I had the privilege to spend time with my students and staff at C.R.A.V.E. (Creating Responsibility and Valuing Education) on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14! Nearly 50 students attended and took part in a variety of activities, games, and a pancake breakfast. Specifically, students participated in music trivia, team relays, "Chubby Bunny," and were given the opportunity to play basketball until the early morning hours. In the game "Chubby Bunny, while most students and staff members including myself could only maintain 6 to 8 marshmallows in one sitting while articulating the words, "chubby bunny," we soon learned that Laura Watkins (English teacher) has a rare and unique talent of maintaining twenty-one marshmallows in one sitting while still having a conversation with students and staff. We were in awe! We also learned that our students have much energy, in particular, the young male students, who were able to complete jumping jacks, push-ups, and run around the gym until 4:00 a.m. Very few students wanted to sleep!
Many thanks go to Ms. Woods (Parent of 8th grader Christopher Woods) and Ms. Scott (Parent of 6th grader Denise Gray) for helping to chaperone this event! Thank you to teachers: Sara Boyer, Ty Boyer, Lewis Coleman, Stephanie Dove, Jordan Goodwin, Doreen Kaiser, Marsha Key, John Lenow, Michael Mandzak, Kristie Rush, Nick Schreck, and Laura Watkins, as well as administrator Nick LeReche. A special thanks to Claire Schreck for organizing this fun filled event for students and staff! I look forward to what will occur next year at C.R.A.V.E.
Tuesday, March 24 is Parent Teacher Conference. You can either email or call your child's teachers directly if you wish to schedule a fifteen minute appointment from 3:40 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. with 5:20 p.m. as the last fifteen minute appointment. From 5:35 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. parents and guardians are welcome to drop in to see their child's teachers without an appointment. Please note that scheduled appointments are on a first come, first serve basis. Teachers are taking requests for appointments from parents and guardians from now until Friday, March 20. We will try out best to accommodate the time that you have requested. After bus dismissal and up to 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, staff members will be meeting with me. We will begin our Parent Teacher Conferences promptly at 3:40 p.m. We look forward to seeing you on that night!
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 – Jakob Johnson and Alexis Lagon
Thank you to Jakob Johnson and Alexis Lagon for their contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, March 23, we will have a new guest speaker, Moriah Moss. We look forward to announcements!
Thank you to Jakob Johnson and Alexis Lagon for their contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, March 23, we will have a new guest speaker, Moriah Moss. We look forward to announcements!
School Breakfast: Before and After Art Contest Winners
Recently, the LCMS cafeteria staff and FCCLA sponsored a poster contest for eating a healthy breakfast. The following students received prizes today for their art work and wonderful messages. Chloe Madison received 1st place. E-mon Dabney took 2nd place. Mariah Evans received 3rd place. Honorable mentions include the following students: Taylor Fox, Abrielle Hall, Sabrina Lawhorne, Chloe Locklear, and Destiny Taylor-Gerald. Thank you to all who participated!
Recently, the LCMS cafeteria staff and FCCLA sponsored a poster contest for eating a healthy breakfast. The following students received prizes today for their art work and wonderful messages. Chloe Madison received 1st place. E-mon Dabney took 2nd place. Mariah Evans received 3rd place. Honorable mentions include the following students: Taylor Fox, Abrielle Hall, Sabrina Lawhorne, Chloe Locklear, and Destiny Taylor-Gerald. Thank you to all who participated!
Grade 7 Penny Drive
Students brought in over 53,000 pennies to donate to the Richmond Holocaust Museum! The Grade 7 Social Studies Department would like to extend much gratitude and appreciation to all students and to staff who either donated or helped count pennies. Thank you for making a difference!
Students brought in over 53,000 pennies to donate to the Richmond Holocaust Museum! The Grade 7 Social Studies Department would like to extend much gratitude and appreciation to all students and to staff who either donated or helped count pennies. Thank you for making a difference!
Olympics of the Mind Competition - Saturday, March 14
On Saturday, March 14, the combined middle school and high school Odyssey of the Mind team competed as a Division III high school team in the problem, "Silent Movie," and earned 1st place at the Region 10 Odyssey of the Mind competition. Students worked very hard on their long-term and spontaneous problems. The team will advance to the State Odyssey of the Mind competition on Saturday, April 18, in Lorton, VA. Team members present at the competition were Grade 8 students: Kyle Joslin and Ally Van Luven, and Grade 9 students: Tori Freimuth, Evan Green, and Emma Kaiser. Aaron Shull was unable to attend the competition. However, he will advance with his team to the state competition. Congratulations again to our students and to Coach Doreen Kaiser (Sp.Ed. teacher) for a job well done!
On Saturday, March 14, the combined middle school and high school Odyssey of the Mind team competed as a Division III high school team in the problem, "Silent Movie," and earned 1st place at the Region 10 Odyssey of the Mind competition. Students worked very hard on their long-term and spontaneous problems. The team will advance to the State Odyssey of the Mind competition on Saturday, April 18, in Lorton, VA. Team members present at the competition were Grade 8 students: Kyle Joslin and Ally Van Luven, and Grade 9 students: Tori Freimuth, Evan Green, and Emma Kaiser. Aaron Shull was unable to attend the competition. However, he will advance with his team to the state competition. Congratulations again to our students and to Coach Doreen Kaiser (Sp.Ed. teacher) for a job well done!
Technology Student Association (TSA) compete in South Central Regional Fair - Saturday, March 14
On Saturday, March 14, our TSA students fared well in competition. The community service video team of Kenneth Allison, Kylee Cormier, Keveanu Duncan, Denise Gray, Abigale Hart, and DaShay Shelton took home 2nd place. The system control technology team of Jacob Burch, Zachery Heidel, and Cameron Knight took 1st place. On "Challenging Technology Issues," Kylee Cromier and Keveanu Duncan took 9th place. On "Go Green Manufacturing," Zachary Heidel and Liam Ratcliff received 4th place. Regarding "STEM Animation," Zachary Heidel, Ian Murphy, and Liam Ratcliff received 5th place, as well as Walker Bourne and Clyde Ray who took 9th place. On "Water Infrastructure," Zachary Heidel, Ian Murphy, and Liam Ratcliff received 4th place. Congratulations to all our TSA students who participated at the regional fair. Some of these students will represent LCMS at Technosphere in May 2015. A great big thanks to Richard Dye and to our parents and guardians for their support!
BLAST Winners – Zachary Heidel and Christopher WoodsOn Saturday, March 14, our TSA students fared well in competition. The community service video team of Kenneth Allison, Kylee Cormier, Keveanu Duncan, Denise Gray, Abigale Hart, and DaShay Shelton took home 2nd place. The system control technology team of Jacob Burch, Zachery Heidel, and Cameron Knight took 1st place. On "Challenging Technology Issues," Kylee Cromier and Keveanu Duncan took 9th place. On "Go Green Manufacturing," Zachary Heidel and Liam Ratcliff received 4th place. Regarding "STEM Animation," Zachary Heidel, Ian Murphy, and Liam Ratcliff received 5th place, as well as Walker Bourne and Clyde Ray who took 9th place. On "Water Infrastructure," Zachary Heidel, Ian Murphy, and Liam Ratcliff received 4th place. Congratulations to all our TSA students who participated at the regional fair. Some of these students will represent LCMS at Technosphere in May 2015. A great big thanks to Richard Dye and to our parents and guardians for their support!
Two of our LCMS students, Zachary Heidel and Christopher Woods, have been accepted into the Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program. The BLAST program offers an exciting, on campus summer experience at the University of Virginia designed to increase student interest and curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), the Commonwealth of Virginia, and VSGC-member universities. Congratulations and good luck to these students as they partake in this educational adventure this summer!
Science Fair Winners – Tuesday, March 17
On Tuesday, March 17, over 360 middle school students participated in this year's Regional Science Fair at the University of Virginia. LCMS had 10 students receive recognition for their efforts! Alexa Owen received The Naval Science Award and won 1st place in the Chemistry division. In Chemistry, Sarah Seay and Moriah Moss received honorable mention in one of the deepest categories. Also receiving honorable mention were students: Victoria Moore, Ian Murphy, and Haley Rosson in Materials Engineering; Connor Schweikart in Energy and Transportation; Taylor Talley in Microbiology; Ethan Snyder in Physics; and Andrea Jovel in Plant Sciences. Jacob Werner received a special award from the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club. We are extremely proud of all of our students, who worked diligently on their science fair projects. Your efforts made a difference!
Cohort LCMS Students Visit Virginia State University (VSU) – Tuesday, March 17On Tuesday, March 17, over 360 middle school students participated in this year's Regional Science Fair at the University of Virginia. LCMS had 10 students receive recognition for their efforts! Alexa Owen received The Naval Science Award and won 1st place in the Chemistry division. In Chemistry, Sarah Seay and Moriah Moss received honorable mention in one of the deepest categories. Also receiving honorable mention were students: Victoria Moore, Ian Murphy, and Haley Rosson in Materials Engineering; Connor Schweikart in Energy and Transportation; Taylor Talley in Microbiology; Ethan Snyder in Physics; and Andrea Jovel in Plant Sciences. Jacob Werner received a special award from the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club. We are extremely proud of all of our students, who worked diligently on their science fair projects. Your efforts made a difference!
On Tuesday, March 17, Assistant Principal Nick LeReche and Jeff Harris (Instructional Assistant) brought our Cohort students to a trip to visit Virginia State University. Our students were excellent ambassadors for our school and community. During the "admissions" presentation, students learned of the requirements and expectations to apply for VSU. The students then toured the campus given by a VSU student ambassador and assisted by three VSU students. Students were able to visit many campus buildings from the exterior and went into the engineering building, library, and Foster Hall. At the end of the tour, students ate at the dining hall and were joined by our bus driver. Following lunch, some current Iota Phi Theta fraternity brothers and two alumni including Jeff Harris preformed three step routines much to our students surprise and excitement! This was a great experience and trip for our students! Thank you to Jeff Harris and Nick LeReche for making this possible for our students!
Barter Theater to LCMS Drama and Talented and Gifted (TAG) Students – Friday, March 27
On Friday, March 27, the Barter Theater will travel to LCMS to perform the short play, Anne of Green Gables, in the forum. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade TAG students as well as LCMS drama students will attend the play between 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Students will also have the opportunity to speak to the actors and to ask them questions. We look forward to this fun, learning experience for our students!
LCMS PTA Flower FundraiserOn Friday, March 27, the Barter Theater will travel to LCMS to perform the short play, Anne of Green Gables, in the forum. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade TAG students as well as LCMS drama students will attend the play between 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Students will also have the opportunity to speak to the actors and to ask them questions. We look forward to this fun, learning experience for our students!
The LCMS PTA would like to announce the start of our annual, spring, flower fundraiser. Please be sure to ask your child for the order form. Flowers will be delivered right before Mother's Day! What a great gift for that someone special! The exact delivery date will be announced once it has been determined by the vendor and communicated to us. All order forms must be turned in by Monday, April 13. No late forms can be accepted as the PTA must submit the final order no later than Tuesday, April 14. When your child turns in his or her order form to his or her homeroom teacher, please be sure to include your child's name, the Period 4 homeroom teacher, and the home phone number. The PTA thanks everyone in advance for their support and cooperation in this final, major fundraiser for the school year! Be sure to look for more information on Facebook and the PTA link on the middle school website. For questions, please contact Amy Froschauer at afroschauer@msn.com or Tanya Knighton at knighton@aol.com
Reality Store - Friday, April 17
The seventh annual Reality Store will be presented to Grade 8 students on Friday, April 17. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with lunch for the volunteers at 11:15 a.m.
The Reality Store is a real world money management simulation activity designed specifically for teens. In this 2 to 2.5 hour simulation activity, our Grade 8 students will be introduced to concepts, such as making wise financial decisions, considering costs and benefits, using mathematical applications in real life situations, balancing a budget and a bank account, exploring career choices and education, and understanding how lifestyle decisions affect an individual's finances. The purpose of this activity is to help our students become more aware of the financial demands they will encounter in the "real" world.
On the day of the simulation, our students will be assigned an occupation and family situation. All assignments are random. Their task is to visit each station in the room and decide how they will spend their income. Stations represent typical spending categories in a typical household budget, such as housing, transportation, food, entertainment, etc.
Some students will quickly spend their income on wants, only to realize there is not enough left for food or housing. At this point, they have a few options: They may revisit the stations and attempt negotiating to resell their purchases for a reduced rate, or they may visit the employment booth and take on a second job.
This program is highly dependent upon community volunteers who are interested in helping teens gain a greater understanding of the world of personal finance and decision making. Please consider volunteering for this valuable interactive educational event.
For more information or to volunteer, please call Jenny Thompson at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office (540) 967-3422 or email jthomp05@vt.edu A great big thanks to our advisor, Jennifer Purcell (Guidance Counselor) for her hard work, leadership, and direction on this invaluable experience for our students!
Criteria for Summer School or being Retained
Below is an explanation of the criteria for a student to attend summer school or to be retained. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or grade level assistant principal at (540) 894-5457.
Criteria for a student to attend Summer School:
- If a student fails Math or English
Criteria for a student to be Retained:
- If a student fails Math and English
- If a student fails Math or English and Science and Social Studies
- If a student fails Math, English, Science, and Social Studies
If you feel that your child may need additional assistance, please have him or her stay after school for assistance. Meeting with your child's teacher is also helpful in understanding what areas students have progressed in and areas of growth. Sign-ups for Parent/Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, March 24 are presently occurring. Teachers have sent information about sign-up sheets for parent/teacher conferences.
Student Schedule for Monday, March 23 to Friday, April 3
On Monday, March 23 (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.)
On Monday, March 23 (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.)
On Monday, March 23: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 1 of ACE Math
On Tuesday, March 24: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, March 25: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, March 26: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, March 27: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 B Clubs meet and reading
On Monday, March 30: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 1 of ACE Math
On Tuesday, March 31: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 1: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 2: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, April 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 A Clubs meet and reading
On Tuesday, March 24: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, March 25: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, March 26: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, March 27: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 B Clubs meet and reading
On Monday, March 30: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 1 of ACE Math
On Tuesday, March 31: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 1: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 2: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, April 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 A Clubs meet and reading
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Friday, March 20: 3rd MP ends.
Friday, March 20 – VCDA District 13 Choral Assessment @ Culpepper High School
Tuesday, March 24: LCMS Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 27: Report cards go home.
Friday, March 27: Barter Theater at LCMS
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
Friday, March 20 – VCDA District 13 Choral Assessment @ Culpepper High School
Tuesday, March 24: LCMS Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 27: Report cards go home.
Friday, March 27: Barter Theater at LCMS
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
Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3: TAG Students to University of Richmond
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
Thursday, April 16 – LCMS Spring Band and Guitar Concert @ LCMS Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student should report to LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17: Reality Store for Grade 8 Students
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Chorus Concert @ LCMS Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students should report to the LCMS Cafeteria at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Thursday, April 23: LCMS Book swap.
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
Tuesday, April 28: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Wednesday, April 29: Grade 6 Reading SOL tests
Thursday, April 30: Grade 7 Reading SOL tests
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
Thursday, April 16 – LCMS Spring Band and Guitar Concert @ LCMS Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student should report to LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17: Reality Store for Grade 8 Students
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Chorus Concert @ LCMS Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students should report to the LCMS Cafeteria at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Thursday, April 23: LCMS Book swap.
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
Tuesday, April 28: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
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
Tuesday, May 5: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
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: 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.
Tuesday, May 5: Grade 8 Reading SOL tests
Tuesday, May 5: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
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: 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, Ph.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
