Welcome Back 2018-19

With summer winding down, we are poised to start another school year and it is my privilege to welcome you to Laramie Middle School for the 2018-2019 school year.  I’m excited to be a part of this community and to work with you to make this a great year. The anticipation of a new school year brings about thoughts of new faces, friendships, experiences, challenges and a fresh start.  LMS values each person and sees everyone as important members of the learning community.

Our theme for 2018-19 is “Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Scouts are forever.”   LMS is a great school.  The question we must ask ourselves is, how can we get even better? Our theme will guide our collective work for this school year.  By being respectful, interacting honestly, and building trust, we will become a better school community.  

This applies not only to our work in the classroom, but also to our efforts on the court, on stage, in our homes, and in our community.  Our goal is to have this year be the best year your student never wants to do again.  Not because it was hard, boring, or frustrating, but because it was great and they are excited and ready for the next step on their educational journey.  Together we can make 2018-19 the best year yet, and remember, Scouts are forever.

In addition to the staffing changes that accompany every school year, our schedule has changed as well. Our last class will dismiss at 3:00 and on block days we will start the day with an advisory class called Scouts for Scouts (S4S). S4S is a twice weekly 25-minute advisor-advisee time designed to promote and support: positive relationships, communications, community building, and career and personal goals.  Each student has been assigned an S4S advisor for the coming school year. More information on S4S can be found here. 

As you can see below, many things are happening as we prepare for the coming school year.  If your student is interested a fall activity (cross country, football, or volleyball) please plan to attend the appropriate informational meeting.  Students must have a current sports physical and a signed code of conduct on file to practice or compete.  More information on activities can be found on the LMS website.  

Upcoming 6th grade students, and 7th and 8th grade students new to the middle school, should attend orientation on August 15th.  It goes from 8:00-11:30 for 6th graders and 11:00-12:30 for new 7th and 8th graders.  6th graders should check in at the LMS cafeteria between 8:00-8:30.  There is a session for all new students and families from 11:00-11:30 in the LMS gym.  Due to space limitations, families cannot attend the 8:30-11:00 sessions. New 7th and 8th grade students will meet with student leaders and have lunch from 11:30-12:30.  New students will get their class schedules during orientation.  If student can't make it to orientation, they can pick up their schedules in the main office between 8:00-2:30 beginning on the 16th.  Returning 7th and 8th grade students will receive their schedules in the mail.

Thank you for reading to the end of this lengthy post.  August is a busy, and exciting, time.  Our success as a school community depends on open, frequent communication with students and families.  If you have questions, ideas, or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We are all here in support of your student's success. 

Upcoming Events: 

• August 8                        Information meeting for volleyball and football (5:30)
• August 9                        Information meeting for cross country (5:30)
• August 13                      Practice begins for fall sports
• August 15                      New student orientation 
• August 23                      1st day of school!                         
• August 28                      Picture day
• August 28                      Back to school open house
• September 3                   No school-Labor Day
• September 5                   PTO meeting

Week of May 21

Our theme for the year is "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."  Our school community has embraced this theme throughout the year.  Our students have gained new knowledge, developed new programs, and become better students, friends, and young adults.  Our teachers have honed their skills, developed new lessons, and integrated technology in support of even greater student learning.  Our families have supported our growth through helping their students, attending events, taking surveys, and trusting us with their students each and every day.  The purpose of our collective work has been to get better.  We are so proud of all of our students and all they have accomplished this year.  They truly are amazing.  We will continue to work together to finish the year strong and to make next year our best yet.

Celebration is an important part of our school culture and with this in mind, student government has been working hard to plan the last day of school on the 31st.  All students will report directly to 2nd period next Thursday.  They will remain there for about a half hour to take care of any last minute housekeeping needs such as paying fines or returning library books.  Students will then go outside for a series of fun activities.  After that, all students will report to the gym for a final all school assembly.  Students will return to 2nd period for dismissal at approximately 11:30.  It will be a fun way to cap off a great school year.

The last dance of the school year will be held after school on this Wednesday in the LMS gym.  All LMS students in good standing (not serving ISS or OSS) are cordially invited.  Hopefully all Scouts will come to the dance and shake a leg one last time this school year.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact me via email or at 721-4430.

Another scheduling item of note, this Friday, May 25th is a full day at LMS.  The elementary schools have an early release on Friday.  We look forward to seeing our students all day this Friday.

Upcoming Events: 

• May 23                          Last dance 
• May 25                          Elementary early release-full day at LMS 
• May 28                          No school-Memorial Day 
• May 30                          8th grade ice cream social 
• May 31                          Last day for student-early dismissal 

Week of May 14

Many things are happening at LMS as we work towards the end of the school year.  A special congratulations to Mr. Reitzel and the LMS yearbook crew on being recognized by Walsworth Publishing.  Mr. Reitzel was presented with the Incredible Teaching Award and the LMS yearbook was inducted into the Gallery of Excellence.  There are still a few award-winning yearbooks for sale.  They are $40.00 and can be purchased in the main office.

The last dance of the school year will be held after school on Wednesday, May 23rd in the LMS gym.  All LMS students in good standing (not serving ISS or OSS) are cordially invited.  Hopefully all Scouts will come to the dance and shake a leg one last time for the 2017-2018 school year.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact me via email or at 721-4430.

The last day for students if Thursday, May 31st.  We will have an early release on the 31st so students will be dismissed at 11:23.  No lunch will be served that day.  Students may sign up for a sack lunch that they take with them when they leave for the day.  We will be following on a modified schedule on the last day.  Students will take care of any remaining housekeeping items first thing in the morning.  We will then go outside for a field day where students compete in various fun activities.  We'll head back in side for a whole school assembly and then students will be dismissed.  It should be an excited way to celebrate all of our successes from this year.

Don't miss out on the Scout Shout.  The newspaper crew has been working hard to deliver all of the hard hitting and exciting news on a monthly basis.  If you don't know where to find the Scout Shout, this video will guide you.  Ms. Walker and the students have done an amazing job with the Scout Shout.  Please take the time to check it out.

Upcoming Events: 

• May 23                          Last dance 
• May 25                          Elementary early release-full day at LMS 
• May 28                          No school-Memorial Day 
• May 30                          8th grade ice cream social 
• May 31                          Last day for student-early dismissal 

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