Week of October 20

Families, we need your help.  In order to sustain a respectful school culture and help everyone feel safe at school, our students need to understand that their words matter.  Unfortunately, some very hurtful phrases have found their way into common language amongst some of our students.  When a student makes a mistake or is having a bad day, they might exclaim “I should just kill myself.”  Or if another student might say “you should kill yourself” in jest when something embarrassing happens, such as dropping a lunch tray, or to another student as an insult. The use of the R-word and autistic as a descriptor or insult have occurred as well.  For example, saying “I’m so autistic” when a student feelings awkward.  Using these words in these ways is not OK in any context

Our school will be addressing this unfortunate trend and we ask that you reinforce the seriousness of this issue with your student.  It’s never going to be OK to say these things to someone else. Please also remind your student that this includes any electronic communication and that we monitor everything that is put into an email, a document, or a Google search.  Together we can help our students make better choices and create a safe and welcoming environment for all Scouts. 

On a much brighter note, we’d like to celebrate our 8th grade B volleyball team.  They concluded their season by winning the conference championship.  Way to go girls!  Our cross country team also has a very successful season winning three races at the state meet and taking 2nd place in another. Congratulations to our JV boys, JV girls, and boys varsity teams on your victories and to the varsity girls for finishing second.  Wrestling and girls basketball are now underway.  The Scouts never rest!

Fall conferences are coming up and they are a great time to collaborate with your student's teachers.  Conferences are on Wednesday, October 29th from 3:30-7:30 and Thursday, October 30th from 8:00-7:00.  PTC Fast opened at 8:00 am this morning.  Please use this link to sign up for conferences with your student’s teachers.  Students will be released at 11:30 on the 29th and there is no school for students on the 30th or 31st due to conferences.  Students also do not have school on Monday, November 3 due to professional development. We hope to see everyone at conferences. 

We finally received the hard copies of your student’s WYTOPP scores from the state.  They are being scanned into your student’s file as we speak.  Once that is completed, we will mail them home.  We plan to have them in the mail today. Please review them with your student.  They are very informative and there are many areas to celebrate.  

We have the opportunity to make it a great week. Let’s make the most of it . Thank you for your continued support and feedback. Go Scouts!

Upcoming Events

• 10/25 Make a Difference Day 

• 10/29 Early Release-Conference

• 10/30 No School-Conferences

• 10/31 No School

• 11/3                 No School-Professional Development

• 11/4 November PAC Meeting 

Week of October 6

 

Fall has definitely arrived and we are excited for the cooler weather and new opportunities that the changing of the season brings.  Football and volleyball are wrapping up their seasons this week, while wrestling is starting and girls basketball will get underway next week.  The mountain bike, debate, and greenhouse clubs are currently in full swing and our music classes are preparing for their first performances.  Our band is ahead of the game.  They participated in the UW Homecoming Parade last Saturday and will be on campus again this Saturday for band day. We encourage all students to get involved in one or more activities.  Please reach out if you have any questions about how to get your student more involved in our school. 

The best way to stay involved in school is to be here every day.  With materials available on Canvas and the changes to the world of work since COVID, you might wonder if it still matters if students come to school every day.  It absolutely does. Students who attend regularly learn better, have better mental health, and have improved overall outcomes.  Being here really matters. Read more about the importance of daily attendance in this article. 

Our theme for this month is Self-Direct. We’re challenging students to envision future goals and take intentional steps toward who they want to be. We are partnering with you to grow and develop your student’s ability to self-direct. We can model self-direction by celebrating the positive in each day, seeking the good in others, and emphasizing our responsibility to make positive choices. One way to help students self-direct is by using a planner or calendar. If your student doesn’t already use a planner, empower them to start using one to manage their time better. Have a weekly meeting with your student to share what they have added to their planners. You can help them add family gatherings, school events, and due dates. Read more about self-direction in this month’s CKH newsletter. 

Progress reports went out at the end of the day last Friday.  Please review your student’s report with them and identify areas of need and areas of celebration.  Fall conferences are coming up and they are a great time to collaborate with teachers in support of your student’s learning.  This year, conferences are on Wednesday, October 29th from 3:30-7:30 and Thursday, October 30th from 8:00-7:00.  Teachers will be reaching out to the families of students who are struggling beginning on Monday, October 13th to schedule conferences. PTC Fast will open to families to schedule conferences on Monday, October 20th.  Students will be released at 11:30 on the 29th and there is no school for students on the 30th or 31st due to conferences.  We hope to see everyone there!

The Laramie Middle School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will be meeting for the first time this year on Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the LMS library.  All LMS caregivers are encouraged to attend.  The primary purpose of the PAC is two-way communication and feedback.  We also discuss ways that families can interact with and support our school.  Fundraising is not required!  We hope to see a lot of new and familiar faces on Tuesday night. 

We have the opportunity to have another great week ahead of us.  Let’s make the most of it as we continue to work together in support of our students. Make it a great week.

Upcoming Events

• 10/6 National Coaches Day 

• 10/7 PAC Meeting 

• 10/11 Band Day at UW

• 10/14 Picture Retakes

• 10/25 Make a Difference Day 

• 10/29 Early Release-Conference

• 10/30 No School-Conferences

• 10/31 No School

Week of September 29

It’s Homecoming Week! Homecoming is a great time to build community and show your Scout Pride.  This week is packed with activities including dress up themes for each day, fun activities during lunch, the LHS homecoming march through our building, home competition for football, volleyball and cross country, the LHS football game on Friday night, and our band will be in the UW parade on Saturday.  The Student Leadership Team is also hosting a tailgate party before the LMS football game on Wednesday and all Scouts are invited. We encourage everyone to participate in as many homecoming week activities as possible.

Our lost and found is already out of bounds.  We will be cleaning it out at the end of the day on Friday.  If your student is missing a hooded sweatshirt, jacket, water bottle, lunch box, or any other item, please encourage them to check the lost and found this week.  Everything will be gone by next week so it’s important that they check as soon as possible. 

If your family is facing challenges accessing enough nutritious food on the weekends, the Interfaith Backpack Program is here to help. This community-supported program provides students in Laramie with backpacks full of healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks every weekend during the school year. Backpacks are discreetly distributed every Friday after school to protect your child’s privacy. If you think your student could benefit or you want to learn more, please reach out to Lisa Theis, the School Success Liaison here at Laramie Middle School. 

Progress reports will go out at the end of the day on Friday.  Please review your student’s report with them and identify areas of need and areas of celebration.  Scout Learning Lab is available to all students Monday- Thursday if they need additional time and support to generate their learning.  A late bus is available after SLL for those students who need it.  We are here to support your student’s learning.  

It’s going to be a great week of learning, building community, and celebrating.  Thank you for your continued feedback and support.  We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your student. Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• 10/2 School Custodian Appreciation Day

• 10/3 LHS Homecoming

• 10/3 Six Week Progress Reports

• 10/4 UW Homecoming Parade 

• 10/11 Band Day at UW

• 10/14 Picture Retakes

• 10/25 Make a Difference Day 

Week of September 22

This week is underway and we are already preparing for our homecoming festivities next week.  Homecoming is a great time to build community and show your Scout Pride.  During homecoming week there are many fun activities including dress up themes for each day, fun activities during lunch, LHS homecoming march through our building, home competition for volleyball and cross country, the LHS football game on Friday night, and our band will be in the UW parade on Saturday.  We encourage all Scouts to participate in as many homecoming week activities as possible.

Students will receive a picture packet during S4S this week.  If you ordered pictures, they will be in the packet.  If you didn’t order pictures, there is a code in the packet in case you would like to.   If your student was absent on picture day, or their smile was not all they hoped it could be, retakes are on Tuesday, October 14th. 

If your family is facing challenges accessing enough nutritious food on the weekends, the Interfaith Backpack Program is here to help. This community-supported program provides students in Laramie with backpacks full of healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks every weekend during the school year. Backpacks are discreetly distributed every Friday after school to protect your child’s privacy. If you think your student could benefit or you want to learn more, please reach out to Lisa Theis, the School Success Liaison here at Laramie Middle School. 

Next week is already the sixth week of the school year. Progress reports will go out at the end of the day on October 3rd.  Please review your student’s report with them and identify areas of need and areas of celebration.  Scout Learning Lab is available to all students Monday- Thursday if they need additional time and support to generate their learning. 

As the weather cools and shorts fade away for the season, please remember that pajama pants and slippers are a violation of our dress code.  We want students to get up, get dressed, and feel good about being ready for the day.  This is an important career and life skill. Thank you for your continued support and feedback. Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• 9/26 No School-Professional Development

• 10/2 School Custodian Appreciation Day

• 10/3 LHS Homecoming

• 10/3 Six Week Progress Reports

• 10/4 UW Homecoming Parade 

• 10/11 Band Day at UW

• 10/14 Picture Retakes

• 10/25 Make a Difference Day 

Week of September 15

Picture day was picture perfect last week.  Every student that was here last Tuesday had their picture taken.  If you didn’t order pictures in advance, that’s not a problem.  Go to mylifetouch.com and log into your account, or create one using your student’s ID number, and place your order.  If your student was absent on picture day, or their smile was not all they hoped it could be, retakes are on Tuesday, October 14th. 

Wednesday is Constitution Day.  Our Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787 laying the foundation for our democracy.  This Constitution Day is also the official kick off for our recognition of the Semiquincentennial commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago on July 4th, 1776.   Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in I/E on Wednesday and we will be doing a variety of activities throughout the school year to commemorate the Semiquincentennial. 

Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is a time after school where students get additional time and support to demonstrate their learning. It’s generally held Monday-Thursday from 3:05-4:00. Students attending SLL stay with their teachers from 3:05-3:35. If they need additional time to work and/or need to ride the late bus, they work in the west modular until around 4:15 when the late bus arrives.  Students can walk or be picked up after SLL as well. As we get further into the school year, it becomes even more important that students stay current on their work. Assignments more than two weeks late will not be accepted for credit.  Please monitor your student’s learning and encourage them to take advantage of SLL. 

This month, we’re focusing on empathy and challenging students to make sure that everyone they interact with feels seen, heard, and valued. One way to show empathy is to, as a family, brainstorm a list of 3-5 individuals you typically encounter during the day who may not receive many notes or words of affirmation or appreciation. Consider people who make your day brighter or provide a needed service, like your mail carrier, the cashier at your local store, or a neighbor. Ask each person in your family to write a note thanking that person for “Being a Light.“ You can read more about empathy in this month’s CKH Newsletter. 

Another great week is upon us with opportunities for learning, growth, and community.  Thank you for your continued support and feedback. Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• 9/17 Constitution Day

• 9/21 World Gratitude Day

• 9/26 No School-Professional Development

• 10/2 School Custodian Appreciation Day

• 10/3 LHS Homecoming

• 10/4 UW Homecoming Parade 

• 10/11 Band day at UW

Week of September 8

 

Every week at LMS is action packed and this week is no exception.  Tuesday is picture day.  Throughout the morning students will be called by their grade and last name to go to the small gym and have their picture taken. All students have their pictures taken even if they are not ordering pictures. Also, we do not distribute picture packets.  To order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com and enter our picture day ID (EVTPSCB3C).

The back to school dance is also on Tuesday from 3:05-5:00 in the main gym.  All LMS students in good standing are encouraged to attend dances. Admission is $5.00 and concessions are available.  Students attending the dance must go directly to the gym after school and must be picked up by 5:15. If a student wishes to leave the dance before 5:00, their parent or guardian must be at the school to get them.  We hope to see all of our students busting a move on Tuesday.

It is important that all students are in school every day ready to learn.  Last year our overall attendance rate improved from 91% to 93%. This is a return to our pre-pandemic level, but we can do better.  Our goal attendance rate for this year is 95%. Please set a goal to have your student miss 9 or less days for non-school reasons such as activities.   When students are present in school they build knowledge, skills, and friendships.  Being present in school not only helps your student, but helps all of our students because we learn from each other.  We want to see your student in school every day because your student’s presence matters.  Please read this handout to learn more about the importance of good attendance. 

Our district has partnered with the Cook Center to provide all families with access to parentguidance.org. If you’re concerned about your student’s attendance, mental health, or any other aspect of their development, there are resources to help you.  This website has on demand courses related to many topics including technology, anxiety, building confidence, body image, behavior and peer conflict.  Webinars and parent coaching are also available.  You can access these resources from the link above or by clicking on the student and family resources tab on the ACSD1 website. 

Scout Learning Lab (SLL) is a time after school where students get additional time and support to demonstrate their learning. It’s generally held Monday-Thursday from 3:05-4:00. Students attending SLL stay with their teachers from 3:05-3:35. If they need additional time to work and/or need to ride the late bus, they work in the west modular until around 4:15 when the late bus arrives.  Students can walk or be picked up after SLL as well. Students make arrangements with their teachers to attend SLL or teachers will reach out to families to schedule students.  Students must attend SLL in order to ride the late bus and they must be in classrooms by 3:10 in order to be put on the bus list.  SLL is open to all LMS students and it is a great opportunity for students to get the help they need. 

The start of this school season has been amazing. We are really getting into the swing of things as we enter our third week of working together. Thank you for your continued support and feedback. You are appreciated. 

Upcoming Events

• 9/9 Picture Day

• 9/9 Back to School Dance 

• 9/13 Positive Thinking Day

• 9/21 World Gratitude Day

• 9/26 No School-Professional Development