Week of May 26

Today is the last odd day of the school year.  Our schedule this week is odd, even, all, all.  Next week we have 3 all days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and students will be with their S4S classes on the last day until dismissal at 11:30. There are not many days left in this school season, but they are impactful.  Students have final projects and exams to finish.  Please continue to send students to school prepared to learn each and every day.  If students leave before the end of the school year, they are still responsible for all assignments, activities, and tests that occur.  In most instances students cannot complete all of their assignments in advance and they will earn a zero for any unfinished work.  

The Laramie Middle School Art Department is thrilled to invite you to our End-of-Semester Art Show this Thursday, May 29th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in our cafeteria. Our talented students have poured their creativity and passion into a wide range of amazing projects, and we can’t wait to share their work with you! This open showing is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their artistic achievements, connect with our young artists, and appreciate the creativity that makes our community so special.

We will begin checking in Chromebooks this week. Eighth grade students will be checking in their Chromebooks on Thursday.  Seventh grade students will check in their devices on Friday, and sixth graders will check their Chromebooks in on Monday, June 2nd.  Students need to check in their chargers on these days as well.  Please remind your students to bring their devices in clean and clear of personal stickers.  ACSD1 stickers should not be removed. Students will be charged for damaged or unreturned chargers and devices. 

Yearbooks that were pre-ordered have been handed out.  If you pre-ordered a yearbook and your student did not get it on Friday, we will get it to them this week.  We have 2 yearbooks up for grabs if you did not pre-order.  They are $40 and available on a first come, first served basis in the main office. 

Hopefully you had a fun and restful holiday weekend and are ready for the final push to the end of the school year.  We are excited to celebrate our high school graduates this week and we look forward to seeing our Scouts walk across the stage in a few short years. Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 5/29 Graduate march 

• 5/29 Whiting Graduation

• 5/30                 LHS graduation 

• 6/3                   Last SLL and late bus

• 6/4                   Last day to submit work for credit

• 6/5                   Last day of school 

Week of May 19

The 40th Annual Hapi-ness 5K was a smashing success. Thank you to everyone who registered, supported Crunch for a Cause, and participated in hat day.  A special thank you to all of our sponsors as well. The student leadership team put a lot of work into this event, and their efforts certainly paid off. We are excited to be able to support Mr. Krysl in his battle with cancer and others in our community who are in need. 

The last Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of the school year is on Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the LMS library.  All LMS caregivers are encouraged to attend. We will be reflecting on the year, planning the 8th grade ice cream social and looking forward to the 2025-2026 school year. 

Young Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership training program sponsored by Rotary International.  It is an all expenses paid conference that brings together current 7th grade students from Wyoming and Colorado at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.  If you are interested, please click this link to learn more about and how to apply.  Applications are due by Friday. 

Recently, a trend has been circulating on TikTok and other social media outlets that encourages students to insert pencil lead or other materials into the ports of their Chromebooks causing the device to emit smoke. Unfortunately, this action results in irreparable damage to the device and can be quite dangerous. While the Chromebook may still appear to function or charge, the damaged port can no longer be repaired or replaced, which means the device is no longer suitable for re-issuance to other students requiring a full replacement which costs $365.  We will be checking the functionality of USB ports during S4S this week.  Please discuss this with your student and encourage them to think independently and not follow this trend. 

Yearbooks that were pre-ordered were distributed during lunch last Friday. If you pre-ordered a yearbook and your student did not get it on Friday, we will get it to them this week.  We have approximately 20 yearbooks up for grabs if you did not pre-order.  They are $40 and available on a first come, first served basis in the main office. 

The 8th grade cooking classes completed their cake decorating competition last week.  There were so many amazing cakes it looked like an episode of Cake Wars in Mrs. Heggie’s room.  Our winners were 1st Place: Bucket of Chicken by Jamal Jefferson, Patrick Kenny, Matthew Perez-Leon, and Evan Stafford; 2nd place: Chicken Jockey by Jackson Enevoldsen, Gabe Goodspeed, Porter Lange, and Liam O’Dea; 3rd Place: Zesty Shreck by Jaelyn Armijo; Yasser Klaibou, James McLaughlin, and CeCi Maloney.  Great work Scouts!

We are closing out this school season in a hurry and every day counts as we wrap up.  Please note that if students leave before the end of the school year, they are still responsible for all assignments, activities, and tests that occur.  In most instances students cannot complete all of their assignments in advance and they will earn a zero for any unfinished work.  Let’s keep working together to finish strong and make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 5/20                 PAC Meeting

• 5/20                 Choir Concert

• 5/21                 End of the year dance 

• 5/29 Graduate march 

• 5/30                 LHS graduation 

• 6/3                   Last SLL and late bus

• 6/4                   Last day to submit work for credit

• 6/5                   Last day of school 

Week of May 12

Recently, a trend has been circulating on TikTok and other social media outlets that encourages students to insert pencil lead or other materials into the ports of their Chromebooks causing the device to emit smoke. Unfortunately, this action results in irreparable damage to the device and can be quite dangerous. While the Chromebook may still appear to function or charge, the damaged port can no longer be repaired or replaced, which means the device is no longer suitable for re-issuance to other students requiring a full replacement which costs $365.  Please discuss this with your student and encourage them to think independently and not follow this trend.  The few wisps of smoke that are produced are awfully expensive. 

Energy sticks” have been showing up in our school.  They are a nasal inhaler often containing menthol, camphor, and other flavors.  They pose potential risks for users, particularly young people, including respiratory problems, and may be a gateway to other substances. Heating the inhalers can cause lung damage, and the use of these inhalers may lead to smoking and vaping. Students report they can be purchased on TikTok.  They do not appear to contain nicotine or THC, however they are not permitted in school and will be considered over the counter medication if a student is in possession of one of these devices at school.  Please talk to your student and make sure they are not using these devices or bringing them to school. 

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 sun is shining, trees are leafing out, and the grass is turning green, that must mean it’s yearbook season. Go to yearbookforever.com to order your copy.  Don’t wait as our yearbook sells out every year.  If you’re not convinced that our yearbook is the best, check out this trailer.  Order today!

As we head into another week, many great things are happening. Our Chamber and 8th Grade Treble Choirs won their divisions at Music in the Park last Saturday, our students did fantastic on the WYTOPP, and our track teams are looking strong heading into the conference meet on Thursday.  Let’s keep working together to finish strong.   Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 5/17                 Hapi-ness 5K 

• 5/21                 End of the year dance 

• 5/29 Graduate march 

• 5/30                 LHS graduation 

Week of May 5

It’s Educator Appreciation Week!  We are fortunate to have amazing teachers, specialists, paraeducators, custodians, bus drivers, and administrative assistants at Laramie Middle School.  It takes a whole team working in concert with families to help our students prepare for the next step on their educational journey. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest educators in the country each and every day.  If you see one of your student’s teachers, please let them know you appreciate their hard work and dedication.  Better yet, shoot them a message to tell them how much of a difference they are making.  They are a great team!

We’ve seen a few “energy sticks” popping up in our school.  They are a nasal inhaler often containing menthol, camphor, and other flavors.  They pose potential risks for users, particularly young people, including respiratory problems, and may be a gateway to other substances. Heating the inhalers can cause lung damage, and the use of these inhalers may lead to smoking and vaping. Students report they can be purchased on Tic Tok.  They do not appear to contain nicotine or THC, however they are not permitted in school and will be considered over the counter medication if a student is in possession of one of these devices at school.  Please talk to your student and make sure they are not using these devices or bringing them to school. 

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!  Entries must be received by the end of the day on Thursday in order to receive a T-shirt.   

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!

We are in the home stretch of this school season.  Let’s make every day count as we race towards the end of the year.  Thank you for continuing to send your student to school on time and ready to learn every day.  It matters.  Make it a great week!

Upcoming Events

• 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

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