TJs Tidbits


Greetings LMS Families, 

From what I've heard, sixth grade camp went well! Thank you Mark Biernbaum, Scott Lackey, LMS and District Staff, and LHWHS student counselors. I went down for a quick visit on Wednesday to see students from session one complete their final team building activities and to welcome students from session two while they arrived and participated in get to know you activities with their camp counselors. I am always amazed by all that happens over the course of three days. Each and every minute is planned with something fun and the days are extremely organized. I took several photos which were shared with Mr. Alimayu who will be sharing with 6th grade families through Parent Link.

A tremendous amount of bonding occurs at camp: student to student, staff to student, and staff to staff. Everyone returns home changed. Everyone also returns home EXHAUSTED! I was only there for one day and could barely get out of my car when I arrived at my house. If I were to guess, the kiddos were worn out and ready to hit the sack. I hope families took advantage of that moment. It's definitely a rare occasion. This year, I was almost convinced to go caving. It's soooo hard turning down cute sixth graders begging you to try it. They really know how to turn on their charm and I almost fell for it. However, there is absolutely NOTHING that I am afraid of more than being in small spaces. I just simply could not do it. Had I gone in there, it would not have been good. Maybe next year...

Although camp was super fun, I am very excited to get back to a normal week of school. From what I see on the calendar, there are not many events and activities scheduled, which is great. We can all use a little downtime. 


Have a blessed week! 


NEW INFORMATION


GRAVEL AREAS- SAFETY CONCERN

Please assist us with keeping your student safe by giving a reminder that the gravel areas in the front of the school under the green roof and in the back by the Industrial Tech room are off limits to all students at all times- including before/during/after school. We are in the process of having a fence/barrier placed in those areas. Students should not be in those areas or playing with rocks, hanging out, etc. Students seen in those areas are subject to disciplinary action.


FROM THE LMS CLINIC

Our LMS Clinic will conduct hearing screenings all day on Tuesday, 10/2 for seventh grade students, New to Ladue, and students receiving services from Special School District. 

Parents of sixth grade camp students, please be sure to stop by the nurses office this week to pick up your student's medication. Many families left without getting it last week.

SEVENTH GRADE MEMPHIS TRIP INFORMATION




Memphis Informational Meeting (For all 7th Grade Parents)

Do you have questions about the 7th Grade Trip to Memphis? We will have our Parent Informational Meeting on Wednesday, 10/10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the LMS Cafe. Please attend the parent informational meeting to learn about the trip, itinerary for each group going, what to pack, nurse information, etc.

Memphis Chaperone Meeting (Following the Parent Meeting for Chaperones Only)

Chaperones attending the Memphis trip need to stay for a meeting after our Informational Meeting to learn who is in your groups, guidelines for chaperoning, etc. The meeting is from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Memphis Trip Medical Needs
The 7th grade Memphis trip is coming soon. For students that need to take medicine while on the trip, please make sure an adult drops off all medication to the clinic.  For the 7th Grade Trip medicine drop off is due by Friday, October 12. If you have a medication that can not be split, then please call the clinic and alert them so they know to expect it the day that your child leaves for the Memphis Trip.  Again, medication must be dropped off and picked up by an adult for the safety of all our students. It is school district policy that students cannot transport or carry medication at school.

Roommate Reveal
We will be sharing roommate information with students in the following week.  Students were given an opportunity to choose one friend they would like to room with, then Mr. Alimayu, Mrs. Sykes and myself worked hard to place students into their room grouping. As much as we would like kids to always be with who they want as their second group, it is a really challenging job making placements.  When the lists are shared, please know that a lot of time and consideration went into making these groupings and that movement of students from rooms to other rooms will not be made- it creates a domino effect and is extremely difficult to accommodate.  Thank you for understanding- we greatly appreciate it!

UPCOMING CURE COMMITTEE MEETING
The CURE Committee is comprised of parents/guardians of African American students. CURE (Community, Understanding, Respect, Education) meets four times a year (on Tuesdays) from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with the superintendent. The kickoff meeting for the 2018-2019 school year will be on Tuesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the LHWHS Multipurpose Room. Dinner and childcare will be provided. If you plan on coming, please RSVP with Cassie Johnston at 314-983-5302 or cjohnston@ladueschools.net. 



BLUE/WHITE NIGHT (From Nick G. LHWHS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR)
We wish to invite families to our upcoming Blue/White Night, which celebrates our fall athletic and activity programs.  This will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3 in Nielson Gym.  

We would also like to invite everyone to join us at the Homecoming Bonfire immediately following Blue/White Night.  This will be held in the school’s north parking lot just outside of the Nielson Gym Lobby.  Parking in the upper portion of the north lot and parking in our south lot will be available.

Complimentary refreshments in the form of hot dogs, chips, lemonade, water and cookies will be provided by our wonderful LHWHS Parent Association and Dads Club. If you’d like to get involved with either of these organizations, or just help out for this one night, please click here to access the Blue/White Night and Bonfire Signup Genius:
We hope to see everyone on Wednesday, October 3 and at the game on Saturday, October 6.


LMS PICTURE RETAKES- 10/16- Fall Absentee and Retake School Pictures will be photographed at  Ladue Middle School on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 !

Wagner Portrait Group will be at school to photograph any students who were absent on the initial picture day or any student that needs his/her picture retaken. If you are having a picture taken as a RETAKE, please make sure your student returns their package in its entirety, including the package insert sheet, to the photographer. (Feel free to attach a note to describe what you’d like us to do differently.)

FOR ABSENTEE STUDENTS, GO ONLINE TO ORDER NOW!     http://bit.ly/2us0kyN
Order forms must be turned in to the photographer on picture day! Parents may either fill out the order form OR they may order online at www.WagnerPortraitGroup.comand use the password:  LMS

Don’t forget to dress appropriately as the school dress code will apply. Please direct all questions, concerns, or special requests directly to Wagner Portrait Group. We are happy to help!  314-567-5900


LMSPA INFO 

LMS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING DATE CHANGE - Meeting is 10/11 not 10/3

Join LMSPA in the library for their monthly meeting. Our October meeting has been moved from 10/3 to 10/11 (6:30-8:00 p.m.) All are welcome to come listen, ask questions, and contribute ideas. Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson will give a brief update as well.

PARENTS LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES- Sponsored by the LMSPA

Lunch and Learn is an opportunity for parents/guardians to bring their own nut-free lunch to eat while listening to a presentation that hopefully offers beneficial information. The LMSPA invites all parents and guardians to attend. Let’s work together to help our children develop those organizational skills we all strive to achieve.

JODI GRANOK-Survive and Succeed at Middle School
10/9 (noon) LMS Library   

Middle school is full of new tasks and priorities.  Students are responsible for maintaining multiple areas (bedroom, backpack, school locker) and preparing schoolwork for several teachers, each with different styles and expectations.  It can be completely overwhelming to handle this new school environment, unless you know some key fundamental organizing skills.
In this lunch and learn presentation designed for ADULTS ONLY, you will learn tips to pass onto to your middle schooler:

·      Learn tips and tricks on how to keep track of school paperwork
·      Use a planner to manage your time effectively
·      Organize your backpack and locker
·      Create a super study zone at home

Start the school year off right by learning how to carry less stuff, get more done, and have more time for fun! Jodi Granok, MSW is a professional organizer, productivity consultant, and speaker.  In 2008, she created Organizing Magic, LLC – a professional organizing company based in University City that works with overwhelmed people to get their homes, offices, and lives organized. Questions: stephaniewalker221@yahoo.com  We hope to see you there!
JENNY HOFFMAN-Recognizing Anxiety and Helping Your Child Cope
11/15 (noon) LMS Library

This presentation will help you identify common signs and symptoms of anxiety in your child and learn ways to help your child cope with this anxiety. In this lunch and learn presentation designed for ADULTS ONLY, practical strategies and mindfulness exercises will be presented. Additionally, resources within the school district and community will be explored. Jenny Hoffman is a therapist in private practice and a Professor at Washington University and Maryville University.Questions: stephaniewalker221@yahoo.com  We hope to see you there!

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):
          
           Wed. 10/11, 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

The LMSPA Executive Board:
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)
10/2 - 8th Grade Sports Volleyball Game
10/6 - LEF Due Run for Education (8:30 a.m.)

10/8 - Diversity Student Leaders Applications Due to Welcome Center
10/9 - Parents Lunch and Learn Series- (noon) LMS Library
10/9- 8th Grade Sports Volleyball Game
10/10- 7th Grade Trip Parent Meeting
10/11- LMSPA Parent Meeting (6:30-8:00 p.m.) 
10/15- NJHS Field Trip
10/16- NJHS Field Trip
10/16 -Picture Make Up Day
10/16- M&M Club Mtg
10/16- Ladue Parent Advisory Council Mtg (7:00 p.m.)
10/18-6th Grade Student Party
10/18-10/19-7th Grade Memphis Trip
10/24- PT Conferences 
10/25- PT Conferences
10/30-Orchestra Concert LPAC 7-9pm
11/7-Choir Concert LPAC 7-9 pm
12/6-Band Concert  LMS 7-9 p.m.


DISTRICT INFO  

BOARD BRIEFS



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

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


MONTHLY GRADE LEVEL HAPPENINGS


Click on the link below for your monthly "grade level happenings" update. This was a suggestion made by one of our parents.  



1:1 INITIATIVE UPDATE

Students have been issued computers, and are bringing them to each class every day.  This has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in content and stretch their thinking in all classes.  As with anything new, it comes with some predicted (and sometimes unpredicted) challenges. While we would like to think that a thousand 11, 12, & 13 year olds will be completely responsible every single day, that is sometimes not the case.  We have discussed, revised, and shared the grid below with our staff and students and wanted to make sure our parent community was aware of how we plan to handle some of these challenges. This grid is similar to the ones found in the student handbook and outlines how we plan to address certain issues.  We are going to ask students to leave their tech totes in the room they are getting their computer to eliminate as many obstacles to students and their learning. Please review the grid below with your child. Our goal is to ensure students are entering classrooms prepared with the necessary materials and tools to learn at high levels.

Student Computer Responsibility
Issue
Resolution
Consequence
Forgot computer in locker
Get computer from locker
Use privilege pass after first 10 minutes of class (Lunch Detention if out of privilege passes)
Took computer home / computer not at school
Send student with a signed pass to the library indicating the need for a computer
Lunch Detention
Teacher to email Mary L. who will complete discipline form.
Teacher to notify student of Lunch Detention (that day if before lunch, the next if after)
Using another student’s computer
Return computer to owner; Get assigned computer
Lunch Detention
Teacher to email Mary L. who will complete discipline form.
Teacher to notify student of Lunch Detention (that day if before lunch, the next if after)
Tech Tote not used/used inappropriately/tote lost
Reminder of expectations;
Student will still take computer to class
Lunch Detention
Teacher to email Mary L. who will complete discipline form.
Teacher to notify student of Lunch Detention (that day if before lunch, the next if after)
**pay $5 if it is lost for replacement
Excessive Issues
Parent Conference
As determined by grade level principal


GUARDIANS GUIDE TO CHROMEBOOKS
Please take a moment to read through the Guardian’s Guide to Chromebooks handout that was attached to the Parent Link Email that was sent on 9/16. It contains great information about the Chromebooks that have been issued to students this year as part of our 1:1 Initiative. Should you have any questions about our 1:1 Initiative, please contact Mr. Karl Kindt, LMS Technology Coordinator at kkindt@ladueschools.net

EIGHTH GRADE SPORTS  SPECTATORS

The new season for 8th Grade Sports starts this week. Game dates are: September 20, 25, 26; October 2 & 9 and begin either at 4 or 4:15 p.m. We welcome student spectators who want to support the players at home games. Students in any grade level who wish to stay after school to watch home volleyball games must be in a supervised activity after school and may not hang out in the gym during warm ups. Any student not following these expectations will be sent home on the activity bus. Students may not leave school (ie, walk down to businesses on Clayton road) and return unless they are accompanied by a parent. Late buses are not provided after games, and parents are required to pick students up within 10 minutes of the end of the last game. All of these requirements are in place to ensure the safety of our students, and so we know all students are in a supervised activity at all times.

SEVENTH GRADE MEMPHIS TRIP UPDATE:

New information was shared this weekend about the Memphis Trip. All seventh grade parents should click here for the latest information. Please contact Dr. Vanessa Cochran if you have any questions.

LMS DIVERSITY STUDENT LEADERS 2018-19

Purpose and History- LMS has a historic commitment to ensuring that each student feels that their race, religion, culture, identity, and abilities are respected by their peers, teachers, staff members, and the school community.  Students have been surveyed each year since 2008 to measure our school climate specifically in the areas of feeling welcomed, supported, and safe.

Two school committees, Character Education and Diversity, meet monthly to discuss what students and parents tell us about our school and to plan activities that promote school objectives:  
  • All students, staff, and families will feel a sense of belonging to the LMS community.
  • All community members will demonstrate cultural, racial, and religious understanding.

Students have had a variety of opportunities to learn about and promote diversity, including trainings provided by Educational Equity Consultants (EEC) and the MICDS Diversity Leadership Conference.  During the 2017-18 school year, fifty students representing LMS’ class meeting groups participated in four two-hour training sessions and then led an activity on I Am LMSDay in March.

Diversity Student Leaders 2018-19- Interested students should bring their lunches to meetings during their specific lunch periods on September 19th.  Students who prefer to purchase lunch should order a Chartwell’s sack lunch from their counselor by the morning of that day.  Phil Hunsberger from EEC will talk about Nelson Mandela and introduce the topic of “67 Minutes of Service.” Students who want to apply to be a Diversity Student Leader may pick up an application at that time.

To apply, students should do 67 minutes of service to school, document on the application and return it to the Welcome Center by Oct. 8.  They may decide what service they want to do, but ideas include reaching out to other students they don’t know, participating in a school service club, etc. Twenty five students will be selected from applications received.

Diversity Student Leaders will meet in the LMS library for trainings with Phil Hunsberger on the following dates and times.  Students must be in good academic standing as they will be responsible for classwork they miss as a result of these sessions.  

First training, Friday Oct. 19, periods 2-3 (9:08-10:56)
Second training Monday, December 10 (9:08-10:56)
Third training, Friday, January 11 - brainstorm for I Am LMS (9:08-10:56)
Fourth training, Monday, March 11 - fine tune for I Am LMS (9:08-10:56)

The trainings will culminate in an activity on I Am LMS Day on Friday, March 14th.
Questions may be addressed to Janey Worthington.

‘DUE RUN FOR EDUCATION

6th Annual 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk-Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at LHWHS
After the run/walk, the festivities will continue at the finish line with awards, attendance prizes, music, food and drinks! Early bird registration available until September 19 (price will increase $5/person after).  Adults (13+) $25, Kids (2-12) $15, Free under age 2! Register at www.laduefoundation.org Run 4 Fun, 4 Education & 4 Ladue!

EARLY PICK UPS/DISMISSALS

Parents/Guardians, we understand that there will be circumstances when you will have to pick your child up early from school.  We urge you to please call ahead or email our attendance secretary, Danna Anderson, so that she can get a note to your child ahead of time.  This process helps you by having your child in the office waiting for your arrival and this procedure also helps us avoid continuously calling into classrooms and disrupting teachers while they are instructing our students. Limiting early dismissals at the end of the day after 2:45 p.m. is extremely important. Our teachers and students are learning in our classrooms until the bell rings at 3:10. The constant early dismissals occurring at the end of the day has been very disruptive. Unless it is an emergency, please help us by following the normal dismissal procedures of carpool for bus riders at the end of the day.  We appreciate your efforts in helping us make learning a top priority here at LMS. Our attendance secretary is Danna Anderson. Her contact information is below: danderson@ladueschools.net or 314-993-3900.

FALL PT CONFERENCES

Registration for parent teacher conferences opened at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 9/4. You can sign up for conferences by clicking this link or cut and paste this into your browser:

Conferences are:
   Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and
   Thursday, October 25, 2018, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Teachers will have a 40-minute break at the following times:
   Thursday, October 25, 2018 - Core @ 4:20 p.m., Exploratory @ 5:00 p.m.

We STRONGLY encourage families to sign up ASAP as slots fill rather quickly.



AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES-  After School Activities have begun. Activities run from 3:20-4:20 p.m. Transportation is provided for district residents via late bus. Students may attend most activities on a drop in basis. The choice is theirs. Please consider having your student participate. Click on the 2018-2019 After School Activities Link  for more information. In addition to the link on our school website, the list will be posted in the lobby.  



AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY PICK UP
For safety reasons, if picking up your student from an after school activity prior to the 4:20 bell, please stop by the Welcome Center so that he/she can be checked out of the building. Once you notify the office that you are here to pick up your student, the Activity Coordinator will have the student sent down ASAP. We appreciate your assistance with this as it helps us tremendously with attendance monitoring and reporting.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY CARPOOL
PLEASE NOTE: We are asking parents who pick up students from after school activities to please pull into a parking spot or pull over to the outer curb until your student comes outside at dismissal. This allows the curb nearest the school to remain open for bus arrival. We have to get five (5) late buses into our parking lot and parked. Buses will be unable to pull into the circle drive to park because cars are stopped in the middle of the lot or parked right in front of the school. We thank you in advance for your assistance.


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. ISTRONGLY 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 and below. 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.

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. 


That’s all for now. Take Care! 
Dr. T-J
Principal, Ladue Middle School

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