Dear LCMS Bobcat Family and Friends:
My staff and I would like to report to you that we had a great first couple of days.
By Friday, August 14, my administrative team and I will speak to every single student in our Student Expectation Assemblies. We discussed taking P.R.I.D.E. (or personal responsibility in delivering excellence) and what that looks like in the classroom, to oneself, and to one another. Many students shared with us that they would be earning P.R.I.D.E. Paws, which are given to students who exemplify excellent behavior in the classroom and throughout the day. Students who receive P.R.I.D.E. Paws will not only earn a free snack and a positive phone call home to parents or guardians but also they will receive a certificate indicating the reason(s) for earning the P.R.I.D.E. Paws. We know that many of our students will earn this recognition throughout the year!
Furthermore, on behalf of Nurse Gholson and my Front Office staff, we would like to thank our Grade 6 parents/guardians for helping us secure the Tdap forms. This was one of our best turnarounds in receiving the forms so quickly! Thank you for your help in ensuring that all student are safe at our school!
I am presently looking for three Grade 6 parent/guardians who would like to assist in the LCMS Parent Advisory Council. We have representation from Grade 7 and Grade 8 parents. This council helps to bring forth suggestions about school improvement. We meet once a month. If you are interested in volunteering for this council, please contact Barbie Banning at 540 894-5457 ext. 2023 or
banninbd@lcps.k12.va.us
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
PowerSchool Training for Parents/GuardiansA great big thanks to both Cassandra Truzys, Data Analyst for LCPS, and to Kate Straley, Instructional Technology Specialist at LCMS, for hosting an informational session on PowerSchool for parents or guardians during Open House on Monday, August 10. PowerSchool allows parents or guardians to access information on their students, such as their grades, information on their class attendance, and completion of their child’s assignments for each class. To access your child’s information, please use
https://louisa.powerschool.com/public . To get more information regarding using PowerSchool, please go to our website at
http://lcms.lcps.k12.va.us . Click on the “Parent” tab and then “Parent Portal (PowerSchool) Directions.” If you have misplaced or do not remember your username and password, please feel free to contact 540 894-5457 and ask for Leslie Jordan.
During the end of each nine weeks, PowerSchool will be temporarily offline. Parents/Guardians will be unable to access PowerSchool during this time. This is to allow teachers the time to input students’ grades and comments.
National Junior Honor Society – Your feedback is important! NJHS co-sponsors, Mary Eden (English teacher 8) and Greg Palmer (Science teacher 8), and I would like to thank parents or guardians for their feedback. Based on input, we have revamped some of the processes for NJHS in order to streamline the application process more effectively. We have also included a website to provide parents or guardians with more information about NJHS. Please go the LCMS website at
http://lcms.lcps.k12.va.us/pages/Louisa_County_Middle_School Click under the tab “Activities,” and then click on NJHS. Please note that a student must have at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA for Grade 6 as only one part of the selection criteria to be a member of NJHS .
Also, there will NOT be a limit of students who are accepted if they qualify for the selection criteria. For more information, please click here: “
NJHS Information August 14.”
Parent Expectations Meeting with Athletic Director (AD) George Stanley – Wednesday, August 19 The following is information from AD George Stanley:
“I wanted to let you know that we will be having our parent expectations meeting for fall sports next Wednesday, August 19th in the LCHS Auditorium at 6:30 pm (We used to do the meetings in the Forum at the middle school in previous years). Parents, if your student-athletes are still in practice at that time it is fine. I do, however, need you there to pick up the student-athlete handbook for this year (there are forms that need to be signed and returned from that packet).
Football players have already had their parent meeting, but their parents need to get the student-athlete handbook that I will hand out next Wednesday at the meeting. The following places will be designated for individual team meetings between coaches and parents of the players (after the main meeting in the auditorium with me):
- Cross Country-Auditorium
- Golf-Cafeteria
- Volleyball-LCHS side of Main Gym
- Field Hockey-LION side of Main Gym
- Cheer-Auxiliary Gym
Can you feel the EXCITEMENT of the new school year?! If not, you can stop through our new “PRIDE SHOP,” (which is our new school store) which has plenty of school spirited items including: tee shirts, sweatshirts, window decals, coffee mugs and hats. Get ‘em while they’re hot!! See you all on 8/19 at 6:30pm in the LCHS auditorium.”
Learn and Win (LAW) Program with Deputy Nathan Harris Please click here: “
Law August 1,” to learn more about information about the LAW program at LCMS.
Revamp on Science FairAs part of an on-going process to see how we can continue to provide all students with an excellent education, LCMS teachers, department chairs, and administrators review curriculum in each discipline. For example, in Spring 2015, all advanced science teachers asked all of their students in their Advanced Sciences classes in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to answer seven questions about the science fair project. The questions were:
1. What do you think is the purpose of the science fair project?
2. What skills do you think that you learned by doing your project?
3. What were some of the easiest things about doing your project?
4. What were some of the hardest things about doing your project?
5. What would you do differently in the process of completing your project next time?
6. What advice would you give to a future student about doing the science fair project?
7. What did you learn from writing the research paper?
The science teachers with Sally Agee (Department Chair of Science) and me reviewed all of the students’ comments. Overwhelmingly, students wanted to have the opportunity to choose their project topics. It was evident that more time should be spent on teaching certain skills at each level. It was clear that all students could benefit on the research based skills. Thus, based on a review of the science curriculum and data from the science fair projects which included looking at student responses, the following changes were made:
In Grade 6, students in Advanced Science will complete a science fair project as a yearlong assignment with the option of competing in the LCMS science fair competition in February 2016. This will no longer be a requirement. If opting to compete, projects must be completed entirely by mid-January 2016. For the first semester in the sixth grade, students in Advanced Science will concentrate on forming a testable question, writing a research paper, and forming a proper hypothesis from their research. Beginning second semester, students will edit their research papers, test their hypothesis, analyze their data, and write a conclusion. However, all students taking science will concentrate on forming a testable question, writing a two to three page research paper, and forming a proper hypothesis from their research. All students will edit their research papers. These skills are important for all students to acquire. Students in Advanced Science may be required to write a longer research paper. Furthermore, during the summer, the Grade 6 English teachers worked with the Grade 6 Science teachers to align their curriculum and pacing to support the analytical writing that will be occurring in Grade 6 Science. Thus, what students learn in English 6 about writing analytical papers will be reinforced in Science 6 around the same time.
It was further evident from the review of curriculum that more focus needed to be placed on taking the time to teach our students what constitutes forming a testable question, the components for writing a two to three page research paper, and forming an effective hypothesis. Thus, more time on teaching the aforementioned components as opposed to just executing the experiment. The components and the foundations of writing will further be reinforced in both Science and English classes.
In Grade 7, students in Advanced Science will complete a science fair project as a yearlong assignment with the option of competing in the LCMS science fair competition in February 2016. If opting to compete, projects must be completed entirely by mid-January 2016. All students in Science 7 will review writing a proper hypothesis and concentrate on designing an experiment along with formulating a data table to test their hypothesis. Students in Advanced Science 7 will then complete their projects by analyzing the data and forming a conclusion.
As another change, students in Advanced Science now will have the option to either continue on with the same research topic the following year or to change to a new topic. Thus, what students research in Grade 6 Advanced Science can be applied to the science fair projects in Grade 7 Advanced Science and in Grade 8 Advanced Science, or Grade 6 students in Advanced Science can opt to design a new experiment and/or change topics when in Grade 7 Advanced Science and in Grade 8 Advanced Science.
In Grade 8, students in Advanced Science will complete a science fair project before Winter Break. All students will compete for a position in the LCMS Science Fair to be held during the first week of February 2016. Students will also compete for a position in the regional science fair held in March 2016 at the University of Virginia. The science teacher will emphasize creating a complete project. This is intended to prepare students to do research–based projects in the high school. As part of their projects, students will create a well written research paper, design and conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis, create a graph to represent their results, analyze their data, and produce a conclusion. All students in the Science 8 classes will focus on creating a graph to represent their results, analyze their data, and draw a conclusion. This is a vital skill for all students to acquire.
In summary, more time and focus have been allotted for all students (whether they are in the regular or advanced science classes) to learn what constitutes as a testable question, what does it mean to formulate a proper hypothesis, how to write an effective research paper, how to test the experiment, what does it mean to graph results in a viable and effective manner, and how to compose a well written conclusion.
Performance Based Assessments (PBA) As part of a district-wide initiative to deepen the analytical thinking of all students, all students will be involved in performance based assessments. Performance based assessments allow teachers to not only assess the student’s knowledge of the content but also to understand their ability to apply the content. In essence, practicing these skills will help our students continue to think in complex ways and to apply their knowledge even when confronted with perplexing unknowns.
Thus, each class (whether it be Art, English, or Math) will design a performance based assessment on a small scale this year to assess students. For the most part, the performance based assessments will be given to students in second semester and will constitute as only a quiz grade. Thus, how students perform on one performance based assessment is not the only grade for the student.
Furthermore, the State has now required that students in Grades 6 and Grade 7 be assessed using PBAs in lieu of the SOL tests in Grade 6 and Grade 7 Social Studies. Thus, PBAs for Grades 6 and 7 will count as a test grade as opposed to only a quiz grade as in the other subject areas since the PBAs are replacing the SOL tests. Students, however, will still have multiple methods of being assessed in their social studies classes. Students have different types of tests, quizzes, homework, and classwork assignments. Not all tests in Grades 6 and 7 Social Studies will be performance based assessments. More information about PBAs will be forthcoming from your Grade 6 and Grade 7 Social Studies teachers.
Morning Announcers Presently, I am looking for students who would like to assist me in making Morning Announcements each morning. If you are interested in helping out with Morning Announcements, please remind your child to let his or her guidance counselor know, no later than Friday, August 21.
After School Help After School Help is supervised time after school in which students can make up work that they have missed, make up time that they have missed from school, seek assistance from teachers, or work on assignments including using the computer. After School Help will run from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and will be held on designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning Tuesday, September 8.
If your child is interested in signing up for After School Help, please sign up your child using the form, “After School Help Form 2015.” The form should be turned into the Main Office no later than the Tuesday that the student wishes to stay for help and no later than 1:15 p.m. Students may turn in this form earlier if they wish. Without this form signed by the parent or guardian, the student may not stay after school for After School Help.
Student Schedule for Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 28
Monday, August 17 (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, August 17 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
On Tuesday, August 18 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, August 19 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, August 20 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, August 21 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
On Monday, August 24 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (Students sign up for clubs during lunch. The Gifted and Talented Program begins for students.)
On Tuesday, August 25 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2
On Wednesday, August 26 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3
On Thursday, August 27 (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4
On Friday, August 28 (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Monday, August 17: All students take pre-assessments in their Math and Social Studies classes.
Monday, August 17: Girls’ Basketball tryouts from 3:20 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19: All students take pre-assessments in their English and Science classes.
Friday, August 21: Gifted and Talented Program begins for Grade 6 Gifted and Talented students.
Monday, August 24: All students sign up for clubs during their lunches. This week begins the Gifted and Talented Program begins for Grades and 8 Gifted and Talented students.
Monday, August 31: All students sign up for clubs during their lunches.
Friday, August 28: LCMS Dance and Football Game @ LCMS Cafeteria from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Monday, September 3: NJHS interest meetings at LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, September 7: Labor Day. No school for students and staff. This is the last week for students to sign up for clubs during lunches.
Tuesday, September 8: School begins at 7:40 a.m. LCMS Parent Advisory Council @ LCMS Main Office Conference Room from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and PTA Board Meeting @ LCMS Main Office Conference Room from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11: Interim report cards for the first nine weeks are sent home with students.
Monday, September 14: NJHS Candidacy packets are available in the Main Office.
Monday, September 14: ACE Math begins.
Friday, September 18: Club A or Reading
Friday, September 18: LCMS Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 24: All Grade 8 students take their Social Studies Benchmarks. For Grade 6 and Grade 7 students, performance-based assessments in social studies will occur around this time.
Friday, September 25: Club B or Reading
Friday, September 25: NJHS Candidacy packets are due in the Main Office by 3:30 p.m.
Monday, September 28: All students will take Science Benchmarks.
Wednesday, September 30: Grade 6 English Benchmarks
Thursday, October 1: Grade 7 English Benchmarks
Friday, October 2: Grade 8 English Benchmarks
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.
Friday, October 16: Report cards for the first nine weeks are sent home with students.
Monday, October 19: ACE Math occurs from Monday, October 19 to Thursday, October 22 during the last period of the day.
Tuesday, October 20: Tentatively scheduled for 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)
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.
Thursday, October 29: Student picture day
Friday, October 30: Club B or reading
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
