The Leopard's Tale

Thu, 08/05/2021 - 10:06am
The Leopard's Tale - August 5, 2021
 

Welcome Back Edition 21-22

 

Dear LKMS Families and Community Members,

We hope that this finds you enjoying a more “normal” summer!  The past year and a half have taken a toll on all of us, particularly our students and staff.  We hope that all students and their families have had a chance this summer to rest, relax, and recharge for the upcoming school year.

At this time, the expectation is that we will return to a 7-period school day, with all students and staff returning to in-person instruction.  While all staff and students will be required to wear masks, we hope to return to a more normalized routine, including use of lockers, cafeteria tables, etc. As we learn more about the state and county directives that will impact us, we will share with you.  

It’s hard to believe that many of our students have spent little or no time in our building! We will be working with our staff to ensure that we are doing everything we can to assist our students with this transition.   In the meantime, mark your calendars for the New Student and 6th Grade Orientation, which will be followed by an Open House for all students on Thursday, Aug 26, 2021(see below for times).

We look forward to seeing you in a few short weeks!  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out (best by email) with any questions or needs that you may have.

Be well,

Ms. Lublin and Ms. Ketterman

 

Staff Changes 

We have had some changes to our staff over the summer.  Please join me in wishing Ms. Emily Howse, Dr. Tanja Wheeler and Ms. Sarah Kessler the best as they transition to new roles and new schools.  We will miss them, but they will always be a part of our “Leopard Family.”

We are excited to welcome the following new staff to our “Leopard Family”:

  • Yan Cao - Math
  • Michael Baird - ELA
  • Kevin Zdrale - FACS
  • Hannah Avery - Art (.4)

Please welcome our current LKMS staff to their new positions for 21-22:

  • Stefanie Taylor - Media Specialist (former ELA teacher)
  • Ashley Appler - Special Education Teacher (former Paraeducator)
  • Ashley Sherrod - Paraeducator (former Student Assistant)

Additional hiring is underway throughout the summer and we’ll keep you posted with updates.

 

IMPORTANT - Revision to Policy 8080 (Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools and Social Media)

This policy (often referred to as the “cell phone policy”) was revised by a HCPSS committee (composed of staff, students, and community members) and adopted into use as of July 1, 2020.  Obviously, due to the fact that we were not in the building until the following spring, we decided to fully implement the policy this school year when we could review it with all students, families and staff.  

We will be reviewing the policy more in depth with students during the first weeks, but in the meantime, below are the two most important details for you to know.  It will be a big change, and we know you will partner with us to support students in making this transition.

As of the first day of school, the following applies to ALL students:

  • Students will not use personal technology devices during  non-instructional time, to include but not limited to transition between classes, lunch, recess, or in bathrooms.  This includes any “free” time at the beginning or end of a period.

  • Students assume full responsibility for personal technology devices, therefore, HCPSS is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged personal technology devices.

 

Family File is now available for the 2021-22 School Year

Parents can now access and complete the Family File for this year and it is done through HCPSS Connect.  Parents must complete the Family File every year to ensure HCPSS has the most current information for each child.   Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to verify or update the following information:  Student Information, Parent/Guardian Contact, Emergency Contact, Medical Information, Arrival/Dismissal Procedures, Photo Approval, PTA Directory, etc.  Updating your information, including email addresses and contact information, and pushing the “Submit” button will ensure that you are receiving the most recent news from Lime Kiln Middle School.

 

School Supplies 

Attached below you will find a suggested HCPSS School Supply list.  Our best advice to you and your student is to wait until after the first few days of school to purchase needed supplies, as often students and families buy more than is needed.  Also, please encourage students to purchase minimal locker decorations.   These are often too large for our lockers, and prevent the students from utilizing their lockers to store needed items.

 

Mark your Calendars!!

  • August 19        -  School staff return!
  • August 26        -  Sixth-Grade and 7/8 New Student Orientation 1:30-2:30 pm
  • August 26        -  Optional Open House for all students 3:30-4:30 pm
  • August 30        – School begins for students!
  • September 6    – Labor Day - Schools and Offices closed
  • September 7     - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices closed
  • September 9     - Back to School Night 6:30 pm
  • September 16   - Schools and Offices closed (Yom Kippur)
  • October 1          - School Picture Day
  • October 15        - Professional Work Day (No Students)