Week of April 16

LMS students will be taking the WYTOPP (Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress) test beginning next Monday, April 23rd.  All LMS students will participate in the WYTOPP test.  WYTOPP is the state mandated test that replaced PAWS.  Sixth grade students take the reading and math tests.  Seventh grade students take the reading, writing, and math tests.  Eight grade students take the reading, math, and science tests.  The test is completed online.  For the most part our schedule will function as normal during testing as students will complete their tests during their regularly scheduled classes (ex. take the math test in math class).  However, we will have four block days next week to accommodate testing.  Next week's schedule will be as follows:

• Monday: Odd/Reading Test (6,7,8)
• Tuesday: Even/Reading Test (6, 7, 8)
• Wednesday: Odd/7th Writing Test/8th Science Test
• Thursday: Even/7th Writing Test/8th Science Test
• Friday: All/No Testing

Students will only complete one test per day.  Please make sure your student is well rested and prepared for testing.  Students do not need any materials for testing other than a writing utensil.  If your student brings an electronic device to school, such as a cell phone, they must power down the device and give it to the teacher during testing.  When their test session is complete, their device will be returned to them.  Devices are mandated to be collected by the Department of Education to ensure test security.  If you have any questions about WYTOPP testing, please contact us. 

Twelve week progress reports will be sent out soon.  It's hard to believe that we are at the 12 week point of the second semester already.  It really has been a great school year and the LMS staff are excited to help students finish the school year on a high note.  Sixth and eighth grade students will receive information regarding the Wyoming Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) with their progress reports.   The State of Wyoming has students complete this survey every three years to provide information used to plan and evaluate drug, alcohol, tobacco, and violence prevention programming in Laramie and across the state.  All results are anonymous.  Families only need to return the consent form if they do not want their student to participate in the survey.  A hard copy of the survey is available in the main office and can be viewed online at www.pnasurvey.org. 

As the end of the school year approaches, summer school is getting closer and closer.  Summer school will be held Monday-Thursday, June 4th-21st.  June summer school is intended for students who need to remediate failing grades from the 1st or second semester and those students who need extra time and support to prepare for the next step on their educational journey.  June summer school is separate from extended school year (ESY) or the transitions program held in July.  Those programs will continue as in past years.  June summer school is an additional intervention to support the learning of LMS students. 

There is no Scout Learning Lab after school on Wednesday, April 18th due to a staff meeting. There will not be a late bus on Wednesday.  All students not participating in activities should head home right after school on Wednesday. 

Upcoming Events: 

• April 18                         April staff meeting 
• April 23-May 11           WYTOPP testing window 
• May 3                            PTO meeting 
• May 17                          PNA survey for 6th and 8th graders
• May 28                          No school-Memorial Day 

Week of April 9

On Sunday night, April 8, 2018, parents called school officials over a social media post from a Laramie Middle School student. Authorities were contacted immediately and determined that there was not a threat to the community, District, school or individual. Law enforcement will be at Laramie Middle School for additional support through the day on the 9th.  We appreciate all of the communication from students and families related to this concern.  It speaks to the trust and contentedness in our school community which are some of the most powerful tools in building and maintaining a safe, respectful school. 

The latest version of the Scout Shout is now available for your reading pleasure.  Ms. Walker and a dedicated group of journalists work hard after school to put out this amazing newsletter.  Click here to access the April Scout Shout and congratulations to the entire Scout Shout crew on another captivating issue. 

The Wyoming Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is hosting the 8th annual Healthcare Careers Summer Camp at the University of Wyoming this summer.  Session II will be held from July 15th-20th for current 8th and 9th graders.  Applicants should have an interest in health professions. The cost to attend the camp is $150.  Applications must be received by May 1st.  Please go to this link for more information and to apply. 

Mrs. Laura Niswender continues her administrative internship at LMS this week.  Mrs. Niswender is a special education teacher at Laramie High School working on her administrative degree.  Mrs. Niswender will be taking the lead on some administrative functions during the week.  We appreciate Mrs. Niswender's hard work and dedication to growing in her chosen profession and welcome her to LMS. 

Upcoming Events: 

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• April 18                        April staff meeting-No Scout Learning Lab
• April 16-May 11          WYTOPP testing window 

• May 3                           PTO Meeting