In this update, I will be highlighting our report card from the Department of Education. (Please note that another principal update entitled, LCMS Principal Update October 30, part 2, will also be sent out to you later as I can only include three attachments for each message sent.)
Our Standards of Learning (SOL) tests indicate our highest growth from the past couple of years. 80% of all students passed their English SOL tests. 81% of all students passed their SOL Math tests. 92% of all students in Grade 8 passed their Civics and Economics tests, and 85% of all students in Grade 8 passed their Science SOL tests. Louisa County Middle Schools met its accreditation benchmark for 2015-2016 in the areas of English, Math, History, and Science.
Regarding the federal accountability level, LCMS made all of its Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) for all students, Gap Group 1 (students with disabilities, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students), Group 2 (Black students), and Gap Group 3 (Hispanic students). Please see the attachment, “LCMS Report Card 2015” for more information. The accountability guide has also been attached for more information about what these scores mean. See attachment, “Accountability Guide 2015-2016.”
While we continue to improve, my staff and I are cognizant that we still have areas to grow. As such, we continue to monitor our work for our students with disabilities in both Math and English, while at the same time ensuring that all students continue to be challenged.
We have also improved in the number of students receiving “Passed Advanced” in accelerated classes. In 2013-2014, 5 out of 40 students received “Passed Advanced” in the Geometry SOL test. In 2014-2015, 16 out of 22 students received “Passed Advanced” in the Geometry SOL test.
Our continual progress would not have occurred without the hard work of our teachers and the support of our parents and students!
Two such programs, which continue to offer our students supports are ACE Math and ACE Reading/English, occur only at certain consecutive weeks in the school year. The rest of that time is reserved for our teachers to re-teach and re-mediate what students have been taught previously. Thus, when the schedule indicates ACE Math or ACE Reading/Writing, it is only during that week that all students are receiving some form of math or reading/writing activities. Some students review previous concepts, while other students who have mastered these objectives receive enhancement activities.
When the schedule runs as [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4; and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5], that means that students are returning back to their first period class at the end of the day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1), their second period class at the end of the day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2), their third period class at the end of the day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3), their fourth period class at the end of the day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4), and their fifth period class at the end of the day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5). This schedule provides both the teachers and students with additional time to re-teach what they have learned in class, to go over homework problems or assessments, and/or to be provided with an enhancement activity.
My staff and I further encourage any student who needs additional academic assistance to stay after school for After School Help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students have the opportunity to receive free tutoring. If students are not being picked up by their parents, then they can ride the late activity bus home.
At the interim and final marking periods, our teachers and their grade level administrators are further reviewing students’ grades. For those students with a “D” or “F” during this time, an intervention checklist is filled out by the teacher. This information is helpful to see what best practices have already been employed by the teacher and to analyze what other strategies should also be employed to help the student reach his or her level. Please see “Intervention Checklist” for more information.
Much learning occurs at LCMS, and the LCMS School Improvement Plans for 2015-2018 outlines future goals for our school.
If you have questions about your child’s progress, please reach out to your child’s teacher. He or she will have the most, direct information as to what is occurring with your child in class. If for some reason, you are having difficulty with contacting your child’s teacher, please feel free to contact me at chenlc@lcps.k12.va.us It is through and with our partnership that we will make LCMS the best school for every single child. Thank you for all that you do!
The following are some important updates and announcements.
Morning Announcers – Preston George
Preston George did an
outstanding job with morning announcements. He was clear in his delivery
of messages, and he enunciated each word with great accuracy. Without
his help, Morning Announcements would not be as fun, enjoyable, or even
as informative! From Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 6, we
will have two new guest speakers to assist us with the announcements:
Julianna Guiterrez and Tyler Hopkins.
A’s and A/B’s – Marking Period 1
Congratulations to the 590 students who are the Honor Roll for the first marking period. 430 students earned all A/B’s in every subject, and 160 students early all A’s. Effort makes a difference! We are so proud of all of you. Student names are on display in the cafeteria. It is a joy to see students excited and pointing out their names proudly on this list! I hope to see all of my students’ names of this list.
Congratulations to the 590 students who are the Honor Roll for the first marking period. 430 students earned all A/B’s in every subject, and 160 students early all A’s. Effort makes a difference! We are so proud of all of you. Student names are on display in the cafeteria. It is a joy to see students excited and pointing out their names proudly on this list! I hope to see all of my students’ names of this list.
Student Work
Students
in Gail Carlin’s art classes designed beautiful posters with these
lovely sayings. Once her classes have finished the art work, they will
be displayed around the building to inspire all of us.
Courage
~ Transforms fear into determination. Embracing life fully, without
holding back, doing what must be done even when it is difficult or
risky.
Ark work by Abigail Golovan
Reverence ~ An awareness of the sacredness of life. Living with wonder and faith.
Art work by Julia Gortman
Loyalty ~ Unwavering faithfulness and commitment to people and ideas we care about, through good times and bad.
Art work by Rychelle Johnson
Hope ~ A feeling for expectation for a certain thing to happen.
Art work by Gabby Matthews
Tolerance
~ Being open to differences. Refraining from judgments. Patience and
forgiveness with others and ourselves. Accepting things that we wish
were different with humor and grace.
Art work by Cailtin Rosenboom
Guidance Services for Grade 7
Congratulations
to Jaclyn Jacobson (Grade 7 Guidance Counselor) on a lovely, health
baby boy! While we are in the works of finalizing a long term substitute
for Ms. Jacobson, Annie Floyd (Grade 6 Guidance Counselor) will be
working with Grade 7 students with last names from A to M. Her contact
information is floydam@lcps.k12.va.us
or (540) 894-5457 ext. 2061. Sarah Porter (Grade 8 Guidance Counselor)
will be working with Grade 7 students with last names from N to Z. Her
contact information is portersa@lcps.k12.va.us
or (54) 894-5457 ext. 2063. Please direct any correspondence that you
would have normally sent to Ms. Jacobson to either Ms. Floyd or Ms.
Porter. Ms. Jacobson will return in January 2016.
Daylight Savings Time – Sunday, November 1
Please
do not forget that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 1 at
2:00 a.m. Do not forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour.
After School Help – November 4
Student Schedule for Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 13
Wednesday, November 4 (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.)
Wednesday, November 4 (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, November 2: Staff Development Day. No school for students.
On Tues., Nov. 3: Election Day. Division Holiday. No school for students and staff.
On Wed., Nov. 4 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Reading/Writing. School doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Thursday, November 5 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, ACE Reading/Writing
Friday, November 6 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club A or Reading
On Monday, November 9 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Reading/Writing
On Tuesday, November 10 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Reading/Writing
On Wednesday, November 11 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Reading/Writing
On Thursday, November 12 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE Reading/Writing
On Friday, November 13 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club B or Reading
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 1: English 6 Benchmark
Tuesday, December 1: English 6 Benchmark
Wednesday, December 2: English 7 Benchmark
Thursday, December 3: English 8 Benchmark
Monday, December 7: Math 7 Benchmark
Tuesday, December 8: Math 6 Benchmark
Wednesday, December 9: Math 8 Benchmark
Friday, December 11: Social Studies Benchmark
Monday, December 12: Science Benchmark
Tuesday,
December 15: 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.
Friday, December 18: End of 2nd Marking Period.
Monday, December 21- Friday, January 1: Winter Break. No school for students.
Tuesday, January 4 – Teacher Workday. No school for students
Wednesday, January 5: Staff Development Day. No school for students.
Thursday, January 6: Classes resume for student. School doors open 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 Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The competition begins at 10:00 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 Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The competition begins at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, March 24: All County Music @ LCHS Auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday,
April 16: Final Battle of the Books Competition will take place at
Cedar Lee Middle School, 11138 Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA Registration
begins at 9:30 a.m. The competition begins at 10:00 a.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.”
Lisa C. Chen
Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
