Skip To Main Content

Panther Families Weekly Tidbits Jan. 9, 2026

Panther Families Weekly Tidbits Jan. 9, 2026

Panther Families Weekly Tidbits

January 9, 2026

 

 

A Note From Mr. D

Happy New Year, Pike Families!

 

We have jumped right into the new semester, and the energy on campus has been fantastic. It has been great to welcome our students back, see them reconnect with friends, and settle into strong routines as we kick off the year.

 

Classrooms are buzzing, relationships are being rebuilt, and there is a clear sense of excitement as students and staff dive into learning and activities together.

 

As we move forward, we are intentionally challenging our students to live out the values we promote each day—being safe, respectful, and responsible—in their classrooms, hallways, and throughout our campus. When students make positive choices and look out for one another, they help create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed.

 

Together, we will continue encouraging students to make a positive impact on those around them and to take pride in being part of the Pike community. With high expectations, strong relationships, and a shared belief in our students, we know this semester holds great things. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to help every student succeed.

 

Until next time....y'all keep on keepin' on, and always KEEP BELIEVING!!

 

Mr. D

 

 

 

The Panther Planner

Coming Up

 

1/12 - Math MAP Testing

 

1/12 - Pike Boys Basketball

  • 8th Grade v. Adams
  • 7th Grade @Adams Middle School
  • C Team Games start at 5:00PM, with the other games following. Average start time for B team is 6:00PM and 7:00 PM for A-Team.

 

1/13 - Math MAP Testing

 

1/14 - Math MAP Testing

 

1/15 - Science MAP Testing

 

1/15 - Pike Girls Basketball

  • 8th Grade v. Adams
  • 7th Grade @ Adams Middle School
  • C Team Games start at 5:00PM, with the other games following. Average start time for B team is 6:00PM and 7:00 PM for A-Team.

 

1/16 - Science MAP Testing

 

 

Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up

Thank you to all of our parents who have been driving their students to the back of the school this week. It has helped create a much safer and more efficient drop-off and pick-up process.

 

Even with an increase in cars using the back pick-up in the afternoons, we have consistently finished by 4:30, with only a few final arrivals after that time. I’ve monitored the cameras, and families who were at the back of the line at 4:15 were typically out within 12 minutes or less. This is great considering the volume of cars we have!!

 

Thank you again for your patience and cooperation. I know waiting in a line isn’t always the most convenient option, but I will always place student safety over convenience. I truly appreciate your support in helping us keep all of our students safe.

 

A quick reminder that doors open at 8:25AM. There’s no staff supervision before then, and we’re seeing more students being dropped off early—sometimes more than an hour before doors open. Please help us keep everyone safe by dropping off at or after 8:25AM.

 

To help keep traffic moving safely and smoothly, please follow these reminders:

  • Pull All the Way Forward: When entering the pick-up/drop-off zone, continue to the front of the line before stopping. Stopping early—even if you see your student—causes unnecessary back-ups.
  • Student Pick-Up: Students will walk to meet you once you have entered the designated zone.
  • Stay in the Zone: Use only the official pick-up/drop-off area. This keeps students safe!
  • No U-Turns: Please do not make U-turns in the drive lanes. This creates a serious risk of accidents.
  • Drive with Patience: Rushing or cutting into lanes can lead to accidents and unsafe conditions.
  • One-Way Traffic: Each direction is one lane.

 

Pike Awards Assemblies

Save the date for our Q2 Awards Assemblies. Reports have been running and parents of students that are receiving an academic or attendance award will be notified through email next week. We can't wait to celebrate the success of our Panthers!

 

 

Yearbook Deadline is Approaching!

Make sure you order your yearbooks before the 1/30/26 deadline!

 

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1079426/Gene-Pike-Middle-School/

 

Tardies...or hopefully lack there of...

Last semester, we had a number of students who struggled to arrive to class on time. This not only disrupts instruction when students enter late, but it also puts the tardy student behind when learning has already begun.

 

This semester, we are placing an increased focus on motivating and supporting students to get to class on time. We shared this expectation with students during our campus Zoom on Wednesday, and I’m happy to share that this has been one of our best weeks in quite some time.

 

Great job to our students, and thank you for your continued support in encouraging them to arrive to class on time each day.

 

 

Too many ParentSquare notifications? Change your preferences!

Do you feel like you’re getting too many texts or emails from ParentSquare? Just want notifications in the ParentSquare app? Change your communications preference to meet how you want to receive messages!

 

Families in Northwest ISD have full control of how they receive ParentSquare messages. To change your settings, sign in on the ParentSquare website and hover over your profile’s name in the top right corner to select “My Account.” From there, click “Notification Settings” on the left sidebar and turn on or off any message format (email, text and app) and whether you receive notifications instantly or each evening (in the “digest” option).

 

 

What Do You Want Mr. D to Know?

Thank you for those that have already sent us feedback, both positive and constructive ways we can improve. Keep it coming, as our continued dialogue is how we work together to make the school year positive for all of our Pike Panthers!

 

 

What Do You Want Mr. D to Know? - Click HERE

 

 

Join us on Facebook!

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/GenePikeMiddleSchool/

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/genepikepta

 

 

Helpful Links

Report an Absence:

 

HAC:

 

 

Canvas Parent Observer Access: