Incoming 6th Grader Information

Posted May 1, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians and New 6th Grade Students: 

We would like to personally welcome our incoming new students and parents/guardians to Skinner Middle School. The Skinner staff is thrilled that you have selected our school to begin the important life passage of middle school. This is a critical stage in a student’s life and it begins to shape who they will become in the future. During your student’s time as a Skinner Scholar we will ensure that each student is academically prepared for high school and college options, as well as support them through this adolescent transition. Students will also be able to participate in a host of Core+ (elective) courses, clubs, sports, activities, and make life-long friendships during their time at Skinner.

To ensure that we hold your student’s seat at Skinner for you, please click here and complete the short “Declaration of Intent” form. Deadline for form submission is April 22, 2024.

We wish to share some important dates with you, please mark your calendar:

  • Incoming 6th Grade Family Welcome & Orientation – Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the Skinner auditorium. Please arrive promptly. Please also come prepared with your student’s six digit DPS ID number which is available on the DPS Student or Parent Portal. If you are unable to attend, the slide deck and class preference survey (for music and Spanish classes) will be sent out following the event. A fun, social hour will follow the Orientation. Pizza will be available and cash donations will be gladly accepted. 
  • Early Bird Online Registration – May 6 – June 5, 2024.  As in years past, DPS will be doing Early Bird online registration. If you are unable to complete your registration online for 2024-25 during the Early Bird window, Skinner will be offering walk-in registration assistance for incoming 6th grade families only on August 8 and 9 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Students must be fully registered to participate in 6th Grade Academy, Aug. 19-20. Skinner will be offering walk-in registration assistance for all grades on August 15 and 16 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
  • 6th Grade Academy – Monday, August 19 – Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 8:20 am – 3:20 pm 6th Grade Academy is mandatory. Lunch will be provided, or students can bring a sack lunch from home. Some topics include: Community Building, Skinner Core Values, School-wide Routines, School-wide Policies, Getting to know the Skinner building, Social/Emotional Activities, Academic Expectations, Locker practice.
  • Incoming 6th Grade Family Orientation and Q&A – Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 8:45 – 9:30 am OR 5:15 – 6:00 pm (choose one) in the Skinner auditorium. Please arrive promptly.
  • 1st Day of School for All Students- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 8:20 am –The first day of school will be all three grades. 

We are so looking forward to this middle school journey with your family. Thank you for supporting your child’s academic and personal success! 

Sincerely,

Julie Stephens
Principal, Skinner Middle School