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:
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
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, 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.
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.
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: 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
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.
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
