Panther Press 25-26 31st Edition

May 10, 2026

Greetings Panther Family,

As we begin another exciting week at DHS, I would first like to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, grandmothers, guardians, and mother figures. Thank you for the love, support, encouragement, and sacrifices you make each and every day for our students and school community. Your guidance and partnership play a tremendous role in the success of our scholars, and we appreciate all that you do. We hope you enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing weekend celebrating the important impact you make in the lives of others.

This week also continues our AP testing season, and we encourage all students to come prepared and ready to do their very best. Be sure to get a good night’s rest, arrive on time, and bring all required materials each day. This is an important opportunity for students to showcase the hard work, perseverance, and dedication they have demonstrated throughout the school year, and we are confident in their success. We are proud of the effort our students have put forth and know they will continue to represent DHS with excellence.

Please be advised that backpacks will NOT be permitted on campus for the remainder of the school year from May 11th through May 22nd. We ask that all students leave backpacks and large tote-style bags at home during this time. If a Chromebook is required for class, it must be carried by hand, as backpacks will not be allowed on campus. Thank you for your cooperation, flexibility, and continued support as we work together to maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment for all students and staff.

With just 10 days of school remaining, it is important that we stay focused and finish strong. Attendance continues to matter, and every day counts as we close out the school year. Students should remain committed to attending class daily, staying engaged in learning, and meeting all academic expectations. These final days are critical for completing assignments, preparing for final exams, and ending the year on a positive note. Let’s continue encouraging one another to remain motivated, disciplined, and committed to excellence all the way to the finish line.

Upcoming Events

• May 11th - 6:00 PM: NHS Induction Ceremony - Alexander Auditorium
• May 14th – 6:00 PM: Top 11% Dinner (Invite Only) – DHS East Cafeteria
• May 15th – 7:00 PM: Senior Sunset - Soccer Field
• May 16th – 7:00 PM: Dallas College Graduation - Curtis Culwell Center
• May 17th - 3:00 PM: Baccalaureate Ceremony - Alexander Auditorium
• May 18th - 6:00 PM: NTHS Induction Ceremony - Shine Performance Hall
• May 19th – 6:00 PM: Athletic Awards Ceremony (Invite Only) – Dr. Marc Smith Teaching and Learning Center
• May 20th – 8:00 AM: Senior Walks - Elementary Schools
• May 22nd – Last Day of School
• June 2nd – 6:00 PM: DHS Graduation - Globe Life Field, Arlington
• June 11th - Diploma Pick-Up - Fishbowl Foyer

Let’s continue working together, encouraging one another, and striving for excellence in all that we do. As we approach the finish line, let’s remain focused, determined, and committed to making these final days of the school year meaningful and successful. Together, we will finish strong and continue to be the blueprint for champions.💙🐾

With gratitude,

To help us maintain a safe, focused, and positive learning environment, please take a moment to review the following reminders with your student:

• Headphones and Earbuds: Not allowed inside the building. If used, they will be confiscated, and disciplinary consequences may apply.

• Cell Phones: Must remain powered off during the school day. Students not complying will face consequences aligned with the Student Code of Conduct.

• Confiscated Devices: Will be kept in the main office for parent/guardian pickup.

• Personal Devices: Duncanville ISD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items, including cell phones, headphones, or earbuds.

• Headgear: Hats, caps, and hoodies covering the head are not permitted during school hours.

• Blankets: Not permitted on campus at any time.

• Student ID Badges: Must be worn daily while on campus as an important safety measure to ensure all individuals are easily identifiable.

Punctuality Matters
Being on time sets the tone for a successful day. Doors open at 7:00 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 7:30 a.m. Please help us by encouraging your student to arrive early and be in class, ready to learn, before the bell.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can ensure a safe and productive school environment for all students.

Stay in the Race - Attendance Matters!

As we dive into the second month of this semester, let's keep up the momentum! Every day counts. Let's finish what we started - together!

What is ADA:

ADA (Average Daily Attendance) is the percentage of students who are present at school each day. It is calculated by dividing the total number of days students attend school by the total number of instructional days in the school year.

Weekly ADA Tracker:

This Week's ADA: 88.05%

Last Week's ADA: 88.11%

Goal: 93%

Daily attendance plays a critical role in student success. When students attend school every day, they stay engaged in learning, build positive habits, and remain on track for graduation. Attendance also impacts our campus by supporting strong instruction, school programs, and resources. Importantly, attendance is a key factor in state accountability. Schools with higher ADA are better positioned to meet state performance standards, earn recognition, and receive funding tied to student participation.

Together, we can help our students succeed. Thank you for making attendance a priority!

Every Student Matters. #championsattendchampionswin

Students are reminded that a valid parking sticker is required to park in all student parking lots. This helps us maintain a safe, secure, and organized campus for everyone.

Students without a valid parking permit will be issued warning stickers, and security will not allow entry into parking areas without proper documentation.

Additionally, all athletes must have a placard issued by the athletic department in order to park in designated areas.

We encourage all students who plan to drive to campus to ensure their parking permit is up to date and clearly displayed. Following these procedures helps keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensures the safety of all students and staff.

Thank you for your cooperation and for doing your part to keep our campus running efficiently!

Members of the DHS Panther Construction program recently showcased their skills and professionalism at the CIEF Build-Off, held April 29–30 at Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus.

Students participated in a hands-on construction competition, demonstrating their knowledge in areas such as carpentry, teamwork, safety, and problem-solving. Throughout the event, team members competed for awards, scholarships, and industry tools, gaining valuable real-world experience in a competitive environment.

The DHS Panther Construction program is committed to preparing students for careers in the construction industry by providing opportunities that connect classroom learning with practical application. Participation in events like the CIEF Build-Off allows students to develop confidence, refine technical skills, and engage with industry professionals.

Ready to get started? Enrollment for the upcoming school year is open now. Complete your registration today and take the first step toward a successful year ahead.

www.duncanvilleisd.org/enrollment

As AP testing continues this week, please review the following important reminders to ensure a smooth and successful testing experience:

General Reminders

• Get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast
• Bring your fully charged district-issued device and charger
• Set your alarm early to arrive at school on time
• Enter through the metal detectors following normal check-in procedures
• Bring your school ID badge
• You must be in the testing room before testing begins

Testing Schedule

AM Exams

• Report to the testing room by 7:30 AM
• Testing begins at 8:00 AM
• No late entry will be allowed

PM Exams

• Report to the testing room by 11:30 AM
• Testing begins at 12:00 PM
• No late entry will be allowed
• PM testers must attend A or B lunch to ensure timely arrival

Prohibited Items

• No electronic devices allowed (phones, smartwatches, AirPods, iPads, Meta glasses, etc.)
• All devices must be surrendered to the test proctor
• No food or drink is allowed at your desk

Missed Exam Policy

• Students who do not take their AP exam will be charged a $40 unused test fee by College Board

Dismissal & Transportation

• Morning exams conclude around 12:00 PM
  • Students may bring lunch or go to the cafeteria after testing
• Afternoon exams may extend past 3:00 PM
  • A late bus will be available; however, alternate transportation is encouraged

If you have any questions, please contact:

Karen Cothran
Testing Coordinator
972-708-3826
kcothran@duncanvilleisd.org

Shunta Jackson
Testing Coordinator
972-708-3830
shujackson@duncanvilleisd.org

Good luck to all of our students—we are confident you will do your best!

We are excited to announce an important update regarding this year’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

In an effort to celebrate all honorees together, this year’s ceremony will now be held as one combined event recognizing graduating Seniors and Sophomore/Junior inductees.

📍 Alexander Auditorium
📅 Monday, May 11, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This special evening will honor students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding Panthers alongside their families and supporters.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community.

Hello Duncanville ISD Families!!!

Join us as we raise awareness of current mental health challenges during Mental Health Awareness Month. Duncanville ISD will observe May 11–15, 2026, with a week dedicated to supporting student well-being. Throughout the week, students will participate in activities designed to normalize conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of available resources and services. By sharing lived experiences, learning from one another, and strengthening community connections, we can create a culture where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to heal.

Duncanville ISD Counseling Department

Mental Health Spirit Week Flyer

Kaveion Freese was the winner of our Estimation Jar Contest during National Library Week! Our visiting author, Lamar Giles, shared that he loves gummy bears, which made the contest even more fun.

Kaveion guessed there were 245 gummy bears in the jar; just one away from the actual total of 246! For his impressive guess, he won the jar of candy along with a book written by the author.

The Technology Department will be on site at Duncanville High School to collect student-issued Chromebooks and accessories on May 15th, 18th, and 19th. Please review the schedule and expectations below.

Collection Dates:

• May 15 – 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students

• May 18 – 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students

• May 19 – 12th grade students (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

All students are required to turn in their Chromebook, charger, and case on their assigned day. Students who are absent will have another opportunity later in the week to return their device.

Students who do not turn in their device on the assigned day, or whose device is damaged beyond repair, will be charged a $325 replacement fee.

After May 19th, any outstanding fees may result in limited participation in end-of-year and/or graduation activities.

Cash and credit are accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Thank you,
Duncanville High School

• Poetry Out Loud is after school on Wednesday, May 13th! Please see Ms. Austin or Ms. Fowler for more information.
• Duncanville Reads is May 14th. Author Lamar Giles will be visiting our campus, so this is your chance to meet a real author. Already have one of his books? Bring it along and get it signed!
• The final chapter is near; all library books are due May 15th!
• All students will turn in their Chromebooks this year. Chromebook collection begins May 15th.
• Our final Beanstack challenge has started! Since May is short, read 200 minutes during the first two weeks and get two prizes!

As we continue through the school year, we want to remind everyone of the dress code expectations:

Students are expected to follow the district dress code each day. Please note:

• Hats and head coverings are not allowed.

• Open-toed shoes are not permitted on campus.

• A dress code violation is considered a Level I Offense. Consequences for all grades will be determined by the campus Behavior Coordinator in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Non-compliance may result in consequences.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment. Please take a moment to review these expectations with your student to ensure they are prepared each day.

Student ID badges must be worn every day while on campus.

In addition, all students are required to present their school ID for entry to all athletic games and school events — regardless of parental accompaniment.

Please note:

• Students assigned to DAEP, serving out-of-school suspension, or identified by an administrator as having engaged in conduct that raises concerns are not permitted to attend extracurricular events.

These expectations help us maintain a safe and positive environment for all students and families. Thank you for your support in reinforcing these guidelines with your child.

To ensure students arrive to class on time and maximize learning, our campus will continue with Tardy Sweeps. This process helps reduce crowded hallways and minimize classroom interruptions.

What Students Need to Know:

• Be in class when the bell rings. Once the bell rings, classroom doors will be locked.

• If caught in a Tardy Sweep, students must report to a Tardy Station for documentation before returning to class.

• Tardies accumulate across all classes in a single day, not just in one class.

We ask for your support in reminding students about the importance of being on time and ready to learn each day. To support this effort, we are also making adjustments to our tardy system to account for travel time between classes in some student schedules.

Together, we can maintain a positive, focused learning environment. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s success!

In compliance with a new state law, students across Texas will be prohibited from using personal digital communications devices during the school day. Students can continue to use school-issued Chromebooks and similar educational devices.

All personal communication devices must be turned off and stored during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, tablets, gaming devices, smart glasses, and any other personal device capable of wireless communication.

To learn more and view the offenses and consequences for elementary and secondary students, please visit duncanvilleisd.org/hb1481.

ALL Duncanville ISD students will be required to bring a CLEAR backpack to school for the 2025-2026 school year. Information and FAQ's can be found on our website.

THANK YOU for supporting our clear backpack policy. Please visit our district website for specific details.

https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/clearbackpacks

Parents, if you’re having trouble accessing StopFinder to view your child’s bus route, please first confirm that you selected “Transportation” in Skyward when enrolling your student for the 2025–2026 school year. After selecting transportation and being confirmed as eligible for bus service, you should have received an email from StopFinder with instructions to activate your account.

This email was sent to the Parent/Guardian 1 email address listed in Skyward. Please search your inbox for an email from no-reply@stopfinder.com with the subject line “Duncanville ISD: Welcome to Stopfinder/Bienvenido a Stopfinder.”

With the SpotFinder app, you can:

✅ View your child’s bus schedule

✅Receive push notifications about schedule changes

✅Get real-time location updates for your child’s bus by setting custom alert zones

If you did not receive this email, please verify that your email address in Skyward is current. For further assistance, please contact the Duncanville ISD Transportation Department at 972-708-2280. Thank you for your understanding & cooperation.

The lunch application for the 2025–26 school year is now live! Please use the link below to complete an application for your student(s):

Complete Your Application » dville.it/SchoolLunchApp

Need help? This short video tutorial explains how to complete the application step by step:

How to Complete the Application » dville.it/LunchAppHelp

Thank you for your attention, and we appreciate your support in ensuring every student is ready for the new school year!

More Students Qualify for FREE School Meals! 🍎

Starting this school year, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will now receive breakfast and lunch at no cost — for both the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years!

Healthy meals = better focus, more energy, and success in the classroom.

Contact your child’s school to learn more and find out how to apply. 📲 More info at www.SquareMeals.org

We encourage parents to use Skyward Family Access to monitor student academic progress and attendance. This web-based program allows you to view your student’s assignments, grades and attendance on a daily basis. To receive automatic notifications of grades and daily attendance:

• Log into Skyward Family/Student Access
• Turn on notifications for assignments, attendance, and grades

DHS is a closed campus. Scholars are required to remain on campus from the start of school until the end of school. Scholars are not permitted to leave campus for lunch.

We will not permit scholars to receive outside lunch delivered from delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash, etc.

This is for the protection of all of our students. We cannot have fast food delivery drivers looking for students on campus. If food is delivered to campus, we will refuse to accept it.

We welcome you to come and eat lunch with your scholar. Please contact your scholar’s grade level administrator at least 24 hours in advance and ensure you are prepared with the proper identification to receive a visitor’s pass. You will need your ID or Driver’s License. Please only bring lunch for your scholar.

Email: akile@duncanvilleisd.org
Website: www.duncanvilleisd.org
Location: 900 West Camp Wisdom Road, Duncanville TX 75116
Phone: 972-708-3700
Facebook: facebook.com/DuncanvilleHighSchool
Twitter: @duncanville_HS