What's New News Summary

Principal's Update for August 9, 2026

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:37:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

We are so excited to welcome our Bobcats back to school on Wednesday, August 12th, which will be an A Day. Wednesday will be a day of students reconnecting with teachers, staff, and peers!

Volleyball tryouts will take place after school on Wednesday and Thursday, August 12th and 13th at LCHS. All LCMS students who plan to try out for a sport, whether it be at LCMS or a junior varsity sport at the high school, must have a physical form uploaded to an account in FinalForms.

It is helpful for students to bring their printed schedule to school for the first week or two while they are finding their classrooms. Students can also view their schedule in the PowerSchool Student Portal. Encourage your child that, of course, if they need help, they just need to ask the nearest adult! We are here to help ensure every student has a positive start to the school year!

Morning Arrival
Upon arrival at school, all car riders should be dropped off in the inner circle at the front of LCMS. It is important that cars pull forward to the inner circle and drop off students in a timely manner to prevent traffic congestion in the mornings.

Afternoon Pickup
No vehicles are permitted to park in the main entrance loop. All parents/guardians picking up their children at LCMS should use the parking spaces in the parking lot adjacent to the bus lot.

*Please ensure that you park in a parking spot; do not double park behind another vehicle. Also, do not stop in the main entrance loop; doing so can back up traffic on the road. Thank you for helping us maintain a smooth and safe parking experience for everyone.

Middle school students being picked up by a high school sibling should wait in the LCMS parent pick-up area, and the LCHS student picking up their sibling should drive to the middle school after dismissal. LCMS students may not walk to either of the high school student parking lots.

Regular School Hours
We ask for families’ support in helping students meet the basic expectations of being at school and arriving on time every day. Regular school attendance supports a positive school experience!

7:38 - Buses unload. Grab-n-go kiosks will be located on each grade level wing for breakfast distribution. Breakfast is available to all students, to be eaten upon arrival in the first period classroom!

(Remember that based on funding provided by the USDA, all LCPS students are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at school at no charge! No application is needed, and no further action is required. You may put money on your child’s lunch account to purchase items a la carte using myschoolbucks.com.)

7:55 - Tardy bell, 1st period begins (all students need to be in class, ready to learn!)
3:09 - Dismissal for all students who are not staying for approved after-school activities
5:50 - Activity buses depart LCMS (available Monday - Thursday at designated stops for those students who stay for a school-sponsored activity; door-to-door bus stops cannot be accommodated)

To ensure student safety and building security, students may stay after school only if they have prior written permission from parents/guardians and school personnel and only if they are being supervised by school personnel. Students are not permitted to stay after for evening activities, including sporting events, without adult supervision and written parent permission. Also, students may not go to the Louisa County library and then return to LCMS for an event; the library does not have structures in place to supervise our young Bobcats. Students should visit the library only for library-related purposes.

High Expectations for LCMS Bobcats
We will have expectations assemblies this week in order to set everyone up for success at LCMS and to set forth our high expectations. The highlights of the assembly will include respect, general good behavior and Bobcat citizenship, doing your best with academics, dress code and electronic device policies, and safety as our priority.

Parents and families, we ask that you support us with these high expectations. Please review the Student-Parent Handbook with your child. We must work together to ensure a positive learning environment for every student where every child will reach their fullest potential!

School Dress Code
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.

Requirements:
-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).

Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Devices
At Louisa County Public Schools, all personal electronic communication and smart devices are to be turned off and not in use by students during the school day from bell to bell. This includes cell phones. The school day begins with the arrival bell and ends with the dismissal bell.

These devices are not to be seen or heard at any point throughout the school day. Any cell phone that is in the hands of a student during the school day will be considered in use.

Smartwatches may not be used for any unauthorized activity. Earbuds may only be used at a teacher’s direction for instructional purposes.

For reference:
“Bell to bell” means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day. “Bell to bell” includes lunch and time in between class periods.

“Personal Electronic Communication Devices” include cell phones, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, smart glasses, iPods, tablets, and gaming devices.

“Smart device” means any personal device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly connect, process and transmit data, including smart glasses, watches, and tablets.

First Offense
The personal electronic communication or smart device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.

Additional Offenses
If a personal electronic communication or smart device is confiscated more than once during a school year, a parent or guardian will be required to come to the school to retrieve the device.

Compliance with Confiscation
Students who refuse to comply with the request to turn over their personal electronic communication or smart device will be subject to further disciplinary action.

Unauthorized Usage
Unauthorized usage of personal electronic communication or smart devices during the school day will be subject to disciplinary action. Unauthorized usage consists of all forms of communication – including, but not limited to, communication with parents or other family members.

Students who need to communicate with parents or family members should report to the main office for permission to use a school phone.

Chromebooks
Students need to bring their charged Chromebook to school every day. Parents and families, please support your child in establishing a routine for charging the device each night and ensuring that it is in their backpack each morning.

If you have not already, we encourage you to purchase the optional $20 equipment insurance through LCPS, which covers accidental damage at no cost for a first incident and at 50% of the repair cost or replacement, whichever is less, for the second incident of accidental damage. Please note that lost chargers are not covered by the protection plan, nor is intentional damage. Students purchasing the insurance may take cash payment or a check made payable to Louisa County Middle School to the main office.

LCMS PTA
We encourage you to join the LCMS PTA as a supporting member ($10). By paying dues, you are not committing to attending meetings or participating in any way that does not interest you; you are simply showing your support for the work the PTA does at our school! Any adult individual can join the LCMS PTA...mothers, fathers, grandparents and extended family, teachers, school staff, community members, and business leaders! Sign up at https://lcmspta.givebacks.com. Join LCMS PTA by August 18th and be entered to win one of 4 amazing Prize Packs!

Share an Anonymous Back-to-School Message With Students!
Visit our LCMS website to submit anonymous positive and encouraging messages to our Bobcats on our YouUplift Kindness eWall! We have consistently remained #1 in the Nation on the YouUplift Leaderboard for the most messages submitted, and last year, we broke the record with 16,142 messages! Let’s keep spreading positivity; begin the school year by sharing a message with students today.

Teachers and staff are excited to welcome our Bobcats to school on Wednesday! If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457. We are excited to kick off a great school year!

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

Principal's Update for August 5, 2026

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:40:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Open House
We look forward to welcoming Bobcats to the Open House on Thursday, August 6th, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Parking will be available in the bus lot and the main LCMS parking lot.

Equipment insurance is available for Chromebooks for $20, which can be paid online in the returning student registration or with cash or check in the gym during Open House. We encourage you to purchase equipment insurance, which covers accidental damage at no cost for the first incident and at 50% of the repair cost or replacement, whichever is less, for the second incident of accidental damage. Please note that lost chargers are not covered by the equipment insurance, nor is intentional damage.

It is helpful for students to bring the printed schedule to Open House and to school for the first week or two while they are finding their classrooms. Encourage your child that, of course, if they need help, they just need to ask the nearest adult! We are here to help ensure every student has a positive start to the school year!

Accessing Student Class Schedules
Schedules are viewable in PowerSchool Student and Parent Portals, which can be accessed at louisa.powerschool.com.

There has been a change to how students log in that will make it even easier to access schedules, grades, and other information. Instead of logging in with a username and password, students should sign in with their LCPS Google account.

Returning Student Registration
Returning Student Registration needs to be completed online for all students before the end of Open House on Thursday, August 6th. You should have received an email from PowerSchool Registration. Please follow the instructions in the email to complete the documents If you have questions or need assistance, you may call the help desk at 540-894-4373 or email onlinesupport@lcps.k12.va.us.

Computers will be available in the gym during Open House for anyone who would like to complete the registration process while at school! Online Returning Student Registration should be completed for all students by the end of the evening of Open House, Thursday, August 6th, and must be completed before the first day of school, Wednesday, August 12th.

*If you must reset your password, ensure you are in the Returning Student Registration 2026-2027 section of the dashboard. This is important because accessing the correct registration module ensures that your credentials are reset for the upcoming academic year’s processes, such as updating information or completing required forms for your student.

Change of Address
If your address has changed, please contact the main office to inquire about the “LCPS Change of Address Form” and “LCPS Transportation Registration Form.” You are required to provide proof of residence and a utility bill with your new address. For more information, please call Mrs. Banning at (540) 894-5457, extension 2023.

LCPS Transportation Registration Form
If your address has not changed, but instead, your child’s pick-up/drop-off location for transportation has changed, you will need to contact the main office to inquire about the “LCPS Transportation Registration Form.” You do not need to come into the main office to fill out this form. This form can be faxed/scanned/emailed to you and then faxed/scanned/emailed back to the school. For more information, please call Mrs. Banning at (540) 894-5457, extension 2023.

School Supplies
Teachers will provide students with a list of recommended school supplies during Open House and the first week of school. For the start of the school year, students are asked to bring basic school supplies with them, such as loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, and a water bottle.

Additionally, with the use of weapons detectors at our school, we also would like to provide you with a few guidelines that will help guide you as you make purchases in the near future:

- All three-ring binders should be 1.5 inches or less.
- Use plastic water bottles when possible. If you do purchase metal water bottles, please opt for small/medium-sized bottles.
- Avoid purchasing wheeled, rolling backpacks if possible.
- Do not purchase adult-sized scissors. Instead, opt for blunt, small/medium-sized scissors.

Students need a combination lock to secure their belongings in their physical education locker.

LCMS PTA
We encourage you to join the LCMS PTA as a supporting member ($10). By paying dues, you are not committing to attending meetings or participating in any way that does not interest you; you are simply showing your support for the work the PTA does at our school! Any adult individual can join the LCMS PTA...mothers, fathers, grandparents and extended family, teachers, school staff, community members, and business leaders! Sign up at https://lcmspta.givebacks.com.

Please review our LCMS Back to School Letter that was mailed with schedules for more information for the beginning of the school year.

If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457. We are excited to kick off a great school year!

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

Principal Update for Bobcat Families!

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

We are excited to welcome our Bobcats back to school on Wednesday, August 12th! While preparing for the first day of school is an exciting time, it can also be a time when students feel nervous. Please be assured that we are here to help ease the transition back to school and to a new grade level. For our new sixth grade Bobcats, be assured that all sixth graders are new to the building! Be patient with yourself in finding your way around. Teachers and staff are here to help! You are going to love it at LCMS!

Student Class Schedules
Printed copies of student schedules were mailed on Thursday, July 23rd, and will be delivered to homes according to the post office delivery schedule. Schedules are viewable in PowerSchool, which can be accessed at louisa.powerschool.com.

There has been a change to how students log in that will make it even easier to access schedules, grades, and other information. Instead of logging in with a username and password, students should sign in with their LCPS Google account.

Returning Student Registration: Complete Before Open House
Returning Student Registration needs to be completed online for all students before Open House on Thursday, August 6th. You should have received an email from PowerSchool Registration. Please follow the instructions in the email to complete the documents If you have questions or need assistance, you may call the help desk at 540-894-4373 or email onlinesupport@lcps.k12.va.us.

*If you must reset your password, ensure you are in the Returning Student Registration 2026-2027 section of the dashboard. This is important because accessing the correct registration module ensures that your credentials are reset for the upcoming academic year’s processes, such as updating information or completing required forms for your student.

*The registration needs to be completed for 6th grade students before picking up Chromebooks next week at 6th grade orientation and Chromebook distribution sessions.

Open House
We look forward to welcoming Bobcats to the Open House on Thursday, August 6th, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Parking will be available in the bus lot and the main LCMS parking lot.

Equipment insurance is available for Chromebooks for $20, which can be paid online in the returning student registration or with cash or check in the gym during Open House. We encourage you to purchase equipment insurance, which covers accidental damage at no cost for the first incident and at 50% of the repair cost or replacement, whichever is less, for the second incident of accidental damage. Please note that lost chargers are not covered by the equipment insurance, nor is intentional damage.

It is helpful for students to bring the printed schedule to Open House and to school for the first week or two while they are finding their classrooms. Encourage your child that, of course, if they need help, they just need to ask the nearest adult! We are here to help ensure every student has a positive start to the school year!

School Supplies
Teachers will provide students with a list of recommended school supplies during Open House and the first week of school. For the start of the school year, students are asked to bring basic school supplies with them, such as loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, and a water bottle.

Additionally, with the use of weapons detectors at our school, we also would like to provide you with a few guidelines that will help guide you as you make purchases in the near future:

- All three-ring binders should be 1.5 inches or less.
- Use plastic water bottles when possible. If you do purchase metal water bottles, please opt for small/medium-sized bottles.
- Avoid purchasing wheeled, rolling backpacks if possible.
- Do not purchase adult-sized scissors. Instead, opt for blunt, small/medium-sized scissors.

Students need a combination lock to secure their belongings in their physical education locker.

LCMS PTA
We encourage you to join the LCMS PTA as a supporting member ($10). By paying dues, you are not committing to attending meetings or participating in any way that does not interest you; you are simply showing your support for the work the PTA does at our school! Any adult individual can join the LCMS PTA...mothers, fathers, grandparents and extended family, teachers, school staff, community members, and business leaders! Sign up at https://lcmspta.givebacks.com.

Please review our LCMS Back to School Letter that was mailed with schedules for more information for the beginning of the school year.

If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457. We are excited to kick off a great school year!

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

Principal Update for 6th Grade Families!

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:37:00 GMT

Welcome to Louisa County Middle School, 6th grade Bobcats!

6th Grade Orientation and Chromebook Distribution will take place on Wednesday, July 29th and Thursday, July 30th:

-Students with last names starting with A-K are invited to attend a session either at 3:30 or at 6:00 on Wednesday, July 29th.
-Students with last names starting with L-Z are invited to attend a session either at 3:30 or at 6:00 on Thursday, July 30th.

Families, you can choose the best time for you, either 3:30 or 6:00, on the designated day based on your child’s last name. The program will begin promptly at the time listed and should last approximately an hour and a half.

Sessions will include a presentation about being a sixth-grader at LCMS, a look around the sixth grade wing, and Chromebook distribution. Equipment insurance is available for Chromebooks for $20, which can be paid online in the returning student registration or with cash or check in the gym during Chromebook distribution. We encourage you to purchase equipment insurance, which covers accidental damage at no cost for the first incident and at 50% of the repair cost or replacement, whichever is less, for the second incident of accidental damage. Please note that lost chargers are not covered by the equipment insurance, nor is intentional damage.

It is helpful for students to bring the printed schedule they will receive in the mail to 6th Grade Orientation, Open House on August 6th, and to school for the first week or two while they are finding their classrooms. Students’ schedules are also accessible in the Student and Parent Portals in PowerSchool. Encourage your child that, of course, if they need help, they just need to ask the nearest adult! We are here to help ensure every student has a positive start to the school year!

**Returning Student Online Registration must be completed before picking up Chromebooks. Parents and guardians, you should have received an email notification from PowerSchool with further instructions. As a reminder, this process must be completed for all students before they pick up their Chromebooks at orientation.

This sixth-grade orientation is in addition to the regular Open House where students will meet their teachers. LCMS Open House will take place for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 on Thursday, August 6th, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457. You are officially a Bobcat now! We look forward to welcoming you to LCMS!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for May 17, 2026

Sun, 17 May 2026 19:27:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

This is the final Sunday evening update for the 2025-2026 school year!

Monday, May 18th will be a B Day. We will have an altered schedule this week with no WIN Block, which will slightly impact lunch shift times.

The end of the school year is here, and it is time to celebrate all of the successes of this school year! Our Bobcats have worked hard, and it has been wonderful to see them grow academically and socially. They have brought me great joy as they have graced the hallways of LCMS! As this school year comes to an end, I am grateful for your continuous support, parents and families. Thank you for your partnership in making this a wonderful school for students to learn and grow in. Our Bobcats have a lot to be proud of, and we will be celebrating that this week!

Bobcat Bash
We will have a Bobcat Bash for 6th graders on Monday, 7th graders on Tuesday, and 8th graders on Wednesday! Students should bring a refillable water bottle, apply sunscreen before school, wear sneakers and sport-like clothing, and only bring their Chromebooks to school on the day of their Bobcat Bash. It will be a fun time! Also, many thanks to the LCMS PTA for providing ice pops to our Bobcats on Monday for a fun, refreshing surprise!

Chromebooks
All 8th grade students should have returned their Chromebook and charger at this time. If an 8th grade student has not returned their Chromebook and charger, they need to do so right away. Rising 9th graders will be issued a new device at LCHS, although students will not receive a new device until the current device and charger have been turned in or the replacement cost has been paid. All outstanding bills for damage incurred during the school year must also be paid for students to receive a new Chromebook at LCHS. If you have been issued a bill for a lost or damaged device or charger, please submit payment promptly.

6th and 7th grade Bobcats will keep their Chromebooks over the summer, while being reminded that it is a school-issued device that should only be used for school-appropriate purposes and should be kept in a safe place in good condition.

Library Books
At this time, all library books should have been returned. If your child still has a library book checked out, please make sure it is returned right away or submit the replacement cost.

Medication in the Clinic
All over-the-counter and prescription medications must be picked up from the nurse’s office by 3 p.m. on the last day of school, Thursday, May 21st. According to LCPS policy, medication cannot be transported on the bus. Medications that are not picked up by an adult will be discarded. NO medication can be carried over from one year to the next. Please contact Nurse Smith with any questions.

Summer Programming at the Library
All branches of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library have free activities, including workshops, crafts, games, and snacks, all summer long. Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and get a free tote bag just for registering! Teens in rising grades 6-12 can earn prizes throughout the summer for attending programs, being creative, completing a BINGO challenge, listening to or reading anything from magazines to stacks of books. For more information, visit jmrl.org/challenges

.

Thursday, May 21st is the last day of school of the 2025-2026 school year, and we will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will not be served on Thursday.

We have a great week ahead as we finish the school year strong! Thank you, as always, for all of your support! 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 May 10, 2026

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:01:00 GMT

Happy Mother’s Day, LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, May 11th will be a B Day. This is a variation of our normal alternating A Day/B Day pattern. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12th and 13th will be A Days. Thursday, May 14th will be a B Day, and the pattern will continue as normal from there.

Science SOL: Tuesday, May 12th
On Tuesday, May 12th, 8th grade Bobcats will take the Science SOL test! We wish our students the best as they take this test! We will have an alternate bell schedule for testing, which will impact lunch shift times.

It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school each day, and it will be especially important for 8th grade students to have them on Tuesday for their Science SOL test!

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.

Clubs on Wednesday, May 13th: Avoid Early Pickups if Possible
We will have clubs at the end of the day on Wednesday, May 13th! 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 Wednesday if possible, since students will be in the final club meeting of the school year.

8th Grade Chromebook Returns on Friday
8th grade students will return their Chromebook devices and chargers to LCMS on Friday, May 15th. Rising 9th graders will be issued a new device at LCHS, although students will not receive a new device until the current device and charger have been turned in or the replacement cost has been paid. Invoices will be issued for lost or damaged devices and chargers.

6th and 7th grade Bobcats will keep their Chromebooks over the summer, while being reminded that it is a school-issued device that should only be used for school-appropriate purposes and should be kept in a safe place in good condition.

Library Books
At this time, all library books should have been returned. If your child still has a library book checked out, please make sure it is returned right away or submit the replacement cost.

Medication in the Clinic
All over-the-counter and prescription medications must be picked up from the nurse’s office by 3 p.m. on the last day of school, Thursday, May 21st. According to LCPS policy, medication cannot be transported on the bus. Medications that are not picked up by an adult will be discarded. NO medication can be carried over from one year to the next. Please contact Nurse Smith with any questions.

Attendance Matters Through the Last Day of School!
This is the time of year that we enjoy engaging and collaborative projects, fun activities, and end of year festivities! Remember that school attendance matters through the last day of school! 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. We have five After School Academy sessions remaining for students who have been chronically absent or are nearing 17 absences for the school year. Please contact the Attendance Team with any questions: Mr. Gerald Evans (evansgd@lcps.k12.va.us) or Mrs. Kim Smith (smithka@lcps.k12.va.us). We hope to see all of our Bobcats at school each day between now and the last day of school, which will be Thursday, May 21st. As a reminder, students will be dismissed at 11 a.m.

Summer Programming at the Library
All branches of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library have free activities, including workshops, crafts, games, and snacks, all summer long. Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and get a free tote bag just for registering! Teens in rising grades 6-12 can earn prizes throughout the summer for attending programs, being creative, completing a BINGO challenge, listening to or reading anything from magazines to stacks of books. For more information, visit jmrl.org/challenges.

It is going to be a great week at LCMS where our 8th grade Bobcats will show what they know on the Science SOL test! It is hard to believe that this will be our last full week of school of the 2025-2026 school year! If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, please call our office at (540) 894-5457.

Once again, Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Principal's Weekly Update for April 26, 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:02:00 GMT

LCMS Bobcat Parents and Families,

Monday, April 27th will be an A Day.

Reading SOL: Tuesday, April 28th
On Tuesday, April 28th, Bobcats will take the Reading SOL test! We wish our students the best as they take this test! We will have an alternate bell schedule for testing, which will slightly impact lunch shift times.

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!

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
Reading SOL – Tuesday, April 28
Math SOL – Tuesday, May 5
Science SOL – Tuesday, May 12

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.

8th grade students will return their Chromebook devices and chargers to LCMS on Friday, May 15th. Rising 9th graders will be issued a new device at LCHS, although students will not receive a new device until the current device and charger have been turned in or the replacement cost has been paid. Invoices will be issued for lost or damaged devices and chargers.

6th and 7th grade Bobcats will keep their Chromebooks over the summer, while being reminded that it is a school-issued device that should only be used for school-appropriate purposes and should be kept in a safe place in good condition.

Bus Driver Appreciation Day: Tuesday, April 28th
On Tuesday, April 28th, we will celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Our dedicated bus drivers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students as they travel to and from school each day. Please take a moment to express your gratitude to our bus drivers for their hard work and commitment. A simple thank you or a note of appreciation can go a long way in recognizing their efforts!

Mental Health Awareness Walk: Friday, May 1st
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the LCHS/LCMS Sources of Strength Clubs invites students to the third annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on the track at The Jungle. Each participant will pay a $2 donation, and all proceeds will go towards funding campaigns and activities of the Sources of Strength clubs. Students will be released from class to walk around the track twice and will be able to visit booths and activities together to learn more about mental health awareness.

All students are required to have a signed permission form from parents/guardians in order to participate. Money and permission slips will be accepted on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28th and April 29th (cash only). Signed permission slips must be submitted when money is accepted or be turned into the main office by the end of the school day on Thursday, April 30th.

Upcoming Cheerleading Tryouts
Bobcats interested in trying out for cheerleading on May 4th, 5th, and 6th should complete the Cheer Tryouts Google Form.

Medication in the Clinic
All over-the-counter and prescription medications must be picked up from the nurse’s office by 3 p.m. on the last day of school, Thursday, May 21st. According to LCPS policy, medication cannot be transported on the bus. Medications that are not picked up by an adult will be discarded. NO medication can be carried over from one year to the next. Please contact Nurse Smith with any questions.

Attendance Matters Through the Last Day of School!
Every instructional day counts for students to review what they have learned this year and show what they know! Remember that school attendance matters through the last day of school! 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. We hope to see all of our Bobcats at school each day between now and the last day of school, which will be Thursday, May 21st. As a reminder, students will be dismissed at 11 a.m.

It is going to be a great week at LCMS where our Bobcats will show what they know on the Reading SOL test! 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

End of Year Info for 8th Grade Students & Families

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:31:00 GMT

This email was sent to families earlier this evening...

8th Grade Bobcat Parents and Families,

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and for our 8th grade Bobcats, that means the anticipation of culminating middle school events such as scheduling for 9th grade, the 8th Grade Formal, the 8th grade field trip to Busch Gardens, the 8th Grade Bobcat Bash, and the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony! These are all momentous occasions, and I am excited to celebrate with our Bobcats! I am reaching out today to give some information about these exciting events to help you prepare.

8th Grade Scheduling This Week During Health/PE Classes
8th grade Bobcats should have brought home the LCHS Program of Studies (linked here), the CTE Pathways book (linked here), and a letter from the LCHS counseling department (linked here) about scheduling classes for 9th grade next year. Please take time to review these resources and select elective courses using the directions in the letter.

The LCHS counseling team will meet individually with 8th graders for 9th grade scheduling this week during Health/PE classes. To streamline the process, we request that students take the completed high school scheduling letter to the scheduling meeting.

LCHS Mainstage and Music Theater Ensemble Auditions: Tuesday, April 28th
Auditions for the 2026-2027 LCHS Mainstage and Music Theater Ensemble will be held on Tuesday, April 28th in the LCHS Chorus/Theatre Classroom from 3:45-5:30 p.m.

Students should complete this Form or email Ms. Perry at hopkinjd@lcps.k12.va.us by Tuesday, April 21st. Ms. Perry will email students their assigned audition time slot.

Please review the audition requirements and the parent consent form here.

8th Grade Formal: Saturday, May 2nd
Date: Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Louisa County Middle School (Cafeteria and Gymnasium)

Theme: Neon Glow
-$15 Per Person/Ticket
-Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and snacks will be provided!
-Permission forms (linked here) and money will be collected during lunch shifts on Thursday and Friday, April 23rd and April 24th.

Drop-off students beginning at 7:00 at the main entrance of the middle school. Pick up students beginning at 9:30 at the same entrance.

*Early pickups are difficult because students are still dancing! Pickups will begin at 9:30, but you can come between 9:30 and 10:00 to stagger the line.

Our 8th Grade Formal Committee will work to transform our gym and cafeteria into a stunning Neon Glow-themed setting!

8th Grade Field Trip to Busch Gardens: Tuesday, May 19th
We are looking forward to taking our 8th grade students to Busch Gardens on Tuesday, May 19th!

If your child would like to participate in the field trip, please return the permission form (linked here) with payment of $50.00 to room 802 (the 8th-grade teacher workroom) during morning arrival to school by Friday, May 1st (late permission forms will not be accepted). Students who are not attending the trip will be required to attend school and will be provided with supplemental activities. Students not attending school must have a written excuse per the attendance policy for the absence to be excused. We are encouraging every student to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

-Students and chaperones will need to be at LCMS before 8:30 a.m. to depart by 9:00 a.m. Students may ride their regular bus to school.
-Students will be returning to LCMS at 7:30 p.m. Please make sure transportation for your child is at LCMS by 7:30 p.m.
-Students will need to bring snacks for the bus and a bagged lunch unless they request a bagged lunch through the LCMS cafeteria.
-Students will need to dress appropriately for the trip (sneakers, comfortable clothing, sunscreen if applicable).
-For this trip to be a success, students must be on their best behavior and meet all school expectations.
-Students may bring a small bag to carry; however, all bags will be searched by security upon entering the park.
-Students may bring cameras and cell phones, but please be advised that any cell phones or cameras lost will be the responsibility of the student.
-Busch Gardens is a Cashless Park.

8th Grade Bobcat Bash: Wednesday, May 20th
On the morning of Wednesday, May 20th, 8th graders will have promotion ceremony practice. Following rehearsal, 8th graders will receive their guest tickets to the promotion ceremony and then enjoy an 8th Grade Bobcat Bash, including a cook-out lunch and activities such as cornhole, bounceables, yearbook signing, and music!

By Friday, May 1st, please complete the permission form for your child to participate in the cookout lunch (hamburger/cheeseburger, hotdog, and bag of chips – no cost), and/or the bounceables.
*Students will also have the option to pack their lunch and/or choose a lunch from the cafeteria.

We are looking forward to a day of fun with our 8th grade Bobcats!

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony: Thursday, May 21st
Date: Thursday, May 21st at 8:30 a.m. at Louisa County High School (Gymnasium)

The ceremony will start at 8:30 a.m., and students must report to LCMS on time (by 7:55 a.m.) to participate.

-Students should arrive wearing semi-formal attire:
-Boys -- pants (no jeans/shorts), dress shirt/collared shirt, tie/bowtie (optional)
-Girls -- dress/pants (no jeans/shorts), blouse/collared shirt
-No flip flops, hats, hoods, or sunglasses

-Each student is permitted up to three guests into the ceremony. All individuals attending the ceremony will need to have a ticket. Tickets will be given to students after rehearsal on May 20th. The ceremony will take place during the school day at LCHS; given the available parking and building capacity, we are not able to issue additional tickets. Each student is permitted up to three guests.

-Guests arriving at LCHS will need to enter through door 34, located on the right-hand, lower level of the school. (This is also the entrance to athletic events within the gymnasium.) The LCPS Clear Bag Policy will be in place and guests will enter through weapons detectors upon arrival.

-Guests will park in the lower student parking lot, which is located at the bottom of the LCMS parking lot.

-Each student will be awarded a certificate by a member of the LCMS administrative team and have their picture taken crossing the stage.

-Following the ceremony, parents/guardians and other attendees will be invited into the LCHS cafeteria for a reception including cookies and lemonade.

This is an exciting time for our 8th grade Bobcats! If you have any questions, please call our LCMS office at (540) 894-5457.

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

Information for 8th Grade Students and Families

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:23:00 GMT

This email was sent to families earlier this evening:

Good evening, 8th Grade Bobcat Parents and Families,

I am reaching out with a few reminders.

Civics SOL: Thursday, April 23rd
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 23rd, 8th graders will take the Civics SOL! We wish our 8th grade Bobcats the best as they take this test! We will have an alternate bell schedule for testing, which will slightly impact lunch shift times.

It is always important for students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school each day, and it will be especially important for 8th grade students to have them tomorrow for their SOL test!

8th Grade Formal: Saturday, May 2nd (permission forms due this week)
Date: Saturday, May 2nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Louisa County Middle School (Cafeteria and Gymnasium)

Theme: Neon Glow
-$15 Per Person/Ticket
-Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and snacks will be provided!
-Permission forms (linked here) and money will be collected during lunch shifts on Thursday and Friday, April 23rd and April 24th. (Students were given a printed copy of the permission form in 4th period.)

Drop-off students beginning at 7:00 at the main entrance of the middle school. Pick up students beginning at 9:30 at the same entrance.

*Early pickups are difficult because students are still dancing! Pickups will begin at 9:30, but you can come between 9:30 and 10:00 to stagger the line.

Our 8th Grade Formal Committee will work to transform our gym and cafeteria into a stunning Neon Glow-themed setting!

I hope our 8th grade Bobcats get good rest tonight and come to school tomorrow ready to show what they know on their Civics SOL test!

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