Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:
Recently, all students have met or are in the process of meeting with their assistant principals and teachers. The assistant principals along with students’ grade-level teachers have reviewed expectations with their students. In these assemblies, students are reminded to always put their best foot forward and are encouraged to achieve excellence in both academics and with their behaviors. Students are reminded of the importance of being kind and respectful to one another and of maintaining a clean school. Students were also reminded of the importance of maintaining solid grades and of “After School Help.” Another key point shared with students was arriving to school and classes on time so that students do not miss any important information. Finally, students were encouraged to get a good night sleep every night and that we care a great deal about them. We believe in their potentials!
Further, students in their social studies classes have been receiving training on how to use the student portal on PowerSchool. This will provide students with the opportunity to check on any missed assignments and their grades
As always, please feel free to contact me at chenlc@lcps.k12.va.us if you have questions, concerns, or anything that you would like to share.
The following are some important updates and announcements.
Announcements
Morning Announcers – Iris Posadas and Aaliyah Powell
Iris Posadas and Aaliyah Powell did an outstanding job with morning announcements! They were clear in their delivery of messages. They enunciated each word with great accuracy. Without their help, Morning Announcements would not be as fun, enjoyable, or even as informative. From Monday, January 11 to Friday, January 15, we will have two new guest speakers to assist us with the announcements: Kerstin Sacra and Erika Seaberry.
Ornament Sale
The LCMS Ornament Sale brought in a total of $542.00. This donation will help to fund the Backpack Blessings Program from now until the entire summer. This program helps to provide food for families in need on the weekends. A great big thanks to Gail Carlin (Art teacher) and to our art students for making these beautiful ornaments.
Reminder Pick-up Procedure
To ensure safety of all of our students, please remember that between the hours of 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. no vehicles are allowed to park in the main entrance loop. All parents and caregivers picking up children at the middle school during this time period will use parking spaced in the Central Office parking lot. This pick-up procedure has helped to reduce frequent backups onto the Davis Highway blocking departing vehicles’ view of approaching traffic. In this past, this issue has resulted in vehicle accidents and many close calls. Thus, to mitigate the identified risks, please do not park your cars in the main entrance loop during this time. We really appreciate your help in this matter! It is to ensure your safety and those of our students. Thank you!
Student Attendance and Student Tardies
Beginning in January 2016, LCMS will be sending home letters to those students who have unverified absences of 5, 10 and 15 more days. The purpose of sending home such letters is to bring awareness of the number of missed days that a student may have and the importance of being in school and in class consistently in order to receive vital information and instruction. Within the month of December, LCMS had an average of 40 students coming to school late each morning. When students arrive to school late on a regular basis and/or miss classes on a regular basis, they are missing important information. Thus, as a goal for LCMS, we want all of our students to be present, and participating in the fun and learning at school. My staff and I appreciate your help and support in advance!
Girls on the Run – Monday January 11On Monday, January 11, each 6th grade girl will receive an information packet on Girls on the Run during their Health/Physical Education class. This packet includes all information parents or guardians will need to know about the Girls on the Run Club, including registration. Registration will begin on Monday, January 11. There will be fifteen available spots. This is based on first come, first serve basis, so the earlier students register, the better. The first practice will begin on Monday, February 1. Practices will run immediately after school on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sara Boyer (Grade 6 English teacher), Jordan Goodwin (Grade 6 Special Education teacher), and Conner Waldron (Grade 6 Social Studies teacher) will be assisting in Girls on the Run. If there are any questions please contact Jordan Goodwin atgoodwijc@lcps.k12.va.us
Parent Teacher Conferences – Thursday, January 14
A reminder that parent teacher conferences are on Thursday, January 14. If you are interested in setting up a 15 minute appointment with your teacher from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. please email or contact your teacher. Walk-ins are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that night. Please note that teachers will be unavailable until 3:30 p.m. as they are finishing up with their day. Should you arrive between 3:09 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. please feel free to join me in the cafeteria! We look forward to seeing you then!
After School Help – Tuesday, 12 and Wednesday, January 13
Dr. Ken Fan Visits LCMS – Tuesday, January 19
On Tuesday, January 19, Dr. Ken Fan will visit LCMS from Cambridge, MA. Dr. Ken Fan was the Benjamin Peirce Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has published several articles, received awards such as the National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mathematics, and is a talented oil painter. His passion and devotion to math led him to create a nonprofit math club for girls based in Cambridge, MA. Founded in 2007, Girls’ Angle offers a comprehensive approach to math education, including Girls’ Angle mentors, who are at the heart and soul of this club. Dr. Ken Fan hosts several math meets and competitions in New England. At these meets, students have the opportunity to meet mentors from Brown University, Harvard University, MIT, and Tufts.
On Tuesday, January 19. Dr. Fan will present math talks to all students in Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 at the Alan Jackson Auditorium in LCHS. Students will walk from the middle school to the high school with their math teachers for a 30 minute math talk with Dr. Ken Fan. Following that, Dr. Fan will visit with some math classes. Later, in the afternoon, Dr. Fan will host a math meet or scavenger event for some students. Seventy-five students will be involved in solving some complex math questions. As a result of finding the solution to their problems, students will unlock their prizes that are enclosed in a locked treasure chest. We look forward to hosting Dr. Ken Fan on Tuesday, January 19!
Student Schedule for Monday, January 11 to Friday, January 22Monday, January 11 (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 1class.)
On Monday, January 11 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 Report cards go home.
On Tuesday, January 12 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, January 13 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, January 14 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Parent Teacher Conferences. 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. appointment or 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. walk-ins.
On Friday, January 15 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On Monday, January 18: Division Holiday. No school for staff and students. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
On Tuesday, January 19 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Dr. Ken Fan visits LCMS.
On Wednesday, January 20 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Thursday, January 21 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, January 22 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club B or Reading
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple. *Please note that the week students return to school, they will be taking benchmark tests.
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.
Monday, January 11: Report cards are sent home.
Monday, January 12: 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, January 14: Parent teacher conferences 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. appointments only, and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. walk-ins.
Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, January 19: Classes resume for students. School doors open at 7:40 a.m. Dr. Ken Fan visits LCMS.
Friday, January 22: Club B or reading.
Friday, January 22: LCMS Dance from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the LCMS Cafeteria.
Friday, January 29: Club A or reading.
Friday, February 5: Club B or reading.
Monday, February 8: Interim reports go home with students.
Tuesday, February 9: Grade-Level Spelling Bee @ LCMS Forum
Wednesday, February 10: Science Fair Awards at 6:00 p.m. @ LCMS Forum.
Friday, February 12: Club A or reading.
Friday, February 12 – Saturday, February 13: All District Chorus at Culpepper Middle School
Monday, February 15: Staff Development Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, February 16: Classes resume for students. School door opens at 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, February 16: 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.
Wednesday, February 17: English 8 Benchmark (Multiple choice/writing simulation).
Friday, February 19: English 8 Benchmark (Writing prompt/essay simulation).
Friday, February 19: LCMS Dance from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the LCMS Cafeteria.
Monday, February 22: English 6 Benchmark.
Tuesday, February 23: English 7 Benchmark.
Tuesday, February 23: District-wide Spelling Bee.
Thursday, February 25: Social Studies Benchmark.
Friday, February 26: Drama Field Trip to Swift Creek Mill Theatre to see the play, “The Little Lion”
Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 11: LCMS Book Fair
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.”
With warm regards,
Lisa C. Chen
Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
Principal
Louisa County Middle School
