February 12, 2009

The second semester is well underway!  Late work policies have shifted to the next grade level's policy in an effort to prepare students for the next school year.  Please be sure your child completes his/her homework on time in order to get full credit for the work.

Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is around the corner.  Please refer to the following dates for your child's paperwork:

8th graders register for high school from 2/20 - 2/27.  See the link for a parent meeting letter that went home 2/11.

7th graders register for classes 3/4 - 3/11.

6th graders register for classes 3/5 - 3/12.

5th graders register for classes 3/23 - 3/30.  The annual Recruiting Concert will be held the morning of 3/23 with a Parent Night mtg from 6 - 7 on 3/23. Flyers forthcoming to all 5th graders SOON!

It is important for students to return their registration paperwork on time as some classes fill up quickly.  Thank you for taking note of these dates, and for thoroughly discussing your child's coursework. 

As always, be in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.  Together we can lead our students down the road of success! 

November 20, 2008 

Downing is polling parents as to a preference for the midterm exam schedule.  Visit the DMS homepage to vote for exams before or after the holiday break. 

Report cards come home tomorrow, Nov. 21.  Thank you for signing the report card cover letters and returning them to your child's second period teacher. 

Thanks to all the parents who supported PTA's Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser!  A great time was had by all, including us teachers and staff!

Please contact me if I can help arrange a parent teacher conference for you.  We are here to help your student have a successful schoolyear!  Thanks for your continued support. 

September 16, 2008



We are now "full steam" in terms of academics & athletics at Downing. In addition, we are forming counseling groups at this time in an effort to meet the differing needs of our students. A flyer recently went home with all students (w/progress reports) outlining the groups we are forming this semester. They include: BFF Club, Guy Talk, Study Buddies, All for One (cancer/terminal illness support group), New Horizons (loss/divorce support), & Smooth Move (new student support). Please let us know if your child might benefit from one of these groups!



This Thursday at 6:00 LISD's Drug Task Force (now called CHOICES) is holding an informational meeting regarding current drug trends in north Texas. All parents are welcome, and the meeting is in the Bolin Building Board Room on Main St at Garden Ridge.



Open House is scheduled for Wed. Sept 24 from 7-9. We will run a mini-bell schedule, so plan to bring your child's schedule with you to the event. Please stop by the counselor's table in the front hallway and introduce yourself. We will have materials available for you to preview and peruse.





September 2, 2008



Welcome to the start of another exciting school year. Students are making the transition from summer to academics very smoothly. Thank you for visiting my SchoolNotes page! Be sure and check the "notify me" feature of my SchoolNotes page to stay in touch with updates throughout the year.



The Counseling Department has been busy finalizing student schedules to ensure a smooth schoolyear. Future requests for schedule changes should be channeled to DMS Administration for approval.



DMS counselors will visit student classes periodically for guidance lessons related to topics such as bullying/harassment, cyber safety, drug awareness and prevention, and career and college investigations. We strive to improve the lives of our students both acadmically and socially.



Downing welcomes nearly sixty new students to our school. The counselors will host Newcomers' Parties by grade level this Friday during school.



The first progress report date is Friday, September 12; official school correspondence will come via second period teachers ("homeroom"). Likewise, students should also return school paperwork to their second period teacher.



Be on the lookout for a flyer regarding counseling groups offered this semester. The info flyer will come home with progress reports on the 12th.



During Open House the counselors will have materials available for parents to peruse and preview. Please stop by and introduce yourself!



I am available to help in numerous ways regarding your student. Please drop me an email, make an appt, or give me a ring as needed.



Thank you for your continued support!



Natalie Melton

Counselor A-J

972-350-1400