Frequently Asked Questions
See anything in these FAQ that looks incorrect or missing?
Please let website@fbmspto.org know.
Enrollment/Registration
Enrollment/New Student Registration Info (houstonisd.org), click here
As always, you can get more detailed information directly from the FBMS school website and FBMS website school info.
General Information
What are school hours?
All HISD middle schools hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm.
For a detailed bell schedule, click here.
Any students remaining on campus after school is out must go to the cafeteria unless they are participating in tutorials or a school-related extracurricular activity.
When Is The School Store Open?
The Panther Store is open online year-round at fbmsptostore.com. What’s offered changes through the year: some items are sold in advance by pre-order, others from current stock. Check the store to see what’s available now.
Panther Store Volunteers open the store in the cafeteria at lunch on announced dates. Openings are shared in advance in the Sneak Peek and on Instagram.
Interested in volunteering? Email tshirts@fbmspto.org for more information.
What Does a Student’s Schedule Look Like?
Please see the school’s posted schedule on the FBMS website
When do students have lunch? What is “active lunch”?
At FBMS, students may eat lunch in the cafeteria or outside. The PTO has purchased several picnic tables that add to the outdoor eating space. In addition, students have use of the fields and basketball court if they want to exercise or play. Many students learn better when they are able to get more physical activity during the day. That is why FBMS offers this “active lunch” option. Students may also go to the library (for safety reasons, the number of students allowed in the library must be limited.) To minimize back and forth, students may be required to go outside by a certain time or else stay where they are.
Specific lunch times are listed on the bell schedule, which can be found here.
Who should a student see regarding questions about classes or schedules?
Each grade level has its own assistant principal. Students should see their grade-level assistant principal. Contact information is on the school’s 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade team pages.
To make changes in a student’s schedule, the student should fill out a drop/add form. Drop/add forms go home the first week of school. Keep in mind that core classes cannot be changed.
PRO-TIP: There are always schedule changes at the beginning of school. Just make sure your child knows when drop/add forms are due. This will be announced to them. Be patient, and contact your student’s grade-level assistant principal if you have any questions.
What courses do students take? Does FBMS offer advanced courses?
Each year all students take four core courses and three elective courses. The four core courses are:
Language arts
Math
Science
Social studies - Social studies consists of World Cultures for 6th grade, Texas History for 7th grade, and U.S. History for 8th grade.
Beginning in 7th and 8th grade, students have the option of taking advanced classes for high school credit. Some classes require pre-qualification or prerequisites. Classes currently offered for high school credit include:
Algebra I
Geometry
Biology
Principles of Information Technology
Concepts of Engineering
Spanish
What electives are offered at FBMS?
FBMS offers a wide variety of electives. Offerings may vary per year, but generally FBMS has offered the following electives over the past few years:
Beginner Art, Intermediate Art, Advanced Art
Athletics
Beginner Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band
Beginner Choir, Advanced Choir
Dance
Engineering
History Fair
Beginner Karate, Intermediate Karate, Advanced Karate
LCDC
Physical Education
Principles of Technology
Public Speaking
Science Fair
Spanish I, Spanish II,
Technical Applications
Beginner Theater, Intermediate Theater, Advanced Theater,
Yearbook
Students make their elective choices and receive the classes that best work with their preferences, schedules, and class availability. Please note that your child may not get their top choices every time, as some classes are more popular than others and administrators have to balance demands with class sizes, as well as the schedules of over 1000 students. In addition, some electives have prerequisites or are available only to certain grade levels. Sixth graders may be required to take certain electives, such as P.E.
More details on electives can be found on the school website.
How does drop off work?
New parents will discover that most middle schoolers do not wish to be walked into school. Parking is limited, but the traffic line moves fairly quickly. Students should be dropped off by driving through the parking lot. Enter the parking lot on Piney Woods Drive and exit onto Chantilly Lane. The parking lot is one-way only, so cars may NOT enter on Chantilly Lane. There will be two lines of cars dropping off. There is usually a police officer directing traffic at the intersection near the parking lot entrance, and a staff member directing traffic inside the parking lot. Please be careful and watch for students. Safety is the first priority!
Please do NOT park on Piney Woods Drive or Chantilly, as it creates a bottleneck due to the streets being narrow. It also leads to confusion on what line of cars is moving and which ones are parked. Utilizing the pick up/drop off line is safer and more efficient for everyone.
PRO-TIP: Drop off and pickup the first day of school is crazy at just about every school. And FBMS is located in close proximity to two elementary schools, which makes it even busier. It calms down very quickly and becomes very orderly. Just allow a bit of extra time that first week!
How does dismissal work?
Middle school students are dismissed when the bell rings. They are not escorted out of school. You may pick up in the parking lot after school. Students are also free to walk home once they are dismissed. For safety reasons, however, if students leave the school premises they may not be allowed to walk back in.
Many middle school students also stay after school for various extracurricular activities or for tutorials. In general, they are released when those activities are over and may come outside to be picked up in the parking lot by waiting parents. You need to communicate with your child about when they should be picked up.
What is the FBMS uniform and dress code and where can I purchase?
See the full 2026–2027 FBMS Dress Code (PDF, English and Spanish). Quick reminders:
Shirts: solid crew-neck T-shirt or collared shirt in the grade-level color (6th grade red, 7th grade gray, 8th grade black), or FBMS spirit wear. No v-necks, spaghetti straps, or patterns.
Bottoms: black, gray, or khaki, or blue or black denim. Shorts must be knee-length or longer. No holes or rips.
Fridays: any FBMS spirit shirt or college shirt.
Outerwear: grade-level color with no hoods attached. No hats, bonnets, or bandanas.
Shoes: sneakers or closed-toe shoes with a back or strap. No slides, house slippers, or Birkenstocks.
FBMS t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other gear may be purchased at the Panther Store online (https://fbmsptostore.com/) or at the Panther Store in the cafeteria on announced dates during the school year.
Generally, online orders can be picked up in the cafeteria the next time the store is open. In June, online pre-ordering is available for pickup the week of Panther Camp. Exact pickup dates and times will be published via PTO communications.
PRO-TIPS: The June pre-order is the best way to ensure you get the designs and sizes you need, as popular sizes/designs do sell out during Panther Camp week. Preorders will be available for pickup the week of Panther Camp. Sweatshirt personalization is only offered twice a year - January and June - so consider adding a sweatshirt to your order. Having your last name on the sweatshirt increases the chance of finding it if lost.
PE uniforms: PE uniforms are ordered online through SchoolPay ($14 per item) and distributed through your student’s PE class — bring the email or paper receipt of purchase to receive the uniform. The design has not changed, so a set from a prior year or a sibling works fine. Students do not dress out for PE during the first two weeks of school.
What school supplies do students need? Does the PTO provide the opportunity to buy school supply packages?
Supply lists vary by teacher. Teachers typically share what their students need during the first week of school.
PRO-TIP: Don’t stress too much over school supplies until school has started! Make sure your child has the basic school supplies for the first day of school. Beyond that, wait a few days to find out what you need. Also, our hardworking teachers always appreciate a few extra supplies for the class!
What type of backpack do students need? Do they have lockers?
Backpacks can be any color and style, and students do not use lockers at FBMS.
What school clubs does FBMS offer?
FBMS is a very busy place after school! Whether your child is interested in academics, athletics, fine arts, or something else, there is likely something they will enjoy doing. Exact times and availability of clubs and activities depends on many factors, including but not limited to availability of the teacher-coach, space availability, season, tryouts/qualifications/prerequisites, etc. Some clubs and activities meet during school, some meet after school, and some do both! In recent years, activities and clubs available at FBMS have included art car club, band, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, choir, cross-country, dance, debate, fencing, football, karate, lacrosse, media team, musical, National Junior Honor Society, Odyssey of the Mind, one act play, softball, student council, swimming, track, UIL academics, volleyball, and yearbook. Some of these clubs were started by students, so if your child is interested in something you don't see here, maybe they will be motivated to start a new club!!
What sports are available at FBMS?
FBMS currently offers the following sports:
Fall sports - boys and girls cross country, boys football, girls volleyball, and tennis
Winter sports - boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming
Spring sports - boys baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls soccer, girls softball, and boys and girls track
The State of Texas does not allow sixth graders to play UIL sports. However, sixth graders can play the non-UIL sports which are baseball, softball, and lacrosse.
All of these sports are housed on-campus, because FBMS has its own gym, pool, track, and fields.
Tryouts or signups for sports will be announced in advance of the season (tell your child to listen to announcements if he or she is interested). A completed athletics packet, including a sports physical, will be required.
PRO-TIP: Many pediatricians will complete the sports physical at no charge if your child has had a well visit recently.
What is the school electronics policy? Is WiFi available for student use?
Personal communication devices — cell phones, smart watches, tablets, headphones/earbuds, and smart glasses — may not be used during the school day, per Texas law (HB 1481) and HISD policy. Devices must be turned off and stored away in a backpack. Confiscated devices must be picked up by a parent or guardian, with longer hold periods for repeat violations. Exceptions are made only for documented medical needs or IEP/504 plans.
Students use district-provided devices for classwork, so WiFi access for personal devices is not needed.
Is there a campus map available?
Yes! FBMS is a big campus with six buildings on 30 acres. It can seem overwhelming, but students quickly get the hang of it. A map can be found here. The six buildings are:
Main Academic Building - Traditionally houses 7th and 8th grade students and their core classes, plus the office, library, and some elective classes.
Sixth Grade Academy - Houses sixth graders and their core classes.
Student Activity Annex - Houses the student community center, an art studio, and the karate dojo.
Cafeteria Building - Houses the cafeteria and also the school store, the “Black Market,” which is open on Wednesdays during lunch.
Athletics Center - The Athletics Center features a full-size gym with bleachers and a new gym floor installed in 2016, two large locker rooms, a newly renovated weight room, and a heated indoor swimming pool.
Fine Arts Building - The Fine Arts Building houses a dance studio, band hall, fitness room, and a performance theater with seating for 840 audience members, a full bank of stage lights, two mobile spotlights, sound system, dressing rooms, and a box office.
In addition to these six buildings, FBMS also has a large outdoor space that includes a baseball/softball field, outdoor basketball court with six goals, full-size track, a field for football, soccer, and lacrosse, and a NatureWorks outdoor garden space that is being updated to include an outdoor classroom. The outdoor space is not only utilized during class and after school sports, but students also may take “active lunch” and enjoy these amenities after they have finished eating lunch.
How can I find out what is going on at FBMS or with the PTO?
Middle school is a time of growth and independence, and one of the biggest changes is that students are expected to take on a bigger role in communicating information from the classroom and the school. Encourage them to do this, it is a worthwhile skill to learn before high school and college! They should be learning to take responsibility for their own academic expectations, including homework assignments, test dates, etc. In addition, much of the information about what is going on at school (including information about upcoming tryouts or signups for certain athletics, fine arts, or other extracurricular programs) is given on the announcements.
PRO-TIP: Talk with your child before he or she starts middle school. Let your child know that in middle school, it is the student’s responsibility to know what is going on in class and at school and pass that information on to parents, not the other way around.
We know, though, that they are still kids. So both the school and the PTO have other methods of communication, too.
The PTO has a website (www.fbmspto.org), a newsletter (sign up), and a Facebook page. In addition, each grade has a PTO representative to serve as a liaison between the class, the school, and the PTO. The class representative typically communicates through email and/or a Facebook group set up for the class. In order to make sure you receive class-specific emails, be sure you sign up for the PTO newsletter AND indicate the class of your child(ren). To find your class representative, click here.
The school sends announcements to families through ParentSquare, so make sure you are signed up. You can also follow FBMS on Instagram at @frank_black_middle_school and the PTO at @fbms_pto.
School calendars are kept on on the school website (under Quick Links), and the PTO website has a calendar as well. You will find that middle school has a great deal more going on than elementary school. Dates will occasionally change, but the PTO will make every effort to update the website calendar promptly if that occurs.
Finally, there are large signs throughout the school that announce big events. Some of those will be near the parking lot drop off area, so parents can keep an eye out for them too.
For a comprehensive list of the various links to platforms used for news and information, visit our Communications page.
PRO-TIP: There is so much more going on in middle school than in elementary school. Encourage your child to take responsibility for communication. Then, sign up for as many of the above methods of communication as you can, so you can back your child’s communication up!
How can I find out about my student's assignments or grades?
FBMS teachers communicate with families through ParentSquare. Teachers may also use class websites, the HUB (HISD’s online portal), and email. But keep in mind that in middle school teachers primarily communicate with the students, not their parents. Coach your students that assignments, test dates, etc. are their responsibility now! If a parent needs to contact a teacher, they may do so via email or by leaving a message with the front office. FBMS policy is that a teacher must respond within 24-48 hours (they often respond sooner!). If they do not, please alert your student’s grade-level assistant principal.
PRO-TIP: A syllabus will come home for each class the first week of school. It’s a lot of information, but a good place to look to see class expectations and communication tools. Also, early in the fall semester there will be an open house. At open house parents walk their student’s schedule and spend a few minutes in each class. Attending open house is another excellent way to discover the what/where/when/how of each class.
PowerSchool is the best source for grades. You can check them on the web through the HISD Connect Parent Portal or in the PowerSchool app.
PRO-TIP: Have your student begin to check his or her grades regularly. The app is a fantastic and easy way to keep up with low grades, missing assignments, etc. Parents should review the grades regularly too, of course.
PRO-TIP: If your student misses something or needs help, encourage him or her to ask the teacher first, instead of contacting the teacher yourself. Teachers are more than willing to communicate with parents about their student’s academic progress, but a child who learns to take charge of his or her own academic progress is learning to be successful later in school! That can even include contacting a classmate about a homework assignment.
Is there a school calendar?
Students receive a monthly school calendar. That calendar is also available on the school website. In addition, the PTO website has a calendar that includes dates for PTO events and many school-related events. Check out the many ways to keep informed at FBMS.
PRO-TIP: The PTO Facebook page and class groups are a great way to find out about last-minute calendar changes. With so much going on, those do occur.
How can I volunteer?
We love our volunteers! There are numerous ways to help out with the PTO--from home or at school, regularly or occasionally, a little or a lot. Keep an eye out for volunteer signups on the PTO website and Facebook page and groups. And come to the general meetings--it’s a great way to learn what is going on and how to help out.
In order to volunteer at the school, remember that you have to be VIPS-cleared by HISD. VIPS stands for Volunteers in Public Schools. To learn more about that process, click here. Volunteers must renew their VIPS-clearance every year.
PRO-TIP: PRO-TIP: Some parents coming from elementary school may be used to spending regular time in the classroom, attending class parties, and eating lunch with their child in the cafeteria. Unfortunately, most middle school students no longer think it is cool for their parents to join them in the cafeteria for lunch! However, volunteering during lunch at the Panther Store is an excellent substitute for those parents who want to be around and see how things work! Email tshirts@fbmspto.org if you are interested in taking a shift in the Panther Store or serving on the committee!
How can I support FBMS and the FBMS PTO?
Updated information about supporting FBMS and the PTO is coming soon. In the meantime, see our Support Opportunities page.
What is the Panther Camp? What opportunities are there for incoming 6th graders to meet classmates or learn about their new school?
Updated Panther Camp information is coming soon.
How can prospective students learn more about the school?
HISD school tours for prospective families typically begin in October. Dates and sign-ups are posted on the school’s Schedule a Tour page. We welcome both parents and students to take a tour.
PRO-TIP: If you want to know what our school is like, just ask one of our current students! They are usually more than happy to share. Also, there is also always a lot going on at the school--come watch a sporting event, enjoy a fine arts performance, participate in the color run, or attend our spring gala/auction. We would love to see you there!
What if a student needs tutorials?
Students who need extra help should reach out to their teacher directly to coordinate a tutorial.
