What's New News Summary

Principal's Weekly Update for April 12, 2026

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:28:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

We look forward to welcoming our Bobcats back to school tomorrow! Monday, April 13th will be an A Day.

NJHS Fundraiser: Positive Potatoes, Gum, and Crocheted Items!
The LCMS National Junior Honor Society is excited to announce a fundraiser taking place this week during lunch! Bobcats can pick up some adorable stress-relief items and spread a little positivity throughout the school.

They are offering Positive Potato squishies and key chains, packs of Extra gum, and a selection of handmade crocheted items. Students can shop for themselves or brighten a classmate's day by arranging for an item to be delivered directly to a friend during their WIN block.

Community Service Day: Tuesday, April 21st

Tuesday, April 21st – the date of the special election in Virginia – will serve as a Staff Workday and Community Service Day. Students can also use the day to catch up on schoolwork and school-related projects. Please note that students will not be assigned to complete any Remote Learning Day resources on Tuesday, April 21st.

LCMS students and staff will participate in a campus-wide cleanup of our combined middle and high school grounds. This service project is a great way for students to give back and make a positive impact on our school community.

Students participating in this activity will need to be dropped off at the top of the LCMS bus loop by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21st. We will review the directions and expectations for the cleanup project, and then divide into staff-led groups around campus. Students will enjoy a complimentary lunch (pizza) in appreciation of their efforts, and should be picked up at 11:45 a.m.

Students should wear long pants with boots or old shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.

Please complete, sign, and return the permission form to the LCMS Main Office no later than Friday, April 17th.

LCMS Talent Show: Wednesday, April 22nd
The LCMS Talent Show will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. This program will not be a competition but rather a sharing of our middle school students’ talents! Students who would like to participate should complete the permission form no later than Friday, April 17th. Participants must attend the required rehearsal on Monday, April 20th, after school until 5:30 p.m. We are looking for any and all performers, regardless of kind talent. Any questions about the talent show can be emailed to Mr. Doss, dosste@lcps.k12.va.us. We are excited to see a showcase of our Bocbats’ talents!

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!

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

We ask for your support in ensuring your child is getting good rest, is coming to school prepared and ready to learn, and is continuing to work hard. The end-of-year SOL tests are an opportunity for students to show what they know and demonstrate readiness for the next grade level. Please discuss with your child the importance of putting forth their best effort!

Also, please ensure your student brings their fully charged Chromebook to school each day, especially on SOL testing days. Having a designated place at home to set the backpack and charge the Chromebook each evening can help ensure a smooth morning as they will be ready to grab and go!

If a student has lost their Chromebook charger, the replacement cost is $35, and students may purchase a replacement from the Technology Help Desk in the library.

Maintaining High Expectations for Success!
It is also important that students continue to meet the highest expectations of conduct, including being respectful, having general good behavior and Bobcat citizenship, keeping their hands, feet, and all other objects to themselves, being mindful on social media, and abiding by the school dress code and electronic device policies. Please encourage your child to end the school year positively by making good choices and thinking before they speak and act.

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:
Wednesday, April 22nd is Earth Day, and we will be Going Green at LCMS to celebrate our Earth! Students are encouraged to wear green on Wednesday, April 22nd as we celebrate Earth Day, and there will be an Earth Day trivia contest! Winners will be announced throughout the day to receive prizes!

Also on Wednesday, April 22nd, we will celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, a special occasion to recognize and thank our incredible school secretaries. Their dedication and hard work are essential in keeping our school running smoothly and ensuring a positive environment for our students!

PTA Movie Night: Friday, April 24th
The LCMS PTA invites all students and families to a special movie night featuring The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Friday, April 24, 2026. This exciting event will take place in the LCMS Forum and offers free admission to all attendees, with a special invitation extended to rising 6th grade families!

Bring the family, pillows, and blankets for cinematic fun and relaxation! There will be concessions, including Domino's pizza (by the slice or whole), popcorn, candy, chips, soda, and water.

The evening begins with doors opening at 5:30 PM, followed by a general PTA meeting at 6:00 PM, before the film officially starts at 6:30 PM. All are welcome; no PTA membership required. While entry is free, a variety of concessions, including popcorn, pizza, soda, chips, and candy, will be available for purchase throughout the night (cash or card accepted). This community event is proudly presented by Air Nerds Cooling and Heating.

Students MUST come with an adult. The PTA is excited to host this awesome event and hopes to see you there!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for March 29, 2026

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:12:00 GMT

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 LCMS_attendance@lcps.k12.va.us.

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

Principal's Weekly Update for March 22, 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:47:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, March 23rd will be an A day.

Arts Festival Spirit Week: March 23rd-27th
We will enjoy arts-themed spirit days leading up to the LCPS Arts Festival on Saturday, March 28th!

Monday, March 23rd: 80s, 90s, 00s Day
The LCPS Arts Festival has been around since 1987!

Tuesday, March 24th: Dress as Your Favorite Artist

Wednesday, March 25th: Neon Day
Wear your brightest clothes and accessories!

Thursday, March 26th: Show Off Your Patterns Day

Friday, March 27th: Wear Your Favorite Color Day

LCPS Arts Festival: Saturday, March 28th
We hope our Bobcats will join us for the 2026 LCPS Arts Festival on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louisa County High School. There will be student artwork on display, musical performances, art-making stations, and more!

Integrated Reading Writing SOL Assessment for 8th Grade Students: Wednesday, March 25th
The Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessment includes an Integrated Reading Writing (IRW) test item. Our 8th grade students will be taking the IRW SOL assessment on Wednesday, March 25th.

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 SOL test online in one session on Wednesday, March 25th, and lunch shifts will be adjusted slightly for the testing schedule.

Math SOL Simulation Test for 6th and 7th Grade Students: Wednesday, March 25th
Sixth and seventh grade students will take a Math SOL simulation test on Wednesday, March 25th.

It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school, and it will be especially important on Wednesday!

5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Dance: Friday, March 27th
There will be an evening dance on Friday, March 27th at 6:00 p.m. at LCMS for current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders! Permission forms (linked here) will be turned in, along with $5, at the door upon arrival at LCMS.

When: Friday, March 27th, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: LCMS Cafeteria
Cost: $5 - collected at the door upon arrival
Drop-off: When facing LCMS, there are two sets of entrance doors –
6th and 7th grade - main visitor entrance on the right
5th grade - front entrance on the left

Pickup: *Beginning* at 8:30 at the same doors students were dropped off
*Enter campus via Bus Garage Road (not the main entrance) and park in the bus lot
*Early pickups are difficult because students are still dancing!

Pizza, soda, water, chips, 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 out of sight and not be used during the dance. We look forward to welcoming our future Bobcats at this special dance!

Report Cards Went Home on Friday, March 20th
Report cards were sent home with students on Friday, March 20th. Remember that you can view your child’s grades, attendance, and tardies live in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. As we head into the home stretch of the school year, please be sure to speak with your child about being a good Bobcat citizen, which means making positive choices, treating others with respect, being mindful on social media, and just being an overall positive person and good role model for others. I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about finishing this year strong by making good decisions.

Youth Art Month
The annual Student Art Show at the Louisa County Public Library is taking place during the month of March! Stop by to see some of our Bobcats’ artwork on display!

Volunteers Needed for Reality Store: Friday, April 3rd
Please review this letter from Jenny Thompson, 4H Youth Development Agent with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are needed for the Reality Store at LCMS on Friday, April 3rd. Please complete this Google Form to submit your interest and availability (click here).

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 LCMS_attendance@lcps.k12.va.us.

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:
9th Grade Transition Night on Monday, March 30th
8th grade families and students are invited to the upcoming Transitions Night at LCHS on 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. Your RSVP is needed by Monday, March 23rd to your child’s fourth-period teacher so we can prepare for the 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 5:00pm in the LCHS cafeteria, and an informational session will begin promptly at 5:45pm 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!

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

Friday is Bingo Night!

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:25:00 GMT

LCMS students and families are invited to a completely FREE evening of community fun! There will be bingo, complimentary snacks, prizes, and lots of fun for our Bobcat community!

When: Friday, March 20th

Time: 5:00 PM
Where: LCMS Cafeteria
Cost: $0 (Yes! Totally free!)

What’s in Store?

Bingo Games: Multiple rounds with plenty of chances to win prizes!
Complimentary Snacks: Fuel for your winning streak!
Prizes: Exciting rewards for our lucky winners!
Community Spirit: A great chance to hang out with fellow Bobcat families!

RSVP Today!
To make sure we have enough snacks and prizes for everyone, please let us know you’re coming by clicking the link below:

Link: RSVP via this Google Form

We hope to see you there!

Principal's Weekly Update for March 15, 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:28:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, March 16th is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students. The day off from school is a great opportunity for students to clean out their backpacks and prepare for the start of the fourth quarter of the school year with a refreshed supply of pencils, paper, and needed supplies!

Tuesday, March 17th will be an A day.

$1 Hat Day & Wear Green and Yellow on Tuesday, March 17th
Let's embrace the festive spirit on Tuesday, March 17th by wearing our favorite Bobcat colors—green and yellow! To add an extra layer of fun, we will have a Hat Day! Students can purchase a $1 wristband in the forum upon arrival at school to wear a festive hat throughout the school day.

Family Life Education Begins This Week
Family Life lessons will begin this week. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

Clubs on Thursday, March 19th: Avoid Early Pickups if Possible
We will have clubs at the end of the day on Thursday, March 19th! 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 on Thursday if possible, since students will be in clubs.

LCMS Family Fun Night on Friday, March 20th
LCMS students and families are invited for a completely FREE night of family fun! Bingo Night will take place on Friday, March 20th at 5:00 in the LCMS cafeteria. There will be bingo, complimentary snacks, prizes, and lots of fun for our Bobcat community!

To help us ensure we prepare enough snacks and prizes, please RSVP with this Form to let us know your family will be joining in the fun!

Macee’s Closet on Friday, March 20th
Macee’s Closet is hosting a special pop-up event in the LCMS forum on Friday, March 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to help provide dresses for girls who may need extra support preparing for the 8th grade formal! (Some accessories will also be available.) Items will be provided at no cost.

Macee’s Closet also gladly welcomes donations of new or gently used formal wear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, or cash contributions to help continue serving girls in need.

Report Cards Will Go Home on Friday, March 20th
Report cards will be sent home with students on Friday, March 20th. Remember that you can view your child’s grades, attendance, and tardies live in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Tuesday begins the fourth quarter! As we head into the home stretch of the school year, please be sure to speak with your child about being a good Bobcat citizen, which means making positive choices, treating others with respect, being mindful on social media, and just being an overall positive person and good role model for others. I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about finishing this year strong by making good decisions.

Youth Art Month
The annual Student Art Show at the Louisa County Public Library is taking place during the month of March! Stop by to see some of our Bobcats’ artwork on display!

Volunteers Needed for Reality Store: Friday, April 3rd
Please review this letter from Jenny Thompson, 4H Youth Development Agent with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are needed for the Reality Store at LCMS on Friday, April 3rd. Please complete this Google Form to submit your interest and availability (click here).

Looking Ahead:
Integrated Reading Writing SOL Assessment for 8th Grade Students: Wednesday, March 25th
The Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessment includes an Integrated Reading Writing (IRW) test item. Our 8th grade students will be taking the IRW SOL assessment on Wednesday, March 25th.

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 SOL test online in one session on Wednesday, March 25th, and lunch shifts will be adjusted slightly that day for the testing schedule.

9th Grade Transition Night on Monday, March 30th
8th grade families and students are invited to the upcoming Transitions Night at LCHS on 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. Your RSVP is needed by Monday, March 23rd to your child’s fourth-period teacher so we can prepare for the 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 5:00pm in the LCHS cafeteria, and an informational session will begin promptly at 5:45pm 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!

LCPS Arts Festival: Saturday, March 28th
We hope our Bobcats will join us for the 2026 LCPS Arts Festival on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louisa County High School. There will be student artwork on display, musical performances, art-making stations, and more!

Arts Festival Spirit Week: March 23rd-27th
We will enjoy arts-themed spirit days leading up to the LCPS Arts Festival on Saturday, March 28th!

Monday, March 23rd: 80s, 90s, 00s Day
The LCPS Arts Festival has been around since 1987!

Tuesday, March 24th: Dress as Your Favorite Artist

Wednesday, March 25th: Neon Day
Wear your brightest clothes and accessories!

Thursday, March 26th: Show Off Your Patterns Day

Friday, March 27th: Wear Your Favorite Color Day

Future Dances
On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “NeonGlow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for March 8, 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:56:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, March 9th will be a B day.

Green Valley Book Fair Extended to Tomorrow!
The Green Valley Book Fair in the LCMS library is extended to tomorrow to ensure everyone has had a chance to shop for some great books at incredibly discounted prices! Students can stop by the library during morning arrival or during lunch to make a purchase!

End of Third Grading Period: Friday, March 13th
The end of the third grading period will be this Friday, March 13th, and report cards will be sent home with students on Friday, March 20th. Please take time to review your child’s grades in the PowerSchool Parent Portal and check in with them about any missing assignments or incomplete work. Let’s finish the third grading period strong!

Attending After School Athletic Events
The spring sports season is underway! Our teams are poised to have a great season! Be reminded that on days when we have home athletics events, students need to leave school as usual and return to school with an adult to attend the event. Students are not able to stay on the school campus without prearranged staff supervision. Also, students may not go to the Louisa County library and then return for an event; the library does not have structures in place to supervise our young Bobcat spectators. We look forward to cheering on our athletes this season!

Family Life Education Letters
Family Life Education letters have been given to students in Health/PE classes. The forms should be returned to Health/PE teachers. Family Life lessons will begin the week of March 17th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

Youth Art Month
The annual Student Art Show at the Louisa County Public Library is taking place during the month of March! Stop by to see some of our Bobcats’ artwork on display!

LCMS Yearbook
Be sure to order your LCMS yearbook for $45 (price valid until April 30th). Students can take cash or a check payable to Louisa County Middle School to Ms. Ventre in room 901, or you can order online. Students can celebrate their journey, friends, and achievements in this incredible year, forever captured in our LCMS yearbook!

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:
No School for Students on Monday, March 16th
Monday, March 16th is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.

$1 Hat Day & Wear Green and Yellow on Tuesday, March 17th
Let's embrace the festive spirit on Tuesday, March 17th by wearing our favorite Bobcat colors—green and yellow! To add an extra layer of fun, we will have a Hat Day! Students can purchase a $1 wristband in the forum upon arrival at school to wear a festive hat throughout the school day.

LCMS Family Fun Night on Friday, March 20th
LCMS students and families are invited for a completely FREE night of family fun! Bingo Night will take place on Friday, March 20th at 5:00 in the LCMS cafeteria. There will be bingo, complimentary snacks, prizes, and lots of fun for our Bobcat community!

To help us ensure we prepare enough snacks and prizes, please RSVP with this Form to let us know your family will be joining in the fun!

Macee’s Closet on Friday, March 20th
Macee’s Closet is hosting a special pop-up event in the LCMS forum on Friday, March 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to help provide dresses for girls who may need extra support preparing for the 8th grade formal! (Some accessories will also be available.) Items will be provided at no cost.

Macee’s Closet also gladly welcomes donations of new or gently used formal wear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, or cash contributions to help continue serving girls in need.

Integrated Reading Writing SOL Assessment for 8th Grade Students: Wednesday, March 25th
The Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessment includes an Integrated Reading Writing (IRW) test item. Our 8th grade students will be taking the IRW assessment on Wednesday, March 25th.

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 SOL test online in one session on Wednesday, March 25th, and lunch shifts will be adjusted slightly that day for the testing schedule.

LCPS Arts Festival: Saturday, March 28th
We hope our Bobcats will join us for the 2026 LCPS Arts Festival on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louisa County High School. There will be student artwork on display, musical performances, art-making stations, and more!

Future Dances
On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “Neon Glow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for March 1, 2026

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:59:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, March 2nd will be an A day.

Green Valley Book Fair Coming to LCMS March 2nd-6th
The LCMS Library will be hosting the Green Valley Book Fair from Monday, March 2nd to Friday, March 6th. Students will be able to visit the fair with their Social Studies teachers on their scheduled day. The fair will also be open in the mornings at 7:45 and during lunch for students who have money to make a purchase. We hope Bobcats pick up some amazing new books at incredibly discounted prices!

Pot of Gold Dance: Friday, March 6th
We will have a Pot of Gold Dance on Friday, March 6th after school until 5:30. Permission forms will be provided for students in the cafeteria on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and must be turned in by Thursday, March 5th by 1:20 (end of lunch shifts).

Parents/guardians will pick up students from the dance *beginning* at 5:30. (Early pickups are difficult because students are still dancing!) Enter the campus using the Bus Garage Road entrance and proceed to door #2 (the 7th grade entrance) to pick up your child.

Pizza, soda, water, chips, 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 another dance!

Family Life Education Letters
Family Life Education letters have been given to students in Health/PE classes. The forms should be returned to Health/PE teachers. Family Life lessons will begin the week of March 17th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

LCMS Yearbook
Be sure to order your LCMS yearbook for $45 (price valid until April 30th). Students can take cash or a check payable to Louisa County Middle School to Ms. Ventre in room 901, or you can order online. Students can celebrate their journey, friends, and achievements in this incredible year, forever captured in our LCMS yearbook!

American Heart Challenge
We are in the final week of the annual American Heart Challenge, and our students have done an amazing job learning how to keep their hearts and minds healthy! We are still collecting donations and working to get every family to learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. If you haven’t already, please join our team and complete Finn’s Mission today so you can learn how to save a life! Your student will also earn their cool Super Heart Hero Socks when they complete it!

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Impact:
1. Using the “AHA Schools” app, send 10 texts and emails to adult family and friends asking for their support! It’s so easy, with pre-written messages in your Headquarters.

2. Complete your steps to “Finn’s Mission” today, in your AHC page you’ve created!

3. If you haven’t already, download the free AHA Schools App – enjoy all the fun features inside! It’s easy to complete Finn’s Mission, right from your app!
Register today and complete Finn’s Mission! The deadline is March 6th.
Your family is an important part of our school’s American Heart Challenge team. Together, our efforts will help save lives!

Looking Ahead:
The "spring forward" shift is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to longer days and a bit more sunshine! Please remember to set your clocks one hour ahead on Sunday, March 8th. To help your child’s internal clock adjust, try shifting their bedtime 10–15 minutes earlier each night leading up to the change.

Future Dances
On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “Neon Glow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for Feb. 23, 2026

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:01:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, February 23rd will be a B day.

National FFA Spirit Week: February 23rd-27th
We will have an FFA Spirit Week this week in observance of National FFA Week!

Monday: Camo vs. Plaid
Tuesday: Corn Gold and National Blue Day / FFA Shirt
Wednesday: FFA Apparel
Thursday: All Camo
Friday: Agriculture Hat Day
*Students may pay $1 upon arrival at school to wear a hat for the whole day!

Clubs on Tuesday, February 24th
We will have clubs at the end of the day on Tuesday, February 24th! Every Bobcat will be involved in their unique activity, so we ask that early dismissals after 2:15 be avoided on Tuesday if possible, since students will be in clubs.

Sixth Grade Bobcats to See Alice in Wonderland
Thanks to the generous support of the Louisa Rotary Club, 6th grade Bobcats will enjoy a theater performance of Alice in Wonderland on Friday, February 27th. We ask that early dismissals for 6th grade students after 1:30 be avoided on Friday if possible, since students be in the theater. We are grateful for this opportunity for our students!

Black History Month Video Competition
As Black History Month continues, Bobcats have joined their grade-level Google Classroom for the Black History Month contests using the links on the LCMS Student Start Page! Daily videos are being posted during February highlighting the achievements of African Americans. Students are carefully watching Edpuzzle videos and answering questions. Daily and weekly winners are being selected based on how well students score and how many videos they complete.

This week, the Black History Month Kahoot Challenge will run from Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. Students need to enter their FIRST and LAST names when they get into the Kahoot game.

Lost and Found Eyeglasses
There are several pairs of eyeglasses in our main office that have been lost and found. Please call our office if your child is missing a pair of eyeglasses!

Family Life Education Letters
Family Life Education letters have been given to students in Health/PE classes. The forms should be returned to Health/PE teachers. Family Life lessons will begin the week of March 17th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

LCMS Yearbook
Be sure to order your LCMS yearbook for $45 (price valid until April 30th). Students can take cash or a check payable to Louisa County Middle School to Ms. Ventre in room 901, or you can order online. Students can celebrate their journey, friends, and achievements in this incredible year, forever captured in our LCMS yearbook!

American Heart Challenge
We are halfway through our annual American Heart Challenge, and our students have done an amazing job learning how to keep their hearts and minds healthy! We are still collecting donations and working to get every family to learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. If you haven’t already, please join our team and complete Finn’s Mission today so you can learn how to save a life! Your student will also earn their cool Super Heart Hero Socks when they complete it!

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Impact:
1. Using the “AHA Schools” app, send 10 texts and emails to adult family and friends asking for their support! It’s so easy, with pre-written messages in your Headquarters.

2. Complete your steps to “Finn’s Mission” today, in your AHC page you’ve created!

3. If you haven’t already, download the free AHA Schools App – enjoy all the fun features inside! It’s easy to complete Finn’s Mission, right from your app!
Register today and complete Finn’s Mission! The deadline is March 6th.
Your family is an important part of our school’s American Heart Challenge team. Together, our efforts will help save lives!

Looking Ahead:
Green Valley Book Fair Coming to LCMS March 2nd-6th
The LCMS Library will be hosting the Green Valley Book Fair from Monday, March 2nd to Friday, March 6th. Students will be able to visit the fair with their Social Studies teachers on their scheduled day. The fair will also be open in the mornings at 7:45 and during lunch for students who have money to make a purchase, but not simply browse. We hope Bobcats pick up some amazing new books at incredibly discounted prices!

Future Dances
We will have a “Pot of Gold” dance on Friday, March 6th after school until 5:30 p.m. On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “Neon Glow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

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

Principal Update for February 17, 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:55:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Today was an amazing day at LCMS as we observed Random Acts of Kindness Day! Ask your child to share about the special Bobcat Pride Time with an Olweus lesson during WIN block. During lunch, the Bobcats Spreading Kindness Club offered kindness notes for students to share with their friends and families, and students were randomly selected to choose prizes, including kindness bracelets, pencils, bookmarks, and more from the Kindness Cart! Kindness is the foundation of our positive school culture at LCMS; let’s keep the acts of kindness going today and every day!

The good times will keep rolling this week…

English Benchmark Test Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th
Bobcats will take the English benchmark test tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th. We will have an alternate bell schedule, which will slightly impact lunch shift times. It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school, and it will be especially important for the English benchmark test tomorrow.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th
Parent-teacher conferences will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected with your child’s teachers about your child’s academic progress. Conferences are not just for talking about concerns; it is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of your child’s school day, make connections, and even check out our new LCMS addition! We are eager to connect with you as we partner to provide the best possible middle school experience! We hope you will stop by LCMS tomorrow between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.!

Also tomorrow evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Career and Technical Education Department will be hosting students, parents, and community members at the annual CTE Showcase Night & STEAM Cup! Come out and see our students hard at work on projects, demonstrations, and practicing their skills by providing services. Simultaneously, students from our elementary schools will be competing in the annual STEAM Cup event from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Watch them collaborate, think critically, and problem-solve their way to victory!

PTA Movie Night: Friday, February 20th
The PTA presents Movie Night this Friday, February 20th! They are showing Cool Runnings in honor of the Winter Olympics! Admission is FREE.

Bring the family, pillows, and blankets to watch in the LCMS forum. There will be concessions, including Domino's pizza (by the slice or whole), popcorn, candy, chips, soda, and water. A&K's Sips and Bites LLC will also be selling delicious lemonade! All funds from concessions and a portion of A&K's Sips and Bites will go directly to the PTA.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a short General PTA meeting at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome; no membership required. The movie kicks off at 6:30 p.m., and concessions will be available until sold out or until 8:00 p.m. (cash or card accepted).

Huge thanks to Air Nerds Cooling and Heating for sponsoring the movie!

Students MUST come with an adult. The PTA is excited to host this awesome event and hopes to see you there!

Bobcat Comic Con: Saturday, February 21st
Students and families are invited to Comic Con at LCMS this Saturday, February 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bobcat Comic Con is an event for sharing common interests in comics, science fiction, superheroes, video games, and more. The event will host several free interactive activities, vendors, snacks for purchase, and cosplay and fanart contests!

Please make sure your child charges their Chromebook this evening and takes it to school with them tomorrow. Also, encourage them to do their best on their English Benchmark test! We hope to see you, parents and families, tomorrow evening for parent-teacher conferences, and plan to also stop by LCHS for the CTE Showcase Night!

Thank you for all of your support, as always!

Amanda Harper, Ed.D.
Principal
Louisa County Middle School

Principal's Weekly Update for Feb. 15, 2026

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:34:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, February 16th will be a A day.

As we practice our emergency procedures throughout the school year, we will have a Lockdown Drill this week.

Clubs on Monday, February 16th
We will have clubs at the end of the day on Monday, February 16th! Every Bobcat will be involved in their unique activity, so we ask that early dismissals after 2:15 are avoided if possible, since students will be in clubs.

Random Acts of Kindness Day on Tuesday, February 17th
Tuesday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. We will have Bobcat Pride Time with an Olweus/kindness lesson during WIN Block, and students should wear this year’s LCPS Kindness shirt! We encourage you to discuss with your child how they can engage in random acts of kindness.

English Benchmark Test on Wednesday, February 18th
Bobcats in grades 6, 7, and 8 will take the English benchmark test on Wednesday, February 18th. We will have an alternate bell schedule, which will slightly impact lunch shift times. It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school, and it will be especially important for the English benchmark test on Wednesday.

Interim Reports Went Home on Friday
Interim reports were sent home with students on Friday, February 13th. 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.

Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, February 18th
Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Wednesday, February 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected with your child’s teachers about your child’s academic progress. Conferences are not just for talking about concerns; it is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of your child’s school day, make connections, and even check out our new LCMS addition! We are eager to connect with you as we partner to provide the best possible middle school experience! We hope you will stop by LCMS this Wednesday between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.!

The National Civics Bee® Deadline Tuesday, February 17th

The deadline for students to enter The National Civics Bee® is Tuesday, February 17th at 11:59 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 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 later this month 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!

PTA Movie Night on Friday, February 20th
The PTA presents Movie Night on Friday, February 20th! They are showing Cool Runnings in honor of the Winter Olympics! Admission is FREE.

Bring the family, pillows, and blankets to watch in the LCMS forum. There will be concessions, including Domino's pizza (by the slice or whole), popcorn, candy, chips, soda, and water. A&K's Sips and Bites LLC will also be selling delicious lemonade! All funds from concessions and a portion of A&K's Sips and Bites will go directly to the PTA.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a short General PTA meeting at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome; no membership required. The movie kicks off at 6:30 p.m., and concessions will be available until sold out or until 8:00 p.m. (cash or card accepted).

Huge thanks to Air Nerds Cooling and Heating for sponsoring the movie!

Students MUST come with an adult. The PTA is excited to host this awesome event and hopes to see you there!

Bobcat Comic Con: Saturday, February 21st
Students and families are invited to Comic Con at LCMS on Saturday, February 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bobcat Comic Con is an event for sharing common interests in comics, science fiction, superheroes, video games, and more. The event will host several free interactive activities, vendors, snacks for purchase, and cosplay and fanart contests!

Family Life Education Letters
Family Life Education letters have been given to students in Health/PE classes. The forms should be returned to Health/PE teachers. Family Life lessons will begin the week of March 17th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

American Heart Challenge
The LCMS Health/PE Department has kicked off our American Heart Challenge! Join now to earn your colorful wristband – Complete Finn’s Mission to learn how to help save a life and earn 8 service hours from the American Heart Association!

Complete the steps to Finn’s Mission and earn your Heart-Hero Socks, and you’ll also be entered for a chance to win 2 Super Bowl tickets to the 2027 Super Bowl!

Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org.

Steps to “Heart Hero” Success!
1. Join our team and download the free AHA Schools app. Students who join the team will immediately earn their first “Thank You” gift, a colorful wristband!

2. Personalize your student’s page – You can upload a photo and add a message about why they are supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.

3. You can make an impact by making a personal donation to kick off your student’s fundraising efforts, and to help them complete the steps to Finn’s Mission to earn their Super Heart Hero SOCKS, and 8 Service Hours from AHA!

4. Ask family and friends to support your efforts – Send emails/texts from the AHA Schools app and copy and paste your fundraising link into social media. Messages are already written for you in the AHA Schools app and in your online American Heart Challenge headquarters.

Through Finn’s Mission, you’ll learn the dangers of smoking/vaping, the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR, and the warning signs of a stroke! After you watch these videos, please use the tools provided to share them with loved ones to help teach them, as well!

American Heart Challenge Introduction
How to Join Our School Team Using the App

Thank you for supporting our team, our school, our community, and children like Finn, here in Virginia! Register Today!

LCMS Yearbook
Be sure to order your LCMS yearbook for $45 (price valid until April 30th). Students can take cash or a check payable to Louisa County Middle School to Ms. Ventre in room 901, or you can order online. Students can celebrate their journey, friends, and achievements in this incredible year, forever captured in our LCMS yearbook!

Looking Ahead:
Future Dances
We will have a “Pot of Gold” dance on Friday, March 6th after school until 5:30 p.m. On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “Neon Glow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for Feb. 8, 2026

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:43:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, February 9th will be an A day. We will wear red to kick off the American Heart Challenge, and Black History Month Spirit Week begins as well! The Bobcats Spreading Kindness Club will be selling accessories to go along with the spirit days on Monday and Tuesday mornings! Students can go to the forum when they arrive to snag some great swag -- items will be $1 or $2.

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: 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!

Wednesday: Unity Day
Wear green and gold to show your Bobcat Pride!

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: 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.

LCMS Spreading Kindness Event on Wednesday, February 11th
On Wednesday, February 11th, we are excited to welcome guest speakers, and we will have a Spreading Kindness TEAM TIME event with each grade level. 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 have an alternate bell schedule on February 11th, which will slightly impact lunch shift times.

Simulated Integrated Reading Writing Assessment for 8th Grade Students
The Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessment includes an Integrated Reading Writing (IRW) test item. Our 8th grade students will be taking a school-based simulated version of the test on Wednesday, February 11th prior to hearing from our guest speakers 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.

Looking ahead, 8th grade students will take the IRW SOL test on Wednesday, March 25th.

Family Life Education Letters
Family Life Education letters will be given to students in Health/PE classes this week. The forms should be returned to Health/PE teachers. Family Life lessons will begin the week of March 17th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Health/PE teacher.

Interim Reports on Friday, February 13th
Interim Reports will come home with students on Friday, February 13th.

The National Civics Bee®: Deadline Extended
Due to the widespread impact of the winter storms, including school closures, postal service delays, and power and internet outages, The National Civics Bee® has implemented a one-time, nationwide extension of the 2026 essay submission deadline! The new deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:59 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 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 later this month 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!

American Heart Challenge
The LCMS Health/PE Department is kicking off our American Heart Challenge tomorrow! Join now to earn your colorful wristband – Complete Finn’s Mission to learn how to help save a life and earn 8 service hours from the American Heart Association!

Complete the steps to Finn’s Mission and earn your Heart-Hero Socks, and you’ll also be entered for a chance to win 2 Super Bowl tickets to the 2027 Super Bowl!
Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org.

Steps to “Heart Hero” Success!
1. Join our team and download the free AHA Schools app. Students who join the team will immediately earn their first “Thank You” gift, a colorful wristband!

2. Personalize your student’s page – You can upload a photo and add a message about why they are supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.

3. You can make an impact by making a personal donation to kick off your student’s fundraising efforts, and to help them complete the steps to Finn’s Mission to earn their Super Heart Hero SOCKS, and 8 Service Hours from AHA!

4. Ask family and friends to support your efforts – Send emails/texts from the AHA Schools app and copy and paste your fundraising link into social media. Messages are already written for you in the AHA Schools app and in your online American Heart Challenge headquarters.

Through Finn’s Mission, you’ll learn the dangers of smoking/vaping, the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR, and the warning signs of a stroke! After you watch these videos, please use the tools provided to share them with loved ones to help teach them, as well!

American Heart Challenge Introduction
How to Join Our School Team Using the App

Thank you for supporting our team, our school, our community, and children like Finn, here in Virginia! Register Today!

Looking Ahead
Monday, February 16th will be a regular school day. As we practice our emergency procedures throughout the school year, we will have a Lockdown Drill the week of February 16th.

Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, February 18th
Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Wednesday, February 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected with your child’s teachers about your child’s academic progress. Interim reports will come home with students on Friday, February 13th, and will serve as a good discussion point. 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!

Random Acts of Kindness Day on Tuesday, February 17th
Tuesday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. We will have Bobcat Pride Time with an Olweus/kindness lesson during WIN Block, and students should wear this year’s LCPS Kindness shirt! We encourage you to discuss with your child how they can engage in random acts of kindness.

English Benchmark Test on Wednesday, February 18th
Bobcats in grades 6, 7, and 8 will take the English benchmark test on Wednesday, February 18th. We will have an alternate bell schedule, which will slightly impact lunch shift times. It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school, and it will be especially important for the English benchmark test.

PTA Movie Night on Friday, February 20th
The PTA presents Movie Night on Friday, February 20th! They are showing Cool Runnings in honor of the Winter Olympics! Admission is FREE.

Bring the family, pillows, and blankets to watch in the LCMS forum. There will be concessions, including Domino's pizza (by the slice or whole), popcorn, candy, chips, soda, and water. A&K's Sips and Bites LLC will also be selling delicious lemonade! All funds from concessions and a portion of A&K's Sips and Bites will go directly to the PTA.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a short General PTA meeting at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome; no membership required. The movie kicks off at 6:30 p.m., and concessions will be available until sold out or until 8:00 p.m. (cash or card accepted).

Huge thanks to Air Nerds Cooling and Heating for sponsoring the movie!

Students MUST come with an adult. The PTA is excited to host this awesome event and hopes to see you there!

Future Dances
We will have a “Pot of Gold” dance on Friday, March 6th after school until 5:30 p.m. On Friday, March 27th, we will have a dance from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a way of welcoming our future Bobcats!

The 8th Grade Formal will take place for 8th grade Bobcats on Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The theme (selected by votes from 8th grade students) is “Neon Glow!”

These are all great opportunities for middle school memories to be made!

We have a great week ahead at LCMS! 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

Principal's Weekly Update for Feb. 1, 2026

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:56:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Thank you for your flexibility and for supporting your students’ learning during these unexpected inclement weather days. To ensure continuity of learning while keeping everyone safe at home, Monday, February 2nd will be a Remote Learning Day.

Students will use Day 3 of the prepared instructional materials designed specifically to be completed at home without the need for an internet connection. (Days 1 and 2 were completed on Thursday and Friday, January 26th and 27th). As you review these instructions, please know that we are here to support you, and if you need any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Below is a reminder of how to access assignments:
In classes, teachers guided students on how to access their work offline. Since these assignments use offline modes for Google Slides, Docs, PDFs, and videos, no internet connection is required to complete the work.

Students can find their materials if they made them available offline in Google Drive by following these steps (typically Docs, Slides, and Sheets):

Open Google Drive, either through a Chrome tab or by clicking on the Search key on the Chromebook (looks like a magnifying glass), finding and opening the Files app, and clicking on Google Drive.
Look for files using the words Remote Learning Day in the title.

Students can find their materials if they made them available by downloading them to their Chromebooks by following these steps (typically PDFs, Word documents, screenshots, and videos):

Click on the Search key on the Chromebook (looks like a magnifying glass)
Find and open the Files app
Click on the Downloads section
Look for files using the words Remote Learning Day in the title (though videos & screenshots may not have been renamed)

We designed this process to ensure that all students can continue learning regardless of connectivity issues during inclement weather days.

If you have any problems, we are here to help! If you need any support or have questions, please don't hesitate to email your child’s teachers or reach out to me directly at 540.894.5457 or harperam@lcps.k12.va.us.

For a video summary of Remote Learning Day instructions, please click HERE.

LCPS Meal Distribution: Monday, February 2nd
LCPS will be providing school meals for pick-up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd, at Louisa County Middle School and will send an email later today with more details.

Love Math Challenge

To increase math awareness and promote joyful mathematicians, First In Math is launching an exciting LCPS Love Math Challenge! First In Math is a digital site that provides 300+ engaging math games for all ages.

The challenge begins tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd, and ends March 2nd. ANYONE can access the First In Math site at no cost!

1. Go to www.firstinmath.com. Click the Login button on the top right.

2. Username: louisa

3. Password: lovemath

For the Love Math Challenge, LCPS elementary schools and LCMS are competing in math games! The school that solves the most math problems at the end of the contest wins! Help us discover which school in Louisa County has the most LOVE for MATH!

FamilyLink® involves family members! For each student enrolled in the First In Math® program, one additional User ID is automatically created for a family member or friend to use! The FamilyLink User ID appears on the student's Homepage. FamilyLink players have full access to site content 24/7, and automatically become part of their own exciting, friendly competition. Check out www.firstinmath.com and get the competition started!

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 Tuesday, 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!

American Heart Challenge

The LCMS Health/PE Department will soon kick off our American Heart Challenge! Get a jump start and join now on the “AHA Schools” App or at www.heart.org/Schools to earn your colorful wristband. Complete Finn’s Mission to learn how to help save a life with Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of stroke, and earn 8 service hours from the American Heart Association!

Complete the steps to Finn’s Mission to earn your Heart-Hero Socks, and you’ll also be entered for a chance to win 2 Super Bowl tickets to the 2027 Super Bowl!

Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org.

Check out these videos from the American Heart Association:
American Heart Challenge Introduction
How to Join Our School Team Using the App

Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 6th

We will have a Valentine’s Dance this Friday, February 6th after school until 5:30 (early pickups are difficult because students are still dancing). The permission form must be turned in by Thursday, February 5th by 1:20 (end of lunch shifts). Pizza, soda, water, chips, and candy will be available for purchase. After this long stretch of winter weather, we are looking forward to this opportunity for social time and fun after school this Friday! #middleschoolmemories

Looking Ahead

Due to missed instructional time, Monday, February 16th will now be a regular school day for students, and interim reports will be sent home with students on Friday, February 13th, a week later than originally scheduled.

Thank you for your continued support! We hope to have our Bobcats back in the school building soon. 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