring are due by Dec. 15th, however, the earlier you submit your application the better. Students wanting to take CCP courses in the Spring should sign up to see Ms. Hamp in Guidance. Ms. Hamp will begin visiting the school the week of Sept. 11th.

Are you a parent looking for ways to contribute to Dixon High School? There are several opportunities for parents to get involved and support the Bulldog Community. Please review each opportunity below

• School Improvement Team: School stakeholders (parents, teachers, administration, etc) work together to improve the school.
• Senior Parents for Project Graduation: Parents work together to plan and fundraise for Project Graduation. This event is held the night after the senior graduation ceremony.
• OCS Quality Council/School Improvement Team: These DHS representatives will be responsible for sharing the information presented at the QC/SIT meetings with their constituency groups to include your School Planning Team. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, September 15th from 4:00-5:15 pm at the White Oak High School

Please contact Mr. Ehmann if you are interested in serving in any of these capacities.

August

8/16 Vars Soccer at E.Carteret, 6 pm

8/17 Vball @ Jacksonville, 430

8/17 JV/Vars Soccer at Ashley, 4, 6 pm

8/17 Band Parent Preview, 4 pm

8/17 JV Fball vs. E.Duplin, 6:30

8/17 Freshman Orientation, 2:30-4p A-L, 5-6:30p M-Z

8/18 Vars Fball @ E.Duplin, 7 pm

8/21 Boys Tennis vs S.Brunswick, Onslow Pines, 330

8/21 Girls Golf at Rock Creek, 2 pm

8/22 Tennis vs. E.Duplin, Onslow Pines, 4 pm

8/22 Vball at Southwest, 430

8/22 JV/Vars Soccer vs. Wallace, 4/6 pm

8/23 Tennis vs. Jacksonville, at J.Commons, 330

8/23 Vball vs. S Lenoir, 430

8/24 Vball at Topsail, 430

8/24 JV/Vars Soccer vs. E.Duplin, 4/6

8/24 JV Fball @ Topsail, 6:30

8/24 Open House, 2:30-5:30

8/25 Varsity Football vs Topsail, 7 pm

8/25 Teacher Workday

8/28 First Student Day

8/28 Golf at Star Hill, 2 pm

8/28 Vball vs. E.Carteret, 430

8/29 Vball vs. Southwest, 430

8/29 JV/Vars Soccer @ New Bern, 4/6 pm

8/31 JV/Vars Soccer @ Spring Creek

8/31 Tennis vs. Lejeune, Onslow Pines, 330

8/31 JV Fball vs. S.Lenoir, 6:30

8/31 Vball @ SLenoir, 430

September

9/1 (Optional) Deadline for PSAT registration for 9th and 10th graders who have passed Math I

9/1 Fball @ S.Lenoir, 7 pm

9/4 Labor Day Holiday- No School

9/5 Golf at Morehead City Country Club, 2 pm

9/5 Tennis vs. White Oak, Onslow Pines, 330

9/6 Boys/Girls Cross Country vs. Wh Oak, N-East Creek, 4

9/6 Vball vs. Topsail, 430

9/6 JV/Vars Soccer vs. Topsail, 4/6 pm

9/7 JV Fball vs. Heide Trask, 6:30 pm

9/7 Tennis vs. W.Carteret, Onslow Pines, 330

9/8 Fball @ Heide Trask, 7 pm

9/9 DHS Band in Shrimp Festival Parade

9/11 Vball vs. E.Duplin, 430

9/12 Vball @ White Oak, 430

9/12 Golf at North Shore, 2 pm

9/12 JV/Vars Soccer vs Northside, 4/6 pm

9/12 Tennis vs. Croatan, Onslow Pines, 330

9/13 Josten’s Ring/Cap Presentation to Seniors, Juniors

9/13 Cross Country at N.East Creek Park, 4 pm

9/14 Vball vs. W.Carteret, 430

9/14 JV Fball @ N.Duplin, 6:30 pm

9/14 Tennis at Swansboro, 330

9/14 Vars Soccer vs. E.Carteret, 6 pm

9/15 Fball vs. N.Duplin, 7 pm

9/16 Band in OCS Band Showcase, Jacksonville HS, 4 pm

9/18 Interim Reports

9/18 Golf at Jacksonville Country Club, 2 pm

9/18 Tennis at Wh.Oak, Jacksonville Country Club, 330

9/19 Tennis vs. Richlands, Onslow Pines, 330

9/19 Vball vs. Croatan, 430

9/19 Vars Soccer at Southwest, 6 pm

9/20 ERPD, students dismissed at 11:10

9/20 CC vs. Rlands, W.Carteret at Ft Macon, 4 pm

9/21 Vball at Swansboro, 430

9/21 JV/Vars Soccer vs Heide Trask, 4/6 pm

9/23 Last Day to Order Cap/Gown/Ring- Seniors

9/23 CC Onslow County Championship, N-East Creek, 8 am

9/25 Vball vs. White Oak, 430

9/25 Golf at Star Hill, 2 pm

9/26 Vball vs. Richlands, 430

9/26 Tennis vs W. Carteret, Ft. Benjamin Pk, 330

9/26 JV/Vars Soccer at White Oak, 430/6 pm

9/27 See You at the Pole, 6:40 am

9/27 Home CC Meet at DHS vs. Wh.Oak, W. Carteret 4 pm

9/28 Tennis vs. Croatan, Ft. Benjamin Pk, 330

9/28 JV/Vars Soccer vs. W.Carteret, 430/6 pm

9/28 JV Fball @ W.Carteret, 6:30 pm

9/29 Fball vs. W.Carteret, 7 pm, Touchstone Tailgate-Jones Onslow, 5:30-7