Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here with you and your children, and to be a member of Louisa County. I wear my membership with pride.
As always, please feel free to contact me at chenlc@lcps.k12.va.us if you have questions, concerns, or any feedback that you would like to share.
The following are some important updates and announcements.
Announcements
Thank you to Madison Baldini and Jacob Barlow – Morning Announcers
On behalf of LCMS, we would like to thank Madison Baldini and Jacob Barlow for their help each morning with our announcements. Both Madison and Jacob did an outstanding job of articulating important news and updates for our school. Next week, we look forward to having Jason Bertsch and Ashley Burley as they assist Dr. Chen with the announcements! Thank you Madison and Jacob!
Congratulations to LCMS Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams
Congratulations to the boys’ cross country team for their 1st place finish at the Fork Union Invitational on Saturday. Dillon Nelson led the team with a 7th place individual finish. Also, winning individual awards in the race were: JT Bertsch, Ryan Groome, Matt Klapak, Nate King, Nick Liles, Michael Menton, Robbie Morris, and Kyler Soriano. The team competed again on Tuesday, September 9 and defeated Fluvanna Middle School with a score of 19 to 44. (The lower score wins in cross country.)
Congratulations to the girls’ cross country team for their 2nd place finish at the Fork Union Invitational on Saturday. Kensley Smith led the team with a 9th place individual finish. Also, winning individual awards in the race were: Alayna Campbell, Sabrina Hatton, Sydney Madison, Sierra Wells, and Breeanna Wilson. The team competed again on Tuesday, September 9 and won against Fluvanna Middle School with a score of 19 to 38. Coach Beth Brown (Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher) and the staff are extremely proud of all of our students on the LCMS Boy’s and Girl’s Cross Country teams for their hard work and efforts!
Congratulations LCMS Football Team and LCMS Cheerleaders
Congratulations to the Bobcats on their win over Prospect Middle School yesterday. The final score was 29-28. The team had a great goal line stance with two minutes left to seal the win. Coach Brian Wilson is extremely proud of his team! Coach Sarah Martin (Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher) is proud of the spirited efforts of the LCMS Cheer team! Their energy and support was a huge factor in this clutch win yesterday. We are extremely proud of the hard work and efforts of the teams and the coaches. We certainly appreciate the support from our parents and fans!
Yearbook Sales – Order by Thursday, October 17
This year, we are offering a pre-sale only on yearbook orders. If your child is interested in buying a yearbook this year, please order the yearbook as soon as possible in order to get it at a cheaper price of $33.00. This offer is only valid until Thursday, October 17. Order forms can be picked up in the Main Office or outside of Trevor Gallo’s (Computer Teacher) Room 901. Parents can also order on line at www.jostensyearbook.com If you wish to order online, please list your fourth teacher under Home Room. Personal checks should be made out to “LCMS Yearbook.” You can also pay in cash. Please give monies and forms to Mr. Gallo or the Main Office.
Academic Centered Enrichment (ACE) Block and (Talented and Gifted) TAG Services
Presently, teachers are receiving professional development on teaching writing across the curriculum during our faculty meetings and professional development days. For two weeks each month, students will be involved with writing, and reading on Fridays. Students will have a portfolio and a reading log that will demonstrate the work that occurs in ACE Block during this year. Students will be introduced to ACE Block on Monday, September 15. The goal of this program is to ensure that we have stronger writers and readers in Grades 6, 7, and 8.
Further, as stated in the Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted 2012-2017, “the class schedule serves as the secondary Differentiated Education Plan (DEP). With input from the building administrators and gifted coordinator, teachers of regular and accelerated courses plan differentiation of instruction through varied content, process, and/or products in English, mathematics, science, and history. The academic performance of students is monitored by teachers and administrators. Guidance counselors assist students and parents with the selection of appropriate accelerated courses. Additionally, identified students are invited to participate in after-school workshops, academic and creative competitions” (p. 17).
We are excited to have three teachers who will assist in TAG Services this year. Sarah Martin (Grade 6 Social Studies teachers), Hope Hamblin (Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher), and Amanda Corson (Grades 6, 7, and 8 Spanish teacher) will be working with our students beginning in October. Sarah Martin will be working with our Grade 6 students. Hope Hamblin will be working with our Grade 7 students, and Amanda Corson will be working with our Grade 8 students. This year, students will be divided into two groups per grade level to offer students a smaller class size. In addition to the services that students receive in their classes, students will meet with their corresponding grade-level teachers twice a month. Staff will receive information about the TAG Services on Monday, September 22. Field trips have been planned for our students in Fall and Spring.
More detailed information on ACE Block and TAG Services will be provided on Tuesday, September at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Forum. We hope to see you there!
Writing Across the Curriculum
On Monday, September 22 at the LCMC Faculty meeting, Gail Carlin (Art Teacher), Richard Dye (Technology Teacher), Kristina Dragland (Math Teacher Grades 7 and 8), Hope Hamblin (Social Studies Teacher Grade 7), Dan Leale (Math Teacher Grades 6 and 7), and Leslie Lipscomb (Science Teacher Grade 7) will demonstrate to our staff how they have incorporated writing into their subject areas. For example, in visiting Dan Leale’s Math classes, he uses the “interactive notebook,” which is a great organization tool to help all students engage in the thinking of math. Mr. Leale asks his students to write and to think about the steps that are required for solving mathematical and logical problems. This is extremely important for students know how to articulate the process, and this ensures that they firmly grasp the topic at hand. Click here for the, “ISN Guidelines,” which demonstrates what is required in Dan Leale’s math class.
I am really impressed with the rigor and level of the teaching and learning that occurs at LCMS already, and my staff and I intend to take LCMS to its next level!
Life After High School for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- Saturday, September 20
Speakers from the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Institute of Autism, the Faison Residence, Richmond House, and CRAGG Lifespan Committee will discuss the following topics: strategies to maximize independence, overview of challenges, funding and support across the lifespan, state funding overview, VA waiver reform update, Microboard basics, notable state and national housing examples, delivering adult services based on client needs and preferences, and facilitated brainstorming and planning sessions with families having similar needs. Advanced registration is requested at craag1@gmail.com Walk-ins are also welcome, and registration begins at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday. The seminar will be held on Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s-Belfield School, 2132 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Middle Years – September 2014
In this edition of Middle Years, parents will find more information on how to understand your middle school child and reading and writing strategies to assist your child. Click here for “Understanding Your Middle Grader” and “Reading and Writing Strategies” for more information.
Student Schedule for Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 26
On Monday, September 15 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 (This is a “A” day for electives. Students go to Period 1, Period 2, Period 3, Period 4, Period 5, and then for the last period of the day, students return back to their Period 4 class.)
On September 15 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 16 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 17 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 18 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 19 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 22 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 23 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 24 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 25 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On September 26 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
ACE Block is from September 15 to September 26. Students will be engaged in writing activities with their teachers from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, if your child is not signed up for a club, then he or she will be reading for 30 minutes. Please make sure that your son or daughter brings a book to read that is grade and reading level appropriate on Friday, September 19 and Friday, September 26. Club Fridays will begin on Friday, September 19 and Friday, September 26. This year students will have opportunities to be in two clubs. ELL Programming will start on Monday, September 15. TAG Services will begin on Wednesday, October 1; Thursday, October 2; and Friday, October 3.
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Friday, September 12: Interim report cards for First Nine Weeks go home with student.Be sure to ask your child for his or her interim report.
Monday, September 15: English Language Learners Program begins.
Friday, September 19: Club A and Reading Friday’s begin for students.
Friday, September 19: Dance and football game @ LCMS Cafeteria from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 20: September Sizzler Wrestling Tournament @ LCMS Gymnasium
Saturday, September 20: Seminar on “Life After high School for People with ASD” at St. Anne’s-Belfield School from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23: After School Help begins. After School Help is supervised time after school in which students can make up work that they have missed, make up time that they have missed from school, seek assistance from teachers, or work on assignments including using the computer. After School Help runs from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and will be held on designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning Tuesday, September 23.
Tuesday, September 23: LCMS Parent Advisory Council meets with Dr. Chen at 6:00 p.m. in LCMS.
Tuesday, September 23: PTA hosts Dr. Chen information session on ACE Block and TAG Services at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Forum.
Wednesday, September 24: Student picture day
Friday, September 26: Club B and Reading Friday’s begin for students.
Friday, September 26: LCHS Football Game @ LCHS football fields at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1: TAG Services begin this month.
Friday, October 10: First nine weeks end.
Friday, October 19: Club A for students. Other students not involved in clubs are reading independently with teachers for 30 minutes.
Thursday, October 16: Blue Ridge Governor’s School for Grade 8 students and parents with Ms. Jennifer Purcell @ LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 17: Report cards for First Nine Weeks go home with student.
Tuesday, October 21: Parent/Teacher Conference @ LCMS from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00p.m. by appointment/ 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. walk-in’s.
Friday, October 26: Club B for students. Other students not involved in clubs are reading independently with teachers for 30 minutes.
Friday, October 31: Dance and football game @ LCMS Cafeteria from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Monday, November 3: Staff Development Day No School for Students
Tuesday, November 4: Election Day Division Holiday No School for Students and Staff
Wednesday, November 5: Students are back in school. School doors open at 7:40 a.m. This is an “A” Day.
Thank you for taking the time to read these updates. As I will say to my students each day, “This is important. You belong here. Effort makes a difference.”
With warm regards,
Lisa C. Chen
