Week of April 28

We are pleased to announce that Laramie Middle School has been named a 2024-2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School, a prestigious honor awarded to campuses that demonstrate excellence in building a culture where students feel safe, connected, and engaged.  This is the fourth year in a row that we’ve earned this honor.  The Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond in creating an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally.  Capturing Kids’ Hearts tools are a big part of building and sustaining a culture of respect and belonging at LMS and we’re happy they are having the intended impact. 

All students will be taking  the math WYTOPP test this Wednesday. We will follow a modified block schedule  for testing and students should report directly to their S4S class.  Students will test with their S4S teachers. Our student leadership team made this video to help students be prepared for WYTOPP.  Preliminary results indicate that our students are rocking the WYTOPP.  We are very proud of the effort students, teachers, and families have put in all year and WYTOPP is a reflection of everyone’s hard work.  We ask that students continue to come prepared, do their best, and not put undue pressure on themselves.  WYTOPP is important, but it is also just one measure of student learning.  When we’re finished, we’ll celebrate our successes, identify areas for improvement, and move on. 

It’s officially yearbook season. Go to yearbookforever.com to order your copy.  Don’t wait as our yearbook sells out every year.  School years come and go, but the yearbook is forever.  If you’re not convinced that our yearbook is the best, check out this trailer.  Order today!

The 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 am.  The Happiness 5K began in 1987, started by the 9th grade class of Laramie Junior High School in memory of their classmate, Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year. Since then, this event has helped numerous families facing medical challenges and other hardships. This year, we are dedicating proceeds to support an LMS teacher, Mr. Krysl. For those of you that don't know, Mr. Krysl has a brain tumor removed over Christmas Break.  Mr. Krysl has given so much to our students, staff, and school and this is our chance to give back. Please return this form with your entry fee to the LMS main office and support what we hope will be the biggest Hapi-ness 5K ever!

It’s a perfect week to be our best and sprint into the final part of this school season.  Please help us finish strong by continuing to send your student prepared and ready to learn each and every day.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 5/2                  School Lunch Hero Day 

• 5/5-5/9            Educator Appreciation Week

• 5/8 School Nurse Day

• 5/17                 Hapi-ness 5K 

• 5/29 Graduate march 

• 5/30                 LHS graduation

 Students will be taking WYTOPP tests this Tuesday and Wednesday.  All students will take the ELA (reading) test on Tuesday.  On Wednesday, eighth graders will take the science test and seventh graders will take the writing test.  Weather permitting, 6th grade students will go outside for field activities on Wednesday.  In the case of inclement weather, they will complete other activities in their S4S classes.  On Wednesday April 30th, all students will take the math test.  We will follow a modified block schedule on testing days and students should report directly to their S4S classes on those days.  Students will test with their S4S teachers. Our student leadership team made the video below to help students be prepared for WYTOPP.

WYTOPP is important, but it is also just one measure of student learning.  We ask that students come well rested, with a charged Chromebook, and give their best effort.  Stressing out over the test isn’t helpful and will actually lower performance.  Usain Bolt said it best, “Worrying gets you nowhere. If you turn up worrying about how you’re going to perform, you’ve already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself.” We’re prepared and we’re going to rock this test!

It’s officially yearbook season. Go to yearbookforever.com to order your copy today.  Our yearbook sells out every year.  Don’t miss out on your chance to own a piece of history.  If you’re not convinced that our yearbook is the best, check out this trailer.  Order today.

The 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 am.  The Happiness 5K began in 1987, started by the 9th grade class of Laramie Junior High School in memory of their classmate, Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year. Since then, this event has helped numerous families facing medical challenges and other hardships. This year, we are dedicating proceeds to support an LMS teacher, Mr. Krysl. For those of you that don't know, Mr. Krysl has a brain tumor removed over Christmas Break.  Mr. Krysl has given so much to our students, staff, and school and this is our chance to give back. Please return this form with your entry fee to the LMS main office and support what we hope will be the biggest Hapi-ness 5K ever!

The Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program (Title IV-A) is a federal grant that intends to improve student achievement in three different ways. The first area is to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education; the second is to improve school conditions for learning; and the third is to improve the use of technology in schools to improve academic achievement and digital literacy of all students. We are seeking input on how to best utilize Title IV-A funds from stakeholders.  Please use this link to provide us with feedback by 4/30/25.

We are excited to celebrate our students’ growth and progress on WYTOPP.  Thank you for partnering with us on their educational journey.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 4/22 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• 4/23                 Administrative Assistants Day

• 5/5-5/9             Teacher Appreciation Week

• 5/6 School Nurse Appreciation Day

• 5/17                  40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K 

Week of April 14

Spring conferences are Thursday from 3:30-7:30.  Conferences are by appointment and space is limited, so we encourage you to schedule your conferences as soon as possible. Please go to https://ptcfast.com/schools/Laramie_Middle_School to schedule a conference with your student’s teachers.  This is especially important if they were struggling on the grade report that was sent out last Friday.  There is no Scout Learning Lab or late bus on Thursday due to conferences. 

The April Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting is tomorrow night at 6:00 in the LMS library.  All LMS caregivers are encouraged to attend. We will be discussing planning for the 2025-2026 school year and how we can finish this school year on a high note.  We hope to see you there. 

We are still accepting nominations for the 2025 Laramie Middle School Difference Maker of the Year. The Difference Maker Award goes to a paraeducator, administrative assistant, or custodian who is going above and beyond for our students and school.  We have so many great people in our community.  Please use this form to recognize a LMS classified staff member by nominating them to be our Difference Maker of the Year. 

The 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 am.  The Happiness 5K began in 1987, started by the 9th grade class of Laramie Junior High School in memory of their classmate, Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year. Since then, this event has helped numerous families facing medical challenges and other hardships. This year, we are dedicating proceeds to support an LMS teacher, Mr. Krysl. For those of you that don't know, Mr. Krysl has a brain tumor removed over Christmas Break.  Mr. Krysl has given so much to our students, staff, and school and this is our chance to give back. Please return this form with your entry fee to the LMS main office and support what we hope will be the biggest Hapi-ness 5K ever!

It’s never too early to order the award winning LMS yearbook.  Go to yearbookforever.com to order your copy today.  Our yearbook sells out every year.  Don’t miss out on your chance to own a piece of history. Order today!. 

There is no school for students on Friday due to professional development.  We hope our students and families enjoy a restful long weekend as we prepare to start WYTOPP testing next Tuesday.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 4/15                 PAC meeting 

• 4/17                 Spring Conferences 3:30-7:30 

• 4/18                 Professional Development (no school for students) 

• 5/17                 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K 

Week of April 7

We are celebrating our Battle of the Books team.  The district competition was last week, and our team earned first place!  They worked very hard to prepare for this competition and it paid off. We are very proud of them.  Great work Scouts!

Speaking of celebrations, in addition to accepting nominations for the 2025 Laramie Middle School Teacher of Year, we are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Laramie Middle School Difference Maker of the Year. The Difference Maker Award goes to a paraeducator, administrative assistant, or custodian who is going above and beyond for our students and school.  We have so many great people in our community.  Please use this form to recognize a LMS classified staff member by nominating them to be our Difference Maker of the Year. 

The 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 am.  The Happiness 5K began in 1987, started by the 9th grade class of Laramie Junior High School in memory of their classmate, Hapi Patterson, who passed away from leukemia that year. Since then, this event has helped numerous families facing medical challenges and other hardships. This year, we are dedicating proceeds to support an LMS teacher, Mr. Krysl. For those of you that don't know, Mr. Krysl has a brain tumor removed over Christmas Break.  Mr. Krysl has given so much to our students, staff, and school—this is our chance to give back. Please return this form with your entry fee to the LMS main office and support what we hope will be the biggest Hapi-ness 5K ever!

Effective July 1, 2025 House Bill 0172 will officially repeal previously defined gun free zones in the state of Wyoming. This means that concealed firearms can be carried into school buildings by members of the public and employees. In order to comply with state mandates and ensure the safety of our staff and students, ACSD#1 will be establishing new policies to outline procedures moving forward. In response to this need, the ACSD#1 Board of Trustees will be holding a community forum to gather input from both community members and staff.  Input from this forum will be used to help draft and refine District policies. The Community Forum will be hosted at 5:30 pm on April 9, 2025 and take place in the Central Administration Board Room located at 1948 Grand Avenue. We invite all staff to attend and provide public comment on this important topic.

Please encourage your  7th or 8th grade students to consider attending the University of Wyoming Youth in STEM Conference Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 8:30-2:15. While on campus, participants will learn first-hand about careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology from accomplished professionals. Past conferences have typically provided unique and interesting workshops hosted by professionals in STEM fields. This will be a fun event to help build connections across the state as we explore the variety of awesome STEM professions. Transportation and. Lunch will be provided.  However, students with special dietary needs should bring their own lunch. Students will be expected to observe all UW COVID restrictions at the time of the event.  Interested students must fill out the Google Form on their science teacher’s Canvas page by Friday.  Space is limited so student should sign up right away. 

Spring conferences are from 3:30-7:30 on Thursday, April 17th.  This is a normal day of school for LMS students. Conferences will be by appointment just like they were in the fall.  We will open up the link to families on PTCFast at 3:00 on Friday, April 11th.  Space is limited, so we encourage you to schedule your conferences as soon as possible after the link opens especially if your student is struggling.  Conferences are a great time to make adjustments if necessary and plan for a successful conclusion to the school year. 

We have so many great things to celebrate and look forward to.  It’s such a fun time of the school year.  Thank you for sharing your student with us and your continued support and feedback. Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 4/7                   Track practice begins 

• 4/8                   Orchestra concert 

• 4/7-4/11           National Assistant Principals Week

• 4/8                   National Library Day  

• 4/15                 PAC meeting 

• 4/17                 Spring Conferences 3:30-7:30 

• 4/18                 Professional Development (no school for students) 

• 5/17                 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K 

Week of March 31

April is on our doorstep.  The next couple of months are going to be action packed as we close out the 2024-2025 school season.  Celebration is a natural part of concluding the year and LMS is fortunate to have so much to celebrate.  We are proud of our swim teams. Both the boys and girls brought home the conference championship!  We also have so many amazing teachers in our school.  In recognition of this, we are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 LMS Teacher of the Year award.  Please use this link to nominate an LMS teacher. Thank you for taking the time to help recognize our fantastic teachers.  

This month we are challenging students to work hard and stay determined. We are partnering with you to acknowledge your student’s achievement of goals both big and small. By helping your student develop perseverance, you can prepare them to learn from their future failures and work hard to achieve future successes. Please look for opportunities to teach and model the power of perseverance.  You can read more about how to encourage perseverance in this month’s CKH newsletter. 

It’s once again time to clean out our lost and found.  It has become overrun with hoodies, shoes, water bottles and all sorts of other interesting items.  Our students must feel light and airy on their way home based on all of the things they leave behind. 🙂  Please encourage your student to check the lost and found for their missing items.  We will be clearing everything out at the end of the day on Friday.

Spring conferences are from 3:30-7:30 on Thursday, April 17th.  This is a normal day of school for LMS students. Conferences will be by appointment just like they were in the fall.  We will open up the link to families on PTCFast at 3:00 on Friday, April 11th.  Space is limited, so we encourage you to schedule your conferences as soon as possible after the link opens especially if your student is struggling.  Conferences are a great time to make adjustments if necessary and plan for a successful conclusion to the school year. 

With road construction season upon us and track right around the corner, we will likely see a series of spring blizzards mixed in with some summer-like days.  Although the Wyoming weather is unpredictable, one thing we can count on is the need to work hard and support each other to make the end of the school year a success. Thank you for sharing your student with us and your continued support and feedback.  It’s going to be a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 4/1                   Choir concert 

• 4/2                   Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 

• 4/7                   Track practice begins 

• 4/7-4/11           National Assistant Principals Week

• 4/8                   National Library Day  

• 4/15                 PAC meeting 

• 4/17                 Spring Conferences 3:30-7:30 

• 4/18                 Professional Development (no school for students) 

• 5/17                 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K 

Week of March 24

Welcome back! It was so great seeing all of our students today.  Some of them were certainly adjusting to a change in schedule when they came in this morning, but they all seemed very happy to see their classmates and teachers again.  There was a noticeable buzz in the air all day today as we settled back into our normal routines.  Hopefully your spring break was restful and productive.  We are very excited to enter the final few months of this school season. 

Eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in a career exploration activity called Voices in the Field on Thursday, March 27th at Rock River School.  There will be a variety of guest speakers and other activities to help students explore various careers.  Please have your student use the QR code below to register.  Students must register by the end of the day tomorrow and meet our academic eligibility requirements in order to participate.  This is a great event and we strongly encourage 8th grade students to participate. 

Please encourage your students to stay on top of their assignments, complete any work that is missing, and turn things in on time.  It’s more productive and easier in the long run to stay current on schoolwork than to try and get caught up.  The best way to stay current is to be in school ready to learn each and every day.  Extra support is available during Scout Learning Lab after school Monday-Thursday. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment to our school community. Thank you!

It’s going to be another great week at LMS.  We appreciate your continued feedback and support.  Please let us know how we can be of assistance to you and your student.  

Upcoming Events

• 4/1                Choir concert 

• 4/1                   Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day 

• 4/2                   Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 

• 4/7                   Track practice begins 

• 4/7-4/11           National Assistant Principals Week

• 4/8                   National Library Day  

• 4/17                 Spring Conferences 3:30-7:30 

• 4/18                 Professional Development (no school for students)

Week of March 3

Last Friday was the six-week mark for the second semester.  Progress reports will be going out through PowerSchool today.  Please log into PowerSchool and review your student’s progress with them.  It is a crucial time in our school year as students’ grades now serve as the foundation for the last twelve weeks of school.  When reviewing your student’s report, identify areas of celebration as well as areas of growth. Please encourage your student to take advantage of the extra assistance available to them during class, Scout Learning Lab, and I/E.  We also encourage families to reach out to their student’s teachers.  They are here to help. 

This month we are focused on helping students understand that courage is not a magical remedy for fear. Instead, courage is a choice to push through fear, self-doubt, and anxiety to do things that feel hard or frightening. Ask each family member to share something positive they want to do but have been afraid to try. Discuss what fears are getting in the way and steps to overcome those fears. Encourage everyone to try something new this month. Don’t forget to celebrate each family member when they do!  Read more about courage in this month’s CKH newsletter. 

Scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year is underway.  Current 6th and 7th grade students have been given access to the course selection form. If your student has not submitted their course selection forms for next year, please have them do so as soon as possible.  If students do not submit a course selection form, their courses will be chosen for them. Please click here to access the 7th grade registration form and click here to access the 8th grade registration form.  Current 8th graders submit their freshmen registration forms to the LMS main office. Additional copies of the LHS registration form can be picked up in the LMS main office. 

March is upon us. It’s important as we look forward to spring break in a couple of weeks that we focus on what we can do today to set our students up for success not only this week, but for the remainder of this school season.  Please continue to emphasize the importance of attending school each and every day with your student and we thank you for your continued feedback and support.

Upcoming Events

• 3/3-3/7             National School Social Worker Week 

• 3/7                   Maintenance Employee Appreciation Day 

• 3/18                 Speech Language Pathologist Appreciation Day 

• 3/17-3/21         Spring break

• 3/25                 PAC meeting