Week of May 7

The end of the school year is barreling towards us at light speed.  It's imperative that we work together to close out the 2017-2018 school year on a high note.  Our theme for this year is 'If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.'  We want to keep that in mind during this last month.  It can be tempting to want to coast into to the summer, but we want to slide in at full speed on the 31st, happy, exhausted, and satisfied with our efforts as we scream "Whoa what a ride!."  Thank you for your support in making the last month of school engaging, meaningful, and fun.

If you have not done so already, please make plans to join us for  the 31st Hapi-ness 5K this Saturday.  Registration begins at 8:00 am and the race starts at 9:00.  The Hapi-ness 5K began in 1987 in memory of Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year.  Proceeds from the race support families in need.  This year student government is planning to help multiple families in need of assistance. There are LMS students that have family members suffering from cancer.  There are also multiple LMS students that were affected by the Wade's Trailer Court fire.  All profits will be applied to these areas of need. If you have questions about the Hapi-ness 5K, please contact Mr. Miller or visit the Hapi-ness 5K Facebook page.

Except for a few make up tests, WYTOPP testing is complete. Results will be sent to families this summer around the end of July.  This is a similar timeframe to PAWS.  Beginning next year, students will get their results a day or two after completing their test.  Thank you for supporting our goofy schedules during testing and for sending your student to school ready to test each day.

Sixth and eighth grade students will be taking the Preventative Needs Assessment survey on May 17th during their social studies class.  This survey is conducted by the State of Wyoming to determine if students in the state are making healthy choices and if preventative programming is effective.  Information regarding this survey was sent home with your student's 12-week grade report.  If you'd like to see the survey a copy is available in the main office or you can go to:
http://pnasurvey.org/Resources/docs/PNA Survey Instrument.pdf.

Upcoming Events: 

• May 30                          8th grade ice cream social 
• May 28                          No school-Memorial Day 
• May 31                          Last day for student-early dismissal 

Week of April 30

WYTOPP testing continues this week.  All LMS students will be taking the math test this Tuesday and Wednesday.  Other than those students who need extra time to finish or need to make up a test they missed, all students will be done testing on Wednesday.  Thank you for sending your student to school well rested and ready to test.  We realize that different schedules to accommodate testing can be stressful, but it's important that we complete WYTOPP so we can identify areas of celebration and look for ways to get even better as a school.

The 31st Hapi-ness 5K is on Saturday May 12th.  Registration begins at 8:00 am and the race starts at 9:00.  If you would like to receive a t-shirt, you must register by May 3rd.  The Hapi-ness 5K began in 1987 in memory of Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year.  Proceeds from the race support families in need.  This year student government is planning to help multiple families in need of assistance. There are LMS students that have family members suffering from cancer.  There are also multiple LMS students that were affected by the Wade's Trailer Court fire.  All profits will be applied to these areas of need. If you have questions about the Hapi-ness 5K, please contact Mr. Miller or visit the Hapi-ness 5K Facebook page.

Speaking of Mr. Miller, we are happy to share that he has been named the Laramie Middle School Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Miller teaches computers, business, and student government at LMS. He coaches cross country, basketball, and track as well.  Mr. Miller also leads the student leadership team, WEB crew, and coordinates the sources of strength program. Mr. Miller's instruction is top notch and he is a dynamic member of the LMS community.  It was a difficult decision as there are many great teachers at LMS.  Again congratulations to Mr. Miller on earning the 2017-18 LMS teacher of the Year Award!

The Critter Creek 4H Club will be collecting gently used backpacks at the end of the school year again this year.  They clean the backpacks and fill them will school supplies before donating them to students next fall.  If you have a backpack that you don't intend to use after school is out, please consider donating it.  For more information you can call Valerie at 307-399-3759.

Upcoming Events: 

• April 23-May 11           WYTOPP testing window 
• May 1                            LMS choir concert
• May 3                            PTO meeting 
• May 28                          No school-Memorial Day 
• May 31                          Last day for student-early dismissal 

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 

Week of March 26

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Nick Bauman, 6th grade social studies teacher, on being recognized as one of the Kiwanis Teachers of the Year.  Mr. Bauman was nominated by 13 LMS students.  In their nominations students stated Mr. Bauman cares about them and their learning, develops interesting and engaging lessons, and that his class is one of the highlights of their school day.  Congratulations Mr. Bauman on your well-deserved award.  Another example of the great things happening at LMS.

Spring conferences are next Tuesday, April 3rd from 3:30-7:30 pm.  Students will be dismissed at 11:30 on the 3rd. Teachers will be preparing for conferences from 11:30-3:30.  LMS conferences will follow an open house format.  Teachers will be available in their rooms to meet with students and families. All families and students are encouraged to come in and check in with teachers on a first come, first serve basis. There is no need to make an appointment.  Please join us at conferences to  discuss your student's hard work and growth and answer any questions you may have.

WYTOPP (Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress) is the new state accountability test.  The testing window runs from April 16th to May 11th.  LMS students will be testing the weeks of April 23rd and April 30th.  Testing will occur in students regularly scheduled classes.  We will have four block days the week of the 23rd.  Other than that, student schedules will not change.  More information and a detailed schedule will be shared as the testing window approaches.

Upcoming Events

• April 2                                   No school-professional development
• April 3                                   Spring conferences 
• April 23-May 11                    WYTOPP testing
• May 12                                   Hapiness 5K 

Week of March 19

We're excited to welcome back all LMS students and staff after spring break. I hope you all had a restful week and were able to spend some time with family and friends. We are excited to begin the push to the end of the school year.  It's a bit crazy to think that we are approaching summer break this quickly, but it will be here before we know it.  Let's continue to work together to finish the school year strong.

There is no Scout Learning Lab this Wednesday, March 21st.  The middle school is having a staff meeting after school on Wednesday and are not available to work with students.  There will not be a a late bus on Wednesday. All students should plan on leaving right after dismissal. 

The elementary schools have an early release this Friday, March 23rd.  The middle school will follow our normal Friday schedule that day dismissing at 2:55.  Middle school students are expected to attend the entire school day this Friday.  Please contact the school if you have any questions. 

Spring conferences will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd from 3:30-7:30.  We are piloting an open house format at the middle school this Spring.  Teachers will be available in their rooms during conferences.  Families and students can drop in and visit with teachers during conferences on a first come, first serve basis. You do not need to make an appointment for conferences. All LMS students and families are encouraged to attend. 

Upcoming Events

• March 21                               No Scout Learning Lab
• March 23                               Elementary early release-full day at LMS
• April 2                                   No school-professional development
• April 3                                   Spring conferences 

Week of March 5

We are already at the six week point in the second semester.  We will be sending out progress reports to families this week.  Please review your student's progress report with them and identify areas for celebration and discuss any areas for growth.  There is still a lot of time left in the school year to demonstrate academic competency.  We are here to work with you and your student to support their learning.  If you have any questions, or concerns, regarding your student's progress report, please don't hesitate to contact the school.  

It is Spirit Week at Laramie Middle School.  Each day has a dress up theme.  The grades (6,7,8) are also engaged in a friendly competition with penny wars.  Each grade will have a jar in the cafeteria.  Pennies count toward a grade's total and any other denominations count against.  All funds raised will be used to support service members overseas.  As a part of Spirit Week, all LMS students and families are cordially invited to our second family night on Wednesday, March 7th.  The student leadership team is hosting the Bermuda Triangle Escape Room from 7:00-8:15.  There is no cost to attend.  Please join us for fun, popcorn, and community building.  

Occasionally students need to be checked out of school for appointments such as the dentist or orthodontist.  While it is preferable that these are taken care of outside of school hours, we recognize that is not always possible.  It is helpful if you call ahead before coming to pick your student up whenever possible.  If a student is in PE or at lunch when you come to get them, it may take us a few minutes to get them down to the attendance office and released to you.  Often families are on a tight timeline when checking students out and trying to make an appointment.  Calling ahead helps us have your student ready to go so that you are not late.

There will not be any Scout Learning Lab after school on Friday, March 9th or Saturday, March 10th due to spring break.  Scout Learning Lab will resume it's normal schedule on Monday, March 19th.  As a reminder, teaching staff are available to work with students from 3:00-3:30 Monday-Friday and there is a late bus at 4:00 for students who need it.  Saturday Scout Learning Lab takes place on most Saturdays from 8:00-11:00 for students who need a larger chunk of time to demonstrate their learning.

Upcoming Events

• March 5                                 Six week grade reports 
• March 5-9                              Spirit Week
• March 7                                 PTO meeting
• March 7                                 Family night-Bermuda Triangle escape room 
• March 12                               Spring break begins
• March 23                               Elementary early release-full day at LMS