Principal's Update for October 16, 2015

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

On Tuesday, October 13, Dr. Hector Montenegro, a national leader and expert on literacy strategies for English learners, spent his day with us. I am so grateful for his time and the feedback that he provided to my staff and me. We were so fortunate to have had Dr. Montenegro’s input and expertise as he has had the opportunity to see various schools across the country, and we were most curious to learn what he thought about LCMS from his national perspective.

This is what he shared with my staff and me.

1.      He was impressed with how well our students are behaved, and how comfortable they felt with adults.

2.      He was impressed with what a positive school culture LCMS has that is focused on high expectations of teaching and learning.

3.      Finally, he was impressed with the positive relationships that he saw between the adults and the students, and vice versa.

I personally would like to thank Dan Barrett (Grade 8 Math teacher), Sara Boyer (Grade 6 Special Education teacher, Greta Cameron (Grade 8 English teacher), Pam Carpenter (Civics 8 teacher), Janelle Conley (Grade 6 English teacher), Erin Dougherty (ESOL teacher), Leslie Lipscomb (Grade 7 Science teacher), and Kitti Harlowe (Grade 7 Special Education teacher) for a job well done and for hosting Dr. Montenegro as he spent time in their classrooms.

  

You may also wish to check out Dr. Montenegro’s latest book on Literacy Strategies For English Learners in Core Content Secondary Classrooms.

On Thursday, October 15, Louisa's Commonwealth Attorney, Rusty McGuire, and Louisa County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Detective Sergeant Chuck Love, presented a very informative session on some of the challenges and potential dangers that our students may potentially face when using Social Media. This forty-five minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session with these leading experts, was quite informative. Because of the importance of their information, I will see if they will be able to provide us with another presentation, and it is my hope that more parents will be able to attend this session. There is so much that our students face with social media that it is important for all of us to be abreast of what our children face and how best to work with our children to navigate and to use social media in a more positive manner. I am most grateful for the time and information provided by Rusty McGuire and Chuck Love!

If you are interested in purchasing a year book, another avenue is to seek this website: http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1119721/Louisa-County-Middle-School/

Please contact Trevor Gallo (Technology teacher) at 540 894-5457 ext. 2157 if you have questions.

A reminder that report cards will be sent home with students today and that parent conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 20 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (appointments only) and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (walk-ins). My staff and I look forward to seeing our parents on this night!

Finally, I would like to continue to thank all parents and guardians for their support in the afternoon pick-up. This is again to ensure the safety and well-being of you and our students!
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

Morning Announcers – Kourtney Dalton and Caiden Davenport

Kourtney Dalton and Caiden Davenport did an outstanding job with morning announcements. Both students were clear, enunciated each word with great accuracy, and had a nice and pleasant tone in delivering our important announcements. Without their help, Morning Announcements would not be as fun, enjoyable, or even as informative! From Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23, we will have two new guest speakers to assist us with the announcements: Ali Downey and Makaila Dunivan.

Performance by Kathy Allen and Warren Seay – Thursday, October 8

On Thursday, October 8, Kathy Allen (Band teacher) and Warren Seay (Grade 7 student) performed in a concert at the Mineral Outreach Center. Kathy Allen played the piano and sang, while Warren Seay accompanied Kathy Allen on the guitar for several songs. The evening was well received, and we are extremely proud of both Kathy Allen and Warren Seay for a job well done!

Congratulations to Poster Winners – Alexis Trainum, Emma McGehee, Regan Madison, and Nicole Zapertova

There were approximately 85 entries for the Students Against Bullying Poster Contest. It was a very tough decision as there were many spectacular posters. The Safe, Orderly and Caring Correlate and FCCLA would like to thank Tom Black (Physical Education and Health teacher), Mary Eden (English 8 teacher), Basil Georgiadis (Spanish teacher), Dan Leale (Math 6 teacher), Robyn Rupert (Science 6 teacher), and Sharon Wills (Chorus and Drama teacher) for their assistance in selecting the winners of the poster contest! Congratulations to Alexis Trainum who took First Place, which included a $20.00 gift card and certificate, Emma McGehee who earned Second Place and a $15.00 gift card and certificate, Regan Madison who earned Third Place, which included a $10.00 gift card and certificate, and Nicole Zapertova, who received Honorable Mention with a certificate. Great job to all of our students who participated in this contest!

The Team Player Award is bestowed upon twelve students each marking period who display the following character qualities on a regular basis: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, fairness, and caring. These students exemplify what it is to be a role model for all LCMS students. Students will be recognized and rewarded during their lunch shifts with pizza and cupcakes! They also will have their photos and words of praise displayed in the cafeteria for all to see. 

Congratulations to the Team Players for the 1st marking period! We are extremely proud of all that you do!

Grade 6 Students: Mason Shifflett-Bohn, Sheridan Stiles, Deirde Varney, and Caleb Wood
Grade 7 Students: Chloe Dowell, Kammi Lewis, Jeremiah Madison, and Ethan Saul
Grade 8 Students: Eryn Canning, Seth Long, Josh Swinson, and Lynette Tores

NJHS – 205 Candidates
Students who have a cumulative 6th grade GPA of at least 3.4 and who wish to be considered for membership in the National Junior Honor Society were invited to complete a Candidacy Packet. The Candidacy Packet was reviewed and evaluated by the NJHS Faculty Council. Students will be notified of the Faculty Council’s decision by letter in the US Mail postmarked no later than October 23, 2015.

While I was not allowed or privy to the process, I do know that much time was spent by members of the Faculty Council in deciphering potential future members in NJHS. This year, 205 candidates applied. The decision of the Faculty Council is final, and members of the Faculty Council cannot discuss their decisions with students or their parents or guardians. Appeals may be made to the school principal from Monday, October 19 to Monday, November 2.

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Tuesday, October 20

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 20 by appointment only from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with your child’s teacher, please contact your child’s teacher to set up an individual appointment. Appointments will be on a first come-first serve basis. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. teachers will be available for walk-ins. As school will still be in session until 3:09 p.m. you are welcome to park in the Central Office Parking Lot. Should you arrive after 3:09 p.m. please feel free to wait in the LCMS Cafeteria. Please note that teachers are finishing up with bus and after school duties. As such, parent conferences will not begin until 3:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing on Tuesday, October 20 for parent/teacher conferences!

After School Help – Wednesday, October 21

As Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 20, after school help will only be available on Wednesday, October 21 during this week.

Student Schedule for Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 30
Monday, October 13 (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, October 19 (A):                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Tuesday, October 20 (B):                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Wednesday, October 21 (A):                    1, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 4 ACE Math

On Thursday, October 22 (B):                        1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Friday, October 23 (A):                            1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club A or Reading.

On Monday, October 26 (B):                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Tuesday, October 27 (A):                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Wednesday, October 28 (B):                    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Thursday, October 29 (A):                        1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Math

On Friday, October 30 (B):                            1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club B or Reading

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

Friday, October 16: Report cards for the first nine weeks are sent home with students. All County Music Night at LCHS Stadium.

 
Monday, October 19: ACE Math occurs from Monday, October 19 to Thursday, October 22 during the last period of the day. 

 
Tuesday, October 20: Parent/Teacher Conference (3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. appointment only) and (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. walk-ins)

 
Thursday, October 22: Blue Ridge Virtual Governor School with Director Marc Carraway
Friday, October 23: Decision letters for NJHS mailed home to candidates. Club A or reading
Friday, October 23: LCMS Dance and Football Game @ LCMS Cafeteria from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 
Monday, October 26: ACE Math occurs from Monday, October 26 to Thursday, October 29 during the last period of the day.

 
Wednesday, October 28: Band and Guitar Trip
Thursday, October 29: Student picture day
Friday, October 30: Club B or reading

Monday, November 2: Staff Development Day. No students come to school.
Tuesday, November 3: Division Holiday. No students and staff come to school.
Wednesday, November 4: School resumes for staff and students. School doors open at 7:40 a.m. ACE Reading/Writing begins for students on Wednesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 5 during Period 6.

Thursday, November 5: NJHS Induction Ceremony @ LCMS Forum at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 6: Chorus and Drama Students Trip. Club A or reading

Monday, November 9: ACE Reading/Writing begins from Monday, November 9 to Thursday, November 12 during Period 6. 

Thursday, November 12: Grade 7 and Grade 8 Band and Chorus Concert

Friday, November 13: Club B or reading
Monday, November 16: ACE Math begins from Monday, November 16 to Thursday, November 14 during Period 6. Picture make-up day

Tuesday, November 17: Interim reports go home with students. Dr. Chen meets with the LCMS Parent Advisory Council from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Main Office Conference Room. PTA Board meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Main Office Conference Room.

Thursday, November 19: Picture Make-up day.

Friday, November 20: Club A or reading

Wednesday, November 25: No school for students and staff.

Thursday, November 26: Division Holiday. Happy Thanksgiving. No school for students and staff.

Friday, November 27: Division Holiday. No school for students and staff.

Monday, November 30: Classes resume. School door opens at 7:40 a.m.

Saturday, January 9: Battle of the Books Competition. Snow date is Saturday, January 23. This event will take place at Warrenton Middle School, 244 Waterloo Street, Warrenton, VA (Times are still to be determined.)

Saturday, April 16: Final Battle of the Books Competition will take place at Cedar Lee Middle School, 11138 Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA (Times are still to be determined.)

Thursday, March 24: All County Music @ LCHS Auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 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