Thank you for attending the Parent/Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, March 24. My staff and I value your partnership with us. If you have suggestions or feedback regarding Parent/Teacher Conferences, please email me directly at chenlc@lcps.k12.va.us Your input is greatly appreciated as we plan for future Parent/Teacher Conferences.
My staff and I want to wish your students the best of luck on their upcoming SOL tests. Students have been working hard in their classes to prepare for these state tests.
Congratulations to Richard Dye, who is our 2015 William G. Thomas Educator of the Year! Richard Dye fosters excellence in his classroom and continues to look for innovative and creative ways of bringing additional educational opportunities to all students! Richard Dye will honored at the Educator of the Year Ceremony on Thursday, May 7. Thank you to our sponsor, Old Dominion Insurance and Investments!
This Saturday, March 28, we will be celebrating the art at the middle school with the 28th Annual Louisa County Arts Festival. This year our theme is "Uptown, Downtown." We will be featuring art work from all six of our schools. There will be music and drama performances and free art activities for the whole family, including potters' wheels, basket making, face painting, and book-making to name just a few. Refreshments will be for sale through the Band Boosters. Limited edition tee shirts will be on sale. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You and your family are invited to join in the fun and to celebrate the talents of our students this Saturday.
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
Thank you to Morning Announcers – Moriah Moss
Thank you to Moriah Moss for her contributions to morning announcements. You provided us with important upcoming news in a clear voice and pleasant tone! On Monday, March 30, we will have two new guest speakers, Gage Parrott and Sebastian Sayers. We look forward to announcements!
Congratulations Sydney Brookman to BLAST Program
I have just learned that we have another Grade 8 student, Sydney Brookman, who was accepted in the BLAST Program at the University of Virginia. BLAST is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through innovative hands-on experiences taught by faculty members and staff, students will explore the fun and excitement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while residing on a college campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about mechanical engineering by building a solar car. Students will be involved with space science as they build a robot to complete missions on a Martian landscape. Students will view planets and other celestial objects at the McCormick Observatory and design and test insulation materials. I am really excited about these learning opportunities for our students during the summer!
I have just learned that we have another Grade 8 student, Sydney Brookman, who was accepted in the BLAST Program at the University of Virginia. BLAST is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through innovative hands-on experiences taught by faculty members and staff, students will explore the fun and excitement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while residing on a college campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about mechanical engineering by building a solar car. Students will be involved with space science as they build a robot to complete missions on a Martian landscape. Students will view planets and other celestial objects at the McCormick Observatory and design and test insulation materials. I am really excited about these learning opportunities for our students during the summer!
Congratulations LCMS Chorus Students
On Friday, March 20, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade choruses participated in the Virginia Choral Directors Association (VCDA) District Choral Assessment hosted by Culpeper High School. Each chorus was assessed by three judges on tone quality, intonation, diction, blend or balance, dynamics, and stage presence. All three groups received an overall rating of superior! Both seventh and eighth grade chorus earned all superior ratings. After the performance of their two songs, each group was required to sing eight measures of music never seen before for the judges. Students were assessed on pitch or rhythmic accuracy and professionalism. Seventh and eighth grade each earned superior ratings on Level 2 sight-reading, while the sixth grade earned a superior on Level 1. We are very proud of all of the students who participated in this event! A great big thanks goes out to all parents for their continual support, to parents who chaperoned the field trip, to the students for their hard work, and to Sharon Wills (Chorus and Drama teacher) for her direction and leadership in our fine and performing arts program.
On Friday, March 20, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade choruses participated in the Virginia Choral Directors Association (VCDA) District Choral Assessment hosted by Culpeper High School. Each chorus was assessed by three judges on tone quality, intonation, diction, blend or balance, dynamics, and stage presence. All three groups received an overall rating of superior! Both seventh and eighth grade chorus earned all superior ratings. After the performance of their two songs, each group was required to sing eight measures of music never seen before for the judges. Students were assessed on pitch or rhythmic accuracy and professionalism. Seventh and eighth grade each earned superior ratings on Level 2 sight-reading, while the sixth grade earned a superior on Level 1. We are very proud of all of the students who participated in this event! A great big thanks goes out to all parents for their continual support, to parents who chaperoned the field trip, to the students for their hard work, and to Sharon Wills (Chorus and Drama teacher) for her direction and leadership in our fine and performing arts program.
Student Pictures – Friday, March 27
On Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, students received their picture packets for their pictures that were taken on Wednesday, February 25. Payment of pictures or the package of pictures need to be returned to the Main Office by Friday, March 27. For questions about student pictures, please contact Barbie Banning at banninbd@lcps.k12.va.us
Talented and Gifted (TAG) Students to University of Richmond – Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3
TAG students will take a field trip to the University of Richmond on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3rd. Grade 6 Group A and Grade 8 students will tour the campus on Thursday, April 2. Grade 6 Group B and Grade 7 students will visit the campus on Friday, April 3. Students will be responsible for missed work. We are excited that our students will have the opportunity to visit this college campus and to learn more about the admissions process.
TAG students will take a field trip to the University of Richmond on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3rd. Grade 6 Group A and Grade 8 students will tour the campus on Thursday, April 2. Grade 6 Group B and Grade 7 students will visit the campus on Friday, April 3. Students will be responsible for missed work. We are excited that our students will have the opportunity to visit this college campus and to learn more about the admissions process.
Grade 8 High School Scheduling
High school scheduling is quickly approaching. Teacher recommendations for our students will occur over the next two weeks. High school counselors will visit LCMS on Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14 during Period 4 to hand out scheduling information and course guides to our Grade 8 students.
The following is the schedule of dates and times of when the high school guidance counselor will meet with a particular class.
Monday, April 13th
(11:32 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.): Allanson, Barrett/Brooks, Lewis, Mayfield
(12:10 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.): Coleman, Everly, Kaiser, Slye, and Yancey
(12:50 p.m. – 1:17 p.m.): Carpenter, Eden, Palmer, Swain
Tuesday, April 14th
(11:32 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.): Duke, Hoy, and Wallace
(11:32 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.): Duke, Hoy, and Wallace
(12:10 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.): Agee, Lenow, Mandzak
On Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16, high school counselors will meet with each student to finalize his or her schedule. Make-up scheduling will occur on Monday, April 20, and scheduling should be completed by the end of the day.
REALITY STORE will be on Friday, April 17 for all Grade 8 students.
Grade 6 and Grade 7 Scheduling
Grade 6 and Grade 7 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers will also make recommendations for their Grade 6 and Grade 7 students for the next school year from Tuesday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 22. Beginning Monday, April 13, guidance counselors, Annie Floyd and Jaclyn Jacobson, will meet with current Grade 6 and Grade 7 students to share with them the elective programming offered for students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will have opportunities to select their elective programming. The course request sheets for elective programming will be due to the guidance counselors on Wednesday, May 6.
Grade 6 and Grade 7 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers will also make recommendations for their Grade 6 and Grade 7 students for the next school year from Tuesday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 22. Beginning Monday, April 13, guidance counselors, Annie Floyd and Jaclyn Jacobson, will meet with current Grade 6 and Grade 7 students to share with them the elective programming offered for students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will have opportunities to select their elective programming. The course request sheets for elective programming will be due to the guidance counselors on Wednesday, May 6.
In May, the Algebra Prognosis Assessment will be administered to Grade 6 Advanced Math students and to all Grade 7 and Grade 8 students who are not enrolled in Algebra and Geometry presently. Grade 6 math teachers may recommend some students who are not enrolled in Grade 6 Advanced Math to take this test. The Grade 8 students' scores are sent to the high school to assist with scheduling for next year. The Grades 6 and 7 students' scores have been used to assist with placement. The Algebra Prognosis Test is a standardized test that has been used for many years in Louisa as one factor in determining math placement. Grade 8 will take the test on Monday, May 18, and dates for when Grades 6 and 7 students will be forthcoming.
Reminders from Deputy Nathan Harris and Corporal Robert Sarnoski
My staff and I are most grateful for all of the good, hard work of Deputy Nathan Harris and Corporal Robert Sarnoski as they continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. As a reminder to maintain smooth traffic patterns, please use the appropriate drop off area for students in the morning. The drop off area is from the indentation of the side walk all the way to the end of the side walk. This drop off area is shaped like a crescent moon extended. Tomorrow morning, there will be two large barrels to designate where the drop off areas begin and end. As you drop off your child, please place your four ways to signify to other drivers that you are dropping off. Once you have dropped off your child, please safely merge back into the travel lane. This will ensure a continue flow of cars. There is a larger increase of traffic volume from 7:40 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. As another suggestion, you may wish drop off your child at 7:30 a.m. and have him or her come into school and wait in the cafeteria. There is less traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. in the drop off lane.
My staff and I are most grateful for all of the good, hard work of Deputy Nathan Harris and Corporal Robert Sarnoski as they continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. As a reminder to maintain smooth traffic patterns, please use the appropriate drop off area for students in the morning. The drop off area is from the indentation of the side walk all the way to the end of the side walk. This drop off area is shaped like a crescent moon extended. Tomorrow morning, there will be two large barrels to designate where the drop off areas begin and end. As you drop off your child, please place your four ways to signify to other drivers that you are dropping off. Once you have dropped off your child, please safely merge back into the travel lane. This will ensure a continue flow of cars. There is a larger increase of traffic volume from 7:40 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. As another suggestion, you may wish drop off your child at 7:30 a.m. and have him or her come into school and wait in the cafeteria. There is less traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. in the drop off lane.
Criteria for Summer School or being Retained
Below is an explanation of the criteria for a student to attend summer school or to be retained. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or grade level assistant principal at (540) 894-5457.
Criteria for a student to attend Summer School:
- If a student fails Math or English
Criteria for a student to be Retained:
- If a student fails Math and English
- If a student fails Math or English and Science and Social Studies
- If a student fails Math, English, Science, and Social Studies
If you feel that your child may need additional assistance, please have him or her stay after school for assistance.
Student Schedule for Monday, March 23 to Friday, April 17
On Monday, March 30 (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, March 30 (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, March 30: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 1 of ACE Math
On Tuesday, March 31: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 1: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 2: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, April 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 A Clubs meet and reading
On Tuesday, March 31: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 1: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 2: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Math
On Friday, April 3: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 A Clubs meet and reading
Monday, April 6 –Friday, April 10 No school for students. Spring Break recess.
On Monday, April 13: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 1 of ACE Math
On Tuesday, April 14: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 15: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 16: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Mat
On Friday, April 17: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 B Clubs meet and reading
On Tuesday, April 14: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 2 of ACE Math
On Wednesday, April 15: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 3 of ACE Math
On Thursday, April 16: (A): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 Day 4 of ACE Mat
On Friday, April 17: (B): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 B Clubs meet and reading
Important Upcoming Dates – Added information and dates are marked in purple.
Friday, March 27: Report cards go home.
Friday, March 27: Barter Theater at LCMS
Saturday, March 28 – 28th Annual Arts Festival @ LCMS from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3: LCMS Library Book Fair
Friday, March 27: Barter Theater at LCMS
Saturday, March 28 – 28th Annual Arts Festival @ LCMS from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3: LCMS Library Book Fair
Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3: TAG Students to University of Richmond
Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: No school for students. Students on Spring Recess.
Monday, April 13: Classes resume. LCMS doors at 7:40 a.m.
Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17: High school scheduling for Grade 8 students
Tuesday, April 14: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Wednesday, April 15: High School Transition Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at LCHS for Grade 8 students and parents
Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: No school for students. Students on Spring Recess.
Monday, April 13: Classes resume. LCMS doors at 7:40 a.m.
Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17: High school scheduling for Grade 8 students
Tuesday, April 14: PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room
Wednesday, April 15: High School Transition Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at LCHS for Grade 8 students and parents
Thursday, April 16 – LCMS Spring Band and Guitar Concert @ LCMS Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student should report to LCMS Forum at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17: Reality Store for Grade 8 Students
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Chorus Concert @ LCMS Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students should report to the LCMS Cafeteria at 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21: LCMS Chorus Concert @ LCMS Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students should report to the LCMS Cafeteria at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: Interim reports for Marking Period 4 are sent home with students.
Thursday, April 23: LCMS Book swap.
Friday, April 24 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Band and Guitar Students
Friday, April 24: Grades 5, 6, 7 Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia
Thursday, April 23: LCMS Book swap.
Friday, April 24 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Band and Guitar Students
Friday, April 24: Grades 5, 6, 7 Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Battle of the Books Competition for LCMS Students @ Culpeper Middle School
Monday, April 27: Grade 7 Students to Eureka! @ Martin King Performing Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia
Tuesday, April 28: Civics SOL tests
Tuesday, April 28: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, April 28: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Wednesday, April 29: Grade 6 Reading SOL tests
Thursday, April 30: Grade 7 Reading SOL tests
Thursday, April 30: Grade 7 Reading SOL tests
Friday, May 1 - Musical Busch Gardens Competition for LCMS Chorus Students
Tuesday, May 5: Grade 8 Reading SOL tests
Tuesday, May 5: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Tuesday, May 5: Grade 8 Reading SOL tests
Tuesday, May 5: LCMS Parent Advisory Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room with Dr. Chen
Wednesday, May 6: Grade 6 Math SOL tests
Thursday, May 7: Grade 8 Science SOL tests
Friday, May 8: Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00.
Tuesday, May 12: Grade 7 Math SOL tests
Tuesday, May 12: PTA Board meets in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13: Pre-Algebra tests
Thursday, May 14: Algebra I and Geometry
Saturday, May 16 - Grade 8 Formal @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday, May 18: Algebra I Prognosis Test for Grade 8 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra or Geometry
Thursday, May 7: Grade 8 Science SOL tests
Friday, May 8: Pot of Gold Dance @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00.
Tuesday, May 12: Grade 7 Math SOL tests
Tuesday, May 12: PTA Board meets in the LCMS Main Office Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13: Pre-Algebra tests
Thursday, May 14: Algebra I and Geometry
Saturday, May 16 - Grade 8 Formal @ LCMS Cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday, May 18: Algebra I Prognosis Test for Grade 8 students who are not presently enrolled in Algebra or Geometry
Tuesday, May 19: All A Banquet at LCMS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 – LCMS Drama performance @ LCMS Forum at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day. No school.
Tuesday, May 26: School resumes for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, May 26: Washington DC Trip for All Grade 8 Students
Wednesday, May 27: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony practice and Grade 8 Field Day
Thursday, May 28: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony, Grade 6 Field Day, and Grade 7 Field Day. Last Day of school for students. Students exit the building at 11:00 a.m. No lunch is served.
Thursday, May 21 – LCMS Drama performance @ LCMS Forum at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day. No school.
Tuesday, May 26: School resumes for students. LCMS doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, May 26: Washington DC Trip for All Grade 8 Students
Wednesday, May 27: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony practice and Grade 8 Field Day
Thursday, May 28: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony, Grade 6 Field Day, and Grade 7 Field Day. Last Day of school for students. Students exit the building at 11:00 a.m. No lunch is served.
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
