Week of December 13

It's hard to believe that 2021 is winding down and we are finishing the year with a bang! Our student leadership team has planned a series of dress up days for Holiday Spirit Week.  Each day has a theme and we hope everyone will show their Scout and Holiday Spirit by participating. 

Winter break begins on Monday, December 20th.  Classes resume on Monday, January 3rd. The LMS office will be closed during winter break.  We hope you are able to relax and connect as a family over during this time.  We've been working incredibly hard this school year and it's nice to take the time to breathe and reflect as we prepare for the big push to the end of the first semester on January 21st.  We encourage families to take the winter break challenge.  This activity comes from Capturing Kids' Hearts and has some fun ways to show appreciation for each other and build community.  

Winter activities are getting underway.  Nordic skiing starts on Monday and boys basketball will officially start on January 3rd.  All students must have a completed physical and signed code of conduct on file in order to practice or compete.  Participating in co-curricular activities builds essential skills and community.  If your student is even remotely interested in basketball or nordic skiing, please encourage them to give it a try.  They might just find their passion.  Also, please think snow!

It's going to be another great week at LMS.  Help us make the days count by getting your student to school each day on time.  I know it's tempting to add a day or two onto a break, but student attendance is crucial to their success. Thank you for your continued support and feedback.  We are honored that you share you student with us. 

Upcoming Events 

• December 20            Winter break begins
• January 3                  School resumes
• January 17                No school-professional development
• January 21                End of the 1st semester  

Week of December 6

Our Capturing Kids' Hearts focus word for December is responsibility.  Responsibility is the willingness and ability to take ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions. We have a responsibility to our school, family, and community to be accountable for our choices and how they impact ourselves and others.  There are many reasons to focus on responsibility.  Responsibility teaches resilience. It is not possible to persevere and achieve our dreams without taking personal responsibility seriously. Responsibility empowers us to own our actions. There is great power in being able to make conscious, calculated choices to reach goals and manage those things in our control. Responsibility teaches us to manage our time and resources. Responsibly organizing and prioritizing needs is an executive function of the brain that improves with practice.  Read more about responsibility and some fun family activities in the December CKH newsletter. 

Twelve week progress reports were mailed out last week.  Please review them with your student and identify areas of celebration and areas of need.  The first semester ends on January 21.  That may seem like a long ways away, but with winter break, the holidays, and other activities, the semester will end before we know it.  Teachers are available to help students after school in Scout Learning Lab every day (except this Wednesday due to a staff meeting) and a late bus is available.  Please reach out to your student's teachers to develop a plan for success if your student is struggling.

It's never too early to order your yearbook.  Our award winning yearbook sells out every year.  Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history.  Pre-order your yearbook by going to yearbookforever.com to reserve your copy today. 

We have two weeks before winter break.  By working together, we can make each day count instead of counting the days.  Thank you for sharing your student with us and your continued support and feedback.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• December 8              No Scout Learning Lab 
• December 20            Winter break begins
• January 3                  School resumes
• January 17                No school-professional development
• January 21                End of the 1st semester  

Week of November 29

The old saying "time flies when you are having fun" is definitely true.  We are having a great year at LMS so it's not surprising that it's already time for 12 week progress reports.  They were run this morning and will be sent out to families this week.  Please review your student's report with them and identify areas of celebration and areas for improvement.  Teachers are available after school each day for Scout Learning Lab and there is a late bus afterwards.  We're here to help.  Please let us know how we can help your student be successful. 

The Scout Shout is hot off the presses.  The Scout Shout is our student newsletter produced after school by students who are part of the Scout Shout club. Use this link to read the latest edition and if your student is interested in being a part of the Scout Shout, they can contact Ms. Paytoe-Gbayee. 

It's never too early to order your yearbook.  Our award winning yearbook sells out every year.  Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history.  Pre-order your yearbook by going to yearbookforever.com to reserve your copy today. 

We have three full weeks of school before winter break.  Our students and staff are working extremely hard to pack as much learning as possible into each school day.  I know it can be tempting to add a day or two to a vacation, please don't.  Your student misses out on first time instruction that cannot be replaced when they are not in school.  Certainly things come up that can't be avoided, but to the maximum extent possible schedule appointments, vacations, and other activities outside of school days.  Your student and our school will be better off for it.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• November 29            Six week progress reports 
• December 3              Parade of lights
• December 20            Winter break begins
• January 3                  School resumes
• January 17                No school-professional development
• January 21                End of the 1st semester  

Week of November 15

It's American Education Week.  In honor of that, we'd like to recognize the important role our families play in their student's success.  Collaboration with families is a key ingredient in our growth and achievement as a school. Thank you for reviewing your student's assignments, monitoring their progress, getting them to school each and every day, limiting screen time, and all of the other things you do to help them learn.  We are honored that you share your students with us and appreciate  your continued feedback and support. 

Our student leadership team is hosting a food drive.  Students are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items in all week. The grade that brings in the most items will win a pizza party. Please watch the video below to learn more. 

There isn't any moss growing on our student leadership team.  In addition to our food drive this week, they are hosting a family night next Monday, November 22nd from 6:15-7:30.  This event will take place in our cafeteria and gym.  The theme is game night. We'll be playing bingo, corn hole, and knock out, and more.  All LMS students and families are encouraged to attend.  It will be fun for everyone and there are prizes for the winners. Attendees will be required to follow all current health guidelines including wearing a mask.  We hope to see you all there. Please watch the video below for more information. 

Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• November 14-20       American Education Week 
• November 22            Family night 
• November 24-26       No school 
• November 29            Six week progress reports 

Week of November 8

We'd like to kick off this week's blog post by recognizing the veterans in our school and boarder community.  Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.  We are forever grateful. Please be aware that there will not be Scout Learning Lab or a late bus after school on Wednesday.  We have a staff meeting. 

Our attendance rate, excluding absences related to COVID, is lower than our historical average.  Right now it's trending around 90% and our goal is for an attendance rate of 95% or higher.  The attendance rate is important because students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. It’s difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if a large number of students are frequently absent. 

A 2008 study conducted by the Rodel Community Scholars at Arizona State University that tracked students from kindergarten through high school found that dropout patterns were linked with poor attendance, beginning in kindergarten. Gregory Hickman, director of the Rodel Community Scholars program and former director of the Arizona Dropout Initiative, notes they discovered that as early as kindergarten, behavioral differences are apparent between those who go on to graduate and those who drop out, with dropouts missing an average of 124 days by eighth grade.

We understand that students need to stay home when they are sick and from time to time things come up that require students to miss school.  Family events, appointments, and other outside commitments are important and enhance students' lives.  However, any time a student misses school it impacts their education. Please schedule appointments, vacations, and other activities outside of school days as much as possible.  A student can miss 8 days over the course of the year and still have a 95% attendance rate. Please support your student and our school by helping them get to school each and every day. 

The Student Leadership Team is hosting a family night on Monday, November 22nd from 6:00-7:30 in the LMS cafeteria and gymnasium.  All LMS families are encouraged to attend.  We will be playing bingo, corn hole, and knock out. Prizes will be given to the winners.  Everyone attending family night will need to follow all current health and safety guidelines. We hope to see everyone there!

Upcoming Events

• November 10            No Scout Learning Lab or late bus
• November 11            Veterans Day 
• November 14-20       American Education Week 
• November 22            Family night 
• November 24-26       No school 

Week of November 1

We made it to November!  Hopefully everyone had a safe and happy Halloween.  It was nice that the snow held off until late last night so our trick-or-treaters could be out and about.  Many times in Wyoming kids have to explain what costume they are wearing underneath their snow suits.  

Our Capturing Kids' Hearts theme this month is teamwork. We are truly better together.  It's important that we continue to work collaboratively in support of your student's learning. At LMS, some of the ways we encourage teamwork are by showing appreciation through affirmations and sharing good things.  In this month's CKH newsletter, there are suggestions for building teamwork and showing gratitude at home as well. Read about out the I'm grateful for you and other activities you can use with your student. 

Please remember there is no school this Tuesday due to professional development.  Our building will  be closed. We reopen on Wednesday and we're looking forward to seeing everyone again. Because there isn't school on Tuesday this week, all of our days are 'all' days.  Wednesday is an 'all with S4S' day. 

Attendance is crucial to student success.  Last year, students had more attendance flexibility with virtual days and I/E on Friday.  We are back to our normal in-person schedule and expectations for attendance.  We need every student here, every day.  We understand that from time to time things come up that require students to miss school and that students need to stay home when they are sick.  We ask that every student attend as much as absolutely possible. Students can miss 8 days over the course of a school year and still have 95% attendance.  Research shows that students with 95% or higher attendance outperform their peers who miss more school.  

The year continues to fly by.  There are so many great things happening at LMS in our classrooms, on the court, and in the activities our students are involved in outside of school. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you for sharing your student with us.  We appreciate your trust and support.  Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• November 2              No school 
• November 11            Veterans Day 
• November 14-20       American Education Week 
• November 24-26       No school 

Week of October 18

It's a short week for students, but a full week for teachers and families as we prepare for fall conferences.  All families are encouraged to schedule a conference with all of their student's teachers.  Conferences  are Wednesday from 3:30-7:30 and Thursday from 8:00-7:00.  Families sign up for conferences using PTCFast.  Families can attend in person or over Zoom.  Please let us know when signing up if you are coming in person or via Zoom by putting either in 'in-person' or 'Zoom' after your last name.  For example, John Smith-Zoom.  

In person attendees will be required to follow all current COVID guidelines and procedures which includes wearing a mask while inside.   We hope to see everyone in person or through Zoom during conferences.  Please contact the school if you need any assistance signing up. Due to conference students will be dismissed at 11:23 on Wednesday and there is no school for students on the 21st and 22nd. 

Use This Link to Sign Up For Conferences

Use This Link to Access Teacher Zoom Links for Conferences

The LMS mental health team would love the opportunity to chat with you during conferences.  Learn more in the video below. 

Retakes for fall pictures are on Tuesday.  Any student who missed pictures the first time around or who would like a retake can have their picture taken Tuesday morning.  Tuesday is also picture day.  To order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com and enter our picture day ID: EVT3W2R36.

Halloween is just around the corner.  I know many LMS students get excited about their costumes, trick-or-treating, and other Halloween activities.  Since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, we will not be allowing costumes at school.  Students should save their Halloween spirit for the 31st so they are ready to go.  Hopefully we get good weather on the 31st.  I know growing up most of my costumes consisted of a superhero wearing a coat and snow boots.

Upcoming Events

• October 19                Picture retakes
• October 20                Early release for students 
• October 20-21           Fall conferences 
• October 21-22           No school for students
• November 2              No school 
• November 24-26       No school 

Week of October 11

Another great week is underway at LMS.  The air is crisp and the forecast says winter weather is on it's way. Please encourage your student to dress appropriately.  Remember our doors open at 7:30. Please do not drop your student off before that.  Wrestling and girls basketball get underway this week.  The first practice for wrestling is an informational meeting in our cafeteria tonight at 5:30.  After tonight, wrestling practices from 5:30-7:30 at Laramie High School. Girls basketball practice starts after school today in the LMS gym.  Seventh grade practices from 3:15-5:00 and eighth grade practices from 5:15-7:00.  Students must have current sports physical and code of conduct on file in order to practice or compete. 

Fall conferences are Wednesday, October 20th from 3:30-7:30 and Thursday, October 21st from 8:00-7:00.  Families sign up for conferences using PTCFast.  Families can attend in person or over Zoom.  Please let us know when signing up if you are coming in person or via Zoom by putting either in 'in-person' or 'Zoom' after your last name.  For example, John Smith-Zoom.  In person attendees will be required to follow all current COVID guidelines and procedures.   We hope to see everyone in person or through Zoom during conferences.  Please contact the school if you need any assistance signing up. Due to conference students will be dismissed at 11:23 on the 20th and there is no school for students on the 21st and 22nd. 

Use This Link to Sign Up For Conferences

Use This Link to Access Teacher Zoom Links for Conferences

While this Friday is an early release for our elementary schools, it's a regular, full day at LMS.  LMS students will be dismissed at our normal time (3:05) on Friday.  Also, if your student is one of our budding entrepreneurs that has been selling candy to their classmates, please praise them for their industriousness and ask them to stop.  Unfortunately the wrappers are ending up all over our school.  

Thank you for your continued support and feedback. We are looking forward to meeting with all of you next week. We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate in support of your student.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• October 15                End of the first quarter 
• October 19                Picture retakes
• October 20-21           Fall conferences 
• October 21-22           No school for students
• November 2              No school 

Week of October 4

The morning air is crisp and fall is upon us as we approach the six week mark of the first semester.  Progress reports will be generated on Friday and sent out to families on Monday.  We will also include 2021 WYTOPP report with progress reports.  Please review your student's report with them and discuss areas of celebration and areas for growth.  Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is available Monday-Friday from 3:05-4:00 for students who need additional time and support to demonstrate their learning.  Please contact your student's teachers to make arrangements to stay for SLL. 

Fall conferences are just around the corner.  The will be held on Wednesday October 20th and Thursday, October 21st. Teachers will be available to meet with families from 3:30-7:30 on the 20th and from 8:00-7:00 on the 21st.  Conferences will be held in person and via Zoom.  In person attendees will be required to follow all current health guidelines.  Families sign up for conferences using PTCFast.  Our registration link will go live on Monday, October 11th.  When registering, please indicate if your are attending in person or via Zoom by adding "in person" or "Zoom" in the special request box. We strongly encourage all families to participate in conferences.  It's a great time to check in on your student's progress and to share your thoughts with us on what is going well and suggestions for how we can collaborate effectively in support of your student.  There is no school for students on the 21st and 22nd due to conferences and the 20th is a half day so students will be dismissed at 11:23. 

Some of our industrious students have been applying their entrepreneurial skills during the school day by selling candy to their classmates.  While I applaud their initiative and support the free market, candy is not part of our healthy snack guidelines and unfortunately the wrappers from the item of choice, pixie sticks, are ending up all over our school. Please review the healthy snack guidelines found in our handbook and encourage your student to make smart choices when bringing snacks to school.

Let's continue to work together and make it a great week. Amazing things are happening in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, and across our community.  We face obstacles of course, but by continuing to work together we can sustain our momentum and have continued success.  Go Scouts!

Upcoming Events

• October 6                  Six week mark of the first semester
• October 15                End of the first quarter 
• October 19                Picture retakes
• October 20-21           Fall conferences 
• October 21-22           No school for students
• November 2              No school 

Week of September 20

It's hard to believe we've shared three full weeks of school already.  Time sure flies when you're having fun.  I know it's been an adjustment for students and families as we've gotten into the flow of the first semester.  Thank you for sharing your student with us every day.  We are honored to be working with you to support your student's learning. 

We are experiencing an uptick in the number of COVID cases at LMS. If your student develops symptoms, even if they are mild, they may have COVID-19.  Your student should stay home except to get medical care.  Do not sent your student to school, avoid public spaces, public activities, and group gatherings.  Call your student's healthcare provider to discuss their symptoms and whether they may need to be tested. For questions pertaining to your student's symptoms, please contact our school nurse, Mrs. O'Brien.  Read more about COVID-19 and how to limit the spread here. 

Seventh grade students completed the writing fall interim WYTOPP test last week and all students will complete the reading fall interim WYTOPP test this week.  Next week students will take the interim math test. Students test during class on block days.  The fall interim measures students against end of year standards and its main purpose is to show growth between now and when students take the summative WYTOPP test in April and May.  All we ask if for students to try their best. It's a useful piece of information, but it's one test in September and it's important to maintain the proper perspective as it relates to WYTOPP. 

Students may need additional time and and support to demonstrate their learning.  Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is a time for students to receive just that.  Teachers are available after school until 3:35.  If a student who is staying after needs to ride the bus, there is a late bus at 4:15.  Students riding the late bus will work under the supervision of a proctor until the bus arrives. Students not riding the late bus do not have to stay until 4:15.  Teachers will be contacting families of students who need to stay for SLL or students can talk to their teachers to arrange to stay after.  If your student is missing work or has questions, we highly encourage them to take advantage of SLL. 

Besides this blog, our website is a great place to stay up to speed on what is happening at LMS.  Click on the Weekly Announcements page to find out what is new this week.  The events calendar and activity pages are also very helpful.  Our staff directory will help you contact your student's teachers.  

Upcoming Events

• September 21-22:     Fall interim reading WYTOPP
• September 27:          No School: professional development 
• September 28-29      Fall interim math WYTOPP
• October 15                End of the first quarter 
• October 19                Picture retakes
• October 20-21           Fall conferences 

Week of September 6

 A long weekend was just what we all needed after the excitement of the first full week of school. Our fall activities are underway with volleyball, football, and cross country all competing.  The mountain biking club has it's first meeting on Tuesday after school, and Scout Learning Lab will be starting on Thursday.  There are always plenty of things happening at LMS.  You might wonder how to best keep up with everything.  Reading this blog is a good start.  Our Facebook page is another great source of information as is our website.  Our calendar, activities pages, and weekly announcements page are great places to look on our website to stay informed. 

One thing students and families will want to stay abreast of is our weekly bell schedule.  For the most part we follow a modified block schedule where we have 'all' and 'block' (odd or even) days.  Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays are 'all' days where students attend periods 1-8.  We have Scouts for Scouts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  On 'block' days, students either go to periods 1,3,5, and 7 after S4S on an odd day or they go to periods 2,4, 6, and 8 after S4S on an even day.  One of the things we learned last year is that while we needed block days for effective instruction in many areas, we didn't need them every week.  So some weeks, such as this week, we won't have block days and students will attend all 8 of their classes every day with S4S on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Seems confusing right? Fortunately both our bell schedule and an odd/even calendar can be found on our website. 

I mentioned Scout Learning Lab earlier. Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is a time for students to receive additional time and support to demonstrate their learning.  Teachers are available after school until 3:35.  If a student who is staying after needs to ride the bus, we will have a late bus at 4:15 for them.  Students riding the late bus will work under the supervision of a proctor until the bus arrives. Students not riding the late bus do not have to stay until 4:15.  Scout Learning Lab provides additional time and support for those students who need it. Teachers will be contacting families of students who need to stay for SLL or students can talk to their teachers to arrange to stay after. 

We are planning our first dance of the school year on Friday.  Our dances are not date dances and go from 3:05-5:00.  Admission is $4.00. All students who are in good standing (not serving ISS or OSS) are encouraged to attend.  Starting this year, all students who choose to attend the dance will be required to stay until 5:00 unless checked out by a parent or guardian. This will allow us to make sure your students are supervised and safe during the dance.  All students who attend the dance must be picked up by 5:15.  

Upcoming Events

• September 6- No School: Labor Day
• September 10- Back to school dance 
• September 27- No School: professional development 

Week of August 30

Welcome to week two.  The energy last week was amazing as our students filled up our building. We are in the second year of using tools from Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) at LMS.  These tools help us create and sustain a culture of respect and belonging in our school. A big part of CKH are the social contracts students will help create in each of their classes and celebrating each other.  This aligns well with our vision statement where we commit to celebrating everyone's journey.  Read more about giving affirmations in your neighborhood and more in this month's CKH newsletter.  

Back to school night is this Tuesday from 5:30-7:15.  Families will come and follow their student's schedule and meet all of their teachers.  Your student will be given a copy of this form tomorrow in S4S so you know what classes they have.  Maps of the school will be available as well. For those interested, a vaccination clinic will be held in our cafeteria from 4:30-5:30 before back to school night begins. If you need assistance with your annual online registration described below, our fabulous registrar Mrs. Yost will be available to assist families in our library from 4:30 to 5:30. 

All families need to complete the annual online registration in the Parent PowerSchool Portal.  This will allow students to receive their Chromebooks on August 31st and travel for field trips and activities.  Students whose online registration has not been completed will not be issued a Chromebook on the 31st and will not be able to go on field trips or travel for activities.  Instructions for completing your student's annual online registration can be found on the ACSD1 website. 

Tuesday is also picture day.  All LMS students will have their picture taken on the 31st. If you would like to order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com and enter our picture day ID: EVTZTRMCB. 

Upcoming Events

• August 31- Student Chromebooks checked out
• August 31- Picture day
• August 31- Back to School Night
• September 6- No School: Labor Day
• September 27- No School: professional development 

Back to School 2021!

The excitement in our building is reaching a fevered pitch as we prepare for the first day of school this Thursday.  Students will attend school from 8:00-11:23 on the first day.  Our building opens at 7:30.  Students arriving before 7:45 will go to our cafeteria.  At 7:45 students will head to their S4S (Scouts for Scouts) class.  Students will stay in their S4S groups all day as we build community and review our expectations and procedures.  We will have copies of all students' schedules available in the morning and we ask that students pick up a new copy of their schedule in the cafeteria as changes may have been made. Friday, August 27th will be a normal 'all' day.  Students will attend school from 8:00-3:05 and go to all eight of their classes. 

All families need to complete the annual online registration in the Parent PowerSchool Portal.  This will allow students to receive their Chromebooks on August 31st and travel for field trips and activities.  Students whose online registration has not been completed will not be issued a Chromebook on the 31st and will not be able to go on field trips or travel for activities.  Instructions for completing your student's annual online registration can be found on the ACSD1 website. If you need assistance completing the annual online registration please all our amazing registrar, Mrs. Yost at 721-4430 for assistance. 

Tuesday, August 31st is a big day for several reasons.  As previously mentioned, students will be assigned their Chromebooks that day.  It is also picture day.  All LMS students will have their picture taken on the 31st. If you would like to order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com and enter our picture day ID: EVTZTRMCB. As if getting a Chromebook and your picture taken weren't exciting enough, Back to school night is also on the 31st from 5:30-7:15.  Families will come and follow their student schedule and meet all of their teachers.  For those interested, a vaccination clinic will be held in our cafeteria from 4:30-5:30 before back to school night begins. 

At the Aug. 23 Board of Trustees Special Session, our board voted to approve an interim mask requirement for all students grades K-8 while inside a building. The interim mask requirement is from Thursday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Masks are also required for every person, regardless of grade or age, on a district school bus. We will continue to practice social distancing as much as possible, utilize increased ventilation, and promote hand washing in schools to help stop the spread of the virus.  Should you wish to be exempt from the current mask policy, our district requires a note from a licensed physician indicating the reason for such an exemption and the approval of such from the Albany County Health Officer. In the absence of this all students are required to wear a mask over their mouth and nose inside of our school. I understand not everyone agrees with this decision.  However, I trust that everyone understands that my job, and the job of teachers, is to implement the policies of our school board. As such we are obligated to insist that all students in attendance honor mask expectations. 

If you wish for your student to attend LMS virtually for the 2021-2022 school year, please complete this form. I will be reaching out to those families who select this option next week. Virtual students will work independently using a program called Edgenuity.  Students must be self-directed learners to be successful in our virtual option.

Our staff has been engaged in two days of incredible learning and collaboration to prepare for a great school year.  We are pumped up for the first day of school and can't wait to see everyone.  

Upcoming Events

• August 26- First day of school
• August 31- Student Chromebooks checked out
• August 31- Picture day
• August 31- Back to School Night
• September 6- No School: Labor Day
• September 27- No School: professional development 

Last Week of School

We made it!  Thank you for your flexibility, support, and feedback this year.  It's been the best year we never want to do again. With your help, our students have not only made it through this school year, they have thrived.  Our students grew academically, won conference and state titles, made new friends, became better artists and musicians, and grew as individuals this year.  We have an action packed week on tap before we head into the summer break. 

All students will checked in their Chromebooks and chargers on Tuesday, June 1st during S4S. Students who need access to a device to finish missing assignments will be provided access to one during the day.  Students who do not turn in their Chromebook or charger will be assessed a fine.  

Final grades are due at 7:00 am on Thursday June 3rd.  Students have until the end of the day on Wednesday, June 2nd to submit work for credit.  There will be Scout Learning Lab after school through Wednesday this week.  The late bus will run on both days.  Report cards will be mailed out the week of June 7th.  

There are some celebrations this week to mark the end of the school year.  The end of the year dance is Wednesday, June 2nd from 3:05-5:00.  Admission is $4.  All LMS students in good standing are eligible to attend.  Students attending the dance need to be picked up by 5:15.  No school transportation is available for students attending the dance.  Friday, June 4th is the last day of school.  Students will be dismissed at 11:23.  Our student leadership team is putting together a field day with fun activities for the morning of the 4th.  It's going to be a great day and we hope to see everyone there.

There are a limited number of yearbooks still available.  They are $40 and can be purchased in the main office on a first come, first served basis.  Payment can be made with cash or check.  Please make checks out to Laramie Middle School.  

We hope everyone has a restful and fulfilling summer.  Thank you again for all of your support.  We wish our 8th graders well at LHS next year.  We know they're going to do great things.  We're excited for our upcoming 6th graders to join our school and to work with our rising 7th and 8th graders next year.  Make it a great week.

Upcoming Events

• June 2 End of year dance

• June 4 Last day of school

• August 20 Sixth grade orientation

• August 26 First day of school

Week of May 24

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and Spring is in the air. We are excited to work with you to make every day count until the end of the school year.  This is such an exciting time as we close out one year and plan for the next.  We are especially excited for our 8th graders as they transition to the high school and our 5th graders as they prepare to join us at LMS. 

Our PTO will be celebrating our 8th graders with an ice cream social this Thursday from 2:30-3:05 in the LMS cafeteria.  We want to recognize their hard work over the last three years and celebrate them becoming Plainsmen in August.  This event is for all 8th grade students but is not open to the public. 

The rumors are true, we will be having an end of the year dance on Wednesday, June 2nd.  The dance is after school from 3:05-5:00.  All LMS students in good standing are encouraged to attend.  Admission is $4.  Students need to be picked up by 5:15 after the dance.  No school transportation is available.  We hope to see all of our students dancing their hearts out on the 2nd. 

We have our final two concerts of the year this week.  Our choir is performing tonight and our orchestra is performing on Thursday.  Both concerts are in the auditorium at Laramie High School.  Our students have worked hard to prepare and we are eagerly anticipating these concerts.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• May 24 Choir concert

• May 27 8th grade ice cream social

• May 27 Orchestra concert

• May 31 No school- Memorial Day

• June 2 End of year dance

• June 4 Last day of school

Week of May 17

The end of the school year is coming quickly, but there is a lot to do between now and June 4th. We need to stay focused and finish the school year strong. There will not be Scout Learning Lab, or a late bus, on Tuesday, 5/18.  LMS staff will be at a staff meeting after school and will not be available to work with students.  SLL will resume on Wednesday, 5/19.  All students need to go home directly after school on Tuesday. 

Seventh and 8th grade students will be taking the baseline portion of the Impact test between now and the end of the year. The Impact test is conducted by LHS trainers in conjunction with Premier Bone and Joint.  It helps identify early symptoms and recovery for concussions. More information about the Impact test is attached.  If you do not want your student participate, please return the opt out form to the student's PE teacher or LMS Activities Administrative Assistant, Debbie Clay. If you have any questions regarding impact testing, please contact Mrs. Clay at 721-4430. 

Staying hydrated is important and we encourage students to drink water throughout the day.  However, the sport water bottles with the squirt top have become problematic.  In and effort to keep our school safe and clean, we ask that students do not bring water bottles with a squirt top to school.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

It's going to be a fun filled three weeks up until summer break.  Students will continue to work hard in all of their classes and it's important that they are here every day.  Please help us finish the school year on a high note.  Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Upcoming Events

• May 19 Rising 6th Grade informational meeting

• May 20 Band concert

• May 24 Choir concert

• May 27 8th grade ice cream social

• May 27 Orchestra concert

• May 31 No school- Memorial Day

• June 2 End of year dance

• June 4 Last day of school

Week of May 10

It's a satisfying feeling to be in the final stretch of the school year.  In August, none of us knew what the year was going to bring, if we'd be able to keep students in the building, how activities would work, the schedule, the list goes on and on. But the end is in sight and I'd like to thank all of our families for supporting your students and our school.  It's been a good year and we're going to have a strong finish.  Please read the updates below in preparation for a great end to the 2020-2021 school year.  

Due to a litany of unforeseen circumstances, the choir concert scheduled for this Thursday has been rescheduled for Monday, May 24th.  The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and will be held in the LHS auditorium.  Choir students need to arrive at LHS at 6:30 on the night of the concert.  

Over the last year, we've navigated blended learning and virtual learning.  We've shared a variety of information with families to help them support their students.  Please review our final presentation for the year.  Many of the strategies for a blended or virtual learning environment are applicable to in person learning, so they are helpful not only for the remainder of this year, but for next year as well. 

The last day for students is Friday, June 4th.  It is a half day, so students will be dismissed at 11:23.  LMS students will be checking in their Chromebooks and chargers on Tuesday, June 1st.  Students who fail to return their Chromebooks and chargers in good working order, may be assessed a fine. If you are concerned about the status of your student's Chromebook, please contact the school. 

Eventually the weather will warm and stay that way and true Spring will arrive.  Please help your student be prepared for school by remembering that many things are useful outside of school, but prohibited at school.  For example, many of our students take a multitool or pocket knife when enjoying the outdoors, but it is important they remember to take such items out of their coats and backpacks before returning to school.  Thank you again for your support and feedback. Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• May 20 Band concert

• May 24 Choir concert

• May 27 8th grade ice cream social

• May 27 Orchestra concert

• May 31 No school- Memorial Day

• June 2 End of year dance

• June 4 Last day of school

Week of May 3

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and we'd like to celebrate the great teachers and other educators at Laramie Middle School.  Our teachers work tirelessly to meet the needs of students.  They are dedicated, professional, hard working, and care deeply about students.  Thank you to to all LMS teachers, and to teachers across the country.  You are valued and appreciated.  If you'd like to email a teacher to express your appreciation, you can find their contact information on our website. 

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child achieve their goals –big and small! Whether it is celebrating those first steps or graduation day, witnessing achievements gained by hard work are some of a families’ proudest moments. Hard work and determination are the ingredients of perseverance. As a family, identify times you experience frustration. Together discuss: Is frustration a bad thing? How can frustration be good for you? Ask each family member to identify three actions they can take next time they are frustrated to persevere instead of giving up! Read more about helping your student develop perseverance in the CKH April/May newsletter. 

It's been a tough day at LMS as we process the tragedy that occurred over the weekend.  Our hearts continue to go out to Gray's family.  We will continue to support each other during this difficult time.  If your student is in need of additional support, or you know of someone who is, please let us know.  We're here to help. 

Upcoming Events

• April 13-29 WYTOPP testing

• May 8 Hapi-ness 5K

• May 31 No school- Memorial day

• May 8th grade ice cream social

• June 2 End of year dance

• June 4 Last day of school

Week of April 26

Twelve week progress reports were mailed out last Friday.  Please review these with your student and identify areas of celebration and any areas of focus for the final six week push until the end of the school year.  Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is available after school Monday-Thursday for students who need extra time and support to demonstrate their learning.  Students make arrangements with their teachers to stay for SLL and teachers will be reaching out to families as well.  A late bus is available at 4:00.  

WYTOPP testing will conclude this week for most students.  Our schedule this week will be all, odd, even, all, all, with testing occurring on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Please help your student do their best on WYTOPP by being well rested and bringing their Chromebook fully charged.  Make up testing will occur up until the end of the testing window on May 7th. 

The 36th annual Hapi-ness 5k will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 9:00. Registration and sign up will begin at 8:00 am. In order to receive a race t-shirt, participants must register by April 29th. The race is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. The Hapi-ness 5K was founded in 1987 by the LMS ninth grade class in memory of their classmate Hapi Patterson who passed away due to leukemia. Since then numerous families have received help with their medical bills as a result of the Hapi-ness 5K. This year's proceeds will help families and individuals in need in our community. Please use this link to register and watch the video below to learn more about the Hapi-ness 5K.

Upcoming Events

• April 13-29 WYTOPP testing

• April 26-28 LHS cheerleading tryouts

• May 8 Hapi-ness 5K

Week of April 19

The 36th annual Hapi-ness 5k will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 9:00. Registration and sign up will begin at 8:00 am. In order to receive a race t-shirt, participants must register by April 29th. The race is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. The Hapi-ness 5K was founded in 1987 by the LMS ninth grade class in memory of their classmate Hapi Patterson who passed away due to leukemia. Since then numerous families have received help with their medical bills as a result of the Hapi-ness 5K. This year's proceeds will help families and individuals in need in our community. Please use this link to register and watch the video below to learn more about the Hapi-ness 5K.

We will continue with WY-TOPP testing this week using our block day schedule.  Tuesday is an even day and Wednesday will be an odd day.  Monday, Thursday, and Fridays will be all days.  School starts and dismisses at our normal times each day.  It is important that students bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged each day and are well rested.  

We are nearing the end of the school year.  Please help us finish strong.  We've come a long way and we are excited to put an exclamation point on the school year.  Twelve week grade reports will be mailed out on Friday.  Please review your student's report with them and contact teachers with any questions.  Scout Learning Lab is held after school Monday-Thursday for students who need additional time and support.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• April 13-29 WYTOPP testing

• April 21 12 week grade reports

• April 26-28 LHS cheerleading tryouts

• May 8 Hapi-ness 5K

Week of April 12

WYTOPP testing starts this week.  Testing will occur in tested subjects during class (i.e. math test in math class). It is imperative that all students bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged each day, especially during testing.  Loaner Chromebooks will only be available to students for testing. During WYTOPP, we will be using our historical block day schedule.  This week, Tuesday will be an 'odd' day where students report to S4S and then attend their odd numbered classes.  Wednesday is an 'even' day so students will report to S4S and then attend their even numbered classes.  Classes will be 85 minutes in length and school will still dismiss at 3:05.  Monday and Thursday will be 'all' days where students report to S4S and attend all eight of their classes.  Friday, April 16th is a professional development day, so there is no school for students.  

There are a few housekeeping items to check in on.  Drop off is going smoothly in the morning.  We ask that to the maximum extent possible that families do not arrive too early to pick up their students at the end of the day.  Doing so blocks our fire lanes and makes emergency access to the building impossible. Please do not block the lane of travel for drop off and pick up times. As we enjoy the occasionally warmer spring days, please remember that our district dress code requires tops to have fabric on the front and the sides and clothing must cover undergarments.  Eighth grade students interested in cheerleading at LHS next year should go to the LHS activities office to get a tryout packet.  Perspective cheerleaders must attend clinics from 3:30-5:30 on April 26th and 27th.  Tryouts are from 3:30-6:00 on April 28th. 

Please help your student prepare to take the WYTOPP over the next three weeks by well rested and eating breakfast.  It's an important data point to measure your student's growth and our school's progress.  It's not something students or families should stress over.  Everyone has been working hard all year and we are ready. All we ask is that all students try their best.  If everyone does that, we'll get great results. Thank you for your continued support and feedback.  We're looking forward to a great final eight weeks of school. 

Upcoming Events

• April 13-29 WYTOPP testing

• April 16 No school- professional development

• April 21 12 week grade reports

• April 26-28 LHS cheerleading tryouts

• May 8 Hapi-ness 5K

Week of April 5

The end of the school year presents unique opportunities and challenges.  We've been through a lot this year and perseverance is something we've needed in spades. By persevering we reach our goals and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your student achieve their goals –big and small! Whether it is celebrating those first steps or graduation day, witnessing achievements gained by hard work are some of a families’ proudest moments. Hard work and determination are the ingredients of perseverance. By helping your children develop perseverance now, you can prepare them to learn from their future failures and work hard to achieve future successes. Please read this month's Capturing Kids' Hearts newsletter for more on perseverance and developing a growth mindset.  

We will be completing the WYTOPP,  our statewide assessment, this year.  All students will be tested in reading and math.  Seventh grade students also take a writing test and eighth grade students are tested in science. To accommodate testing we will have block days the weeks of April 12th , April 19th, and April 26th.  This means students will attend their odd period classes on Tuesdays and their even period classes on Wednesdays those weeks and classes will be 85 minutes long.  Students will still start their day in S4S and dismissal times will not change.  

Let's make it a great week.  The weather is warming up and track starts this week so it's probably time for a huge blizzard.  Maybe we got that out of the way during spring break or maybe I just jinxed us.  Time will tell!

Upcoming Events

• April 5 Track practice begins

• April 13-29 WYTOPP testing

• April 16 No school- professional development

Week of March 29

 Another exciting week is underway at LMS. Please remember that our students attend school each day from 8:00-3:05 in Tier I including Fridays.  Spring conferences are this Thursday from 3:30-6:00.  Conferences will be held via Zoom.  Teachers will be reaching out to families of students earning failing grades to schedule conferences on Monday and Tuesday.  General registration will open on Wednesday morning at 8:00 on the LMS website.  If you want to be sure to have a conference with a teacher, please contact them.  On Thursday, we will post Zoom links to the LMS website.  You will click on the appropriate teacher's Zoom link at the time of your conference to enter just like we did in the fall.  If you are unable to schedule a conference with a teacher you'd like to meet with, please email them and they will schedule another time to talk. The LMS administrative team will be on Zoom from 5:15-5:30 if you have anything you'd like to talk with us about. 

We will also be starting a 4:00 bus in support of Scout Learning Lab (SLL) this week.  Students can stay after school with their teachers Monday-Friday to get additional support from 3:05-3:35.  If they need to ride the late bus, they will go to the cafeteria and continue to work until 4:00 when the late bus departs.  Late buses will stop at normal bus stops.  Students and families need to communicate with teachers to stay for after school Scout Learning Lab. All students earning failing grades need to stay for SLL and students must be with a teacher to ride the late bus.  However, students do not need to ride the late bus in order to stay for SLL.  Any student who needs additional help or who would like to stay after and work with a teacher is encouraged to take advantage of SLL.  You can read more about it here.  Note: late buses will run Monday-Wednesday this week.  Thursday we have conferences after school and late buses will not run on Fridays. 

Our recent record breaking blizzard must mean it's time for track to start.  There will be an informational meeting this Wednesday at 6:00 in the LMS cafeteria. All students going out for track and their families are encouraged to attend.  Seventh and eighth grade boys and girls can participate in track. Students must have an athletic physical on file to participate and practice begins on Monday, April 5th. If you have questions related to track, please contact Mrs. Barham. 

It's hard to believe there are only 9 weeks left in this school year.  Our return to Tier I signifies an increased return to normalcy.  However, we must continue to be diligent as we battle this pandemic.  Please continue to fill out the health screener daily and to follow the guidelines that have allowed our school to remain open and be successful. Let's make it a great week.

Important Dates 

• March 31 Track informational meeting

• April 1 Spring conferences

• April 5 Track practice begins

• April 16 No school- professional development