Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:
The Reality Store on Friday, April 17 was a great success! Students learned the importance of saving money, about the cost of living, and became even more appreciative and understanding of what their parents/guardians do in order to pay all house bills and extras. As a follow up to the Reality Store, Grade 8 Social Studies' teachers had students perform a career interest inventory and research future careers.
Additionally, both the Band and Chorus Spring Concerts were well attended on Friday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 21 respectively.
The LCMS Band spring fundraiser raised support to send two students to summer music camp. Students had to apply for the scholarship as well as to write a one page essay along with a letter of recommendation. The applications were evaluated by a panel of LCMS teachers and staff. This year's winners were Greg Henderson and Elainna Sanders.
Abbie Alpern and Moriah Moss will further be a part of the All-VA Middle School Choir starting this Thursday afternoon, April 23 through Saturday, April 25. Congratulations to our students, and we are most grateful to the leadership and support of Kathy Allen (Band director) and Sharon Wills (Chorus teacher).
Indeed, much is occurring from now until the end of the school year! 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 – Brice Wilson
Thank you to Brice Wilson for his contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, we will have new guest speakers, Ajiah Campbell-Robinson and Blakely Gramling. We look forward to their announcements!
Thank you to Brice Wilson for his contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, we will have new guest speakers, Ajiah Campbell-Robinson and Blakely Gramling. We look forward to their announcements!
Congratulations to Mary Eden and Katherine Duke
Congratulations to Mary Eden (Grade 8 English teacher) and Katherine Duke (Grade 8 English teacher) for being nominated to serve on the 2015 Standard of Learning Item and Test Review Committee Grade 8 Writing. The committee is a one-year term, and Mary Eden will be serving on this committee while Katherine Duke was selected as an alternate. This is quite an honor to have two of our teachers selected from this prestigious committee as representatives for the State when looking at State standards for English and the test itself. Way to go!
Congratulations to Mary Eden (Grade 8 English teacher) and Katherine Duke (Grade 8 English teacher) for being nominated to serve on the 2015 Standard of Learning Item and Test Review Committee Grade 8 Writing. The committee is a one-year term, and Mary Eden will be serving on this committee while Katherine Duke was selected as an alternate. This is quite an honor to have two of our teachers selected from this prestigious committee as representatives for the State when looking at State standards for English and the test itself. Way to go!
COHORT Members Welcomed Tyrone Hilton and Marsha Lynette Witherspoon
On Tuesday, April 14, COHORT members welcomed Tyrone Hilton, President and CEO of Envisions Solutions and Marsha Lynette Witherspoon, an Intensive In-home Counselor of Envision Solutions. Both speakers met with our students to discuss the importance of education and career paths. At the end of their presentation, students asked questions about how they overcame peer pressure when they were in school, as well as what education meant to both guest speakers. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. A big thanks to Jeff Harris (In-school suspension Coordinator) and enjoyed the speakers.
On Tuesday, April 14, COHORT members welcomed Tyrone Hilton, President and CEO of Envisions Solutions and Marsha Lynette Witherspoon, an Intensive In-home Counselor of Envision Solutions. Both speakers met with our students to discuss the importance of education and career paths. At the end of their presentation, students asked questions about how they overcame peer pressure when they were in school, as well as what education meant to both guest speakers. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. A big thanks to Jeff Harris (In-school suspension Coordinator) and enjoyed the speakers.
Family Career and Community Leaders of America Competition
FCCLA members attended the State Leadership and Recognition conference and competed in FCCLA STAR Events in Virginia Beach this past weekend. Miya Beavers (Grade 6) won a gold medal and 1st place trophy with a score of 90 in Career Investigation. Shayla Carter (Grade 7) won a gold medal and 2nd place with a score of 95 in Interpersonal Communications. Both students qualified to compete in the National competition in July. Congratulations to our students and to Gracie Quarles (Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher) for her leadership and support!
FCCLA members attended the State Leadership and Recognition conference and competed in FCCLA STAR Events in Virginia Beach this past weekend. Miya Beavers (Grade 6) won a gold medal and 1st place trophy with a score of 90 in Career Investigation. Shayla Carter (Grade 7) won a gold medal and 2nd place with a score of 95 in Interpersonal Communications. Both students qualified to compete in the National competition in July. Congratulations to our students and to Gracie Quarles (Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher) for her leadership and support!
Grade 8 Art Students Visit Thomas Jefferson Elementary School – Thursday, April 23
Grade 8 Art students have been working on a project in collaboration with first grade art students from Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Earlier in the year, Rodrick Rhodes (Art teacher at Thomas Jefferson) had his first graders draw pictures of "Wild Things." He gave the drawings to our students. Our students using fleece, felt, and fiberfill turned them into three dimensional "wild things." Grade 8 students have really enjoyed this project and the opportunity to give their art work to their little buddies. Thank you to Gail Carlin (Art teacher) for inspiring our students to give back through art.
Grade 8 Art students have been working on a project in collaboration with first grade art students from Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Earlier in the year, Rodrick Rhodes (Art teacher at Thomas Jefferson) had his first graders draw pictures of "Wild Things." He gave the drawings to our students. Our students using fleece, felt, and fiberfill turned them into three dimensional "wild things." Grade 8 students have really enjoyed this project and the opportunity to give their art work to their little buddies. Thank you to Gail Carlin (Art teacher) for inspiring our students to give back through art.
LCHS High School Teachers Visit Grade 8 Students
This week, Grade 9 English, math, social studies, and science teachers visited our Grade 8 students to provide them with expectations and to answer questions about course work and course load. Ratana Brown (Grade 9 teacher), Kelsey Duke (Grade 9 English teacher), Missy Lonce (Grade 9 Social Studies teacher), and Randy Holladay (Grade 9 Science teacher) spoke or will be speaking to our students to help prepare them for the high school. I am most grateful for the administrative teams of LCMS, particularly, Joel Rupert (Grade 8 Assistant Principal) and the LCHS administrative team for organizing such an event for our students!
This week, Grade 9 English, math, social studies, and science teachers visited our Grade 8 students to provide them with expectations and to answer questions about course work and course load. Ratana Brown (Grade 9 teacher), Kelsey Duke (Grade 9 English teacher), Missy Lonce (Grade 9 Social Studies teacher), and Randy Holladay (Grade 9 Science teacher) spoke or will be speaking to our students to help prepare them for the high school. I am most grateful for the administrative teams of LCMS, particularly, Joel Rupert (Grade 8 Assistant Principal) and the LCHS administrative team for organizing such an event for our students!
On Monday, April 27, all Grade 7 students have a field trip to see the live performance, Eureka! Grade 7 students should arrive to school on time for attendance and organization. Students should dress up for this performance and bring a bag lunch to school. The cafeteria will be closed by the time students return from their trip. Electronics are not allowed in the theatre and will not be allowed on the bus ride. We are excited and looking forward to a great experience for our students!
Course Requests Sheets for Student Electives – Wednesday, May 6
On Wednesday, May 6, course request sheets for student electives are due to the grade level guidance counselor. Presently, Grade 6 and Grade 7 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers are making recommendations on student placements for the following year. This is the first of many steps in the scheduling process. The Algebra I Prognosis Test will be given to students as another indicator for student placement. On Monday, May 18, Grade 8 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry will take this test. On Tuesday, May 19, Grade 6 Advanced Math students will take the Algebra I Prognosis Test. On Wednesday, May 20, Grade 7 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra I will take the test.
On Wednesday, May 6, course request sheets for student electives are due to the grade level guidance counselor. Presently, Grade 6 and Grade 7 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers are making recommendations on student placements for the following year. This is the first of many steps in the scheduling process. The Algebra I Prognosis Test will be given to students as another indicator for student placement. On Monday, May 18, Grade 8 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry will take this test. On Tuesday, May 19, Grade 6 Advanced Math students will take the Algebra I Prognosis Test. On Wednesday, May 20, Grade 7 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra I will take the test.
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.
This week, Mr. Rupert met with students who were potential candidates for summer school and provided them with paper work to bring home to their parents/guardians. Paper work for potential candidates for summer school must be completed and returned by Friday, May 1.
Student Schedule for Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 28
From Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, May 27, we are on a 1, 2, 4, 3, 5 schedule. On Thursday, May 28, school ends at 11:00 a.m.
From Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, May 27, we are on a 1, 2, 4, 3, 5 schedule. On Thursday, May 28, school ends at 11:00 a.m.
Important Upcoming Dates
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
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
Monday, April 27: Reading 6 SOL test Tuesday, April 28: Reading 7 SOL test
Tuesday, April 28: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
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: Civics SOL test
Friday, May 1 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Chorus Students
Friday, May 1: Geometry SOL test
Tuesday, May 5: Grade 8 Reading SOL test
Tuesday, May 5: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
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 test
Thursday, May 7: Grade 8 Math SOL test
Friday, May 8: Algebra I Prognosis Test for Grade 6 Advanced Math students
Friday, May 8: Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00.
Monday, May 11: Algebra I Prognosis Test for Grade 8 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra or Geometry
Tuesday, May 12: PTA Board meets in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13: Algebra I SOL test
Thursday, May 14: Grade 7 Math SOL test
Saturday, May 16 - Grade 8 Formal @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday, May 18: Grade 8 Science SOL test
Monday, May 18: Algebra I Prognosis Test for Grade 7 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra
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 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
