• Dear Viking Parents, 

     

    It is my pleasure to welcome everyone back for another great year! We are excited to have students back in our classrooms and hallways filling them with energy and enthusiasm for learning as we begin the 65th year of the Tradition of Excellence at Dulles! 

    Our partnership with you and the community is important, and we understand that the education of our students entails all of us working togetherAs both a parent and an educator, I envision a place where everyone is valued, engaged in the learning process, safe, and enjoying their school environmentWe welcome your ideas throughout the year, so if you have any praises and/or concerns or would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact myself, Ms. Nancy Thomas, Associate Principal, or Mrs. Beth Sanchez, Executive Assistant 

     

    As we near the start of the school year, we will continue our expectations regarding student cell phone use during instructional time. Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of mobile devices throughout the school day. At Dulles High School, we are fortunate to have a variety of technology options which allow us to address the educational needs of our students, such as access to devices including laptops and iPadsWhile we recognize that cell phones are a part of our everyday lives, they are not a necessary requirement to meet our curricular outcomes. In order to support student learning, the cell phone expectation is that all students will silence their cell phones and put them away during all instructional time. Students will continue to be allowed to use their devices before and after school, during lunch as well as between classes. Last year we saw this change increase the amount of time students were engaged with their classroom activities. Should a situation arise where you need to get in touch of your student during class time, we ask that you call the front office. Please see our DHS student handbook for more details regarding our updated cell phone procedure

     

    This year, we are implementing a new procedure for ear buds/headphones. In order to support student learning, the ear bud/headphone expectation in class is that all students will take them out/off during all instructional time. Students will be allowed to have one in/on their ear before and after school, during lunch, and between classes. The one ear rule will help us keep our students safe during the day as they will be able to hear adult directives and be more aware of their surroundings. More details regarding this procedure can also be found in our DHS student handbook. 

     

    High school is a special time in our students’ lives in which they form relationships and memories that will last a lifetimeWe ask that you encourage your student to get involved in extra-curricular activities, or one of the many clubs and organizations that Dulles has to offer. Please visit our website to learn more. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s educationAs partners, we share the responsibility for our student’s success and want you to know we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities.  

     

    Some key points to take note of:  

    • Please complete your child’s 2023-2024 Student Verification in Skyward Family Access. 
    • The first day of school is Wednesday August 9, 2023The daily start and dismissal times will remain the same with first period beginning at 7:30 A.M. and seventh period ending at 2:45 P.M. 
    • Please check your child’s schedule in Skyward Family Access beginning on August 4th at noon to see the name of their 1st period teacher. You must complete the verification forms in order to see your child’s schedule. 
    • All students (including seniors with “off-campus” periods) will report to campus by 7:30 A.M. on August 9th to their 1st period class. Doors will open at 6:50 A.M. (Off-campus seniors will report to the cafeteria by 7:30 A.M.) 
    • Lunches cannot be delivered to students at schoolWe must secure our entry vestibules at the front door. Additionally, students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch. 
    • Be certain that your student brings lunch to school or has money in his/her lunch account. Please use the Fort Bend ISD meal payment system to add money to your child’s account. Please click here for more information. 
    • Students may not carry medication with them during the school day. Parents/Guardians must deliver all medications to the clinic. 
    • Traffic will be very busy around the campus during the first few days of school. I encourage you to leave home early, drive slowly, safely, and device-freeWe have many walkers – please use caution while driving on and near campus. 
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    Important dates to mark on your calendar 

    • Saturday, August 5th – Fish Camp 9 A.M. 12 P.M.; parent meeting begins at 11:30 
    • Wednesday, August 9th First Day of Classes 
    • Tuesday, August 22nd Fall Open House at 6 P.M. 
    • Wednesday, August 23rd – Meet the Vikes at 6 P.M. 
    • Friday, August 25th – First District Varsity Volleyball game vs Austin at DHS at 6:30 P.M. 
    • Thursday, September 7th – First District Varsity Football game vs. Austin at Mercer Stadium at 7 P.M. 
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    Become a Viking Volunteer 

    DHS’s Volunteer in Public Schools (VIPS) is always looking for help.  Your support is greatly appreciated either through making donations, assisting with school events, helping with communication, or all of the above! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email elizabethewoods@gmail.com 

     

    To close, I would like to thank you for all that you do for students and our school community. Together, we will work diligently towards maximizing the potential of every student academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.  

     

    Sincerely,  

     

    Mr. Corey Stewart 

    Principal, John Foster Dulles High School