Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the school day start? How long is the school day?
The school doors open each day at 7:45 a.m. School ends each day at 2:45 p.m.

2. How long are classes? How many classes will I attend each day?
Classes are fifty minutes long. Each day you will go to seven different classes. You will also have a lunch period that is thirty minutes long.

3. Is each school day the same, or will I have a different schedule every day?
DMS operates on "A" day "B" day schedule. When students receive their schedule they will see only Monday and Tuesday filled out. Mon = A day and Tues = B day.
We rotate back and forth through these days all year. If school is closed on an A day due to snow then the next day we return to school is an A day.

4. How much homework should I expect?
Homework is assigned on a daily basis. You will be expected to record your homework assignments in your Student Agenda. It is also a good idea to have a "buddy" in each class who can explain the assignment to you.
Homework may include completing written assignments, working on a project, practicing your musical instrument, or studying for a test. Even if you do not have a specific assignment, you should spend time organizing your notebook, reviewing your class notes, studying vocabulary, or reading.

5. Does DMS have a dress code, or can I wear whatever I want to school?
DCMS expects each student to follow the BCPS guidelines about dress. The BCPS Student Handbook states, "Cleanliness and proper dress are important in setting the pattern of school and social conduct. There is considerable evidence to indicate a close relationship between student dress and student behavior." Appropriate clothing for school is essential to support an atmosphere conducive to learning. Dumbarton Middle School students are expected to show good judgment as well as respect for self and school in their choice of clothing.
Among the guidelines for dress are the following:

Some classes, such as science, technology education, physical education, and family studies, may have specific clothing restrictions. All students will be required to follow specific classroom expectations regarding dress related to safety
Skin-tight clothing, see-through shirts, strapless shirts, halter tops, or shirts that expose skin between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pants/shorts/skirt may not be worn.
Undergarments should not be visible at any time.
Pajamas and slippers may not be worn.
Shorts and skirts must be of appropriate length. The “appropriate length” of shorts or skirts is palm length (at or longer than where your palm meets your fingers when your arms are held down at your side).
Physical education uniforms should be worn only in physical education classes.
Coats, jackets, or heavy, bulky sweatshirts may not be worn during the school day. Coats worn on the way to school should be put in lockers and not worn during the school day.
Non-religious head coverings, including hats, scarves, and bandanas, may not be worn during the school day and should remain in your locker during the school day. Sweatbands and bandanas as headbands may not be worn during the school day.
Heavy chains and studded or spiked jewelry are not allowed.
Clothing, jewelry, and accessories which depict alcohol, drug, tobacco, cult-related images, profanity, or symbols related to sex or violence are prohibited.

7. What about the Cafeteria? The School Library? The School Store?
The cafeteria is open each day for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served from 7:50 to 8:05 a.m. Lunch lasts for thirty minutes and is at different times, depending on the grade you are in. Sixth graders eat lunch between 10:55 and 11:25. Seventh graders eat lunch between 11:45 and 12:15. Eighth graders eat lunch between 12:35 and 1:05.
The School library is open each school day. Books may be checked out for a period of fifteen days. Reference books may be borrowed for an overnight loan. The library also maintains subscriptions for several magazines.
The school store is open each day from 8:00 to 8:10 a.m. It is located in the hall near the cafeteria. The School Store sells a variety of school supplies, including paper, notebooks, pens, and pencils.

8. Does Dumbarton Middle have Computer Labs?
DMS has five Dell computer labs. There is a Dell Lab in the Library, Room 218, Room 104, Room 105, and Room 106. All five labs are connected to the Internet and are used by teachers and students to complete class assignments, conduct research, and locate useful information on the web.

9. Does DMS have after-school activities?
Dumbarton Middle sponsors several after-school activities. Although the activities vary from year to year, they generally include homework help (coach class), organizations like S.A.D.D. and NJHS programs, and sports/fitness activities. Activities are run Tuesday though Friday. Students who decide to participate in after school activities need to make arrangements to be picked up by a parent promptly after the activity concludes.
Check out the activities offered at Dumbarton by clicking HERE to go to the Clubs webpage.

10. How will I know what I am expected to do?
When you come to Dumbarton Middle School, you will be given a Student Agenda, which contains the Dumbarton Middle School Student Handbook. It tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about the school and what you are expected to do. Take time to read the handbook and familiarize yourself with its contents.

The Agenda also has a lot of useful, factual information in it, so you'll be able to use it as a resource for several of your classes. Most importantly, you'll use the Agenda each day to record your homework. Replacement Agendas can be purchased at the school store at a cost of $5.00 per Agenda.