Parent Resources & Everyday Info
The simple, no-stress cheat sheet for everyday campus life at CityLab & IDEA High School. Find excuse note forms, bell times, dress code rules, volunteer signups, and mobile apps.
Child Sick or Missed School?
How to Turn in an Absence Excuse Note
If your child stays home sick, goes to the doctor, or has a family emergency, please send an excuse note within 3 school days so the absence is excused.
You can print this form or simply handwrite a note with the same details.
School Hours & Bell Schedule
School Starts at 9:10 AM • Dismissal at 4:30 PM
CityLab and IDEA operate on alternating A Days and B Days. Students have 4 block classes per day plus Advisory.
- 1st Period: 9:10 – 10:40 AM
- Advisory: 10:44 – 11:14 AM
- 2nd Period & Lunch: 11:18 AM – 1:22 PM
- 3rd Period: 1:26 – 2:56 PM
- 4th Period: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
- 5th Period: 9:10 – 10:40 AM
- Advisory: 10:44 – 11:14 AM
- 6th Period & Lunch: 11:18 AM – 1:22 PM
- 7th Period: 1:26 – 2:56 PM
- 8th Period: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
• Lunch A: 11:33 AM – 12:03 PM
• Lunch B: 12:52 PM – 1:22 PM
(On Fridays, clubs and lunch run from 12:18 PM to 1:26 PM).
Official 2026–2027 Bell Schedule for CityLab Mavericks & IDEA Wolves.
Dress Code Cheat Sheet
No Uniforms — Just Neat, School-Appropriate Clothes!
CityLab and IDEA high schoolers don’t have a strict uniform, but they are expected to dress neat and ready for studio design work.
- • Jeans (neat, without rips or tears)
- • Shorts & skirts (down to the knee)
- • Joggers & casual pants
- • Crocs (Sports Mode strap on!)
- • Clear backpacks (all students receive one)
- • Ripped, shredded, or torn jeans
- • Short skirts or shorts above the knee
- • Inappropriate graphic slogans
- • Crocs with straps flipped forward
- • Non-clear backpacks on campus
Dallas ISD provides bus transportation for eligible students. Check your morning and afternoon route numbers and stop times:
Dallas ISD Bus Route FinderClear backpacks, neat jeans, knee length, and Crocs in sports mode!
2026–2027 CityLab Middle School Design Competition
Presented by CityLab High School & Foundation • Sponsored by Matthews Southwest
Explorer STEAM Place: Dallas Deck Park Experience
Design a Dallas deck park experience that inspires EXPLORATION, WONDER, and AWE through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM).
Design Requirements:
- At least (1) water feature
- A minimum of (10) native trees
- Spaces for at least (5) STEAM-related activities that encourage exploration
- A small amphitheater for community events and STEAM demonstrations
- An information kiosk
Each teacher or sponsor receives 5 copies of the "How to Be an Explorer of the World" workbook to guide students through their Case Study of an existing park or open space.
Book Pickup & Questions: Joel Almaguer Enriquez (Parent Support Specialist) (CityLab HS Front Office, Fannin Building, 4800 Ross Ave.)
* One registration form per team (list all student names on the form).
Want to Volunteer on Campus?
It Takes Just 3 Minutes to Get Cleared (VOLY)
Before helping out at school events, field trips, or campus celebrations, Dallas ISD requires an annual, free online background check through VOLY.
Join SBDM (Site-Based Decision Making) or F.E.L.T. to share ideas on school improvements.
Help sponsor teacher treats, student pizza parties, and art contests.
Join PTA OnlineSchool Apps & Grade Checking
New Dallas ISD Mobile App
Download the free Dallas ISD app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to get real-time school announcements and direct teacher messages via Rooms.
PowerSchool Account Guide
Log into PowerSchool to see live grades, missing assignments, teacher grade books, and state testing records.
Free Vaccines & Neighborhood Care
Parkland Mobile Immunization Van
Free vaccines for any student 18 or younger who is uninsured or has Medicaid/CHIP. (No private insurance).
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Call (972) 925-3351 (walk-ins accepted).
Bring: Parent ID, proof of address, birth certificate, and previous shot records.
Resource Center South Services
Supportive family programs available right in our community at no cost:
- • Grocery Wednesdays: Free community fresh food pantry.
- • Parkland Thursdays: Health screenings & wellness care.
- • Adult Classes: Free Spanish classes and parent workshops.
Have a Question? Who to Contact
Whether you need attendance help, counseling info, or PTA answers, we’re here for you.
4800 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75204