LCMS Principal Weekly Update for Feb. 4, 2024
Posted on 02/04/2024
LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,
Monday, February 5th will be a B Day.
We will have a Black History Month Spirit Week this week.
*Please note that there is an update from last week’s email; we flip-flopped the theme days for Tuesday and Friday.
February 5th - 9th: Black History Month Spirit Week
Monday: Marvel/DC Monday
Wear your favorite Marvel/DC character attire in honor of past and present characters (such as Chad Boseman from Black Panther).
Tuesday: Dress for Success/College Day
Dress up in attire related to future career goals, inspired by successful Black professionals in various fields, or wear apparel from your favorite HBCU or other college/university.
Wednesday: Unity Day/Bobcat Pride Day
Wear green and gold for our LCMS Spreading Kindness event!
Thursday: Throwback Thursday
Take a trip through history by dressing in styles from different eras in Black history, from the Harlem Renaissance to the 1970s, 80s, or 90s Hip Hop fashion!
Friday: Sports Icons Day
Dress as your favorite black athlete, or athlete of your choice, or wear a jersey from a historically significant team.
*Students may purchase a wristband for $1 in the forum upon arrival to wear a hat for the day!
Clubs on Tuesday, February 6th
We will have clubs at the end of the day on Tuesday, February 6th! This is such an exciting time for our Bobcats where each student is involved in their unique activity, so we ask that parents and families avoid picking up students for an early dismissal after 2:15 if possible, since students will be in clubs.
LCMS Spreading Kindness Event on Wednesday, February 7th
On Wednesday, February 7th, we are excited to welcome a guest speaker, and we will have a Spreading Kindness TEAM TIME event with each grade level. The Virginia Department of Education’s Virginia Kindness Week is the second week in February. Kindness is the foundation of our positive learning environment at LCMS, and we are looking forward to a special day with our Bobcats!
We will wear green and gold on Wednesday for the Spreading Kindness TEAM TIME event!
Integrated Reading Writing Assessment for 8th Grade Students
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a new type of test question for Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessments in grades 5, 8, and high school. Before this new type of test item is administered to students as part of the SOL Reading tests on March 20th, our 8th grade students will be taking a school-based simulated version of the test in the morning of Wednesday, February 7th prior to hearing from our guest speaker and enjoying the TEAM TIME event.
Eighth grade students will read a nonfiction passage online that may be about a history or science topic and then answer four to six questions about what they have read. One question is a writing prompt, or a question that asks students to write about what they have read. Students will complete this online in one session.
*Please note that we will have an alternate bell schedule on Wednesday, February 7th.
Valentine Grams
The SCA will be selling Valentine Grams for $1 during lunch shifts Tuesday through Thursday. Students can write a note and choose from a Ring Pop or stretchy string to send to friends! Valentine Grams will be delivered on Tuesday, February 13th!
Valentine’s Dance this Friday
We will have a Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 9th after school until 5:30. Permission forms will be provided for students in the cafeteria on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Permission forms must be turned in by Thursday, February 8th by 1:20 (end of lunch shifts).
Registrations will not be accepted on the day of the dance. Parents/guardians will pick up students from the dance *beginning* at 5:30 at the MAIN entrance of LCMS (the front door). *This is a change for second semester dances.
*Be prepared to enter the campus via Bus Garage Road.
Pizza, soda, water, popcorn, and candy will be available for purchase. All school rules apply at the dance. Students are expected to dance appropriately and dress according to the dress code. Cell phones must remain in backpacks and not be used during the dance. Our Bobcats have had an outstanding time at our dances so far this year, so we are looking forward to Friday!
Interim Reports
Interim Reports came home with students on Friday, February 2nd. I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers with any questions or concerns, or just to connect with them to hear about your child’s continued growth. You can monitor your child’s academic progress by using the online PowerSchool Parent Portal where you are able to see the detailed grade book for each class, as well as attendance and tardy information. Please call our office if you need assistance with logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Asynchronous Learning Day Community Service Activities
Wednesday, February 14th will be an Asynchronous Learning Day, and Bobcat students and staff will be participating in community service activities as a way to give back to our supportive community! We will be volunteering at the Louisa County Resource Council, the Louisa County Arts Center, the Lousia Animal Shelter, and with an initiative with the Meals of Hope program (located at the Louisa County High School gym) to help measure, pour, weigh, and pack meals, and/or create a Kind Card to accompany each meal. Please complete the permission form and return it to the LCMS main office by tomorrow for your child to participate. (Please note that participation in the volunteer opportunity at the Louisa Animal Shelter requires a signed waiver.) This is an excellent opportunity for students to be involved in a service project that benefits our community, and I hope you will consider having your child participate!
LCMS Yearbook
Be sure to order your LCMS yearbook for $40! Students can take cash or a check payable to Louisa County Middle School to Ms. Ventre in room 901, or you can order online at https://bit.ly/LCMSYearbook2024. Students can celebrate their journey, friends, and achievements in this incredible year, forever captured in our LCMS yearbook!
Future Dates
Wednesday, February 14th will be an Asynchronous Learning Day.
Monday, February 19th will be a Staff Development Day and there will be no school for students.
Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Wednesday, February 28th from 3:45 to 7:00 p.m. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected with your child’s teachers about your child’s academic progress. Conferences play an important role in fostering collaboration, understanding, and support in your child's educational journey. We are eager to connect with you as we partner to provide the best possible middle school experience!
Also on Wednesday, February 28th, our LCPS Career & Technical Education program is hosting CTE Showcase Night at Louisa County High School! The event will begin at 4:00 p.m., and elementary students will be competing in the annual CTE STEAM Cup Challenge starting at 5! There will be student demonstrations and prize raffles, and for five dollars, you can schedule an oil change, haircut, or pick up a BBQ dinner!
This will be an exciting week! If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457.
Amanda Harper
Principal
Louisa County Middle School