Week of September 24th

Another week is underway at LMS, but we begin without our students.  During Monday's professional development we are building skills to move effectively support students in crisis and to provide for the care, welfare, safety, and security for all students.  We realize that professional development can be a bit of a blessing and a curse.  A blessing at times as these days provide a long weekend for families to be together without missing school, and a curse in the same breath as families  may need to find supervision for their students during the day.  Please know that our work during professional development is crucial to our growth as a school community and we appreciate your support.

All students must have updated vaccination paperwork on file, filed for an exemption, or scheduled an appointment to become properly vaccinated or by state law they are not allowed to attend school 30 calendar days after the start of the school year.  Mrs. Woodhouse has been reaching out to all families whose students need to update their vaccinations. Beginning on 9/25/18, students lacking the proper vaccinations will not be allowed to attend classes.  If you have any questions regarding vaccination requirements, please contact Mrs. Woodhouse at 721-4430.

Picture retakes are Tuesday, October 2nd.  Students who did not have their pictures taken previously will have their pictures taken.  Students who had their pictures taken, but would like retakes should bring their original pictures with them.  Replacement pictures are free no charge if students return all of their original pictures. If you would like to order pictures online, go to mylifetouch.com and enter picture day ID CG218395Y1.

The upcoming shift in activities is evidence that the school year is flying by.  Cross country, football, and volleyball will be wrapping up soon and girls basketball and wrestling will begin the week of October 8th. Wrestling is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and girls basketball is open to female students in 7th and 8th grades.  Students must have a signed code of conduct and athletic physical on file to participate in activities.  If your student already participated in an activity this year, all of their paperwork will is on file. Please contact Mrs. Anfinson or Mrs. Burkhart.

Upcoming Events: 

•                   
• September 24                 No school-professional development
• October 1-5                    Homecoming week                      
• October 2                       Picture retakes 
• October 2                       LMS family night 
• October 24-25                Fall conferences

Week of September 17

It's another week of unique schedules as students complete the math portion of the fall WYTOPP test.  Our schedule will be Even, Odd, Even, Odd, All, this week.  This allows students to complete their math tests during their math class causing less disruption to their overall schedules. Students attend Scouts for Scouts (advisory) on all block days so they will attend four days this week. We will return to a more standard schedule next week with only two block days.

I say or more standard schedule next week as students will not have school on Monday, September 24th due to professional development.  All LMS staff will be participating in nonviolent crisis intervention training on the 24th.  This training sounds more intense than it actually is.  We will be developing deescalation skills to help students who are becoming agitated, acting out, or struggling emotionally deescalate and return to learning in a way that minimizes disruptions, increases safety for students and staff, and maintains the respect and dignity of all involved.  This training is part of a District-wide effort so staff at other schools will be engaging in similar training on the 24th as well.

The week of October 1st is homecoming week.  We will engage in a series of dress up days an other activities to build school spirit.  Our activities will culminate with the LHS football game on Friday, October 5th.  Homecoming is another opportunity to build community and celebrate a positive school culture.  We will share more information about homecoming and spirit week as the date gets closer.

Upcoming Events: 

•                   
• September 24                 No school-professional development
• October 1                       Homecoming week
• October 2                       Picture retakes 
• October 2                       LMS family night 
• October 24-25                Fall conferences

Week of September 10

This week brings fall WYTOPP testing to LMS. The WYTOPP (Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress) is the state-mandated test that replaced PAWS.  We also take the interim test in the fall in place of MAP.  To accommodate testing and have the least disruption to student's overall schedules, we will have four block days this week.  Our schedule will go Even, Odd, Even, Odd, All.  The longer blocks allow all students to take their ELA and math tests during class so they do not have to miss other classes to test.  WYTOPP data helps us not only measure student progress, but helps us identify areas of celebration and areas of growth as it relates to our curriculum and instruction.

WYTOPP data from last Spring has just been released.  You will be receiving your student's report with their six week grade report in a couple of weeks.  This school year, you should receive your student's results at the end May or beginning of June.  Results were late this year due to the implementation of the new test.  Overall LMS students performed well.  We saw growth in most areas and are pleased with the efforts of our students, staff, and families.  The WYTOPP is an important data point, but it is just one piece of data.  Teacher created assessments, family input, and student perspectives are also very valuable pieces of information we seek out and and use to guide instruction.

Wyoming state statute requires all students who attend public schools to be immunized or have the appropriate waiver on fall. If your student's immunization records are not up to date, you should have been contacted by Mrs. Woodhouse, the school nurse, if your student's records are out of date.  Students will not be able to attend class after September 21st if their vaccines are not up to date.  Please visit immunizewyoming.com for additional information or contact Mrs. Woodhouse. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances the 8th grade football game scheduled for Thursday, September 13th has been moved to Tuesday, September 11th.  The 7th grade games scheduled for Thursday remain unchanged. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Upcoming Events: 

•                   
• September 24                 No school-professional development
• October 1                       Homecoming week
• October 2                       Picture retakes 
• October 2                       LMS family night 
• October 24-25                Fall conferences

Week of September 4

We are off to a great start at LMS and another fun filled week is on tap. Our first dance is this Friday, from 3-5:00.  All LMS students in good standing are encouraged to attend.  Students are in good standing if they are not serving ISS or OSS on Friday.  Only LMS students are allowed to attend dances. Our dances are held in the main gym. Admission is $4.00.  If you would like to chaperone, please call Kevin at 721-4430.

Families need to complete the online registration (formerly known as infosnap) each year.  If you have more than one student who attends school in the District, you need to complete it for each student. One reason for this is to make sure we have all of your student's contact and emergency information correct.  Families also give permission for students to access District technology and appear in publications, such as the yearbook, in the online registration process.  If you do not complete the online registration for your student, they may be prevented from accessing technology, appearing in the yearbook, or traveling on school sponsored trips, including activities.  Please use this link to complete the online registration and contact Mary Jo in the main office if you have questions or require assistance.

Now that we've been in school for a few weeks, students have learned their schedules and developed a routine for traveling through the building.  Starting today, we will be tracking tardies for disciplinary purposes.  If a student arrives to class after the bell has rung, they will be counted tardy.  If a student is tardy 5 times, they earn a lunch detention.  If a student is tardy 7 times, they earn 2 lunch detentions.  If a student is tardy 10 times, they earn some time in Saturday school.  Tardies reset every nine weeks.  Please encourage your student to be on time to class and contact a counselor if your student is unable to get to class on time.

All LMS students had their pictures taken last Tuesday.  If you would like to order pictures for your student, you still can.  Go to www.lifetouch.com and enter our picture day ID: CG218395Y0. If your student would like a retake, or missed pictures, retakes are on Tuesday, October 2nd.

The first LMS PTO meeting is this Wednesday at 5:30 in the LMS cafeteria.  All LMS families are encouraged to attend.  The PTO provides feedback and ideas on our programming.  They also support the school in various ways such as meals for conferences and by making LMS merchandise available for purchase.  All are welcome and we hope to see you there.

Upcoming Events: 

•                   
• September 5                   PTO meeting
• September 6                   Band and orchestra instrumental rental night
• September 7                   Back to school dance
• September 24                 No school-professional development
• October 2                       Picture retakes 

Week of August 27th

It's great to be starting our first full week at Laramie Middle School for the 2018-19 school year.  We will follow our regular bell schedule this week.  Monday, Thursday, and Friday are 'all' days.  On 'all' days students attend periods 1-8.  Tuesdays are 'odd' days.  On 'odd' days students attend their advisory class Scouts for Scouts (S4S) and periods 1,3,5, and 7.  Wednesday are 'even' days.  Students attend S4S and periods 2,4,6, and 8.  Classes begin at 8:00 and students are dismissed at 3:00 every day.

Tuesday the 28th is picture day.  All students will have their pictures taken even if they are not ordering pictures.  This is the picture we use for student IDs and the yearbook.  Picture packets will be handed out at lunch and pictures can be ordered online at www.lifetouch.com Our picture day ID is GC218385Y0.  Tuesday night is also back to school night.  All families are encouraged to attend from 5:30-7:30.  You will be following your students schedule so you get a chance to meet all of her/his teachers.  Your student will be given a copy of this form to fill out for you so you know where to go.  Please be in your students S4S class at 5:30 on Tuesday so you don't miss out.  Drop in childcare is available.  Please check your child in front of the main office if you need child care during back to school night.

As a school we have set an attendance goal of 95% this year.  To help students and families work towards this goal, we are asking folks to Strive for Five.  This means we're encouraging all students and families to strive for 5 or less absences this year.  This number does not include absences for school related activities such as volleyball games or a band contest.  This does include any absences related to appointments, vacations, illness, or other non-school reasons.  We understand that students may get sick and we encourage students to stay home when they are ill.  We also understand that there may be times when a student does need to miss school for family reasons.  What we are asking is that to the maximum extent possible, have your student in school, ready to learn every day.  If it's possible to make an appointment at 3:30 or 4:00 instead of during the school day, please do so.  If a student can come and before and after a 10:00 appointment, we'd love to have them.  If you can adjust your vacation plans so they do not extend school holidays, that would be great.  Despite your and our best efforts, there is no replacement for first time instruction and the support our teachers give students every day and when students are absent it impacts their learning. We're excited to work with you as we Strive for Five!

Scout Learning Lab (SLL) will begin next Tuesday, September 4th.  Scout Learning Lab is an opportunity for students to receive additional time and support to demonstrate their learning. All teachers are available to work with students from 3:00-3:30.  Students who walk or are picked up, are free to go at 3:30.  If a students needs to ride the late bus, a teacher is available to work with them from 3:30 until 4:00 when the late bus arrives.  Scout Learning Lab is also offered on select Saturday mornings from 8:00-11:00.  If your student is recommended for SLL either after school or on a Saturday, you will be contacted by a teacher or administrator. Please click here to learn more about SLL.

Wyoming state law requires all students attending public school to have their vaccinations up to date or to obtain the appropriate waiver.  Students who do not meet this requirement are not permitted to attend school more than 30 calendar days after the beginning of the school year.  For this school year, students will not be allowed to attend beginning on September 25th if their vaccination paperwork is not up to date.  More information on vaccination requirements can be found at www.immunizewyoming.com.  If you have questions regarding vaccination requirements you can contact school nurse Mrs. Woodhouse.

Upcoming Events: 

•                     
• August 28                      Picture day
• August 28                      Back to school night
• September 3                   No school-Labor Day
• September 5                   PTO meeting
• September 6                   Band and orchestra instrumental rental night
• September 7                   Back to school dance
• September 24                 No school-professional development 

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