The Downing Dispatch: Weekly Update

Monday, Oct. 26th:

• Red Ribbon Week - Wear Red
• 7th Grade Football vs. Creek Valley at MHS: D1-5:30, D2 - 7:00

Tuesday, Oct. 27th:

• Red Ribbon Week - Wear Workout Gear

• Red Ribbon Week - Wear a Cape
• 6th Grade Field Trip - Allen Americans Game - STEM Day: Departure at 8:30, Return to Campus - 2:00
• Band/Choir/Orchestra/Theater Masquerade Social at InterSkate: 6:00 - 8:00
• Parent University for MHS Feeder Schools - Current Drug Trends Presented by FM Police in Downing Cafeteria: 6:00 - 7:30

Friday, Oct. 30th:

• Red Ribbon Week - Wear PJ's

• Fine Arts Picture Day

• ALS and AVLS classes at MHS for the Marcus Halloween Bash: 10:30 - 12:30

• Band Pizza Fundraiser during all lunches - See Flyer Below for ordering

• Collegiate Academy visiting during B and C lunches

• End of 3 Weeks Grading Period - 2P1

• Happy Halloween!

• Daylight Savings - Fall Back!

• EMHI Lessons by Counselors through Math Classes

Each year, TEA provides parents an accountability report on the performance of every school in the state. This past year, Downing earned an overall score of an "A" and also was credited with three distinctions: Academic Achievement in Math, Academic Achievement in Social Studies, Post-Secondary Readiness. For more information and data, please click on the link below.

Campus accountability ratings and distinction designations can be accessed using the link on your student’s report card or by visiting https://txschools.gov.

The Downing Band is have their annual pizza fundraiser on Friday, October 30th. MONDAY, OCT. 26TH IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER! Please click on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/DMSpizza26

Please see the flyer below for more information!

All grade levels will be completing an ELAR STAAR Interim test on Tuesday, October 27th. Students will be taking the test for the 1st three periods of the day (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Period). We will resume the regular bell schedule starting with 4th period. All lunches will be at normal times.

All students will need to report to campus by 8:15 in order to take the test.

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.

Red Ribbon Week is COMING!! This year's theme is "Make a Difference and Be A Hero"! Red Ribbon Week is about having fun and dressing up BUT the main purpose is awareness. Helpful tools for parents can be found below:

• Flyers in English & Spanish

• Conversation Starter Cards

• Ask the Experts videos/Parent Preview

• TEA Fentanyl Resources

• Link to www.redribbon.org

• Info about Medication Disposal Day

In conjunction with the 7th grade social next week, we are collecting bars of soap for Dress to Learn. Collection boxes will be in the breezeway all next week. Please consider donating to this wonderful organization. Any donation is beneficial.

In LISD, our vision for students is clear. We want to graduate confident young adults equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive and adapt for their future. For some students, this future involves continuing their education on a college campus. For other students, the future might mean immediate entry into the workforce. And for others, the future might mean enlistment in the Armed Forces to serve our country. For more information about CCMR (College, Career, Military Readiness) click on the following link to open up a SMORE newsletter: LISD CCMR

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

We need YOU! We need all the volunteers to help with this year's Color Run. Scan the QR code or use the link to sign up to help! We appreciate all that you do to make this event a success for our school.

Color Run Volunteer Signup

DON'T FORGET THAT THE DEADLINE TO RSVP IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH! 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. Come join us for a traditional family style cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, and sides. Please fill out the provided form to let us know which family members will be attending so we can plan accordingly.

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.

Both Division 1 and 2 7th Grade Volleyball wrapped up their seasons with an amazing show at the district tournament. The D1 girls brought home a championship trophy by beating Briarhill MS in 3 sets. The D2 ladies also played Briarhill in the finals and fought extremely hard as well. They earned the runner-up spot in the district. Congratulations to all the girls and the coaches on an amazing season!

This week's Downing Player of the Week is our amazing ALS Teacher Ms. Gardiner! This is a well-deserved recognition! Ms. Gardiner works hard to create a very kind and inviting classroom for her students! Congratulations Ms. Gardiner!

November 2:

• Early Mental Health Information Lessons through Math classes
• 7th Grade Football - TBD

• Election Day - No School for Students

• Early Mental Health Information Lessons through Math classes
• Downing Theater: Spring Musical Auditions

• Kindness Club Meeting in morning
• Early Mental Health Information Lessons through Math classes
• Downing Theater: Spring Musical Auditions
  

• Early Mental Health Information Lessons through Math classes
• PTA Color Run
• Theater UIL - One Act Play Clinic at FMHS

• 7th Grade Girls and Boys Basketball vs. Shadow Ridge

• DMS Veterans Day Lunch

November 12:

• 8th Grade Girls and Boys Basketball vs. Shadow Ridge

November 13:

• Theater UIL One Act Play - Public Performance in DMS Cafeteria

• Choir All-Region Clinic and Concert at Argyle HS

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.

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!

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!