April 29, 2016

TJs Tidbits

Greetings LMS Families, 

Whew! We have completed the first round of NWEA Testing in ELA, Math, and Science. These assessments allow us to see where are students are currently in their understanding of grade level standards. We will not test again until January. 

Our 6th graders are gearing up for camp, which is the week of 9/24-9/28. So much goes into the planning and execution of camp. Students always come back having had the best time. I want to take this time to thank Mr. Mark Biernbaum, Camp Coordinator for all of his work. I know it will be an AMAZING experience for our students. 

The Memphis Trip is fast approaching. We were recently notified that we have to make a slight change in our return time for one of the groups. Parents should have received communication from Dr. Cochran explaining the details this weekend. This trip is a highlight for our students as it supports social studies and science curriculum and our school's emphasis on appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It  also gives students an opportunity to demonstrate many of the 7th grade character qualities and traits that are taught. Mr. Quentin Alimayu, Memphis Trip Coordinator has spent an inordinate amount of time planning this trip and we appreciate his work. Thank you Mr. Alimayu! 

Eighth grade sports start this week. We are fortunate to have this "no cut" program for students. It allows them to experience athletic competition and learn the importance of good sportsmanship without the pressure of being selected for the team. Thank you to Mr. Jason Theodosiou who coordinates the program. 

On 9/11, we spent time remembering the tragedy that took place in our country by having a moment of silence. Many students and staff supported this effort by dressing in patriotic colors (red, white, and blue). Please check out the pictures that were shared in Sunday's Parent Link. 

We've been in school for a little over a month, but it seems like we've been here much longer than that. LMS is a very busy place. We love it though and thank you for sending us your children. 

Have a blessed week! 

NEW INFORMATION

MONTHLY GRADE LEVEL HAPPENINGS

Last year, I met with a parent who shared shared several suggestions on ways we can grow as a school. One of her ideas was to provide more specific information about what's happening in each grade level for parents. Our Admin Team discussed the suggestion and came up with the idea to send a monthly newsletter with grade level specific "happenings" and a brief update on the curriculum being studied in each of the core classes. You can find the newsletters here:

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

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.

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Beginning September 15 (to coincide with the independence day of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica), the LMS Diversity Cadre will be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, displaying some important figures and their contributions in various disciplines from a number of countries. The celebration ends on October 15.Please ask your student what he/she learns this month.  

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 LMS Day 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!

LEF ANNUAL BREAKFAST

Join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 from (9:00-11:00 a.m.) at Ladue Horton Watkins High School for the 12th annual community breakfast as we come together as a community to celebrate our successes, learn about current initiatives, and support future programs. During the breakfast you will hear Foundation & District Updates. The LEF will also honor Dr. Chuck McKenna,Ladue Schools Superintendent, 1972-2000. Tours of the renovated building will be available for attendees only immediately following the event. Guest Speaker is Dr. Donna Jahnke, Ladue Schools Superintendent. If interested in attending, please register here. Send photos, notes or stories about Dr. Chuck McKenna to lef@ladueschools.net or mail to the LEF at 9703 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141

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.

FROM THE LMS CLINIC

All 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.

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!

LMS SCHOOL FUNDRAISER-The time has come for our annual Fall Fundraising at LMS. Funds raised are used for supporting various activities as well as funding projects at the school.  This year we're running two different programs to provide our families more choices. Students were given a Yankee Candles catalog and a Mixed Bag Designs catalog last week to take home. Fundraising runs for four weeks and the the last day for submitting orders is Friday September 28. Students will need to drop their order forms along with the check at the Welcome Center. Funds raised are used to enhance opportunities for our students and provide additional resources, from field trips to technology, teacher grants, family resources, community events, teacher and staff appreciation events and gifts, and facility improvements. Last year, your donations enabled the purchase of a new sound system for the gym, the completion of new library furniture sets,  a washer/dryer for the school, installation of a butterfly garden and more! Should you have any questions, please contact Usha Kesavan at 314 915 3006 orusha.kesavan@gmail.com

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)

9/19 Diversity Student Leaders Lunch Informational Meeting

9/20 Class Meetings

9/20 M&M Club Mtg

9/20 8th Grade Sports Volleyball Game

9/22 8th Grade Party Car Wash

9/24-9/26  6th Grade Camp #1

9/25 8th Grade Sports Volleyball Game

9/26-9/28 6th Grade Camp #2

9/26   8th Grade Sports Volleyball Game 

9/28  Last Day for LMS Fundraiser

9/29 -LEF Breakfast LHWHS 9 - 11am

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

10/18-10/1-7th Grade Memphis Trip

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)

PICTURE RETAKES INFORMATION

If your student was unable to take a school picture at Community Night, the make-up date is October, 16.

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:

https://www.myconferencetime.com/laduems

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.

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 was 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.

1:1 TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

This school year, we have assigned all students a laptop to use throughout the school day so they can have technology access any time a teacher needs it in core and elective classes. Prior to this year, teachers shared laptop carts and in many instances could not get technology when needed for instruction. Along with this, we will be teaching students about Digital Citizenship in class meetings throughout the year using curriculum from Common Sense Media. We will have discussions about appropriate online behavior and safety issues that students may face both in and out of school. Topics include: the place of digital media in our lives, identity theft and how can you protect yourself from it, and how to judge the intentions and impact of people's words and actions online. Be on the lookout for more information to come home soon.

TECH TOTES

Please help us by reminding your student that the ONLY items that should be placed inside the Tech Totes are technology (Chromebooks) and technology accessories (earbuds). Students should not place any other items (books, writing utensils, clothing, food, etc) inside. Please also remind students that their tech totes should remain at school and should not be taken home. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

PLANNER AND TECH TOTE REPLACEMENTS

Planners- If students need a new planner (lost, damaged, etc.), they should see their school counselor in the Welcome Center  to get a new one. Tech Totes- If students need a new tech tote (lost, damaged, etc.), they may get a replacement from the AP office (see  Ms. LoBosco). Both items are $5 to replace.

SAUDI EDUCATOR IMMERSION PROGRAM

This year, we are excited to be participating in a program developed through a grant from Saint Louis University (SLU) to support talented educational leaders from Saudi Arabia. Through this program, selected Saudi professional educators spend one year “immersed” in school districts known for excellence and student performance. Belleville, Kirkwood, Mehlville, Pattonville, Ritenour, Webster Groves, Ladue, Clayton, Hazelwood, and Lindbergh are also participating.

The two primary components of the program are to introduce participants to local culture and to provide English language development within the constructs of education. To this end, two teachers from Saudi Arabia will be in our school 3.5 days each week between Sept. 4 and Oct. 4. Not only do we anticipate these participants will benefit greatly from their experience at Ladue Middle School, we are excited about the cultural and educational contributions they will make to our school!

Throughout the program, participants work closely with SLU education faculty as well as district leaders to study evidence-based, effective educational leadership practices. Based on their experiences, Saudi participants are then able to create leadership for change initiatives to use in their schools, districts, and country when they return home.

We look forward to welcoming these visitors to our Ladue Schools family!

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