Principal's Update for January 26-30, 2015

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

I hope all is going well. ACE Math has been going well. Students are either getting additional supports from their individual math teachers or involved in a series of differentiated math activities. A reminder that Parent Teacher Conferences will be on Tuesday, March 24. We hope to see many parents or guardians at this event!

  

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 Morning Announcers – Cassidy Taylor and Amber Thompson

Thank you to Cassidy Taylor and Amber Thompson for their assistance with morning announcements. You provided us with important daily news and upcoming events! On February 2, we will have two new guest speakers, Brierra Tyler and Rachel Upshur. We look forward to these announcements!

SOL Boot Camp Forms – Friday, January 30

A reminder that if your child is interested in attending the SOL Boot Camp beginning in February, the last day to hand in forms is on Friday, January 30. As spaces are becoming more limited and the program will begin during the first week in February, after Friday, January 30, we will no longer be able to accept permission forms after Friday, January 30.

Grade 6 Students Take Computer Adaptive Tests

On Monday, February 2, all Grade 6 students will receive a letter to bring home to parents or guardians with the following information on Computer Adaptive Tests.

This year, the Virginia Department of Education will be implementing the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) model for the Grade 6 Math Standards of Learning (SOL) test. This model was field tested in schools throughout Virginia last year in preparation for its use this year.

The CAT testing model is different from the current Standards of Learning online tests in that the test delivery software customizes which test items are administered to the individual students. The computer determines which items to administer to a student by scoring the student’s response to a test item and then selecting the next item based on the student’s response. The process of choosing test items, scoring the responses, and selecting the next items to be administered is repeated throughout the test.

Our goal is to ensure that our Grade 6 students are well prepared since this will be a different format for our Grade 6 students than previous tests. Our Grade 6 math teachers have explained these changes to students in their math classes. Grade 6 students are presently taking math tests on computers to get them accustomed to taking tests online. 

The Virginia Department of Education has developed a “Frequently Asked Questions” brochure to provide parents and guardians with information about the CAT test. Please click here, “CAT Facts and Questions,” for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the test itself, please feel free to contact Tom Smith, LCPS Director of Secondary Education, at 540-894-5115 or by email at smithte@lcps.k12.va.us Questions regarding the test scheduling should be directed to Mr. Robbie Garnes, the Assistant Principal of Grade 7. He can be reached at 540-894-5457 or by email at garnesrm@lcps.k12.va.us

Grade 7 and Grade 8 Students to Participate School Safety Survey

On February 2, all seventh and eighth grade students will receive a letter from their social studies teachers about voluntarily participating in a school safety survey. For more information, please click here, “School Climate Survey Letter.”

Science Fair Judging – Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5

The LCMS Science Fair judging will be held on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5, during the school day. Science teachers will choose the top 12-15 projects from each grade level to compete in the LCMS Forum on those days. Three outside judges will score the projects on Wednesday and then, on Thursday, the students with the top twenty scores will be interviewed by two judges. The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Forum. At that time, the top three winners will be announced, as well as other honorable mentions who will advance to the regional science fair in Charlottesville in March 2015. We hope to see parents or guardians at the awards ceremony on February 11.

In the event of inclement weather, judging will still be held on Wednesday, if the school building is open, and interviewing will take place on Thursday, February 6. If school is not in session for more than one day, a follow-up call will be made.   

LCMS Students Celebrate Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, students in the LCMS Cohort have organized a spirit week for all students to partake in February 2015. On Monday, February 9, all students are encouraged to wear professional dress or “dress to impress.” On Tuesday, February 10, all students are encouraged to celebrate their heritages. On Wednesday, February 11, students are encouraged to dress up with their future careers in mind, and on Thursday, February 12, students are encouraged to dress as any influential person from the 50s, 60s, or 70s, or a decade of their choice. On Friday, February 13, students are encouraged to wear attire from their favorite colleges. All aspects of the LCMS dress code still abide. For more information, please email Jeff Harris at harrisjl@lcps.k12.va.us or Nick LeReche at lechnp@lcps.k12.va.us

Yearbook Ads

Yearbook recognition ads are a great way for parents, guardians, families, and friends to commemorate student achievements and important milestones. In addition, revenues from recognition ads help our school create a better yearbook. To purchase an ad online, please follow the instructions below. Jostens is managing your school's yearbook ad sales so please do not contact or send materials to LCMS. All ad orders must be placed online by Monday, February 16. If you would like to create or buy your child an ad, please use the following link:

http://www.jostens.com/apps/shop/yrbk_ra_flash.asp?CID=222039&PFID=2014100404163725788

Girls on Track for Grade 6 Girls

Girls on Track inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Online registration is open! Meetings will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 3:09 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. starting on Monday, February 9. The season will end with a Celebration 5K Run on Sunday, May 3. For more information or to register, please visit

www.girlsontheruncenva.org and click “Get Involved” If you have questions, please contact Coach Megan Jackson atjacksoml@lcps.k12.va.us or Coach Jordan Goodwin at goodwijc@lcps.k12.va.us

Student Schedule for Monday, February 6 to Friday, February 13

On Monday, February 6 (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 Monday, February 2:                    (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Tuesday, February 3:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Wednesday, February 4:               (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Thursday, February 5:                   (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Friday, February 6:                       (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4       A Clubs meet and Reading

On Monday, February 9:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Tuesday, February 10:                  (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Wednesday, February 11:             (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Thursday, February 12:                 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Friday, February 13:                     (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4       B Clubs meet and Reading

Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.

Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1 – National Drug Fact Week                                   

First week in February – SOL Boot Camp Begins

Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5: Science Fair judging

Monday, February 9: Interim reports for Marking Period 3 are sent home with students.
Wednesday, February 11: LCMS Science Fair Awards @ LCMS Forum at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, February 13: LCMS Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Saturday, February 14: MathCounts field trip @ Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia

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.
Saturday, February 21: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Cedar Lee Middle School
Tuesday, February 24: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Multiple Choice benchmark tests.
Wednesday, February 25: Picture Day for students
Thursday, February 26: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Prompt benchmark tests.   

Tuesday, March 3: All County Music Night at 6:30 p.m. @ LCMS Gymnasium
Wednesday, March 4: Grade 7 students take the English benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 5: Grade 7 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Friday, March 6: Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert Band will participate in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School
Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.
Monday, March 9: Grade 6 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, March 10: Grade 8 students take the Math benchmark tests. Tuesday, March 10: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen  
Tuesday, March 10: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Wednesday, March 11: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Science benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 12: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Social Studies benchmark tests.
Friday, March 13: Third Marking Period ends. CRAVE occurs. 
Friday, March 20: Report cards are sent home with students.

Tuesday, March 24: LCMS Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 27: LCMS Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3: LCMS Library Book Fair                                             

Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: No school for students. Students on Spring Recess. 
Monday, April 13: Classes resume. LCMS doors at 7:40 a.m.

Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17: High school scheduling for Grade 8 students

Tuesday, April 14: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room      

Wednesday, April 15: High School Transition Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at LCHS for Grade 8 students and parents

Friday, April 17: Reality Store for Grade 8 Students                                                                       

Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen 

Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students. 
Friday, April 24: Grades 5, 6, 7 Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia

Tuesday, April 28: Civics SOL tests

Wednesday, April 29: Grade 6 Reading SOL tests

Thursday, April 30: Grade 7 Reading SOL tests

Tuesday, May 5: Grade 8 Reading SOL tests

Wednesday, May 6: Grade 6 Math SOL tests

Thursday, May 7: Grade 8 Science SOL tests

Tuesday, May 12: Grade 7 Math SOL tests

Tuesday, May 12: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen

Tuesday, May 12: PTA Board meets in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13: Grade 8 Math SOL tests and Pre-Algebra tests

Thursday, May 14: Grade 8 Math SOL tests and Algebra I and Geometry tests

Tuesday, May 19: All A Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day. No school.

Tuesday, May 26: School resumes for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.

Wednesday, May 27: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony practice and Grade 8 Field Day

Thursday, May 28: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony, Grade 6 Field Day, and Grade 7 Field Day. Last Day of school for students. Students exit the building at 11:00 a.m. No lunch is served.

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

Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D.

Principal

Louisa County Middle School

LCMS Principal Update January 20-23, 2015

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

We greatly appreciate your feedback. Your input allows my staff and me to know how we can continue to improve the teaching and learning for all students. We care, and we value and encourage your partnership with us.

Greg Palmer, who is the Advisor of National Honor Junior Society (NJHS), has created a website. Please see the "Activities" tab on the LCMS website for more information. In Fall 2015, an information session will be held about NHJS for interested applicants. Please contact Greg Palmer directly at palmergm@lcps.k12.va.us if you have questions or feedback.

Terry Marks, who is the LCMS Athletics Director, continues to update us on all sporting events! If you would like to be included on her list serv, please contact her at markstl@lcps.k12.va.us

The LCMS staff has invited students to attend SOL Boot Camp to receive additional assistance. On Tuesday, January 20, Daniel Barrett, Department Head of Math, Katherine Duke, Department Head of English, my administrators, and me personally invited students to attend. We are opening up SOL Boot Camp in case there are other students who may be interested in this opportunity to get more help on taking their English and math SOLs. Students involved in SOL Boot Camp will either attend the Tuesday or Wednesday sessions. Even if your child participates in sports, the coaches have encouraged your child to attend. Please click here, "SOL Boot Camp" for information. For questions regarding the program, please contact Daniel Barrett at barretdm@lcps.k12.va.us or Katherine Duke at dukeke@lcps.k12.va.us

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 Morning Announcers – Jillian Smith and Diamond Taylor
Thank you to Jillian Smith and Diamond Taylor for their assistance each morning. You delivered important information to all students and staff in such a clear and effective manner! On Monday, January 26, we will have two new guest speakers, Cassidy Taylor and Amber Thomas. We look forward to these announcements!

Congratulations to LCMS Team Players
The following students have been selected by our faculty and staff to be honored as an LCMS Team Player! The Team Player Award is bestowed upon students who display the following character qualities on a regular basis: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, fairness, and caring. The LCMS Team Players for the second nine weeks are: Aleigha Chandler, Arielle Clark, Michael Clough, Emily Coffey, Toby Craig, Perry Hopkins, Jarrett Hunter, Khail Johnson, Jeremiah Madison, Taylor Moran, Matison Ray, Carson Sarmiento, Dylan Seay, Sarah Seay, Tyrus Smith, Annie Wright.
On Friday, January 30, the administrators will serve these students lunch!

Bring Up (your) Grade or B.U.G. Awards – Effort Makes A Difference!
Students are eligible for the B.U.G. award when they bring up a letter grade in one or more classes while maintaining all their other grades at the same time. Student names are proudly displayed on a banner in the LCMS Cafeteria. Each student has received a special pencil for his or her efforts. We are extremely proud of our students. Please click here, "B.U.G. Awards," for a list of student names.

AMC8 Contest - VMI
On Tuesday, November 14, 114 LCMS students traveled to VMI (VMI) to partake in the AMC8 Math contest, which is a national test. Congratulations to all students who participated in this endeavor! Math teachers have provided students with their individual scores. The following are some general statistics about the scores for the 2014 AMC8@VMI:
Total number of students in school taking the exam: 704
Average score for all participants at VMI is:  9.56
Average score for Grade 8 is:  9.9 (425 Students)
Average score for Grade 7 is:  9.1 (175 Students)
Average score for Grade 6 is:  8.3 (55 Students)
Average score for Grade 5 is:  6.0 (3 Students)
If you wish to explore the national statistics regarding the 2014 AMC8, please use the following link: http://amc-reg.maa.org/reports/generalreports.aspx

To receive national distinction of 1%, the student needed to score greater or equal to a score of 23. To qualify on the national honor roll of 5%, the student needed to score greater or equal to a score of 19. Congratulations to all of our participants who worked diligently on this math exam! Zachary Heidel received a Gold Award or first place for our school. Preston Budd and Peter Schultz received a Silver Award or second place for our school, and Shannon Harper, Julia O'Reilly, and Brandon Smith received a Bronze Award or third place for our school.

Thank you PTA
We would like to thank the PTA who continues to support us in every way. A big shout out to Tanya Knighton and Amy Froschauer as well as to our parents for their support in helping us to attain a PA system that will be used for our Grade 8 Closing Ceremony for our students. If you have not attended a PTA meeting, we welcome you to join us. The PTA is a great way to support LCMS and to get to know more parents!

National Drug Fact Week (NDFW)  – Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1
National Drug Facts Week will be from Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1. LCMS is joining with other schools from around the nation to help teens shatter the myths about drug abuse. Teens are bombarded with conflicting messages that can leave them feeling confused and unsure of whom to ask for information about drug use. With 15% of 12th graders nationally reporting abuse of prescription drugs in the past year and 22.7% reporting use of marijuana in the past month, there is no better time than now to help our teens understand the serious consequences of drug use.
LCMS will participate in this important observance with events that will be hosted in our students' health and physical education classes. Deputy Nathan Harris, LCMS School Resource Officer, will assist our health and physical education staff in this cause. Students will partake in the National Drug IQ Challenge, the question of the day, and have been encouraged to participate in the essay contest. For more information about NDFW and the latest fact-based info on drug abuse, please check out the NDFW web site at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-facts-week. Thank you for your support on this important initiative!

Governor's School Testing Schedule
This year we have 39 Algebra or Geometry students who have applied for Governor's School. As in years' past, this testing is quite comprehensive and will take place during school hours. Todd Ryan, LCMS Guidance Director, and Jennifer Purcell, Grade 8 Guidance counselor, met with interested applicants on Thursday, January 22. To ensure that student involved will not miss excessive time from any one class, the following schedule was created:
Wednesday, January 28: (Periods 1 and 2):  Stanford 10 Reading Comprehension and Science tests in Grade 8 math rooms
Thursday, January 29:  (Period 4):  Stanford 10 Math Problem Solving Test
Friday, January 30: (Period 5):  OLSAT Test
Monday, February 2: (Period 1 and Part of Period 2):  Essay test in Lab 700 and Lab 800
We wish our students the best of luck on this process, knowing that your efforts have made all the difference!

LCMS Basketball Team and LCMS Cheer Team – Undefeated 9-0
On Tuesday, January 20, the LCMS basketball team defeated Locust Gove yesterday. The final score was 57-22. The Bobcats have raised their record to 9-0 for the season. The Bobcats are having an outstanding season! Congratulations to Coaches Nicholas Schreck and Alex Waleski for a triumphant season and to our students for all of their hard work and sportsmanship behaviors! The LCMS cheer team is awesome. Congratulations to Coach Martin and her team for all of their support and hard work!

LCMS Wrestlers
Today, Coaches Trevor Gallo and Dan Leale and our wrestlers will face Big Orange at William Byrd High School for the Individual Tournament. Coach Boyer will be traveling with his wrestlers to New Kent for a match. We wish our coaches and LCMS wrestlers the best of luck. Our students have been working diligently on their moves and pins!

Girls' Soccer Conditioning
Girls' Soccer conditioning will begin on Wednesday, January 21 for Grade 8 girls. Conditioning will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays until tryouts begin on Monday, February 23. A reminder to our Grade 8 girls who are participating in conditioning…Please bring warm, soccer-appropriate attire to change into and meet on the practice field behind LCMS by 3:35 pm. In order to participate, students must have a completed VHSL physical. For more information, please contact Janelle Conley at conlyejl@lcps.k12.va.us

After School Help
Since Tuesday, September 23, LCMS staff have been running After School Help, which 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 is held on designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you would like for your child to stay for after school help for assistance, please click here, "After School Help," or contact Annie Floyd at floydam@lcps.k12.va.us

Student Schedule for Monday, January 26 to Friday, February 6
On Monday, January 26 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 (This is a "B" 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.) s
On Monday, January 26:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Tuesday, January 27:                    (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Wednesday, January 28:               (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Thursday, January 29:                   (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, January 30:                       (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4  A Clubs Meet and Reading
On Monday, February 2:                    (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Tuesday, February 3:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Wednesday, February 4:               (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Thursday, February 5:                   (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, February 6:                       (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 A Clubs Meet and Reading

Updates
Creating Responsibility And Valuing Education (CRAVE) – Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14        
CRAVE will occur on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. This is an overnight, lock-in event intended to honor students who do not have any failing grades or any out-of-school suspensions. The event will include games, an improv hour, movies, and time to play various sports. Delicious foods will also be available for our students in this celebration!

LCMS Library Book Fair – Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3                                                       
Students will attend the book fair with their English teachers, which runs from Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3. Parents are welcome to attend anytime. There will be special evening event, which will be held during that week. We hope to see you there!

High School Scheduling for Grade 8 Students – Week of April 13
High school scheduling will begin the week of April 13. High school counselors will visit Grade 8 students in their Period 4 classes to disseminate the high school program of studies and discuss scheduling with students on Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14. The high school will hold its annual High School Transition Night on Wednesday, April 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. More detailed information will be forthcoming in March. High school counselors will meet with students individually to create their high school schedules from Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16, with additional dates added as needed on Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21.

Reality Store – Friday, April 17
Reality Store is a wonderful real-life economic simulation that all Grade 8 students will participate. Corresponding with this event, students will receive classroom guidance from Jennifer Purcell through their civics classes, which will focus on career exploration. Students will receive a lesson on budgeting and personal finance in preparation for the Reality Store.

Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1 – National Drug Fact Week                                  
Monday, February 9: Interim reports for Marking Period 3 are sent home with students.
Wednesday, February 11: LCMS Science Fair Awards @ LCMS Forum at 6:00 p.m
Friday, February 13: LCMS Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, February 14: MathCounts field trip @ Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia
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.
Saturday, February 21: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Cedar Lee Middle School
Tuesday, February 24: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Multiple Choice benchmark tests.
Wednesday, February 25: Picture Day for students
Thursday, February 26: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Prompt benchmark tests. 
Tuesday, March 3: All County Music Night at 6:30 p.m. @ LCMS Gymnasium
Wednesday, March 4: Grade 7 students take the English benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 5: Grade 7 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Friday, March 6: Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert Band will participate in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School
Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.
Monday, March 9: Grade 6 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, March 10: Grade 8 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, March 10: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, March 10: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Wednesday, March 11: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Science benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 12: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Social Studies benchmark tests.
Friday, March 13: Third Marking Period ends. CRAVE occurs.
Friday, March 20: Report cards are sent home with students.
Tuesday, March 24: LCMS Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 27: LCMS Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3: LCMS Library Book Fair                                             
Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: No school for students. Students on Spring Recess.
Monday, April 13: Classes resume. LCMS doors at 7:40 a.m.
Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17: High school scheduling for Grade 8 students
Tuesday, April 14: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room     
Wednesday, April 15: High School Transition Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at LCHS for Grade 8 students and parents
Friday, April 17: Reality Store for Grade 8 Students                                                                      
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Friday, April 24: Grades 5, 6, 7 Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia
Tuesday, May 19 – All A Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.

With warm regards,
Lisa C. Chen
Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
 

LCMS Principal Update January 12-16

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

As shared with you in my last correspondence, students were involved in grade-level spelling bees. Overall, students did an outstanding job! Congratulations to our grade-level spelling bee winners. The first and second place winners will compete in the county-wide spelling bee on Thursday, January 29! The third place winners will serve as alternates. 

For Grade 8, Ethan Labelle was recognized for third place. Christopher Comer held onto second place, and the champion was Garrett Corker. For Grade 7, Ethan Snyder was recognized for third place. Isabella Corey came in second place, and the champion for Grade 7 was Jacob Robey. For Grade 6, Andrew Clark came in third place. The second place winner was Branden Wood, and the champion for Grade 6 was Rachel Upshur. A big thanks to Mary Eden (Grade 8 English teacher) and Annie Floyd (Grade 6 Guidance Counselor) who served as two of our judges!

Reports cards are further being sent home with students today. Be sure to ask your son or daughter for his or her report card.

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 Morning Announcers – Melissa Sluss and Michael Sluss
Thank you to Melissa Sluss and Michael Sluss for their assistance! You helped to deliver important information to all students and staff. On January 20, we will have two new guest speakers, Jillian Smith and Diamond Taylor. We look forward to these announcements!

Congratulations to Abigail Grove and Dequece Carter – Student Athletes
Congratulations to Abigail Grove and Dequece Carter for being chosen student athletes of the week! You are two great representatives of our school community. Thank you for all that you do!

Thank you Catherine Law (District Social Worker)
On Friday, January 16, Catherine Law, who is one of our social workers at LCPS, will be retiring. On behalf of LCMS, we thank her for her years of dedication, hard work, and support of all students. You will be greatly missed. We wish you much peace and happiness on your retirement!

Standards of Learning (SOL) Boot camp – February 2015
The standards of learning is only one mechanism that we measure student progress. It is however required by the State as a test that our students must take. Thus, math and English teachers continue to analyze student data to see how they can improve upon their instruction and increase student learning in the classroom. As another mechanism to assist our students, teachers have compiled a list of students whom they believe would benefit attending the SOL Boot camp to begin during the first week in February. A letter will shortly be coming to students about the SOL Boot camp.

Students in SOL Boot camp will be taught a set curriculum by a teacher. Math and reading comprehension skills will be reviewed. We hope that as many students who are invited to SOL Boot camp will attend. This is another great opportunity for student learning to be reinforced! For more questions about SOL Boot camp, please contact Katherine Duke (Department Head of English) at dukeke@lcps.k12.va.us or Daniel Barrett barretdm@lcps.k12.va.us

After School Help
Since Tuesday, September 23, LCMS staff have been running After School Help, which 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 is held on designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you would like for your child to stay for after school help for assistance, please click here, "After School Help," or contact Annie Floyd at floydam@lcps.k12.va.us

LCMS Basketball Team – Thursday, January 15
Please join us for an exciting basketball game against F.T. Binns at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15 in LCMS gymnasium. We are extremely proud of our athletes and their hard work!

LCMS School Dance – Friday, January 16
A reminder that there will be a LCMS School Dance on Friday, January 16. Money and signed permission slips will be collected at the door. Please click here, "Dance Permission Form," for more information. Your child may also pick up a permission slip at the main office. 

Student Schedule for Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 30
On Tuesday, January 20 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 (This is a "B" 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 Monday, January 19:                    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School
On Tuesday, January 20:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Wednesday, January 21:               (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Thursday, January 22:                   (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, January 23:                       (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Monday, January 26:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Tuesday, January 27:                    (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Wednesday, January 28:               (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Thursday, January 29:                   (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, January 30:                       (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4: A Clubs Meet and Reading

Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.

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.
Wednesday, February 11: LCMS Science Fair Awards @ LCMS Forum at 6:00 p.m
Friday, February 13: LCMS Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, February 14: MathCounts field trip @ Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia
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.
Saturday, February 21: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Cedar Lee Middle School
Tuesday, February 24: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Multiple Choice benchmark tests.
Wednesday, February 25: Picture Day for students
Thursday, February 26: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Prompt benchmark tests.

Tuesday, March 3: All County Chorus Night at 6:30 p.m. @ LCMS Gymnasium
Wednesday, March 4: Grade 7 students take the English benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 5: Grade 7 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Friday, March 6: Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert Band will participate in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School
Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.
Monday, March 9: Grade 6 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, March 10: Grade 8 students take the Math benchmark tests.
Tuesday, March 10: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen 
Tuesday, March 10: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Wednesday, March 11: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Science benchmark tests.
Thursday, March 12: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Social Studies benchmark tests.
Friday, March 13: Third Marking Period ends. CRAVE occurs.
Friday, March 20: Report cards are sent home with students.
Friday, March 27: LCMS Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: No school for students. Students on Spring Recess.
Monday, April 13: Classes resume. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Friday, April 24: Grades 5, 6, 7 Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia

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

Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School

LCMS Principal Update January 6-9, 2015

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

Welcome to 2015! My staff and I are excited to see our students again and for teaching and learning to occur.

On Tuesday afternoon, I had another great opportunity to see our students play basketball. Congratulations to Coaches Nick Schreck and Alex Waleski and the LCMS Basketball team on their tough defeat against the Prospect team 59 to 47. Our student athletes played a difficult game with poise and grace. Coach Sarah Martin and the LCMS Cheer team produced another spectacular performance on sharing with us that Bobcat spirit!

This Thursday, students will be involved in grade-level spelling bees to move toward the next spelling round!

  

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 Morning Announcers – Logan Self and Ashley Shifflett

Thank you to Logan Self and Ashley Shifflett for their assistance at the start of 2015! You helped to deliver important information to all students and staff. On January 12, we will have two new guest speakers, Melissa Sluss and Michael Sluss. We look forward to these announcements!

A Big Thanks to Louisa Community Chorus

The Louisa Community Chorus has provided our chorus department with $500.00 to spend specifically for purchasing music. Thank you for your generosity and for thinking about our students!

Snow and Snow days at LCMS

Should school be closed due to inclement weather, you will receive an all call from the district. The A/B rotation for electives will remain the same regardless if school is closed due to snow. Thus, if school is closed on an A day, then when students return the next day, it will be a B day for electives. The A/B assignment on the calendar does not change.

PowerSchool Access – Parent Portal

In order for teachers to input comments and grades, the grade portion of PowerSchool will be temporarily turned off from Friday, December 19 to Tuesday, January 13. Reports cards for Marking Period 2 will be sent home to parents via students on Tuesday, January 13. For questions regarding grades on PowerSchool, please contact Joel Rupert at rupertjd@lcps.k12.va.us

Louisa County School District Recognized for Superior Student Writing Achievement

(Yardley, PA – December 10, 2014) Vantage Learning, creator of the award-winning instructional writing tool MY Access!, is pleased to announce that students within the Louisa County School District performed higher than the 19.5% national average for student writing improvement in the 2013–2014 school year. 

Students demonstrated superior writing improvement using MY Access!. The program helped students organize, develop, and write their essays. The immediate, personalized feedback that students received helped them to improve their writing and achieve better scores. MY Access! has also been instrumental in helping these students prepare for high-stakes exams that require writing at an advanced level.

The following school within the district achieved extraordinary student writing improvement: Louisa County Middle School. "We're seeing exceptional writing achievements from these students," reported Laurie Edwards, vice president of Vantage Learning. "We're excited to help put them on the path to college and career readiness. The students, as well as their parents and teachers, should be very proud!"

This program was used for students from Fall 2008 to Spring 2013 for seventh grade students. In 2013-2014, the MyAccess program was used in the eighth grade curriculum, while Grade 7 teachers piloted the program Write to Learn, in their classes. After a successful pilot, MyAccess was purchased this year for all students at Louisa County Middle School. Presently, Grade 7 and Grade 8 students have access to this program, and Grade 6 students will start this program in April 2015.

Congratulations to Katherine Duke, the Department Chair of English, and to the LCMS English department for their hard work in teaching our students how to write effectively. This coupled with our work in ACE Block should propel our students to an even higher level when it comes to critical thinking skills!

ACE Math and Reading

This upcoming semester, all students will be involved in additional reading comprehension and math skills activities. Strategies in reading comprehension will be taught by students' English teachers in their English classes.

Beginning Monday, January 19, all students will be involved in ACE Math during ACE Block or Period 6. Math teachers in Grades 6, 7, and 8 have developed review activities based on analyzing student data that are differentiated by each grade level. Students who need additional supports will be provided with direct instruction by their specific math teachers during ACE Block, while those students who do not need direct instruction by their math teachers will be involved in a series of review activities designed by their math teachers. All teachers will be involved in ACE Math. This is a school wide initiative.

When students have completed their activities, students have the opportunity to complete their homework, read, or go to the library to partake in research activities.

I am particularly proud of all of my teachers, who see the importance and value of ensuring that all students can read, write, and do math at high levels. Teachers are working collectively and collaboratively to ensure that all students have multiple opportunities to excel in these areas! This is a work in progress, and my staff and I appreciate the support of our parents and students. In time, the efforts of our hard work and our high expectations for all students will help to propel all students to the next level and beyond.

Middle Years – Testing Taking Strategies

This addition of Middle Years provides parents with test taking strategies for their child. Please click here for more information: "Middle Years January 2015."

Student Schedule for Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23

On Monday, January 12 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (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 1 class.)

On Monday, January 12:                    (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1

On Tuesday, January 13:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2

On Wednesday, January 14:               (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3

On Thursday, January 15:                   (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Friday, January 16:                       (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5

On Monday, January 19:                    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School

On Tuesday, January 20:                    (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Wednesday, January 21:               (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Thursday, January 22:                   (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

On Friday, January 23:                       (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4

Updates

MathCounts Field trip – Saturday, February 14

On Saturday, February 14, Kristina Dragland and sixth, seventh, and eight grade students in MathCounts will travel to Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia to compete in the MathCounts competition. The day's event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Thus far, eleven schools have registered. Should there be inclement weather, the makeup date for this competition will be Saturday, February 21. Our students have been busy preparing for this contest, and we wish our students much success due to their efforts and hard work!

Important Change of Dates

There are two parts to the Writing benchmark tests for Grade 8 students.

·         On Tuesday, February 24, all Grade 8 students will take the Writing Multiple Choice benchmark tests.

·         On Thursday, February 26, all Grade 8 students will take the Writing Prompt benchmark tests.

On Friday, March 6, a number of our Grade 7 students will participate in a state assessment for band, and thus, we have altered the benchmark testing schedule to accommodate these students.

·         On Wednesday, March 4, all Grade 7 students will take the English benchmark tests.

·         On Thursday, March 5, all Grade 7 students will take the Math benchmark tests.

·         On Friday, March 6, all Grade 6 students will take the English benchmark tests.

·         On Monday, March 9, all Grade 6 students will take the Math benchmark tests.

Grade 7 Students to Eureka! – Monday, April 27

Our Grade 7 math team has planned an enrichment field trip for our Grade 7 students on Monday, April 27. Students will travel to the Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia to see the play, Eureka! This play discusses how Sara, a typical teenager, has been struggling with math. On the eve of her big test, she is visited by Albert Einstein, Blaise Pascal, Lady Ada Lovelace, and Pythagoras. Together, they show Sara how math relates to the real world. They explore the Pythagorean Theorem, number theory, order of operations, probability, prime numbers, the Fibonacci sequence, the origins of the calculator and computer, Pascal's triangle, pre-calculus, and more. Students will leave LCMS at 8:30 a.m. and return around 1:45 p.m. to have lunch at school. We look forward to what our students will see and learn from this trip. A big thanks to our Grade 7 math team (Kristina Coates, Kristina Dragland, Katie Jones, Joanne Kennedy, Alexis Lewis, Garth LoBello, and April Swain) for planning this event!

University of Virginia – 2015 Summer Enrichment Program

The Curry School of Education will be hosting a summer enrichment program for students in Grades 4-10 for gifted and high-ability students. This camp is a 12 day residential experience. Students live on-grounds at University of Virginia and attend classes at a nearby private school. If interested, please see the on-line application at curry.virginia.edu/sep Applications are due on Sunday, February 15, and need-based financial aid is available.

 Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.

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.

Saturday, February 14: MathCounts field trip @ Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia

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 Writing Multiple Choice benchmark tests.

Wednesday, February 25: Picture Day for students

Thursday, February 26: Grade 8 students take the English Writing Prompt benchmark tests.

Wednesday, March 4: Grade 7 students take the English benchmark tests.

Thursday, March 5: Grade 7 students take the Math benchmark tests.

Friday, March 6: Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert Band will participate in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School

Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.

Monday, March 9: Grade 6 students take the Math benchmark tests.

Tuesday, March 10: Grade 8 students take the English benchmark tests.

Wednesday, March 11: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Science benchmark tests.

Thursday, March 12: Grades 6, 7, and 8 students take the Social Studies benchmark tests.

Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School

Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia

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