Back on Track

What is Back on Track (BOT)?

BOT is a secure, quiet, supervised atmosphere in which to complete work. Teachers can refer students to BOT to catch up on work from an absence, revise/redo work that was not of acceptable quality, make-up missed assignments, or complete or take assessments. View the BOT parent guide here.

How does my child get home after BOT?

Students have the option of riding the Activity Bus or getting a ride from a parent. There are 3 different activity bus routes. Please note that the activity bus stops are not the same as the regular bus stops. Since the activity bus travels a more general route than the regular morning and afternoon buses, some children get dropped off at stops that are up to six blocks from the regular stops. For the most part, the drivers will stop wherever the kids ask them to, as long as it is along the route. Parents picking up their child(ren) from BOT should arrive at the cafeteria side of DMS at 4:15 PM.

How will I know if my child is staying for BOT?

In the case of a teacher referral, the referring teacher will contact you via phone or email to obtain your permission for your child(ren) to stay for BOT.

Can my child get tutored at BOT?

Although certified teachers supervise BOT, there are not sufficient personnel resources to provide tutoring services to students.

Is BOT the same as Detention?

BOT is not the same as detention! BOT is not a punishment. BOT is intended as an opportunity for students to get “Back on Track,” and to stay on track. DMS teachers and administrators have high, but not unrealistic, expectations for our students. BOT offers an additional opportunity for the students to meet those expectations.

What are the BOT dates for this school year?

The 2025-2026 BOT dates are as follows:

September 9, 10, 11
September 16, 17, 18
September 24, 25
September 30

October 1
October 7, 9
October 14, 15, 16
October 21, 22, 23

November 11, 12, 13
November 18, 19, 20
November 25

December 2, 3, 4
December 9, 10, 11
December 16, 17, 18

January 6, 7, 8
January 13, 14, 15
January 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5
February 10, 11, 12
February 17, 18, 19
February 24, 25, 26

March 3, 4, 5
March 10, 11, 12
March 24, 25, 26

April 14, 15, 16
April 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7
May 12, 13, 14
Mary 19, 20, 21