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

Friday, April 8, 2016

Principal's Update for April 8, 2016

Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends and Future Bobcat Family and Friends:

Please come and join the community and me as we celebrate the 29th Annual Arts Festival at LCMS. This year's theme is "Blooming Art. " The festival will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at LCMS. Each year, every art teacher hosts a booth with free art activities for our guests. Generally, we have over 1,000 people attend festival every year. We plan from 2 to 300 people coming to each booth. This year, our booth will require some capable hands to help our littlest visitors complete their Lollipop flowers. No artistic ability is necessary. We hope that you will enjoy this time with us!

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 – Stuart Swink and Desaray Winston
Stuart Swink and Desaray Winston did an outstanding job with morning announcements! They were clear in their delivery of messages and enunciated each word with great accuracy. Without their help, Morning Announcements would not be as fun, enjoyable, or even as informative. From Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 15, we will have two new guest speakers to assist us with the announcements: Brandon Woods and Sean Wright.

Family and Consumer Sciences Students Learn Heimlich Maneuver – Thursday, March 24
On Thursday, March 24, Gracie Quarles’ Grade 8 Family and Consumer Sciences students participated in a class activity taught by the University of Virginia senior nursing students. Our students learned the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR, and other life saving techniques. That session was recorded by a television reporter and was shown on Channel 19 Newsplex on Tuesday, March 29. Josh Swinson did a great job during his interview along with all of our students! Way to go to represent LCMS! Thank you to Nursing Professor Vickie Southall for your partnership with us.

2016 LCMS Teacher of the Year – Hope Hamblin
Congratulations to Hope Hamblin (Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher) for being the 2016 LCMS Teacher of the Year! Hope Hamblin is a dedicated, caring teacher who has high expectations for all of her students. She collaborates effectively with all staff, parents, and other teachers. She is a consummate professional!

Winner of Rotary Club Essay Contest – Abbie Alpern
Congratulations to Abbie Alpern for winning the youth essay contest from the Rotary Club. Abbie Alpern was honored at their meeting on Wednesday, March 30, receiving $100.00 and also a book donated to the public library in her name. We are really proud of you, Abbie Alpern! Your effort makes a difference!

No Kid Hungry Photo Essay Contest
For more information on the “No Kid Hungry Photo Essay Contest,” please see the attachment, “No Kid Hungry Contest.

Team Players – 3rd Marking Period
Team Player status is achieved when students are recognized for displaying the following character qualities on a regular basis: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, fairness, and caring. After receiving teacher-written commendations, four students per grade level are selected. The teacher commendations are then displayed with the student’s picture in the cafeteria. Students also receive a free pizza and cupcake lunch. We are extremely proud of all of our Team Players. Congratulations on being a respectful, responsible, trustworthy, fair, caring citizen and student! The following are direct quotations from LCMS teachers:

Gracie Choi -6th
Gracie is a true example of a team player. Regardless of what anyone else is doing she ALWAYS makes the right choices. Gracie is a huge help and will do anything she is asked and always volunteers to help.

Christian Lam- 6th
He is a student that I trust. Even if he is ever off task, he is honest and corrects himself quickly. He takes initiatives seriously and is a role model to his peers. I feel lucky to teach him on a daily basis.

Isaiah Madison – 6th
What can I say about Isaiah? I wish I had more students just like him. He is sweet, polite, and works very well with others. This young man is simply amazing!

Haleigh Romano – 6th
I feel strongly about her receiving this honor. She is basically a "student teacher" within our classroom where she assists other students on a daily basis. Her homework is the example of showing strategies, and I can always count on her to be 100% time on task. She is responsible, fair, caring, respectful, and a good citizen.

Lillian Farmer – 7th
Lilly can be trusted, works hard, and is kind to all students. She is the prime example for good character and is a great role model to all students.

Jayden Nicholas – 7th
Jayden gives his best effort on all assignments, and encourages those around him to also do their best. He has one of the most positive attitudes at LCMS this year! Jayden is responsible and respectful. He is an accountable student and is always caring towards others - teachers and peers. Jayden can always put a positive spin on any situation and is a delight to teach and to know as a person.

Kylie Smith – 7th
Kylie is a kind, cooperative student who has a genuine nature about her. She stays abreast of her work and works hard to understand what she is learning.

Jacob Taberner – 7th
Jacob is helpful in class and has a positive attitude.  He is always looking to improve his work and has a hard work ethic in school. He is kind and caring towards his fellow students. Jacob works hard and is incredibly agreeable. He is always willing to work with whomever he is paired with, and makes that person feel comfortable.

Walker Bourne – 8th
Walker is a responsible young man who is helpful and kind to all.

Jason Brooks – 8th
Nobody is kinder, more polite, respectful, or hard-working than Jason. He is an asset to the classroom.

Riley Canning – 8th
Riley is well-organized, cheerful, and hard-working. She is quiet, but friendly. I have never heard of her saying any unkind word to anyone. Riley is a terrific student!

Sophie Karney – 8th
Sophie works hard and is always willing to help others.

Bus Departures
Beginning on Monday, April 4, we will no longer be taking any requests to pull students off the busses once students have boarded. Lately, we have received more and more requests from parents or guardians needing to have their children removed off the busses when the busses have either departed or are about to leave for high school. The purpose of this reminder is not to cause anyone an inconvenience; rather, it is to ensure a safe and timely dismissal of students and bus departure. Our busses must depart on time for high school dimissal and to pick up students from the high school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (540) 894-5457 ext. 2023. On behalf of my staff and me as well as transportation, we truly appreciate your support in this endeavor and in ensuring a safe and timely dismissal for all of our students.

2016 LCMS Talent Show – Tuesday, April 12
Next Tuesday night, April 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the LCMS Forum will be the 2016 LCMS Talent Show. This is sponsored by the Student Council Association. There will be singing; instruments played such as the guitar, piano, and violin; a comedy skit; and even a master yo-yo skill set performed! For just $3.00 a person paid at the door, you can enjoy getting out of the house midweek and help to support our talented students! We hope to see you there for a spectacular evening. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. to get the best seat! Please see the attachment, “LCMS SCA Talent Show Flyer 2016,” for more information.

Family Fun Night – Friday, April 15
On Friday, April 15, LCMS is proud to sponsor Family Fun Night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We will be showing the new Disney movie “Home” free of charge, and will also have board games and activities set up for a night of fun. We invite all Louisa families to come and hang out with us for what is sure to be a great time. There will be baked goods and drinks for sale, and we will also have the first annual Middle School Cake Walk! Come for the entire time, or just for a break in your busy day! For more information, please see the attachment, “Family Fun Night Flyer 2016.”

After School Help – Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13

Student Schedule for Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 22 Monday, April 11 (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, April 11 (A):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE English
On Tuesday, April 12 (B):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE English
On Wednesday, April 13 (A):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE English
On Thursday, April 14 (B):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 ACE English
On Friday, April 15 (A):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Club A or Reading


On Monday, April 18 (B):
1, 2, 4, 3, 5 New schedule begins. ACE ends. Clubs end. TAG ends.
On Tuesday, April 19 (A):
1, 2, 4, 3, 5
On Wednesday, April 20 (B):
1, 2, 4, 3, 5
On Thursday, April 21 (A):
1, 2, 4, 3, 5
On Friday, April 22 (B):
1, 2, 4, 3, 5

New Schedule – Monday, April 18
A new schedule will begin on Monday, April 18. Classes will be 78 minutes as opposed to 68 minutes. There will no longer be Period 6 or ACE Block. As there is no longer Period 6, ACE, Club, and TAG will end. The longer blocks will assist students with having the time to take the Standards of Learning Tests that will be occurring in late April through May, while still having the time to have important instruction in their classes. The schedule will be as follows: Period 1, Period 2, Period 4, Period 3, and then Period 5. For more information, please see the attachment, “April 18-May 26 schedule 2015-2016.”

Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple. Information about Grade 5 events are marked in red.

Saturday, April 9: LCPS Arts Festival at LCMS from10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 15: LCHS Counselors visit with Grade 8 students for high school scheduling.
Monday, April 11: Grade 5 Moss Nuckols Students Visit LCMS from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
Tuesday, April 12: Grade 5 Thomas Jefferson Students Visit LCMS from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
Tuesday, April 12: First Annual SCA Talent Show in the LCMS Forum at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 14: LCMS Spring Band Concert.
Friday, April 15: Grade 5 Jouett Students Visit LCMS from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
Friday, April 15: Family Fun Night at LCMS from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 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.

Monday, April 18: Grade 5 Trevilians Students Visit LCMS from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.  
Tuesday, April 19: Rising Grade 6 Parent Night (General Information) at LCMS Forum from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20: Rising Grade 6 Parent Night (Special Education Information) at LCMS Forum from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 21: Interim reports sent home.

Friday, April 22: Reality Store for Grade 8 students.
Friday, April 22: LCEA Talent Show from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. @ LCHS Auditorium
Monday, April 25: Reading 8 Standards of Learning Test. Reading 6 Standards of Learning Test Paper and Pencil only.

Tuesday, April 26: Rising Grade 6 Band Night with Kathy Allen @ LCMS from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27: Reading 6 Standards of Learning Test.
Thursday, April 28: All Virginia Middle School Choir.
Friday, April 29: All Virginia Middle School Choir. Civics 8 Standards of Learning test.
Friday, April 29: Grades 5, 6, and 7 Dance at LCMS from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3: Reading 7 SOL
Thursday, May 5: Math 8 SOL
Monday, May 9: Math 6 SOL
Monday, May 9: All “A” Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.  
Wednesday, May 11: Algebra I SOL
Friday, May 13: Math 7 SOL
Monday, May 16: Science 8 SOL
Wednesday, May 18: LCMS Spring Chorus Concert at 6:00 p.m. @ LCHS Alan Jackson Auditorium
Saturday, May 21: Grade 8 Formal at LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24: Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Field Trip
Wednesday, May 25: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony Practice (Morning) and Grade 8 Field Day (Afternoon)

Thursday, May 26: End of 4th Marking Period. Grade 8 Closing Ceremony. Grade 6 and Grade 7 Field Days. Last day of school.
Friday, May 27: Teacher Workday.

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