April 29, 2016

TJs Tidbits

Greetings LMS Families,

All of the preparation is done and the time has finally arrived. Our LMS team is ready to open school doors and classrooms to approximately 1000 AMAZING students. We hope they are as excited to return as we are. Our goal is to make the first day of school memorable for each student that enters and to continue to generate that same level of enthusiasm for coming to school every day that follows. As we draw closer to the first day, I want to take this time to share the core beliefs that will drive every thing that I do as the leader of Ladue Middle School:

• All students can learn and deserve a quality education
• Race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, home life, and background should not prevent a child from reaching his or her potential
• Students learn best in a mutually respectful and safe environment from those who challenge, inspire, and establish relationships with them
• Students are inspired to learn when they play an active role in the learning process and see themselves reflected in the curriculum and the school
• Students thrive when there is a strong partnership between home and school
• When all members of the school community feel valued, have shared vision, and are working towards a common goal, learning occurs at the highest level

It is my hope that LMS families will continuously see evidence of these values and beliefs through my words and actions and through the experiences that your student has during his/her time with us. I look forward to serving and working in partnership with you. I'll see you on Monday!

NEW INFORMATION

SCHEDULES/TECH TOTES/PLANNERS ON THE FIRST DAY

Most students received a schedule and picked up a technology tote and planner at Community Night or on Friday 8/17. 

If your student does not have a schedule and has up to date immunizations, he/she may pick up a schedule on Monday morning in one of the following areas:

6th Grade- Cafeteria

7th Grade -Gym (boys side)

8th Grade -Gym (girls side)

Students who still need to get a tech tote and planner should go to their locker, remove he note card, write the locker combination on back, and return it to the Assistant Principal's Office to exchange for these items. 

CHROMEBOOKS

Students will be receiving their Chromebook in the first couple days of school.  6th grade students will pick up and return their Chromebook in their 1st period class and 7th and 8th grade students with their 7th period class.  These devices will remain at school. Students have been given a technology tote to carry their device from class to class. The tech tote should also remain at school. We are asking that students use this tote ONLY for their Chromebook and headphones/earbuds. Adding additional books, binders, etc. to this tote may damage the device. We are looking forward to implementing this initiative and can't wait to see the positive results with student engagement, collaboration, learning.

CLASS MEETINGS

Class meetings are small, multiage classes that meet approximately once every two weeks throughout the school year on Thursdays. On class meeting days, students will start the day in class meeting groups and will attend all of their classes for a shortened amount time. Nearly all staff members will be assigned to a class meeting group including counselors and administrators. Many families have inquired about the purpose of class meetings. The benefits of class meeting are many. We believe that class meetings will enhance LMS school culture by:

...fostering a greater sense of belonging in our students

...building connections between students and staff from all grade levels and content areas

...providing ongoing discussions about character education, diversity, and bullying prevention

The first class meeting will be held on Tuesday, 8/21.

DISTRICT ANNUAL UPDATE/ONLINE PORTAL SIGN UP

The beginning of every school year brings with it a great deal of information families need to make sure students get off to a great start.  Families should have received an email and phone message from the district that included instructions and deadlines for completing the mandatory online census (Annual Update) by the deadline, which is September 9. If you need assistance creating your Infinite Campus portal account, navigating the online process, or logging into your existing account, please email campus@ladueschools.net. If you do not have a parent portal account, simply fill out the Parent Portal Request form on the district website.

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT

This is a reminder that the LMS Meet The Teacher Night (MTN) will occur on Wednesday, August 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

MTN is an opportunity for parents to follow their child’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn about course information and expectations.  Your child will be given a highlighted copy of his/her schedule to bring home to help parents attend the right class at the right time. Please bring this schedule with you to follow that evening.

We will begin the evening with a brief opening meeting in our Gym.  Parents will then be dismissed by grade level to locate their first class.  Time in each class will be 7 minutes. This short period of time does not allow for extended “Parent Conference” conversations.  Should you need to meet with a specific teacher or teachers, please call, email, or schedule an alternative time to meet.

With so many people attending MTN, parking is an issue.  As a result, we will be providing a shuttle bus that will travel between LMS and Ladue Chapel from 6 to 9 pm.  The address of Ladue Chapel is 9450 Clayton Road (just to the east of our campus). Please use the western portion of their lot.  Please also be aware that parking in the bank lot across Conway Road is not permitted.

I am attaching a copy of the MTN schedule to this message for your reference.  Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday.

NEWS REPORT ON VAPING AND JUULING

Vaping and juuling are becoming very popular among teens and pre-teens. The best way to prevent harm of alcohol and other drug use through education, intervention and advocacy. Last year our LMSPA provided a parent education session on vaping and juuling. As a school, we had NCADA come in and provide information to our students. This summer, I ran across a very interesting news story and felt compelled to share it with you. If you have a few minutes, please watch. It is quite informative.

https://video.edweek.org/detail/video/5810863294001/vaping-in-schools-juuling-is-popular-among-teens-despite-health-risks?autoStart=true&cmp=eml-enl-vid-p1

BUILDING EXPECTATIONS REMINDERS

Please take a minute to review the building expectations and procedures that are listed below. It is my hope that by sharing expectations in my update, families will become aware and can work in partnership with us to establish an optimal learning environment and ensure the safety and well being of students while at school. These expectations are also in our LMS Student Handbook, which will be sent home with ALL students the first week of school and is posted on our school website. I STRONGLY encourage families to read the handbook. We will cover key items at school, but the follow up should occur at home. This way both students AND parents/guardians have a solid understanding. Here is a link: LMS Student Handbook 2018-2019

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS

Did you know that there is a method to the madness for how we dismiss students at the end of the day? Please take a minute to click here: Afternoon Dismissal Procedures and review what we will be sharing with students. It is extremely important that all students follow these procedures. Doing so allows us to get everyone (bus riders, carpool, and walkers) home safely and in a timely manner. Parents, please DO NOT circumvent these expectations. It creates major safety issues and puts students in a situation where they are not complying with school expectations. Should you have a special circumstance, please contact your child's grade level principal so an accommodation can be made. 

BREAKFAST PROCEDURES

We are fortunate to serve breakfast in the mornings for LMS students. Students wanting to purchase breakfast should report to the cafeteria immediately upon arrival to school (do not go to lockers or class first). If arriving before 8:02, regular breakfast will be provided. Students arriving after 8:02, will be served “grab and go” items. Breakfast is not considered “social time.” Students participating in the breakfast program are expected to eat as quickly as possible and head to class.    

ELECTRONICS AT SCHOOL 
Please remind your student that electronics, including cell phones, headphones/earbuds, speakers, etc. should remain out of sight for the duration of the school day from 8:10-3:10. This includes lunch. If these items are seen, they will be confiscated as noted in our LMS Student Handbook. 

Technology devices are not allowed in restrooms or locker rooms. Students should not use the Internet or other digital communication devices to create disrespectful or harassing messages, take pictures or videos or make recordings of others without permission, or send or post materials that threaten or raise concerns about violence against others. All of these activities will be considered a violation of our school district's code of conduct which can be found on pages 30-33 of our Student Handbook, which will be sent home with each student the first week of school.

We strongly encourage families not to send personal technology devices to school unless requested by the classroom teacher for educational purposes. These requests will be minimal now that students have Chromebooks. It is our recommendation that technology devices technology devices brought to school are stored in a locked locker during school hours. Note: If there is an urgent message that your child needs to have, please contact the office and we will get the message delivered as soon as possible.  Thank you for your help with this matter.

MORNING DROP OFF/AFTERNOON PICK UP

For safety reasons, students should not be dropped off prior to 7:30 a.m. We do not have any adult supervision prior to 7:30 and our building is locked. Students who arrive prior to this time will have to remain outside. Parents/guardians of students consistently on campus in the mornings without supervision will be contacted by administration.

At the end of the school day (3:10), students should either ride the bus home, walk, get picked up, or participate in the TAS (Teens After School) Program. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, after school supervision is unavailable after 3:30 unless special arrangements have been made with a staff member to supervise in their classroom. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, after school activities are provided from 3:10-4:10.  Students who stay after for activities should be picked up at 4:10, no later than 4:30. As in the morning, parents/guardians of students consistently on campus in the afternoons without supervision will be contacted by administration and may also be taken to TAS and charged a fee.

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS as we want to avoid students having to sit outside in extreme hot and cold weather conditions. 

More specific information about traffic patterns for dropping off and picking up has been provided in earlier updates. Please take time to review these procedures as well, which are noted in the REPEATED INFORMATION section of this update, especially if you are dropping off on Monday. MAPS are also provided for those who need a visual. Parents, please DO NOT circumvent these expectations. It creates major safety issues and puts students in a situation where they are not complying with school expectations. Should you have a special circumstance, please contact your child's grade level principal so that an accommodation can be made.

LMSPA INFO 

ARE YOU GETTING OUR EMAIL BLASTS AND NEWSLETTERS?

If not, visit our website: www.mylmspa.com. Under COMMUNICATION you will find the Register for Eblast Newsletter tab. Enter your information in order to receive important information and timely reminders throughout the year. You don’t need to do this if you already receive eblasts.

ANY CHANGES TO YOUR CONTACT INFO?

Our Buzz Book (Ring-A-Ram) Directory will be printed for all our families to take home in September. If you have new contact information or want to ensure that a secondary household is listed, please email us at lmspa@gmail.com or ask for a form in the office.

LMSPA MEETINGS

The LMSPA will have both day and evening meetings to accommodate varying schedules -- all are encouraged to attend! Meetings will be held on the following dates at LMS (room TBD):

           Tues. 9/4, 12-1:30 pm

           Wed. 10/3, 6:30-8 pm

           Tues. 11/13, 12-1:30 pm

           Wed. 12/5, 6:30-8 pm

           Tues. 1/8, 12-1:30 pm

           Wed. 2/6, 6:30-8 pm

           Tues. 3/5, 12-1:30 pm

           Wed. 4/3, 6:30-8 pm

           Tues. 5/7 (closed meeting for Exec Board only) 12-2 pm

You can subscribe to email blasts from the Ladue Middle School Parent Association at http://www.mylmspa.com/eblast-newsletter/  

The LMSPA can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LadueMiddleSchoolParentAssociation/ and on Twitter @mylmspa

FALL PARENT COFFEE-FRIDAY, 8/24 FROM 8:30-9:30 AM

It’s a great time to meet and reconnect with other parents and learn about volunteer opportunities.Hosted by The LMSPA Executive Board. We hope to see you there!

Co-Presidents: Marissa Rosen, Jocelyn Fundoukos

Treasurers: Aletta Martin, Laura Whalen

Secretary: Reann Ratterman

PDC Reps: Jill Settler, Becky Marbarger

6th Grade VPs- Lorie Keller, Catherine Hamlin

7th Grade VPs- Becca Dauska,Melissa Garza

8th Grade VPs- Stephanie Walker, Trish Saleeby

Fundraising VP- Julie Stappenbeck, Co-chair Denise Christen

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion VP- Lolita Flinn

Electronic Communications-  Audra Harrold

Website Coordinator- Jodi Blucher, Co-chair Lisa Hirshberg 

CALENDAR (Items in red are new)

8/20 First Day of School

8/24 LMSPA Sponsored Parent Coffee; 8:30 - 9:30 am (LMS Cafe)

8/29 Meet The Teacher Night; 6:30 - 8:30 pm

9/3    Labor Day/No School

9/4 Start of After School Activities

9/4    Start of 8th Grade Sports Fall Season

9/5 Sixth Grade Camp Parent Meeting; 7:00 pm

9/6    LMS Fall Musical Auditions 3:15 p.m.

9/14 Early Release; 12:40 Dismissal

10/16 Picture Make Up Day

==========================================================================

REPEATED INFORMATION- (The information below is a review of information already communicated. No need to read if you read my last update)

6TH GRADE ORIENTATION/7TH AND 8TH GRADE “NEW TO LADUE” ORIENTATION

All sixth grade students will be involved in an orientation with their grade level principal, counselor, and team teachers on the first day of school. 

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT

Parents/Guardians please plan to attend Meet the Teacher Night on August 29th at 6:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity for you to follow your child’s schedule and meet the teachers. A general meeting will be held that evening with information about the LMSPA, Dad’s Club, Ladue Education Foundation, and much more. We hope you can join us.

6TH GRADE CAMP MEETING

Please mark your calendars for September 5 for a parent meeting about Sixth Grade Camp at 7:00 p.m. in the middle school cafeteria.  Camp this year will be the week of September 24.  Students will either go to camp Monday – Wednesday of that week or Wednesday – Friday.  For more information about camp, please visit the camp website at: https://sites.google.com/a/ladueschools.net/biernbaum/6th-grade-camp

7TH GRADE MEMPHIS TRIP (October 18-19, 2018) Register today. No payment needed to register!

Who/Why: For the last two years we have taken a trip to Memphis, Tennessee because we believe that educational travel can enhance the effectiveness of our 7th Grade curriculum, and this fall we will continue this tradition. This trip is a crucial component of the school year, and we would like all students to attend.

What: While on this trip we will engage in a river walk (to discuss the importance of watersheds to our region’s geography), and visit historical museums and sites like the Civil Rights Museum and the Rock and Soul Museum.

When/Where: We will be going to Memphis, October 18th - 19th and the cost is $235 per student. This price includes accommodations, transportation, events and most meals on this trip.

How: We encourage you to register early at www.tinyurl.com/lmstrip. You do not have to pay when you complete your registration form. However, you can pay at that time if you prefer. The sooner you register, the better we can support any accommodations you need and make sure that your child is on the list.

Next steps: All attendees of the trip must be registered and paid in full by September 5th, 2018. For any questions or concerns, please contact Quentin Alimayu, the trip coordinator via email at qalimayu@ladueschools.net.

The registration process is entirely online, however, to support this process, we will have a table set up at Community Night on August 15th at 4:00 pm for anyone that would like to register at that time. Additionally, our trip coordinator will be available to answer any questions about the trip.

Chaperones are needed! Please review the chaperone information on the website and register. A flyer with more specific information is attached to the Parent Link email.

TRAFFIC REMINDERS (Returning families: Please note afternoon dismissal change)

The following is a reminder to some, and new information for others, regarding our morning and afternoon traffic patterns and drop off/pick up procedures.

Our school day for 2018-2019 will be 8:10 am to 3:10 pm.  

If you plan to transport your child to school by car in the morning:

• Please be aware that students cannot enter our building until 7:30 am when someone on duty to monitor the front doors and lobby.
• Students may be dropped off at the front of the building prior to bus arrival (they typically begin appearing around 7:45 am).  Please follow the designated traffic flow arrows as you enter our campus from either Conway or Clayton roads.  
• There will be staff members at locations 1, 2 and 3 to help with traffic flow and supervision.  Please follow their directions.  
• After buses begin arriving, car traffic will be routed to the rear of the building.  The person at location 2 will notify drivers.
• Please proceed down the right-hand drive all the way to the Maintenance Building (end of fencing), then circle back to the rear of the building through the parking lot, staying to the right.  Students will be dropped off at the designed area (ONLY along the sidewalk) and enter the building through the east back door to the Gym.
• Cars will then exit the campus using the lower drive (two-way traffic) onto Clayton Road.  Please, please, (and please) turn right onto Clayton Road.  A left-hand turn onto Clayton, at this time of morning, is potentially dangerous and causes a backup for cars attempting to exit our campus.  

If you plan to pick up your child from school by car in the afternoon:

• Please be aware that buses begin lining up in our front Circle Drive around 2:45 pm.  Cars parked in the Circle Drive have the very good chance of getting blocked in as more buses arrive.  If you have the need to pick up your child before dismissal, I would highly suggest parking in one of the marked parking spaces in the lower drive.
• Cars will be directed to the back of our building to form a “carpool line” as indicated in the second photo.  Please drive all the way down the right drive to the Maintenance Building.  If there are students on the parking lot (fenced in area), please wait at the gated entrance until students leave.  Then, pull into the lot on the LEFT side and begin a line at the recycling bins (along the fence INSIDE the parking lot).  When the line reaches the gate at the back, begin a new line just to the right of the existing line.  This should keep the lower drive from backing up and blocking cars wanting to leave. A staff person will be located at area A to assist with this.
• At dismissal, students who rides buses will be dismissed first at 3:20, while students who are picked up by car and those that walk will be held in the classroom (until about 3:20 pm).
• Please do not instruct your child to leave the lobby with bus riders and walk through our lots to meet you at your car.  This is potentially dangerous as students do not always watch for traffic. It also puts the child in an awkward position as he/she is not following school rules and can be assigned a consequence for not doing so.  If you need to pick your child up before buses leave, please notify your student’s grade level administrator and meet your child at the front of the building so that he/she is accompanied while walking through our parking lot.  Students are NOT to exit through the doors near the Gym or in the 6th and 8th grade halls.
• Buses are typically loaded within 10 minutes of the 3:10 pm dismissal.  Once buses are released, then the staff member at location A will signal cars to approach the front of the building.  Students waiting in the classroom will then be released to be picked up by car.  Most students are gone by 3:30 pm.

If your student will ride a bus to and from school:

• Please make sure your student knows his/her assigned bus number.
• Bus riders will have a maximum of 10 minutes after the 3:10 pm dismissal to gather their belongings and exit the front of the building.
• Students must check the “bus board” located near the Circle Drive at the end of the sidewalk leading from the Main Lobby doors to determine the location of their assigned bus.
• Students should board the bus quickly, rather than loiter in the front of the building.

Bus passes:

A temporary bus pass may be used for a student to ride home on a different bus.  Passes are available on the district website and in the Welcome Center and must be completed and approved BEFORE the date of use.  Drivers should be given a copy of the completed and approved bus pass as the student boards the bus.

Thanks for your patience with all of this.  It is much easier to verbalize than to communicate in writing.  Everyone typically gets the hang of this within the first fews days of school.  Our goal is to get students delivered and picked up safely, while also trying to keep traffic flow moving.

STUDENTS/PARENTS CUTTING THROUGH PICARDY LANE

When school is in session a number of cars are tempted to cut through Picardy Lane (northeast corner of Conway/Warson) causing traffic to back up at this intersection. We are asking families for assistance as a courtesy to the residents in this neighborhood. Please do not use Picardy Lane as a cut through to get to the school in the mornings. We have been advised that there will be police presence in that neighborhood to deter those who use it as a means of avoiding the intersection at Warson and Conway Roads.  

SPECIAL TREATS FROM CHARTWELLS

Our building policy does not allow consumption of food by others for safety reasons and to promote healthy living. Chartwells Food Service is offering treats for purchase to families that want to do something special for a birthday or other milestone.  We appreciate Chartwells for providing alternative options to families that want to have celebrations at school during lunch shifts. Check out the flyer that is attached to this update.

DISTRICT INFO  

BOARD BRIEFS

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

That’s all for now. Take Care! 

Dr. T-J

Principal, Ladue Middle School