Principal's Weekly Update for March 29, 2026
Posted on 03/29/2026
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LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,
Monday, March 30th will be a B day.
9th Grade Transition Night on Monday, March 30th
8th grade families and students are invited to the Transitions Night at LCHS tomorrow, Monday, March 30th – Making the Transition to High School: What Students and Parents Should Know. 8th graders should have brought home a flyer (linked here) with information about this event.
From LCHS:
We look forward to presenting what you and your child can expect from 9th grade next year at LCHS. Please enter through the high school's main entrance. Dinner will be provided at 5:00 pm in the LCHS cafeteria, and an informational session will begin promptly at 5:45 pm in the theatre. You will have the opportunity to meet LCHS teachers of many subjects and ask questions of those teachers, as well as gather brochures and handouts explaining course expectations. If you have any questions concerning the event, please call LCHS at (540) 894-5436. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing the class of 2030 on Monday, March 30th!
New Exploratory Wheel Begins for Sixth Grade Bobcats on Wednesday, April 1st
The sixth and final exploratory rotation (E6) begins for sixth grade students on Wednesday, April 1st. Students can check out their PowerSchool Student Portal to see which class they have next!
Reality Store: Friday, April 3rd
On Friday, April 3rd, 8th grade Bobcats will have the opportunity to experience a taste of reality through the Virginia Cooperative Extension program “Reality Store.” Reality Store is a simulation activity designed to help teens become more aware of the financial demands they will encounter in the “real world.” On the day of the simulation, students are assigned a random occupation, family situation, and account register. Their task is to visit stations representing typical spending categories in a household budget, such as housing, transportation, food, etc., and decide how to spend their income. Some students quickly spend their income on “wants,” only to realize there is not enough left for food or housing. Sometimes, students need to revisit some stations to negotiate resale of their purchases for a reduced rate or visit the employment booth and take on a second job. We are looking forward to this valuable experience on Friday with our 8th grade Bobcats!
LCPS Staff Appreciation Week: April 3rd-10th
Join us this week in celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at LCPS! Our dedicated educators and staff members work tirelessly each day to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our Bobcats. They inspire, guide, and support our young learners!
This week is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. Whether it's a simple thank you note, a kind gesture, or a heartfelt message of appreciation, your words mean more than you know!
I encourage you to take a moment this week to show your appreciation for the incredible educators and staff members who make a difference in your child's life. Your support and recognition will undoubtedly brighten their day and remind them of the profound impact they have on our school community!
Backpack Spring Cleaning!
It is a great time of year for students to give their backpacks a little Spring Cleaning and remove unnecessary items.
For a smooth entry through weapons detectors upon arrival at school:
-Students should have no more than one can in their bag. (Also, cans are for lunchtime only, and must remain closed and inside backpacks during hallway transitions and class time.)
- Students should use plastic water bottles when possible. If metal water bottles are used, students should opt for small/medium-sized bottles.
-Three-ring binders should be 1.5 inches or less.
A lighter, organized bag means a smoother start to the day and less time spent digging for important papers later!
Attendance Matters!
As always, students should stay home when they are sick, but should attend school when possible. Students who have 17 or more absences in a given year, whether they are excused or unexcused absences, are considered chronically absent and are subject to being retained. Let us work together to support our students in achieving their academic goals. Every day counts, and we appreciate your partnership in ensuring their success.
It is understandable that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and absences due to illness or family emergencies can be inevitable. However, we encourage you to prioritize attendance whenever possible and to communicate with the school when your child cannot attend. When students are absent, parents should submit a note explaining the reason for the absence. Notes can be dropped off in the main office or emailed to [email protected].
Every school day is a new chance for students to grow and learn, and we are excited to finish this school year strong!
Reminder of the School Dress Code
With the weather getting warmer, it is important to ensure we are dressed for success!
The administration and faculty believe that young adults should take pride in their appearance and dress. Dress, hair, and appearance that are of such a nature as to disrupt normal learning will not be allowed. If there are doubts about what should be worn or what is not appropriate, check with the administration. Dress with self-respect and decency in mind.
-Shorts, skirts, and dresses shall be of modest length. A guideline: when standing, clothing must cover skin and undergarments from the top of the armpits to below the buttocks with no undergarments showing.
-Shirts shall cover the abdomen at all times. Revealing or plunging necklines are unacceptable.
-Tank-style sundresses, tank-style shirts, and muscle shirts shall be worn if the garment has a shoulder strap that is at least two (2) inches wide and covers undergarments.
-Obscenities and undesirable slogans on T-shirts or other clothing, including those relating to alcohol, drugs, sex, gangs, tobacco, or that could reasonably cause a substantial disruption to the learning environment, shall not be worn.
-Hats, bandanas, or any other type of complete head covering, or gloves shall not be worn in the building, except for face coverings for health reasons. Bandanas and any bandana pattern material on clothing shall not be present in the school at any time.
-Sunglasses shall be removed when entering the building.
-Chains, spiked collars, and wristbands are not permitted on school property.
-Slippers or other footwear that may endanger the wearer or other students shall not be worn. Shoes must be worn at all times.
-Clothing, accessories, or items that represent or suggest costumes (including animal ears/tails, face paint, or other novelty items) shall not be worn.
There may be designated school-sponsored spirit days. Guidelines for those days will be communicated in advance and may include expectations related to safety, appropriateness, and school-appropriate themes.
-Students may not wear or carry blankets, capes, or flags as clothing or outerwear (e.g., worn over the shoulders or as a cape).
Louisa County Public Schools is Hiring!
Now is your chance to join the best team in the world: #TeamLCPS! TeamLCPS is hosting the 2026 LCPS Job Fair on Saturday, April 25th, and would love to meet you! (Click here to register.) We’re looking for teachers, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, and more! Do you know someone who would be interested? Please help us by spreading the word!
Looking Ahead:
Spring Break
Monday through Friday, April 6th through 10th will be Spring Break. Students will return to school on Monday, April 13th. I hope all of our Bobcats enjoy the break and make some great memories with family!
SOL Testing Dates
Please mark your calendar for the end-of-year SOL tests:
6th and 7th Grades
Reading SOL – Tuesday, April 28
Math SOL – Tuesday, May 5
8th Grade
Civics SOL – Thursday, April 23
Reading SOL – Tuesday, April 28
Math SOL – Tuesday, May 5
Science SOL – Tuesday, May 12
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