Dr. Lisa Chen, Principal, Louisa County Middle School, Mineral, VA

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Principal's Update for September 30, 2015

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:

Much learning is occurring at LCMS!

Today, I had the privilege to visit various classrooms and to learn with our students. In Richard Dye’s Technology 8 class, students continued to construct their Dart airplanes. Specifically, students are learning how tension can impact the amount of time and distance that their airplanes fly. InGail Carlin’s Art class, students are learning about the theory of light. Students have created magic boxes in order to see certain colors illuminated inside their boxes based on how the sunlight has been exposed. Students in Wendy Allanson’s, Dan Barrett’s, Ashley Lewis’, and Garth LoBello’s Math 8 classes are solving equations and identifying various identities and properties associated with solving these equations. Students are reviewing for their upcoming benchmark tests. Students in Kathy Allen’s Advanced Guitar class are learning how to improvise while staying on tempo and using the A minor chord. Students in Mike Mandzak’s Science 8 class are learning about eclipses and the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth when such an event occurs. Students in Sally Agee’s and Princell Brockenbrough’s Science 8 class are learning about about heat and fusion. Students are interpreting graphs as the matter changes to different phases. Students in Dr. Basil Georgiadis’ Spanish class are learning how to pronounce the vowel sounds of o and u with accuracy in Spanish words. Students are asking Dr. G questions in Spanish. It is truly a treat to visit classrooms and to watch our students learn!

As a reminder on Friday, October 2, all of us can show support for someone who is defeating cancer by wearing pink on this day. The Clear, Focused, Mission Correlate is sponsoring this event. Thank you for your support in our fight against cancer!

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 – Jimmi Carson and Grace Choi
Jimmi Carson and Grace Choi 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 and enjoyable! From Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 9, we will have two new guest speakers to assist us with the announcements: Clauriz Claudio and Taren Coles.

Benchmark Tests – Week of October 5
As a reminder, students will be involved in benchmark testing during the week of October 5. On Monday, October 5, all Grade 6 students will take their Math benchmarks. On Tuesday, October 6, all Grade 7 students will take their Math benchmarks. On Wednesday, all Grade 8 students will take their Math benchmarks. It is important that students take some time each night to study for these tests as part of their homework so that they do not feel overwhelmed the night before their tests.

End of First Marking Period – Friday, October 9
The end of the first marking period is on Friday, October 9. The parent portal for grades in PowerSchool will be temporarily closed from Friday, October 9 at 3:30 p.m. until Thursday, October 15 at 8:00 a.m. This will allow teachers the time to input grades and comments on students’ report cards. Report cards will be sent home with all students on Friday, October 16.

Anti-Bully Walk – Friday, October 9
The Safe, Orderly, and Caring Correlate will be hosting an Anti-Bully Walk on Friday, October 9. All students will participate in this walk around the high school track at 2:30 p.m. as they show their support against any bullying behavior toward one another. Students will bring their belongings with them to the track and leave for the busses from the track. More information will be forthcoming at the beginning of next week.

Dance and Game – Friday, October 9
LCMS will be hosting a middle school dance on Friday, October 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students who wish to go to the football game afterwards will be walked to the field by administrators. Dance forms will be available for students on Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7 during lunch. The last opportunity to turn in signed permission slips for the dance/game will be on Thursday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. to the Main Office. We look forward to spending an exciting afternoon and evening with our students!

Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School – Wednesday, October 14
The Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School (BRVGS) is an academic year governor’s school that provides a challenging and differentiated program of studies in core academic subjects, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program utilizes interactive video technology, field trips, and team coaching to create a regional community of learners from the counties of Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Madison, and Orange. Methods of instruction and learning aided by technology will aim to put the student in control of his or her learning and education. 

On Wednesday, October 14, Marc Carraway, BRVGS's Director, will meet with Grade 8 students in Mr. LoBello's and Ms. Harkin's math classes on Wednesday, October 14 for about fifteen to twenty minutes in the LCMS Forum about information about this program. An information night will be available to both parents and students about BRVGS, including more information about the application procedures. This meeting will be held on Thursday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Forum. For more information, please see the attachment, “BRVGS Flyer 2015.

Internet Safety with Rusty McGuire and Sergeant Chuck Love – Thursday, October 15
Please mark your calendars. While our students in Grade 7 will soon be learning more about internet safety with School Resource Officer Nathan Harris and School Librarian Rebecca Baughman, LCMS also extends an invitation to all middle school parents to learn more about social media and the potential risks that social media may pose on our students. While social media can be a fun way to communicate for both kids and adults, all community members need to be cognizant of how best to use the internet in a safe manner.

To help parents understand some of the challenges and potential dangers that our students may face when using social media, Louisa County Middle School will host an adults-only Social Media Safety Night on Thursday, October 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please join us from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Forum for some cookies and punch. The speakers for the evening will be Louisa’s Commonwealth Attorney, Rusty McGuire, and Louisa County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Detective, Sergeant Chuck Love. Mr. McGuire and Sergeant Love have made it their mission to protect the citizens of Louisa, especially our children, and to continue to educate all of us about internet safety.

I would like to personally thank the Louisa County Sheriff’s Department, Corporal Robert Sarnoski, and Deputy Nathan Harris for their continual assistance each day in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, parents, and community members! This will be a very informative night, and we hope that you will join us on Thursday, October 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the LCMS Forum.

Amanda Todd Video
On Monday, October 19; Thursday, October 22; Tuesday, November 10; or Wednesday, November 11, Grade 7 students will participate in the Internet Safety program that is hosted by our school librarian, Rebecca Baughman, and our school resource officer, Deputy Nathan Harris. Grade 7 students will partake in this program through their English 7 classes in one of the aforementioned days. The Internet Safety program has existed for a period of six years, and has helped to provide our students with more education on making safe choices regarding using the internet.

In this presentation, students will learn about the importance of not sharing personal information with a stranger. Using the NetSmartz curriculum, students will learn what is appropriate and inappropriate information to share online. Students will also learn about what can occur if a student is asked to participate in “sexting,” which is sending, uploading, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit photos, videos, or texts. Students will further be engaged in conversations about what cyberbullying looks like and why the act of cyberbullying is unacceptable and hurtful to others.

Students will see an edited version of the Amanda Todd video. Amanda Todd was cyberbullied after someone shared a topless photo of her online. This video deals with sensitive subject matters. If you would like for your Grade 7 child to opt out from seeing the video and partaking in the discussion, please check the box below in the letter that was sent home with Grade 7 students on Monday, September 28. Return the letter to Ms. Baughman no later than Monday, October 12If for some reason, your child has misplaced his or her letter, you can request another copy of the letter, which will be located in the Main Office. If the box is not checked off, then your child will see the edited version of this video and participate in the discussion. There is no grade penalty if your Grade 7 child opts out from participating in this activity. During this time, your Grade 7 child will read in the library.

The NetSmartz power point or video can be found on the LCMS website under the tab “Parents.”

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 beginning on Thursday, October 8 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. 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 5 – Friday, October 16Monday, October 5 (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, October 5 (B):                           1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On Tuesday, October 6 (A):                           1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, October 7 (B):                      1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, October 8 (A):                          1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, October 9 (B):                              1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 (Anti-Bullying Day and End of 1st Nine Weeks)
On Monday, October 12:                                Teacher Workday. No school for students.
On Tuesday, October 13 (A):                                     1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, October 14 (B):                    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, October 15 (A):                        1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, October 16 (B):                            1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 (Reports go out. All Country Music Night at LCHS Stadium.)

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

Thursday, October 1: Grade 7 English Benchmarks
Friday, October 2: Grade 8 English Benchmarks. Pink out day. Wear Pink to support Cancer Awareness.
Monday, October 5: Math 6 Benchmarks
Tuesday, October 6: Math 7 Benchmarks
Wednesday, October 7: Math 8 Benchmarks
Friday, October 9: First nine weeks end. LCMS Dance and Football Game @ LCMS Cafeteria from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Anti-bullying Awareness Day. All students will participate in an anti-bullying walk during last period. Students will bring all of their items to be dismissed from the LCHS Stadium.
Monday, October 12: Teacher Workday. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 13: School resumes for students on Tuesday, October 13. School doors open at 7:40 p.m. LCMS Parent Advisory Council meets with Dr. Chen in the Main Office Conference Room from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PTA Board meets from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Main Office Conference Room.

Wednesday, October 14: Marc Carraway (Director of Blue Ridge Virtual Governor School) meets with Grade 8 students in LCMS Forum for 15 to 20 minutes in Mr. LoBello’s and Ms. Harkin’s math classes.


Thursday, October 15: Internet Safety Program with Rusty McGuire and Sergeant Chuck Love at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Forum. Please join us for cookies and punch at 6:00 p.m. in the Forum.
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