January 24, 2016




Good evening.  I hope and your families have enjoyed the warmer temperatures today.

I received a few cute emails this past Tuesday evening from students urging me to provide them with a snow day on Wednesday.  Although that did occur, I informed them that the decision to call off school falls well above my pay grade and is made by Dr. Jahnke.  I did appreciate their thinking that I have more influence than I actually do.  As likely occurred in numerous district households that morning, I did perform a happy dance when I received the phone call.  A video of this will NOT be posted on YouTube. 

Since registration forms for next year either have already gone home, or will soon do so, I should have reminded everyone prior to now that I discourage specific teacher or team requests for next year.  As this past year has proven, I cannot guarantee specific staffing for the coming school year, nor can promise that core team configurations will remain constant.  With that in mind, we ask that parents provide specific information regarding their child’s educational/instructional needs and preferred teaching styles (this section is location on the back of the registration form).  We do review this information and take it into account when making team assignments for the coming school year.    

CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS

Geography Bee 2016
Congratulations to Addison Steinback (Grade 7) who was named our LMS Geography Bee champion this past week.  Congratulations also go out to the following LMS students who advanced to the final round:  Madelene Stout, Winston Chen, Daniel Chayet, Ryan McKenzie, Leif Schuster, Arya Bhushan, William Xie, David Sachs, Will Stappenbeck, Katie Eisenman, Jake Goldman, Noah Posey, Elliot Loitman, Bradford Siwak, Bix Maxwell, Ryan Silver and Eric Yin.
Special thanks to Christine Allen who put everything together and to Joan Shacklette, Laila Crabtree, Erin Hurley and Terri Reber for helping with the scoring and time keeping, and our emcee Dave Aronberg.

CALENDAR ITEMS

Monday, 1/25
School Board Appreciation Week
Thursday, 1/28
7th Grade Parents to Lunch; 11:26 am
Friday, 1/29
Ski Trip #2 to Hidden Valley (after school)

Monday, 2/1
School Counselor Week
Discovery Education 3 testing through Thursday (see schedule below)
Friday, 2/5
Ski Trip #3 to Hidden Valley (after school)

Tuesday, 2/9
LMSPA Board meeting; 1 pm
Friday, 2/12
Professional Development day for teachers; No School for students

Monday, 2/15
Presidents Day; No School
Friday, 2/19
Ski Trip #4 to Hidden Valley; After School

CORRECTIONS

HEALTHY THOUGHTS (from Nurse Patrick and Coach Wojtow)

Five great ways to stay active this winter:
1.Ice skating at Steinberg Ice Rink
2.Rock climbing at Upper Limits
3.Hiking at Powder Valley or Castlewood State Park
4.Skiing or tubing at Hidden Valley
5.Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or St. Louis Zoo - no crowds!

NURSE NOTES

There have been some immunization changes required by the state of Missouri that will affect students going into 8th grade next school year. Students entering 8th grade will now be required to have a meningitis immunization and a TDap immunization prior to starting 8th grade.  Here is a link to the DHSS site reflecting these requirements. 
2016-2017 Missouri School Immunization Requirements

Your child may have already had both of these immunizations!  Please check with your pediatrician to see if these have been completed and, if not, get an appointment scheduled.  Please send the updated immunization records that reflect that your child has these immunizations. The nurse's office will accept these records immediately - no need to wait until summer!
You may email, fax, or send in a copy of the record to the nurse's office.  cpatrick@ladueschools.net  (email)
314-983-5965 (fax)

NEW ITEMS

High School Registration Forms
High School Registration forms are due on Monday, 1/25.  They should be turned in to Mr. Scherck in the Welcome Center.  He will give the forms to the high school counselors so that they can review them with students during their registration appointments on Thursday 1/28 and Friday 1/29.  Students will receive a pass with their appointment time the day before their scheduled appointment.

Hoops For Heart
On February 10 and 11 the LMS PE department will be hosting the annual Hoops For Heart fundraiser during PE classes.  Students will be bringing home information and collecting donations.  
Families and schools are critical links in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country.  By holding this event at our school each year, we help to raise awareness about heart-healthy living.  And help fund more lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts.  Thank you.
Almost every family in America is touched by heart disease or stroke, and our school's contribution will significantly impact the fight against these devastating illnesses.
We hope that you, and your students find this lifesaving effort rewarding and enjoyable.  You are touching so many lives — and life is why the American Heart Association exists as an organization. Your help and support are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
The LMS PE Department

UPDATED ITEMS

Ski Trip revised dates
With the cancellation of today’s Ski Trip (due to Hidden Valley delaying their opening until Saturday, January 9), the revised dates are as follows:
·      Jan 15 – Ski Trip #1
·      Jan 29 – Ski Trip #2
·      Feb 5 – Ski Trip #3
·      Feb 19 – Ski Trip #4
·      Feb 26 – Ski Trip #5

REPEAT ITEMS

8th Grade Formal Planning
Please join the 8th grade formal committee on Wednesday, February 3 at 7 pm in the LMS library to discuss the upcoming dance.  We welcome all individuals interested in volunteering at this event.  We will discuss fundraising efforts and all volunteer opportunities.   If you are unable to attend but would like to help, or if you have any questions, please email the co-chairs:
Goska Cherrick goskacherrick@aol.com or
Kelly Minifie kellyminifie@gmail.com
Link to e-vite:  http://evite.me/ZZfnTrwdSw


DE Testing dates/schedule
Monday, 2/1 – White Day, Odd block periods
Tuesday, 2/2 – White Day, Even block periods
Wednesday, 2/3 – Blue Day, Odd block periods
Thursday, 2/4 – Blue Day, Even block periods
(Friday, 2/5 – Regular full-day schedule)

LMS Yearbooks
Don't get left out of this year’s school memories. Order your 2015/16 yearbook today.  You can place your order online at https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/8647
You can also place an order by phone at 1-866-287-3096.
The price of the yearbook is $28 and orders can be placed through winter break to guarantee that pricing.  After January 3, prices will increase to $35.
Any questions about yearbook purchases can be directed to Sharrie Cognac at scognac@ladueschools.net

LHWHS Renovation Initiative Information
For your information, the Ladue Schools Today - High School Renovation Initiative segment is now online. 

LMSPA eBlasts
If you are not currently receiving LMSPA email news blasts but would like to, please click on the following link to subscribe:

Board Briefs
Information regarding Ladue Board of Education meetings and work sessions can be found on boardbriefs.blogspot.com

I hope you have an enjoyable Sunday evening.

Take care,

Greg


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