The Downing Dispatch: Weekly Update

Monday, Oct. 12th:

Fall Break - No School for Students and Staff

Tuesday, Oct. 13th:

• 7th Grade Girls Volleyball District Tournament - Day #1 @ Durham MS: D1 vs. Durham-6:30, D2 vs. Lakeview @ 5:30

• 8th Grade Football vs. Shadow Ridge MS @ Shadow Ridge: D1-5:30, D2-7:00

• DMS Orchestra Performing National Anthem @ 8th Grade Football

• Marcus Homecoming Carnival - Go and Support our STUCO by visiting their booth!

• 8th Grade PSAT Testing - Periods 1st thru 4th
• 8th Grade Volleyball District Tournament @ Downing: D1 vs. Delay @ 7:30, D2 vs. Durham @ 5:30
• Choir - Region Master Class @ MHS: 5:30 - 6:30

Friday, Oct. 16th:

• Orchestra: Mock Regional Auditions @ DMS: 4:30 - 6:30

• Marcus Homecoming Game: 7:00

Downing held it's first nine weeks pep-rally this past Thursday to celebrate the end of the first nine weeks grading period but also to recognize our students in Athletics, Cheer, Band, Orchestra, and Student Council. The fine arts performances were outstanding and cheerleaders did an amazing job in getting the students to show their Diamondback Spirit! Congrats to the 7th grade for winning the D-back spirit stick for the second nine weeks!

Last Monday and Tuesday, our 7th Grade students got to spend a day at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area going on a hike and participating in various outdoor activities and mini-labs. The day trip, even though a little muddy, was a great way for students to use their knowledge of topics such as ecosystems, adaptations, and succession and apply it to real-world situations!

Every Friday, we celebrate one of Downing's Amazing teachers with the Player of the Week Award! Teachers are selected by the previous weeks winner for going above and beyond helping students and staff in and out of the classroom! Below are some of the past winners!

The Whole Child

In Lewisville ISD, the whole child is at the core of everything we do as a district, including our students' mental, emotional and physical health. With counselors on every campus, LISD knows parents want their children to receive an outstanding education, but more importantly, they want their children to be nurtured and cared for beyond just academics.

LISD provides families with resources to ensure each child receives the support they need to develop every aspect of their being.

Please see the topics and linked resources below:

• Bullying/Cyberbullying

• Child Abuse

• Coping Skills

• Digital Parenting

• Goal Setting

• Grief and Loss

• Healthy Relationships/Teen Dating Violence

• Sexting

• Substance Abuse

• Suicide Prevention

Should you need more information on the above topics or are in need of support for your child in a different area, please reach out to your student’s school counselor–they are here to help!

LISD College and Career Readiness

What is Future Pathways?

Lewisville ISD is committed to support all students in grades 6-12 with college, career, and military readiness. Students and families will be engaged in a variety of interest surveys, college and career activities, and be provided with resources on financial aid, scholarships, and test preparation throughout the school year. School and community events will also be held to enhance students and families learning experiences. Click on the link below for more information.

https://app.smore.com/n/rxqv8-future-pathways-vol-1

Downing Middle School is proud to host our second Parent University on October 29th. This night we will focus on current trends in drug use that have become apparent in our area. The Flower Mound Police Department will have officers present to discuss their experiences with these new drug trends and provide information on how to keep your family safe.

This event is open to all parents in the Marcus feeder pattern. If you are interested, please RSVP using the following link: Current Drug Trends Informative Meeting. Please see the flyer below for more information.

As the second nine weeks grading period begins, the Downing PTA would like to extend an invitation to all students to join us for "Binder Hospital". What is Binder Hospital you ask? Great question! Binder Hospital is an informal meeting where a student will meet with a volunteer parent to help them get organized. At Binder Hospital, we have an array of helpful supplies that we offer to students in an effort to STAY organized; things like multi-color folders, pencil cases, extra pens/pencils, 3-hole punches and more. Binder Hospital is a time where students can declutter, destress, and be encouraged and supported by a caring, Downing parent. If you would like to sign your student up for a time slot, please complete the following form: Binder Hospital Signup. We will have more opportunities throughout the year for your child(ren) to get help in organizing their school work and backpacks.

It's that time of year! COLOR RUN 2026! This is an exciting and highly anticipated event for the students and staff. All students can participate for free, but you can also purchase bundles to enhance their fun. Bundles on sale now through November 2nd.

Purchase bundles here: https://downingpta.org/color-run

Our annual Veteran’s Day Lunch will be held on November 11th to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country. We warmly invite any relatives of our students who are veterans or active service members to join us for this special event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our school community to show appreciation and share a meal with those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. Please fill out the provided form to let us know which family members will be attending so we can plan accordingly. Please RSVP by Friday, October 30th.

If you are interested in more information about LISD's Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please visit the following website for more information: Child Nutrition - Free and Reduced Lunch. If your child(ren) were enrolled in the program last year, you will need to apply again this year. The above link will take you to the correct page where you apply online. If you have any questions on the application or whether or not your family is elibible, please contact the Child Nutrition office at 469-713-5207.

Just a friendly reminder about morning drop-off. We must keep the bus loop free of vehicles during morning arrival, between 7:40 - 8:05. Buses begin arriving shortly after the building opens and need to have a clear area to drop off students safely and quickly so they may leave and start their next route for the high schools. We also want to keep the bus loop as distraction free as possible, so drivers do not have to worry about vehicles passing on the left side or students getting out of cars on the left-side and crossing in front of the bus.

If you are dropping off an athlete after 7:40, you will need to drop them off at the south-side of the building with the other students. Thank you for your help in keeping our students safe.

All teachers are required to provide tutoring at least 2 times a week. Please refer to the schedule below to determine when your child can see a specific teacher. If you have specific questions about tutoring times please contact your child's teachers. This schedule will be updated regularly.

The new bell schedule is below. Remember that the arrival and dismissal times for all LISD middle schools have changed this year. Doors will open at 7:40 am and students will be dismissed at 3:40 pm. Instructional time will be from 8:15 am to 3:40 pm.

Why Should I Join the PTA?

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels, and building an inclusive school community for all families.

Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community. Click on the graphic at the right to join!

October 12:

• Fall Break - No School for Students and Staff

• 7th Grade Football at Shadow Ridge MS

October 14:

• 7th Grade Volleyball - District Tournament - Day 1: Time and Place TBD
• 8th Grade Football at Shadow Ridge MS
• Orchestra Performing National Anthem at 8th Grade Football

October 15

• 8th Grade PSAT Testing Day
• 8th Grade Volleyball District Tournament - Day 1: Time and Place TBD
• Choir Region Masterclass at MHS

October 16:

• Orchestra: Mock Regional Auditions

• Choir - All Region Auditions
• Band - All District Auditions

• 7th Grade Volleyball District Tournament - Day 2
• 7th Grade Football - TBD

• 7th Grade Volleyball District Tournament - Day 3
• 8th Grade Football - TBD

• Binder Hospital
• All-Region Band Auditions at Briarhill MS
• 8th Grade Volleyball District Tournament - Day 2

• 8th Grade Volleyball District Tournament - Day 3

• Tenor/Bass Hangout at Briarhill MS

• Orchestra All-Region Auditions at NW High School
• Band All-Region Auditions at McKamy MS

To view more a more comprehensive calendar of events please click here for the Downing Calendar.

Visit LISD.net/Calendar for additional information on district-wide events. To download the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar, click HERE.

Please consider sharing your appreciation with a District Recognize Someone Card during the upcoming year! You can even have your students participate!

Want to share how a Downing or LISD staff member has gone above and beyond! Click here for the district Recognize Someone form. These submissions are printed and then shared at staff meetings to celebrate each other!