Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:
I wish you and your families a safe Halloween and much fun at our football game tonight!
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
Thanks to Morning Announcers – Eithan Hayes and Dylan Holz
Thank you to Eithan Hayes and Dylan Holz for their announcements with Dr. Chen each morning. On November 10, we will have announcers Antoine Hope and Olivia Hurley. My staff, students, and I certainly appreciate the information we receive daily from our morning announcers.
ACE Block – Work Ahead
Based on analyzing our student data, for Semester II all students will receive additional enrichments in math and reading. Presently, English teachers (Briton Clark, Cherie Conn, Karen Hurst, and Laura Watkins) have been working on curriculum for reading comprehension skills for all students in Semester II. Math teachers (Kristina Dragland, Joanne Kennedy, Katie Jones, and Dan Leale) have been working on math skills for all students for Semester II. Math will be differentiated based on students’ individual needs. Teachers will receive professional development in December and January regarding ACE Block preparation. My staff and I are excited to see the results of this year’s enrichment activities for all students!
Mark Stanton Visits Louisa TAG Students
On Tuesday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 12 during ACE Block, Mark Stanton, who is in the Criminal Investigation Divisions of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, will visit with our Grade 7 TAG students to share with them how he and his department use DNA in forensic science. This corresponds quite nicely with our Grade 7 science unit. Students are presently learning about genetics and DNA. We look forward to having this guest speaker!
Students Visiting VMI – Tuesday, November 18
This is a reminder about the upcoming “American Mathematics Contest 8” field trip to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on Tuesday, November 18 for those students attending. Each year, VMI hosts this event on its campus in Lexington, Virginia. There, middle school students from across the state participate in taking the AMC8, an assessment designed to challenge students’ critical thinking ability and problem solving skills, as well as to promote an interest in mathematics. In addition to participating in the AMC8, students will attend fun math talks, receive a cadet-led tour of the VMI campus, and be provided lunch. For more information about the test itself, please visit http://amc.maa.org
As previously mentioned, students who are attending the VMI trip will need to leave from the middle school prior to the start of the school day on November 18. Students and chaperones should arrive no later than 6:40 a.m. We will take attendance and load the buses starting at 6:45 a.m.Students should plan to be dropped off on the right side of the school building next to the school cafeteria (same location as the drop off and pick up for the dances). Breakfast will not be provided by the school. So, if your child is attending, please plan for your child to eat a big, healthy breakfast prior to arriving, or he/she may quickly eat his/her own breakfast in the cafeteria before boarding the bus. Unfortunately, students who arrive late risk missing the bus and not being able to attend.
Also, students should either be picked up by a parent or will have to ride the activity buses home that afternoon. We anticipate we will arrive back by 3:30 p.m. Activity buses will pick up from the middle school at 5:50 p.m. We ask that parents arrive between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. to pick up their students.
For questions about the trip, please contact Assistant Principal Joel Rupert atrupertjd@lcps.k12.va.us Chaperones may contact Sarah Mayfield at mayfiesr@lcps.k12.va.us
We look forward to an exciting trip and a day of learning math with our students!
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at LCMS
The National Junior Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in official Honor Society activities. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
History
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929. Eight years later, it founded National Honor Society for high school students. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, Principal of the Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NJHS organization quickly developed into one of the country's leading educational groups.
Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to encourage responsible citizenship, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.
Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to encourage responsible citizenship, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.
Selection Process at LCMS
Announcements are made two to three weeks before applications are due. Students interested in applying pick up the application from the seventh grade guidance counselor. After all of the applications have been collected, they are reviewed by the faculty advisory council.
The faculty advisory council will determine membership based on four criterion: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The council will vote in secret on completed student applications. The Student Application Packet Form provides the LCMS Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s grades, leadership, and service. To evaluate the candidate’s character, the faculty council uses two forms of input. First, school disciplinary records are reviewed. Second, recommendations from the faculty and others are solicited for input regarding their professional comments on a candidate’s service activities, character, and leadership. These forms and the Student’s Application Packet are carefully reviewed by the LCMS Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the council is necessary for selection. Candidates will be notified regarding selection or non-selection in writing. A big thanks to Mary Eden (Grade 8 English Teacher) and Greg Palmer (Grade 8 Science Teacher) for being our faculty sponsors! We look forward to honoring our inductees on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Forum.
Daylight Savings Time Ends – Sunday, November 2
A reminder that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2. Remember to turn your clocks 1 hour back.
Student Schedule for Monday, November 3 to Friday, November 14
On Wednesday, November 5 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3 (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 3 class.)
On November 3: No school for students. Staff Development Day
On November 4: Election Day. No school for students and staff
On November 5: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On November 6: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On November 7: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On November 10: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On November 11: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On November 12: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On November 13: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On November 14: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
Updates
Yearbook Recognition Ads
Attention 8th Grade Parents/Guardians: Yearbook recognition ads are a great way for parents, families, and friends to commemorate student achievements and important milestones. In addition, revenues from recognition ads help our school to create a better yearbook. To purchase your ad online, use this link http://www.jostens.com/apps/shop/yrbk_ra_flash.asp?CID=222039&PFID=2014100404163725788 Jostens is managing our school's yearbook ad sales so please do not contact or send materials to the school. Please take into account our school's ad content guidelines on the bottom of this form during the creation of your ad online. All ad orders must be placed online by Monday, February 16.
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Friday, October 31: Team Player Luncheon with Administrative Team.
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.Saturday, November 8: PTA Belk Charity Event
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.Saturday, November 8: PTA Belk Charity Event
Thursday, November 13: Veteran’s Day Concert at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15: PTA Annual Bobcat Bingo
Tuesday, November 18: Interim Reports for Marking Period 2 go out with students.
Tuesday, November 18: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, November 18: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Thursday, November 20: National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Induction Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Forum
Tuesday, November 25: Grade 8 students attend The Encore! Presentation @ Altria Theater, Richmond at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, December 3: Grade 6 students take English benchmark tests.
Thursday, December 4: Grade 6 students take Math benchmark tests.
Friday, December 5: Grade 7 students take English benchmark tests.
Monday, December 8: Grade 7 students take Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, December 9: Grade 8 students take English benchmark tests.
Wednesday, December 10: Grade 8 students take Math benchmark tests.
Thursday, December 11: All grades take Science benchmark tests.
Friday, December 12: All grades take Social Studies benchmark tests.
Tuesday, December 16: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, December 16: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Friday, December 19: End of Marking Period 2
Monday, December 22 – Monday, January 5: Winter Break for students
Tuesday, January 6: Classes resume for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, January 13: Report cards for Marking Period 2 are sent home with students.
Tuesday, January 13: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, January 13: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Friday, January 16: LCMS Dance 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day No School for students and staff
Tuesday, January 20: Classes resume for students LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Monday, February 9: Interim reports for Marking Period 3 are sent home with students.
Monday, February 16: Staff Development Day No school for students
Tuesday, February 17: School resumes for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday, February 11: LCMS Science Fair Awards @ LCMS Forum at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 21: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Cedar Lee Middle School
Tuesday, February 24: Grade 8 students take the English reading benchmark tests.
Wednesday, February 25: Picture Day for students
Thursday, February 26: Grade 8 students take the English writing benchmark tests.
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Tuesday, May 19 – All A Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
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
