This past week was a historic milestone for Louisa County Middle School as we celebrated the opening of our brand new learning space with state-of-the-art classrooms, a 200-seat cafeteria, an expanded gymnasium, and so much more – all designed with student success in mind. All Bobcats can look forward to visiting the new classroom space in health classes this month and playing pickleball in the expanded gymnasium!
Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 15th
Students participated in classroom spelling bees in English classes, and grade level spelling bees will take place on Thursday, January 15th during the school day in the LCMS forum for students who advanced to the next level! G-o-o-d l-u-c-k, Bobcats!
Families of participating students are welcome to attend.
8th Grade – 9:15 a.m.
7th Grade – 10:30 a.m.
6th Grade – 12:45 p.m.
Report Cards Sent Home Friday, January 9th
Report cards were sent home with students on Friday, January 9th. Please review the report with your child and contact teachers with any questions or concerns. I also encourage you to frequently 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. Working together, we can ensure your child’s growth and success!
Black History Month Video Competition
Black History Month begins on February 1st! Bobcats will join their grade-level Google Classroom for the Black History Month contests by clicking the links on the
LCMS Student Start Page! In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first video will be released on Monday, January 12th. Students who complete the video by Monday, January 19th will be entered into a drawing to win a prize! Daily videos will be posted during February highlighting the achievements of African Americans. Students will carefully watch Edpuzzle videos and answer the questions. Daily and weekly winners will be selected based on how well students score and how many videos they complete.
The National Civics Bee®!
The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation are partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes, and there is no cost to participate. Finalists who advance to the national competition will compete for prizes worth more than $100,000.
Schedule of Events
For the 2026 National Civics Bee®, middle school students will submit answers in essay format in response to the following questions at the local level:
-Identify a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community.
-What can you do to contribute to its improvement?
-What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solution? Examples include elected officials, business leaders, and nonprofits.
-How does your solution include Founding Principles and Civic Virtues?
Essays need to be submitted by
February 3rd, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Of the responses submitted, 20 students will be selected for the next step of the competition, which will be a live quiz event on April 16th, 2026 in the Alan Jackson Theatre at Louisa County High School. The top three finalists at the local competition will advance to the state competition, which will be held sometime between May and August 2026. From there, the winner will advance to the National competition in Washington, D.C. This is so exciting!
All LCMS students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who submit an essay will be invited to a pizza party during WIN Block in February to celebrate the accomplishment of civic engagement!
For more information, students can ask their social studies teacher or visit
https://www.louisachamber.org/nationalcivicsbee/ and
www.nationalcivicsbee.org.
We encourage all families to support their children in this enriching opportunity. Let's inspire civic participation and pride in our school community!
Looking Ahead
There will be no school on Monday, January 19th, as we commemorate the life
and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January Jamboree: Friday, January 23rd
The Jingle Jamboree, previously postponed in December due to inclement weather, will now take place on Friday, January 23rd, as the
January Jamboree, after school until 6:00. Students who previously registered are automatically registered for the new date. Additional students are invited to register!
Permission forms with the $5 admission are due by Thursday, January 22nd after the last lunch shift.
Students will dance their hearts out in the cafeteria, enjoy shows and shorts in the forum, unleash their creativity with crafts and coloring in the classrooms, and play exciting games in the gym. This is a great opportunity to create wonderful memories with friends and classmates.
If a student previously registered for the Jingle Jamboree in December and is unable to attend the January Jamboree on January 23rd, you can call our office to request a refund or donate the registration fee to this fundraiser.
Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 6th
We will have a Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 6th after school until 5:30. The permission form will be emailed to families the Sunday prior and provided for students in the cafeteria that week. Permission forms must be turned in by Thursday, February 5th by 1:20 (end of lunch shifts). We are looking forward to this opportunity for social time and fun!
Thank you for all of your support of our school and community, always! If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457.
Amanda Harper, Ed.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School