A big thanks again to David Szalankiewicz (Director of Facilities), his team, and Myron Thurston (Head Custodian) for doing a great job of making sure that our walkways are clear! Later, we will receive a phone call from Central Office updating us on our status regarding school openings and/or school closings.
The following is updated information due to our inclement weather:
- If we have school tomorrow (Friday), it will still be an "A" Day.
- Grade 8 students were scheduled to take the Writing Prompt Benchmark on Thursday, February 26. The Grade 8 Writing Prompt Benchmark has now been rescheduled for Monday, March 2.
- In the event that LCMS is on a two hour delay schedule on Friday, February 27, the TAG Field Trip to the Richmond Science Museum will be cancelled and re-scheduled for another date.
- The Battle of the Books competition has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 28.
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 – Desaray Winston, Alexis Wood, Gordon Alexander, and Kenneth Allison
Thank you to Desaray Winston, Alexis Wood, Gordon Alexander, and Kenneth Allison for their contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, March 2, we will have two new guest speakers, Saleena Chambers and Deon Cooper. We look forward to these announcements!
Thank you to Desaray Winston, Alexis Wood, Gordon Alexander, and Kenneth Allison for their contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, March 2, we will have two new guest speakers, Saleena Chambers and Deon Cooper. We look forward to these announcements!
Over 26,000 Pennies for Richmond Holocaust Museum
Congratulations to all of our students who have raised over 26,000 pennies for the Richmond Holocaust Museum. A big thank you to Conner Waldron (Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher) and her students for donating over 1,000 pennies to the Holocaust Penny Drive. We looked forward to what our Grade 7 students will learn on their future outing to the museum!
Congratulations to all of our students who have raised over 26,000 pennies for the Richmond Holocaust Museum. A big thank you to Conner Waldron (Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher) and her students for donating over 1,000 pennies to the Holocaust Penny Drive. We looked forward to what our Grade 7 students will learn on their future outing to the museum!
LCMS Future Farmers of America (FFA) Horse Judging Team
On Saturday, February 14, the LCMS FFA Horse Judging Team competed in the Block and Bridle Contest at Virginia Tech. Contestants had the opportunity to judge halter classes (horses with a handler) and performance classes (horse and rider), as well as to defend their placing as an oral presentation in the form of "Reasons." The teams and individual contestants placed in the following categories:
On Saturday, February 14, the LCMS FFA Horse Judging Team competed in the Block and Bridle Contest at Virginia Tech. Contestants had the opportunity to judge halter classes (horses with a handler) and performance classes (horse and rider), as well as to defend their placing as an oral presentation in the form of "Reasons." The teams and individual contestants placed in the following categories:
Team A - 4th Place Team Overall, 3rd Place Team Performance Classes, and 3rd Place Team Halter Classes
Laura Turner – 5th Place Overall and 5th Place Performance Classes
Sarah Seay – 9th Place Overall and 1st Place Halter Classes
Nicole Harlow – 9th Place Performance Classes
Brian Kennedy
Laura Turner – 5th Place Overall and 5th Place Performance Classes
Sarah Seay – 9th Place Overall and 1st Place Halter Classes
Nicole Harlow – 9th Place Performance Classes
Brian Kennedy
Team B - 7th Place Team Overall and 1st Place Team Performance Classes
Carey Seay – 6th Place Performance Classes
Kanyon Dalton – 7th Place Performance Classes
Taylor Moran
Kaylen Snead
Carey Seay – 6th Place Performance Classes
Kanyon Dalton – 7th Place Performance Classes
Taylor Moran
Kaylen Snead
Congratulations to all of you and for your hard work! We appreciate the direction and leadership of Hannah Poole (Agricultural Sciences Educator and FFA Advisory) and her support of our students!
Student Meetings with Dr. Chen Continuing the Week of March 2
Beginning on Tuesday, February 24 and continuing onward, Dr. Chen will meet with your child if your child received a "D" or "F" in one of his or her subjects for Semester I. The purpose of this brief meeting with Dr. Chen is to identify with the individual student other measures to assist him or her in achieving greater academic success for the remainder of the year. This is a follow up conversation with your child as the LCMS guidance team and/or grade level administrator has met or is in the process of meeting with your child. These types of intervention meetings have occurred throughout the year if your child has not been performing as well in his or her classes. We appreciate your support in this matter, and if you need more information about your child's progress, my staff and I encourage you to contact your child's teacher and to sign up for teacher conferences. If your child is not staying after school for assistance, please encourage him or her to stay after school for help. Thank you again!
Beginning on Tuesday, February 24 and continuing onward, Dr. Chen will meet with your child if your child received a "D" or "F" in one of his or her subjects for Semester I. The purpose of this brief meeting with Dr. Chen is to identify with the individual student other measures to assist him or her in achieving greater academic success for the remainder of the year. This is a follow up conversation with your child as the LCMS guidance team and/or grade level administrator has met or is in the process of meeting with your child. These types of intervention meetings have occurred throughout the year if your child has not been performing as well in his or her classes. We appreciate your support in this matter, and if you need more information about your child's progress, my staff and I encourage you to contact your child's teacher and to sign up for teacher conferences. If your child is not staying after school for assistance, please encourage him or her to stay after school for help. Thank you again!
All County Music Day – Tuesday, March 3
Please join us for All County Music Day on Tuesday, March 3 in the LCMS Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. This is a county-wide event that celebrates music in our schools. Ensembles from both the middle and high school perform in a combined concert. Ms. Hopkins and Mr. Lamb from LCHS will be directing their students. We want to thank in advance our students (who have been practicing diligently), parents or guardians, Kathy Allen (Band Teacher) and Sharon Wills (Chorus Teacher) for their leadership and direction, Superintendent Dr. Pettit and the LCPS School Board for their continual support of the fine and performing arts, and Mark Outten (Director of Technology) and his technology crew for making this live performance possible from the LCMS Gymnasium to the LCMS Forum. This should be an exciting event! We hope to see you there!
Odyssey of the Mind to James Monroe High School – Saturday, March 7
On Saturday, March 7, a team of six LCMS and LCHS students will travel to James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg to compete in the regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition. Team members, Kyle Joslin, Aaron Shull, Ally Van Luven, Tori Freimuth, Evan Green, and Emma Kaiser, have been meeting twice a week since late September to prepare for a solution to their long term problem, "A Silent Movie." Under the direction of their coach, Doreen Kaiser (Sp.Ed. Teacher), they have also been honing their skills to think both "spontaneously" and creatively. We wish our students the best of luck. Thank you again for all of your hard work and efforts, and a special thanks to Doreen Kaiser for her tenacity, spirit, and dedication to our students!
On Saturday, March 7, a team of six LCMS and LCHS students will travel to James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg to compete in the regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition. Team members, Kyle Joslin, Aaron Shull, Ally Van Luven, Tori Freimuth, Evan Green, and Emma Kaiser, have been meeting twice a week since late September to prepare for a solution to their long term problem, "A Silent Movie." Under the direction of their coach, Doreen Kaiser (Sp.Ed. Teacher), they have also been honing their skills to think both "spontaneously" and creatively. We wish our students the best of luck. Thank you again for all of your hard work and efforts, and a special thanks to Doreen Kaiser for her tenacity, spirit, and dedication to our students!
Band and Orchestra Director's Association (VBODA) District 13 Concert Band Assessment – Friday, March 6
On Friday, March 6, the LCMS Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert Bands will partake in the VBODA District 13 Concert Band Assessment, which is a state assessment attended by schools throughout our district, including Charlottesville, Albemarle, Culpepper, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Amherst, Nelson, and others. Each band plays for a grade, based on their performances in the categories of tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, musical effect, and general factors, such as appearance and discipline. This year's assessment will be held at Fluvanna High School during the school day. We are extremely proud of our students, and we wish them a great day at this event!
CRAVE (Creating Responsibility And Valuing Education) – Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 CRAVE is scheduled for Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. This overnight lock-in is intended to honor students who have had no failing grades and no out-of-school suspensions. The event will include games, an improv hour, movies, and time to play various sports. In order to join us for this event, students should fill out a form. Please click here, "CRAVE Form," for more information. Responses are due back to Main Office by Tuesday, March 10. We look forward to seeing many students at this fun event!
Virginia Choral Director's Association (VCDA) District 13 Choral Assessment – Friday, March 20
On Friday, March 20, the LCMS Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 Choruses will partake in the VCDA District 13 Choral Assessment, which is a state assessment attended by schools throughout our district, including Charlottesville, Albemarle, Culpepper, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Amherst, Nelson, and others. Each band plays for a grade, based on their performances in the categories of tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, musical effect, sight reading, and general factors, such as appearance and discipline. This year's assessment will be held at Culpepper High School during the school day. We are extremely proud of our students, and we wish them a fantastic day at this event!
28th Annual Arts Festival – Saturday, March 28
The 28th Annual Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, March 28 at LCMS from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be many displays of art work and free art activities for the whole family as well as musical performances from all schools in this district. We hope that you will come and join us for this exciting festivity!
Student Schedule for Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 13
On Monday, March 2 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (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 1 class.)
On Monday, March 2 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (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 1 class.)
On Monday, March 2: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On Tuesday, March 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, March 4: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, March 5: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, March 6: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On Monday, March 9: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On Tuesday, March 10: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, March 11: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, March 12: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, March 13: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On Tuesday, March 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, March 4: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, March 5: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, March 6: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On Monday, March 9: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On Tuesday, March 10: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, March 11: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, March 12: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, March 13: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
Updates
LCMS Spring Band and Guitar Concert - Thursday, April 16On Thursday, April 16, all LCMS Band and Guitar students will present their last formal concert for family, friends, and the community. Students should report to the LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 8:00 p.m.
LCMS Spring Chorus Concert – Tuesday, April 21
On Tuesday, April 21, all LCMS Chorus students will present their last formal performance for family, friends, and the community. Students should report to the LCMS Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 8:30 p.m.
Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Band and Guitar Students – Friday, April 24
On Friday, April 24, all LCMS Band and Guitar students will go to Williamsburg for a band competition followed by an afternoon at Busch Gardens. Students will perform first at Jamestown High School for a grade in the categories of tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, musical effect, and general factors, such as appearance and discipline. Students will then enjoy the park, celebrating a year of hard work. Students will leave LCMS around 6:30 a.m. and will return at 10:00 p.m.
Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Chorus Students – Friday, May 1
On Friday, May 1, all LCMS Chorus students will go to Williamsburg for a choral competition followed by an afternoon at Busch Gardens. Students will be adjudicated at Jamestown High School in the categories of tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, musical effect, and general factors, such as appearance and discipline. Students will then enjoy the park, celebrating a year of hard work. Awards will be presented to students in the park. Students will leave LCMS around 6:30 a.m. and will return at 10:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Formal – Saturday, May 16
This year, the Grade 8 Formal will be on Saturday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the LCMS Cafeteria sponsored by the Student Council Association. This event is open only to Grade 8 students and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the end of their journey at LCMS and the beginning of another experience at LCHS. We look forward to this event for our Grade 8 students!
Washington D.C. Trip for All Grade 8 Students – Tuesday, May 26
An educational field trip has been planned for the eighth grade on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Students, staff, and chaperones will travel to Washington, D.C. for the purpose of visiting major historical monuments and artifacts. Some places that students will visit will include the National Archives, the Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian museums, and major historical monuments. Grade 8 students have been learning about all of the documents governing our country in Civics, and this trip will be an opportunity for students to see many things covered from this class. The students will complete activities prior to the trip, and will complete a related English project after the trip. For more information about this exciting trip, please click here, "Washington DC Trip 2015." If you have any questions, please contact us at (540) 894-5457, and ask for Sarah Mayfield (Grade 8 Math Teacher) at mayfiesr@lcps.k12.va.us or Tony Swain (Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher) at swainah@lcms.k12.va.us.
An educational field trip has been planned for the eighth grade on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Students, staff, and chaperones will travel to Washington, D.C. for the purpose of visiting major historical monuments and artifacts. Some places that students will visit will include the National Archives, the Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian museums, and major historical monuments. Grade 8 students have been learning about all of the documents governing our country in Civics, and this trip will be an opportunity for students to see many things covered from this class. The students will complete activities prior to the trip, and will complete a related English project after the trip. For more information about this exciting trip, please click here, "Washington DC Trip 2015." If you have any questions, please contact us at (540) 894-5457, and ask for Sarah Mayfield (Grade 8 Math Teacher) at mayfiesr@lcps.k12.va.us or Tony Swain (Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher) at swainah@lcms.k12.va.us.
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Saturday, February 28: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Cedar Lee Middle School
Monday, March 2: Grade 8 Writing Prompt Benchmark
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: VBODA State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School
Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.
Saturday, March 7 – OM Competition @ James Monroe High School
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 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: VBODA State Concert Band Assessment @ Fluvanna High School
Friday, March 6: Grade 6 students take the English benchmark tests.
Saturday, March 7 – OM Competition @ James Monroe High School
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.
Monday, March 16: Regular school day.
Friday, March 20: Report cards are sent home with students.
Friday, March 20 – VCDA District 13 Choral Assessment @ Culpepper High School
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.
Saturday, March 28 – 28th Annual Arts Festival @ LCMS from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 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. 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.
Monday, March 16: Regular school day.
Friday, March 20: Report cards are sent home with students.
Friday, March 20 – VCDA District 13 Choral Assessment @ Culpepper High School
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.
Saturday, March 28 – 28th Annual Arts Festival @ LCMS from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3: LCMS Library Book Fair
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
Thursday, April 16 – LCMS Spring Band and Guitar Concert @ LCMS Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Chorus Concert @ LCMS Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Friday, April 24 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Band and Guitar 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
Friday, May 1 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Chorus Students
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 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: Pre-Algebra tests
Thursday, May 14: Algebra I and Geometry
Saturday, May 16 - Grade 8 Formal @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19: All A Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 – LCMS Drama performance @ LCMS Forum at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day. No school.
Tuesday, May 26: School resumes for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, May 26: Washington DC Trip for All Grade 8 Students
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
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
