October 21, 2016



Good morning on this beautiful Friday.

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU’s

Congratulations to our LMS students who were selected for the Community Music School of Webster University orchestras and ensembles.  Each group performs several concerts during the school year.  Concerts are free, open to the public, and are held at the Community Music School (535 Garden Avenue, Webster Groves).
String Orchestra:  Jasmine Li (violin), Bryson Liang (cello), Jason Xu (violin).  Concert dates:  1/22/17 at 2 pm; 5/7/17 at 2 pm.
Young People’s Concert Orchestra:  Pema Childs (clarinet), Katie Eisenman (clarinet), Matthew Huang (violin), Daphne Levy (flute), Emily Shaw (violin), Ryan Tung (violin).  Concert dates:  1/15/17 at 2 pm; 4/30/17 at 2 pm.  
Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra:  Daniel Xu (violin).  Concert dates:  1/15/17 at 7 pm; 4/30/17 at 7 pm.

Congratulations to LMS 2015-16 8th grader Christopher Ye.  Christopher recently entered a piano competition, where he was selected to play a piano concerto with the Missouri Baptist University and St. Charles Community College orchestras.  The first annual Solo Concert will be held at Missouri Baptist University, in the Pillsbury Chapel of the Dale Williams Fine Arts Center, on Friday, October 28 at 7:30 pm.

CALENDAR ITEMS

10/24/16
Red Ribbon Week (through 10/27)
Scholastic Book Fair (through 10/27); LMS Library
10/25/16
6th Grade Party; 3:15 to 4:15
10/26/16
Parent Conferences
10/27/16
Early Release Day; 12:40 pm
Parent Conferences
10/28/16
No School

11/2/16
Fire Drill; beginning of period 6
11/3/16, 11/4/16
7th Grade Memphis trip

11/7/16
Master Schedule informational meeting for Parents; 7 pm; LMS Cafeteria
11/8/16
No School: Election Day
11/9/16
6th Grade Parents to Lunch; 10:35 am
Orchestra Concert, Grades 7 and 8; 7 pm; LMS Gym
11/10/16
7th Grade Parents to Lunch; 11:24 am
Choir Concert, LMS/LHWHS; 7 pm; LHWHS Performing Arts Center
11/11/16
8th Grade Parents to Lunch; 12:13 pm

NEW ITEMS
Red Ribbon Week
10/24 - “United We Stand For A Drug-Free Land”
    Our nation is stronger and healthier if we stand together against illegal drug use.  Wear red and/or patriotic clothes on Monday.  There will be treats/prizes at lunch for participants when students write down their drug free pledge and place it on the grade level ribbon in the Cafeteria.
10/25 - “Put A Cap On Drugs”
    Don’t let drugs get into your head - wear a hat, wig, cap or head covering on Tuesday.  There will be treats and prizes at lunches for participants.
10/26 - “Dream Of A Drug-Free Life”
    Using illegal drugs has a terrible effect on a person’s future.  Protect your dreams by wearing cozy pajamas and/or carrying a teddy bear to school on Wednesday.  There will be treats and prizes at lunches for participants.
10/27 - “Ladue MVP; Stay Drug-Free”
    Be a “most valuable player” on your team by staying free of illegal drug use.  Wear your team shirts or jerseys and receive a treat at lunch.  Students in 2nd, 3rd and 4th period PE/Elective classes will enjoy a presentation by a LMS parent who works for the Drug Enforcement Agency.
10/31 - “Say Boo To Drugs”
    Illegal drug use has negative and scary consequences for everyone.  Commit yourself to a drug-free life.  Students and staff may wear appropriate costumes to school on Monday - please, no masks or real/replica weapons.  “Slam Dunk - Drugs Are Junk” competitions will occur in PE/Elective classes.
LMSPA Fall Fundraiser product pick up at Conferences
    Thank you LMS for your support of our Fall Fundraiser!  Don't forget to pick-up your Cookie dough and Mixed Bags (paper forms only) orders during parent teacher conferences.  We will be located in the cafeteria during conference hours:  Wednesday 10/26 4-8 p.m. and Thursday 10/27 1-7 p.m.  Please pick up your product or make arrangements to have someone pick up for you.  If you have a problem picking up at that time, contact Elizabeth Cobin, cobin@att.net or 314-456-7903.  

LMS Book Fair
    Ladue Middle school is gearing up for our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair October 24 - 27.  Students will be visiting the Book Fair with their communication arts classes during the school day.  The Book Fair will be open during school and for parent teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.  Don't forget you can contribute books to any LMS teacher's classroom library.  If you are out of town or can't make it to our Book Fair, you can also help support our school by shopping online through October 16 - 29.  The online Book Fair allows you to browse an expanded book selection for all ages.  http://tinyurl.com/judgfty

LMS Buzzbooks
    Buzz books were distributed to period 8 teachers on Wednesday and should have come home with students on Thursday.  One buzz book was provided to each student.  

UPDATED/CORRECTED ITEMS


REPEATED ITEMS

Quarter 1 Report Cards and Parent Conferences
    Quarter 1 Report Cards were mailed home this week.  Please be aware that parents should bring these to LMS for scheduled parent conferences on October 26 and 27.  We will not be printing extra copies for all 1000 students.

Master Schedule for 2017-18 Update
    Over the past three years, a LMS building initiative has been for us to review and consider revisions to our master schedule with the goal of increasing instructional time in the core subject areas.  This effort has involved our administration, our faculty, and parents.
    After examining multiple schedule models, I feel we have identified one that achieves our goal, while also maintaining as much student choice as possible in our non-core/elective programs.  I will be presenting a synopsis of our work, as well as the recommended schedule, to our faculty next Monday afternoon, and will follow with a presentation to the district Board of Education on Monday, October 24.
    Once I have had an opportunity to review our work with both the LMS faculty and the Board of Education, I will be providing detailed information regarding the schedule for the coming school year through this weekly Parent Update and blog.  Information will also be provided during scheduled evening parent meetings in November, when we will also have an opportunity to get feedback and answer questions.  
    I wanted you to be aware this process was occurring and assure you that our primary goal is for continuous improvement of the educational opportunities we provide our students at LMS.  Please take the opportunity to learn about the recommended changes through the information I will provide before forming an opinion based on partial information or rumor.  A great deal of collaboration has occurred through this process and I believe we have arrived at a solution that will be a great benefit to our students’ success.  

Team LADUE takes on the Harlem Wizards on Sunday, November 6; 2 pm; at the  LHWHS Main Gym
    Come out and see your favorite Ladue School District teachers and staff take on the Harlem Wizards for a fun afternoon of interactive sports entertainment with the Harlem Wizards basketball team. Tickets are on sale at http://www.harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets  
General Admission is $15 per ticket, $20 for Reserved Seating tickets, and $30 for Courtside Plus tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door, as available. Don't miss this first-ever event of its kind, hosted by the Ladue Education Foundation (LEF) and the Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) Boys’ Basketball Program.

NJHS Fundraiser
    The National Junior Honor Society at LMS has organized a school supply drive to benefit Patrick Henry Elementary, a public school in St. Louis City.  The students at Patrick Henry Elementary have been affected by lead-contaminated drinking fountains and almost 100% of the students qualify for free lunch.  The principal of the school says the school is most in need of reams of paper and pencils, but monetary donations will also be accepted to purchase other supplies.  Donations will be accepted at LMS before school in the lobby and in the cafeteria during lunch from October 17 through 25, as well as at parent teacher conferences.  There will also be a hat day on Friday, October 21 where students can pay a dollar to wear a hat, with all proceeds going to the school supply drive.  We appreciate any support you can give us!

Fall Parent Conferences
    Parent Teacher Conferences for semester 1 are Wednesday, October 26, 2016 (4:00 - 8:00 p.m.) and Thursday, October 27, 2016 (1:00 - 7:00 p.m.).  To sign up, please visit the following website:
    You may also access the website by going to our school's web page using the following link:
    Prior to signing up, please carefully review the instructions that are provided on the first page of the website.  The online scheduler went live at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 12.  Slots fill up very quickly, so please sign up ASAP.

Girls In The Know
    Girls In The Know is a four-week speaker series for pre-teen girls and their mothers/caregivers.  The group will address the following topics:  Empowering Pre-Teen Girls, Promoting a Healthy Body Image, All About Safety, and The Birds & The Bees: What Pre-Teen Girls Should Know.  Meeting dates, locations and times are as follows:
  • November 14 - LMS Cafeteria; 6:30 - 7:30 pm
  • November 21 - LMS Library; 6:30 - 7:30 pm
  • November 28 - LMS Library; 6:30 - 7:30 pm
  • December 5 - LMS Cafeteria; 6:30 - 7:30 pm
    Registration is $125 per pair, at www.girlsintheknow.org
Scholarships are available to all, regardless of financial status.  To apply, contact info@girlsintheknow.org
For questions, contact Lora Robinson at lorarobinsonrealty@gmail.com

NURSE DANI NOTES

HEALTHY THOUGHTS

    Candy is meant to be a treat, but even when consumed in moderation some varieties push the wellness envelope.  To have your sweets and stay healthy too, limit candy that’s particularly high in sugar, unhealthy fats and artificial ingredients.
LMSPA
    You can access the Ladue Middle School Parent Association website at http://mylmspa.com and subscribe to email blasts from the LMSPA at http://www.mylmspa.com/eblast-newsletter/

BOARD BRIEFS
    Information regarding Ladue Board of Education meetings and work sessions can be found at http://boardbriefs.blogspot.com


Best wishes for a wonderful weekend for you and your families.

Greg

Gregory Baber  B.S.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.S.

Principal, Ladue Middle School

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