Week of September 25

 We are entering the 6th week of the semester already.  Students have multiple grades in each of their classes to help communicate their learning. If a student does not complete an assignment, a 0 is entered into PowerSchool which can drastically impact their grade.  Missing assignments need to be completed as soon as possible.  Assignments more than 3 weeks late are not accepted for credit. Students check their grades on Tuesdays in S4S.  Families can also monitor their student’s progress in PowerSchool.  Please do not rely on Canvas to monitor grades.  Not all assignments are entered into Canvas, but they are all entered in PowerSchool.  Teachers are available after school in Scout Learning Lab and a late bus is available for students who need it.  We’ll be sending out 6 week progress reports and WYTOPP scores from last year next week.  Please review your student’s progress and let us know how we can help any students who are struggling. 

Our cross country, volleyball, and football teams will be concluding their seasons over the next few weeks and our first winter season will be starting soon. Wrestling and girls basketball are up next.  There is a meeting for students participating in wrestling and their families on Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the LMS library.  The girls basketball meeting is on Wednesday at 5:30 in the LMS cafeteria.  All students planning to participate in these activities and their families should attend.  Wrestling practice begins on October 2nd and the first day of girls basketball practice is on October 9th.  Students must have a current physical and signed code of conduct on file to practice or compete.  

A student's mental health directly impacts their ability to learn and quality of life.  Nationally and locally, we’ve seen a rise in the number of students living with anxiety.  As a support for families, our district is hosting a webinar about Your Child’s Anxiety on September 26th at 6:00 PM. Does your child suffer from anxiety and you don’t know how to help them? Join us to learn strategies to help you respond to your child’s anxiety. When applied these skills will help the child and parent bond, allowing the child to identify and work through their anxiety more effectively.  You can register right up to the last minute, even if you can't attend the live event. By registering, you will be added to the follow-up email list and receive a recording of the session the following day.  Use this link to register: rmd.me/zZapcqffnnj

We are looking forward to everything that’s going on at school this week and to the UW homecoming festivities this weekend.  We have home volleyball, football, and cross country this week.  Our band will be playing in the parade on Saturday morning.  We are truly fortunate to live in Laramie with all it has to offer.  Thank you for sharing your student with us.  Make it a great week.

Upcoming Events

• September 26     Wrestling meeting

• September 27     Girls basketball meeting

• September 29     Professional development- no school for students 

• October 2            Wrestling begins

• October 9            Girls basketball begins 

• October 17          Picture retakes

Week of September 11

Our first dance of the school year is this week on Tuesday in our gym from 3:05-5:00.  Admission is $5 and concessions will be available.  All students must be picked up from the dance by 5:15.  There is no school transportation available after the dance.  Only LMS students in good standing (not serving ISS or OSS) can attend our dances.  We hope to see all of our students at the dance.  It’s going to be a rocking good time.

Our student body will select officers this week.  Our halls are lined with amazing campaign posters and the candidates are working hard on their stump speeches.  Students will cast their votes on Friday and members of the Student Leadership Team will be selected by their peers to serve as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Digital Media Representative, and as Class Representatives.  We wish all the candidates good luck on election day. 

Students received their pictures during S4S on Tuesday. All students had their picture taken.  If you didn’t order pictures and would like to, you still can do so by going to mylifetouch.com.  Students who missed picture day, or are not happy with their picture, can get a retake on October 17th. 

We face a challenging board meeting this week as our district looks for solutions to our budget situation.  We are all very passionate about supporting our students and helping them be successful.  There will be some hard decisions and conversations over the coming months.  We appreciate your feedback and support as we navigate these choppy waters.   In the end, we are all working towards the same goal of helping our students grow and develop as learners, artists, athletes, friends, and people.  Make it a great week. 

Upcoming Events

• September 12     Back to school dance

• September 13     Positive thinking day 

• September 17     Constitution Day

• September 19     Strategic plan open house 

• September 20     Pepperoni Pizza Day 

• September 23     WY Public Lands Day

• September 29     Professional development- no school for students 

• October 17          Picture retakes

Week of September 4

This month, we’re focusing on empathy and challenging students to make sure that everyone they interact with feels valued. We are partnering with families to grow and develop empathy in your student at home.  One way to do this is to generate a list of each family member’s favorite things, such as their favorite ice cream flavor or favorite thing to do. Identify any similar answers and celebrate those things you have in common. Discuss how those similarities might impact your family and your relationships. Then identify and celebrate each other’s differences. You could also brainstorm a list of 3-5 individuals you typically encounter during the day who may not receive many notes or words of affirmation or appreciation. Consider people who make your day brighter or provide a needed service, like your mail carrier, the cashier at your local store, or a neighbor. Ask each person in your family to write a note thanking that person.  You can find more resources related to empathy in this month’s CKH newsletter. 

One of the tools we are using this year to build and sustain a culture of respect and belonging at LMS is called Rhithm.  Rhithm is part of the Securly which is software we use to filter the school internet.  Students will use Rhithm in the first minute or two of each day to check in on how they are doing using emojis.  This information will show us how our students are feeling in our school as a whole. It will also help us find students who are struggling so we can offer specific support to those who may need it.  Students access Rhithm on their Chromebooks through Classlink and this minute or two will provide us with valuable information on how to best support our students. 

Hanging out with friends is one of the great parts of school.  Often students like to spend time with each other outside of school as well.  At times this requires riding a different bus home.  However, we can no longer allow students to ride home with friends without pre-arrangement from both families.   In order to facilitate this process, we request families email acsdtransportation@acsd1.org with the pertinent information by no later than 1:00 PM of the day they wish this to occur.   This will allow us the necessary time to make scheduling adjustments and notify our drivers of the changes.   Thank you for your support in making sure all of our students get home efficiently and safely.  

We will be checking eligibility for the first time this year on Thursday.  At LMS students must be passing all classes in order to travel or compete in activities.  If a student is earning a failing grade in one or more of their classes, they will be ineligible for the following Monday through Saturday. This will provide them with the time they need to get caught up. We have started Scout Learning Lab (SLL) after school for the year. Teachers and staff are available from 3:05-4:00 each school day to help students demonstrate their learning.  A late bus is available for students who attend Scout Learning Lab.  If your student needs time and support, please contact their teachers so they can participate in SLL. 

Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• September 12     Back to school dance

• September 13     Positive thinking day 

• September 17     Constitution Day

• September 20     Pepperoni Pizza Day 

• September 23     WY Public Lands Day

• September 29     Professional development- no school for students 

Week Of August 28

We had a great two days last week and we are looking forward to our full week of school. It was amazing having our students back in the building last week.  The energy and enthusiasm were off the charts.  This week brings a lot of new things as we look forward to our first home activities, back to school night, picture day and so much more. 

Picture day is Tuesday. All students will have their picture taken.  If you would like to order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com.  Our picture day ID is EVTS64QF7.  Remember the yearbook is forever so be ready for picture day. 

Back to school night is on Tuesday from 5:30-7:15.  All LMS caregivers are cordially invited and encouraged to attend.  At back to school night, attendees follow their student’s schedule and attend each class.  You will have the opportunity to meet each of your student’s teachers and learn what is happening in each class.  Students should bring home a completed schedule for you to follow after school on Tuesday. We hope to see everyone at back to school night. 

If you have not done so already, please complete your student’s online registration.  This has to be done through PowerSchool every school year.  If you need assistance, please call the middle school office at 721-4430 or stop by.  Students will receive their Chromebooks on Tuesday. If a student’s online registration is not complete, they will not receive their Chromebooks.  

Please make sure your student’s vaccinations are up to date or you have an exemption on file with the state.  According to state statute, vaccines must be up to date by September 25th or students will be excluded from school.   Also, please remember that students cannot carry prescription or over the counter medication, such as Tylenol or Advil, with them at school.  If students need medication during the school day, please drop it off in the original container with our school Nurse, Mrs. O’Brien, and fill out the appropriate paperwork. 

We are having so much fun already this year.  Our students have been amazing and our teachers and staff are knocking it out of the park.  We are honored that you have chosen to share your student with us.  We’re going to continue to make it happen this week. Thank you for your collaboration and support.  

Upcoming Events

• August 29           Picture day

• August 29           Chromebook distribution

• August 29           Back to school night

• September 4       No school- Labor Day

• September 12     Back to school dance

First Week of School 2023

We're geared up and excited for the first week of the 2023-2024 school year!  Each year our school chooses a theme to guide our collective work.  This year’s theme is a variation of a Michael Jordan quote ‘Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, Scouts make it happen.’  Together we are going to make it happen this year.  

What is it?  It is student learning.  It is quality relationships with friends, teachers, families, bus drivers, paraeducators, and everyone else that is part of our school community.  It is becoming better artists, musicians, siblings, friends, and Scouts.  It is building and sustaining a culture of respect and belonging.  It is a lot of work.  In support of this work we make this commitment to you, every adult in our school will do everything they can to help your student succeed academically, physically, and socially. We ask that you commit to emphasizing the importance of school to your student.  Every day, every class, and every assignment are important.  Thank you for being engaged and supporting our school community.  Together we will make it happen. 

The first day for students is Thursday, August 24th. The first day is a half day for students.  School begins at 8:00 and students are dismissed at 11:23.  Friday is a full day beginning at 8:00 and ending at 3:05.  You can find our bell schedules, odd-even calendar, the supply list, and much more on our website.  

If you have not done so already, please complete your student’s online registration.  This has to be done through PowerSchool every school year.  If you need assistance, please call the middle school office at 721-4430 or stop by.  Students will receive their Chromebooks on Tuesday, August 29th.  If a student’s online registration is not complete, they will not receive their Chromebooks.  

Picture day is also on August 29th.  All students will have their picture taken.  If you would like to order pictures, please go to mylifetouch.com.  Our picture day ID is EVTS64QF7.  Remember the yearbook is forever so be ready for picture day. 

Please make sure your student’s vaccinations are up to date or you have an exemption on file with the state.  Also, remember students cannot carry prescription or over the counter medication, such as Tylenol or Advil, with them at school.  If students need medication during the school day, please drop it off in the original container with our school Nurse, Mrs. O’Brien, and fill out the appropriate paperwork. 

Sixth grade students received their schedules today at 6th grade orientation.  Sixth graders who were not able to attend orientation will receive their schedules in the mail.  Seventh and eighth grade students will also receive their schedules in the mail.  Our school will be open for self-guided tours on Wednesday, August 23rd from 3:00-5:00 if students want to come in and find their lockers and classrooms.  Teachers and office staff will not be available at this time.  You can meet your student’s teacher at back to school night on August 29th. 

Make it a great weekend and a restful end to summer break.  We have three jam-packed days of professional development on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday where teachers and staff are working hard in preparation for our students and the launch of this school season. We can’t wait to see everyone on Thursday!

Upcoming Events

• August 24           First day of school

• August 29           Picture day

• August 29           Chromebook distribution

• August 29           Back to school night

• September 4       No school- Labor Day

• September 12     Back to school dance

Back to School 2023

We are very excited for the start of the 2023-2024 school year! We can't wait to work with you and your student this year. Even though the first day is a few weeks away, the time will go quickly and many things are happening between now and then. Schedules for 7th and 8th grade students will be mailed out on Friday, August 18th.  Sixth grade students will receive their schedules at orientation on the 18th.  Schedules of students who don't attend orientation will be mailed out. 

Our school will be open for no host tours from 3:00-5:00 on Wednesday, August 23rd for any students who wishes to come in and locate their classrooms and practice opening their locker.  Teachers and staff will not be available on the 23rd.  The first day of school is August 24th which is a half day.  School begins at 8:00 and students will be dismissed at 11:23.  Students will be with their S4S classes all day reconnecting with each other and get reacquainted with the business of school.  Friday, August 25th is our first full day and students will be dismissed at 3:05. 

As we shared last spring, we have adopted away for the day as our personal device policy.  Personal devices such as cell phones, tablets, ear buds, and smart watches need to be turned off and stored away as soon as students enter the building in the morning until the dismissal bell.  The primary reason for this change is to support increased student learning.  Personal electronics are extremely distracting. Research shows that student achievement improves and students are more engaged academically and socially when they do not have access to their cell phones. Students’ emotional wellbeing also improves when their access to cell phones is limited. Students who are heavy cell phone users report higher rates of loneliness and depression.  The vast majority of incidents at our school involving conflict, bullying, and harassment have a digital component.  By limiting student cell phone use during the school day, students’ overall wellbeing will be improved. They will also gain an important employability skill by learning how to effectively manage their technology use. We understand this is a big change and we appreciate your support as we navigate this transition. 

Students will also need to store their backpacks in their lockers this year.  The reason for this change is to improve the use of classroom space and to increase safety. Last year, students were carrying large backpacks to class. Many students were carrying multiple backpacks.   This creates crowded classrooms, tripping hazards, and safety concerns.  We don't check out textbooks, so all students need throughout their school day is a binder or folder with their supplies and their Chromebook making backpacks unnecessary. 

Fall activities (football, volleyball, and cross country) begin on Monday, August 14th. If your student is participating in any of of these activities and hasn't turned in their paperwork, please drop off their physical and signed code of conduct in the bus lane  between 4:00-6:00 on Wednesday, August 9th so they are ready for their first practice on the 14th. 

All families must complete online registration each year to update their information in PowerSchool.  This is required for families who are new to the district and for those whose students have attended an ACSD1 school since kindergarten.  Please follow these instructions to complete your student's online registration as soon as possible.  Doing so ensures we have the correct contact information, gives your student permission to travel for activities and field trips, and gives your student permission to use district technology.  Students will receive their Chromebooks on Tuesday, August 29th.  If a student's online registration is not completed by then, they will not receive their Chromebook.  If you need assistance with online registration, please contract the LMS office at 721-4430. 

There are many ways to stay informed with what is happening at LMS. Our website has information on activities, bell schedules, our handbook, our supply list, and so much more.  We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@lmsscouts).  The LMS blog is another great way to stay up to date with LMS events and information.  

Thank you for sharing your student with us.  We are honored to work with you to help them grow as students, artists, athletes, musicians, and Scouts.  We are looking forward to a great year leading from the middle.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• August 9:   Activity form drop off
• August 18: 6th grade orientation 
• August 23: No host tours 
• August 24: First day of school
• August 29: Chromebooks distributed
• August 29: Picture day
• August 29: Back to school night
• September 4: No school- Labor Day
• September 29: No school- professional development 

Week of May 29

 The last week of this school is here and it’s off to a beautiful, sunny start.  We’ve had so many successes this year.  We couldn’t have done it without your support and feedback.  Thank you.  Our theme this year was ‘You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take.’  Our students took risks, made gains, learned things, and became better people this year because they put themselves out there and looked out for each other.  We’ve successfully  implemented new curriculum resources, won conference championships, performed great at concerts and contests, had some fun, and most importantly we grew as teachers and learners.  We’re looking forward to a strong finish this week and of course there are a lot of logistics to take care of.

Students cleaned out their lockers during S4S today.  Students should take home everything from their lockers and they should not use them after the end of the day on Tuesday.  Students will also be checking in their Chromebooks and chargers on Tuesday and Wednesday during their math class.  Loaner devices will be available in classrooms for students who need them to finish missing assignments.  We have Scout Learning Lab on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.  Thursday is the last day for the late bus this year.  All students will be dismissed at 11:23 on Friday. 

All students are required to have a Tdap booster vaccine between 11-12 years of age. Please make sure that your child has received this mandatory vaccine and the school has been given a copy of an updated immunization record or you have requested a vaccination waiver through the State of Wyoming.  If your student has medications in the nurse's office, please make sure to pick these up by the last day of school. All medication remaining in the nurse's office after the last day of school will be disposed of.   The school nurse can be contacted at aobrien@acsd1.org or by calling the school, for any questions, concerns, or assistance.

To celebrate the last week of school we are having a series of dress up days this week. Tuesday is Dynamic Duo Day, Wednesday is Celebrity Day, Thursday is Dress Up or Dress Down/Socks and Sandals Day, and Friday is the Last Luau so rock your beach gear.  Spirit Week is a fun way to end this school season. 

We are undergoing a major upgrade to our ventilation system over the next two summers.  As a result the middle school will be closed June 9th through August 14th.  LMS office staff will be working out of LHS over the summer.  Our “office” will be open Monday-Thursday this summer and our phone numbers and other contact information will remain the same. 

Make it a great summer!

Upcoming Events:

• May 30-31 Chromebook check in
• May 30 Locker clean out
• June 1 8th grade ice cream social
• June 2 Last day for students