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: 

• 
  
• 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

Week of February 26

The LMS staff did some in house professional development last Thursday and Friday.  It was a continuation of the work to support our growth as a professional learning community.  Dr. Dewey, a nationally renowned educator, was at LMS to work with teaching teams on effective planning and instruction in support of student learning.  We also discussed scheduling and designing interventions for students who are struggling and extensions and enrichment for students who are excelling.  The already great staff at LMS continues to work to improve their teaching.  This supports our theme for the the year, if it doesn't challenge you it doesn't change you.  LMS staff are not satisfied with good enough.  We are going to do whatever it takes to help students be successful and to create and sustain a community of respect and excellence at LMS.

The Student Leadership Team is hosting the Laradise Dance, this Friday, March 2nd from 3:00-5:00 pm in the LMS main gym.  All LMS students in good standing (passing all classes and not suspended) are encouraged to attend.  Admission is $4.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact the school.

There are many exciting events coming up at LMS next week.  Traditionally the week prior to spring break is Spirit Week.  Each day next week has a theme.  Grade levels can also earn points towards the Scout Cup for participating. The themes for each day are as follows:

• Mix It Up Monday: Students dress like teachers and vice versa 
• Tourist Tuesday: Wear your favorite vacation clothes
• Wacky Wednesday: Crazy hair do's, backwards shirts, everything wacky
• Throwback Thursday: Dress like your parents in those old photos
• Fan Friday: Sports teams, Nike, Under Armour, etc 

Spirit week will also be the time for penny wars to support service men and women oversees.  Each grade will have a bucket in the cafeteria.  Pennies count towards a grade's total. All other denominations count against a grade's total.  The grade with the highest total will earn points towards the Scout Cup.  

As if there wasn't enough going on during Spirit Week, the Student Leadership Team is hosting our second family night of the year.  All LMS families are cordially invited to our Bermuda Triangle Escape Room Adventure on Wednesday, March 7th from 7:00-8:15 pm.  Meet in the LMS cafeteria for a night of fun, community, popcorn, and prizes.  There is no cost to attend. 

As we move into the 5th week of the second semester, many things are happening.  Activities such as Spirit Week, dances, and family nights are an important part of our school community.  They build connections, increase school spirit, and improve moral.  We appreciate all of your support and hope you will encourage your student to come to the dance and participate in Spirit Week.  We'd also love to see you at our escape room night on the 6th.

Upcoming Events

• March 2                                 Laradise dance 
• 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

Week of February 19

Students can now pre-order the award winning Laramie Middle School yearbook.  A limited number of yearbooks are available, so students and families should order now to guarantee that they receive a copy of this year's edition.  Yearbooks are $40.00.  Students can bring cash or a check to order their yearbook during lunch.  Yearbooks can also be ordered online as well.  If you need more information about obtaining a yearbook, please contact Mr. Reitzel. 

It has been a challenging flu season up to this point, with many students falling victim to this year's strain.  If your student has missed school due to illness or has fallen behind this semester, don't wait until six week progress reports arrive in the mail the week of March 5th.  Talk to your student, check their grades in Powerschool, contact their teachers.  This can be the time of year where the school year starts to drag and student engagement slips.  Please don't let your student dig an academic hole they can't get out of.  We are here to help.  Teachers are available for Scout Learning Lab after school.  We offer an extended session of Scout Learning Lab on most Saturday mornings as well. Let's work together to maintain the momentum we've built so far this year and help all students finish the school year on a high note.

We are at a transition point for activities at LMS.  Boys basketball and nordic skiing are wrapping up.  Swimming starts this Thursday, the 22nd.  Swimming is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.  You must have a completed sports physical and code of conduct on file to participate.  Contact Mrs.  Anfinson if you need additional information about swimming. Track is our final activity of the school year. Track begins on April 5th and is open to 7th and 8th grade students.  I encourage students to participate in at least one activity during the school year.  Middle school is a great time to explore new interests and activities.  If your student has not participated in an athletic activity, an academic club, or the fine arts, this year please encourage them to explore swimming, track, or something else that they are interested in.

The lost and found is bursting at the seems.  Please encourage your students to seek out their missing clothing items in the cafeteria.  What is not claimed by the end of the week will be removed.


Upcoming Events

• March 2                                 Laradise dance 
• March 5                                 Six week grade reports 
• March 12                               Spring break begins
• March 23                               Elementary early release-full day at LMS