DMS Panther Pulse
August 2026 - Welcome to the New School Year!
Welcome to the Panther Pulse!
Welcome to this edition of the Panther Pulse! Please read through the DMS updates below. Please check this edition throughout the month as it may continue to be updated throughout the month.
Go Panthers!
DMS Mission & Vision
Vision: Each student performing at grade level in all areas.
Important Dates
August 6 - Schedule Pick-Up Day - 9:00-2:00 PM
August 12 - First Day of School - PLC Day - 3:00 Dismissal
August 18 - Back to School Night - See Information Below
September 7 - Labor Day - No School
September 11 - Progress Reports Sent Home
September 17 - DHS Homecoming Parade
September 21 - Picture Day
September 25 - No Student Attendance - Teacher Institute
Welcome New Staff
- Mrs. Jennifer Grogan - 8th Grade ELA
- Mrs. Ashley Jump - 6th & 8th Grade Math
- Mrs. Katharine Ahlrichs - 6th Grade Science
- Ms. Maddey Haddick - Special Education
- Ms. Bree Cordray - 6th Grade ELA
- Ms. Iversen - 6th & 7th Grade ELA
Newly Added Information (Updated 8.27.26)
Next Level Ready Presentation
Join Barb Smith, founder of "Find My Team", as she presents to families that have students in grades 6-12 about the college recruiting process. The family session will begin at 7:30 PM in the Dunlap High School auditorium.
Back to School Night Presentations
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for Back to School Night! It was wonderful seeing our hallways filled with such incredible energy and enthusiasm. Your active partnership and involvement are what make our school community truly special.
For those who were unable to attend, or for anyone who would like to review the information presented, we have compiled the presentation slides for each grade level below:
Thank you again for your continued support and partnership. We are looking forward to a great school year ahead!
Sincerely,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
2026-27 DMS Traffic Pattern
DMS Families,
We’ve had a great start to the school year and look forward to our first full week of school this week. For those of you that drop your child(ren) off or may drop them off in the future, please be sure to watch this video that explains both the Dunlap High School traffic pattern as well as the Dunlap Middle School traffic pattern. A few things to note in addition to the information in the video:
All DMS students should be dropped off in the DMS parking lot. Students should NOT be dropped off in the three-lane road directly next to the school (unless otherwise approved).
Once you arrive to drop off your student, please have them exit the car immediately and quickly.
Your child does not need to wait until they are the first or second car to exit. They can exit the car immediately and walk toward one of our two crossing guards. Our crossing guards will stop traffic and help students cross safely.
Cars that arrive early, stop at the front, and wait, create a backlog of cars that backs up to the high school lanes and block staff designated parking spots. Therefore, upon arriving at the designated drop off area, please have your child exit the car right away so as to not create a backlog. Please do not sit and wait at the front of the line at any time.
Parents that drop off both a DHS and DMS student may drop their DMS student off with the DHS student at the red benches. DMS students can then walk up the sidewalk (staff supervision provided). This would allow that parent to exit the parking lot without having to make a second stop or having to go through the DMS parking lot.
When merging, please use the zipper merge method and allow a car to merge in front of you. This is a method that has been proven to keep the flow of traffic steady without creating a backlog.
Finally, please know that the DHS traffic pattern is different from the DMS traffic pattern. Do not simply follow the car in front of you as they may be a DHS family exiting the parking lot.
Again, we look forward to a great week and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
DMS Lunch Times
Please note the times on schedules had the wrong order of lunches. Below are correct lunch times for students at DMS.
6th Grade
10:39 AM-11:09 AM (10:30-11:00 on Wednesdays)
7th Grade
11:25 AM - 11:55 AM (11:13-11:43 on Wednesdays)
8th Grade
12:11 PM - 12:41 PM (11:56 AM - 12:26 PM on Wednesdays)
Schedule Pick Up Day - August 6!
DMS Families,
It is hard to believe, but we are quickly approaching the start of the 2026-27 school year! We look forward to partnering with you to help your student grow throughout the new year, and hope this letter is helpful as families start preparing for the upcoming year. Below is some important information as the start of the new year draws near.
I’d like to invite all parents and students to our schedule pick-up day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. During this time students and their families may receive their class schedules if they are up-to-date with immunizations and necessary paperwork. They may also access their lockers (no stickers), add money to their lunch accounts, pick up their chromebook, advance purchase the 2026-27 yearbook and tour and familiarize themselves with the building. Parents are also able to pay school fees, if they have not done so already. For your convenience, fees can now be paid online at any time. Please use the link here to create and/or access your e~Funds account to complete your payment. We will also have Kona Ice available for families to purchase if they’d like, we simply ask that you enjoy your favorite treat outside and after you’ve finished touring the school.
For families and students that are unable to attend and are up-to-date with immunizations and necessary paperwork, class schedules will be available on the Parent Portal of PowerSchool the morning of August 6th.
Also, please remember that all students will need to have proof of current immunizations on file before they will receive their schedule. All 6th graders need to have a physical, and up-to-date immunizations dated AFTER August 13, 2025, in order to receive their schedule and/or access their schedule via the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The school year officially begins for students on Wednesday, August 12th. Please remember it’s a full school day (3:00 Wednesday dismissal) and lunch will be served.
Finally, feel free to review the school supply list for the 2026-27 school year as well as the Fall Sports Information for upcoming tryouts.
I look forward to meeting and working with each family throughout the school. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at ajohnson@dunlapcusd.net or by phone at 309-243-7778 with any questions or concerns you may have. We hope you enjoy the rest of summer break and look forward to seeing each of you soon. Go Panthers!
Sincerely,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
Bus Schedules
HGES Families - You do NOT need to sign up for bus transportation. All students at DMS are automatically assigned a bus number.
DMS Arrival/Door Opening Times
DMS Families,
We hope you are enjoying your summer and are looking forward to a great school year ahead!
We want to share an important change regarding our morning arrival procedures. Beginning this school year (2026-27), the doors at Dunlap Middle School will open for students at 8:05 AM. This change is due to an adjustment in our teacher start times and will allow staff to better prepare for the school day while continuing to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students.
When students arrive at school, they will enter through the designated entrances and report to their first-hour classrooms for our Soft Start time. During this time, students can prepare for the day, connect with teachers, organize materials, read their AR books, and complete any needed morning tasks. The official school day will begin at 8:20 AM and students are expected to be in their first hour classes ready to learn by 8:20 AM.
Please note that students should not arrive before 8:05 AM, as supervision and building access will not be available prior to that time.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we make this adjustment. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to welcoming our students back for another successful year at DMS.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
First Day of School
Dismissal for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are 3:30 PM.
Traffic Flow at DHS/DMS Campus
Please watch the video below (ignore the dates) for a brief explanation of traffic patterns for the school year.
Do NOT stop in the left-hand lane. All DMS drop-offs should be done in the right-hand lane close to the front door crosswalk. Also, please do not wait until your car is the first car in line to let your child out. Not doing so will speed up the traffic flow.
Also, when picking your child up in the PM all traffic will flow through the DMS parking lot. Students should wait close to the front of the building to be picked up. Please be on the lookout for our students as you drive through our parking lot!
e-Funds for Schools Online Payment
Once PowerSchool is turned back on August 6, parents will have the option to pay remaining schools fees online! The convenient and secure platform allows you to check your current balance and pay fees through your account.
If you don’t already have an account, please refer to the parent guide below to get started. Your student’s ID number (lunch number/ part of their Chromebook password) is needed to set up your account. Feel free to ask your child if you are unsure of the number; otherwise, you will be able to access the number on August 6, once PowerSchool is accessible to parents.
Attendance Matters
Why Attendance Matters in Middle School
Middle school is a pivotal time in a student's development. Academically, students are building the foundational skills they will need for high school and beyond. Socially and emotionally, regular attendance helps students stay connected to their peers, build relationships with trusted adults, and develop routines that promote responsibility and independence.
Research shows that students who miss just 10% of the school year (about 18 days), even if the absences are excused, are more likely to fall behind in core subjects, struggle with engagement, and face challenges later in their academic journey.
When Should I Excuse My Child?
We understand that some absences are unavoidable. Please keep your child home in the following situations:
They have a fever, vomiting, or a contagious illness
They have a doctor’s appointment that cannot be scheduled outside school hours; Must provide documentation from the appointment to the DMS office
If your child is feeling mildly under the weather but is still able to participate in class, it's usually best for them to attend school. When in doubt, please feel free to contact the school nurse or office for guidance.
Communicating Absences
If your child needs to miss school, please notify the office by 9:00 AM by calling 309-243-7778 or emailing one of our secretaries (ceckles@dunlapcusd.net or eelliott@dunlapcusd.net). Providing a reason for the absence helps us keep accurate records and offer the right support if needed.
Working Together for Stronger Attendance
Last year, we made tremendous progress in improving our attendance numbers, and we are so proud of that growth. Our goal is to continue that momentum this year, and we need your help to make it happen.
Thank you for your continued support in prioritizing your child’s attendance and overall success.
District Attendance Policy
A continued focus for the district is to improve student attendance. Our attendance practices and policies have been aligned to the Illinois State Board of Education requirements and Illinois School Law. Students will be allowed up to 7 days per semester as excused for illness, mental health, etc... Absences for travel or other reasons not excused by a doctor beyond the 7 days will be considered unexcused. Make-up work and credit for unexcused absences will not be provided and students will receive zeros for these assignments. Please make every effort to avoid extended absences and travel outside of the scheduled breaks from school. A missed school day is a missed opportunity for student learning. Additional information on the attendance policy is available in the student handbook.
Minor Schedule Changes
Spanish I (Pre-AP), French I (Pre-AP), & Geometry I (Honors) – Transportation and Scheduling Information
DMS Families,
Although schedules have not been released yet, we wanted to provide advance notice for families of students who may be scheduled in Spanish I (Pre-AP), French I (Pre-AP), or Geometry I (Honors). Please read this information carefully.
French I (Pre-AP) & Geometry I (Honors)
Students enrolled in Spanish I (Pre-AP), French I (Pre-AP), or Geometry I (Honors) will attend class at Dunlap High School during 1st hour.
Transportation:
Students may ride their regular morning bus but will get off at Dunlap High School. Alternatively, students that are transported to school by family may be dropped off directly at Dunlap High School.
After class, students will return to Dunlap Middle School, on a bus that will be provided, to finish their school day.
We recognize that these schedules may result in students arriving late to 2nd hour. While not ideal, these arrangements allow students to continue pursuing advanced language and math opportunities.
Optional High School Visit:
After receiving their schedule on Thursday, August 6th, students are welcome to visit the high school to find their language or math classroom. The high school is open and welcomes students to stop by anytime on Thursday, Friday, or Tuesday before school starts to become more familiar with the building and their classroom location.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have and I look forward to seeing many of you on August 6, 2026!
Sincerely,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
Eighth grade students have received information regarding the 2027 class trip to Washington D.C. The opportunity to visit Washington D.C. has become an exciting trip for many middle school students. Next year’s trip is scheduled for June 2-6, 2027 with an itinerary that may include various historical sites such as Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capital, a host of national monuments and others in the Washington D.C. area. Feel free to review the informational slides and registration form below for those that were not be able attend the informational meeting.
Washington DC Information and Registration Form
Informational PowerPoint from Meeting
Thanks,
Antonio L. Johnson
Principal
Dunlap Middle School
Back to School Night
Dunlap Middle School is excited to host our upcoming Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00-7:50 PM. Back to School Night is for parents only. Please refer to the link here providing the schedule for the evening. We have expanded the Back to School Night schedule to allow all grade level teachers to present together in the commons to explain grade level expectations, Canvas, PowerSchool, Panther Pride, study halls, and other important information as a grade level team.
In addition, grade level halls will be open with teachers in their classroom for parents to visit (not for 1:1 meetings to conference about your child). We hope this accommodates those parents with multiple children at Dunlap Middle School, while also providing the opportunity to follow their child's schedule to see their classes and teachers as needed. We look forward to meeting all parents during Back to School Night.
Daily Announcements
Mandatory School Drills
Fire Drills:
August 18, 20256
September 1, 2026
September 11, 2026 with the Dunlap Fire Department present
Law Enforcement Drill:
- August 20, 2026
- September 3, 2026 with School Resource Officers present
Severe Weather Drill
September 17, 2026
March 9, 2027
- October 7, 2026
Support for Students at DMS
DMS students receive support in a variety of ways. Each month we will highlight portions of our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework and how the components aim to support the needs of the whole child.
This month we highlight the BIST behavior philosophy and the definition of MTSS.
Health & Medical Requirements
6th Grade Immunizations in addition to a school physical (dated 8/13/2025 or later):
- 1 dose of Meningococcal Meningitis given on or after 11th birthday
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B
- 1 dose of Tdap
- Current Dental Exam dated on or after 8/13/2025
- Proof of 2 MMR shots*
- Proof of 2 Varicella shots (Chicken Pox)*
- Proof of Hep B completed series (3 doses)*
- Proof of 4 doses of Polio*
*Likely completed prior to 6th grade
Medication Policy
A medication form must be completed for students that may need any and all over the counter and prescription medications. You can obtain this form by emailing Mrs. Cristina Santos at csantos@dunlapcusd.net
· All prescription medications require a physician’s signature on the medication form.
· All medications must be in the original bottle or package.
· We are only able to dispense bandages, ice and Vaseline for dry lips without a completed medication form and parental supply.
-Students that require emergency medication due to allergies or asthma will require an updated allergy or asthma care plan. These are available in the school office.
Lunch Information
Please ensure that there is enough money in students' lunch accounts for any purchases they plan to make to prevent a negative balance. You may put money in your student's account by clicking the button below (Adding Money to Lunch Account). Student Lunch prices this year: $3.15 per lunch. Free/Reduced Applications Available August 1, 2026. Apply online using MySchoolApps. Use the link below. https://www.dunlapcusd.net/cms/one.aspx?pageId=3071539 Special Note: If approved for Free or Reduced meal benefits and your student needs a milk for their lunch brought from home, the student will need to purchase at .50 cents. Milk is only provided with the school meal. Adding Money to Lunch Accounts: Middle school students can add money as they go through the lunch line using cash or check or add to their account through the Preferred Payment for all schools, MySchoolbucks.com. *Please be advised, (All Schools) if you deposit money on your child’s account after 9:30 am using myschoolbucks.com, there’s a good chance the deposit will not post to your child’s lunch account until after 12:00pm.
DMS Bell Schedule
The DMS school day starts at 8:20 AM. School is dismissed at 3:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 3:00 PM on Wednesday for PLCs. Our bells schedule can be found on our website by clicking here.
Early Dismissals
It is best to do so first thing in the morning or the previous day so a pass can be written for your child. If you have your child bring in a note, please have them bring it to the office upon arrival that day.
School Security & Visitors
In an effort to maintain the safest environment possible for our children, security measures have been implemented in all buildings throughout the district. All school doors, including the front entrance, will be locked during school hours. Visitors to the school will need to press the buzzer located to the left of the main entrance and wait to be let in by office staff.
Upon entering the building, visitors will be asked to present a U.S. government issued ID such as a Driver’s License, which can either be scanned or manually entered into our electronic sign in system. Once entry is approved, a badge will be issued that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of his/her visit. Upon exiting the school, visitors will be asked to give their visitors badge to the office staff when checking out.
School Supply Lists
Tech Support for Students
The District has a 1:1 Technology website that will help answer questions regarding Canvas FAQ, Chromebook care and Google/Chromebook FAQ.
If you are experiencing any issues with your Chromebook, and cannot find the answers to your questions, please contact the Dunlap IT help desk at helpdesk@dunlapstudents.net.
Classroom teachers and the office may not be able to support any issues with technology aside from general login instructions for district platforms.
DMS Athletics & Activities
Welcome to a new school year! We are thrilled to kick off another exciting year of Dunlap Middle School athletics and extra-curricular activities. Below are the latest updates on sports getting underway this month. Be sure to listen to daily announcements and check our Friday updates once school begins for additional opportunities and schedule announcements.
August Sports & Activities Lineup
Baseball
After a great run at Summer Camp (despite mother nature raining out our final day!), our DMS athletes are ready to hit the diamond. Tryouts start August 3rd, and Coaches Stone and Olson are looking forward to a fantastic season of Panther Baseball!
Cross Country
Our runners have been hard at work this summer and are gearing up for a great season! We’re excited to welcome Coach McNutt to the team alongside returning coaches Coach Baker and Coach Lanser.
Softball
Tryouts wrapped up last week, and our team is officially kicking off their season this week! We are thrilled to have Coach Wallace and Coach G (Fairchild) leading the team. A massive congratulations to Coach G on being named Clutch Sports Media’s 2026 Softball Coach of the Year after leading the DHS Eagles to a Mid-Illini title and 4th place finish in Class 3A!
Cheerleading:
Clinics start August 4th, and Coach Riekena and the squad are ready to bring the spirit for the upcoming season!
Dance:
Coach Cox and the team are getting ready for tryouts! Dance tryouts will soon be here. Clinics: Monday, September 14th & Tuesday, September 15th. Tryouts: Wednesday, September 16th.
Intramural Soccer
Intramural Soccer kicks off August 24 with Coach Gramlich! Don't miss this popular activity open to all grades and ability levels! Be sure to register online through SNAP! Manage to secure your spot.
📋 Important Registration Requirements
There are many ways for your child to get involved and connected at DMS. Please note that all participants must complete the following three steps prior to tryouts or participation for the 2026–2027 school year:
Sports Physical: Turn in a current physical to the office (physicals remain valid for 395 days).
Online Registration: Register your student for their specific sport/activity on Snap Manage. LINK TO REGISTRATION: https://schools.snap.app/dunlapms
Participation Fee: Pay the $90 Activity Participation Fee directly to the main office.
👉 Follow DMS Athletics on X @DMSAthletics323
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding athletics or registration, please feel free to reach out to Jenny Wilke (Assistant Principal) at jwilke@dunlapcusd.net.
Housekeeping Items Below
Archived Editions
Connect with Us!
Email: ajohnson@dunlapcusd.net
Website: https://dms.dunlapcusd.net/
Location: 5200 West Cedar Hills Drive, Dunlap, IL, USA
Phone: 309-243-7778
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunlapMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @DMSPanthers