The Leopard's Tale - September 17

Mon, 09/20/2021 - 12:43pm
The Leopard's Tale 
September 17, 2021

Dear LKMS Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

As we end week three of this school year, we are happy to report that we are off to a wonderful start!  Sure, there have been bumps in the road…a weather closure (already!), bus changes, mask mandates, just to name a few.  However, there have been an equal number of positive happenings at LKMS…smiling and engaged students, a fantastic Back-to-School Night, teachers and students forging positive relationships, and last but certainly not least, a focus on acclimating students back in to in-person, engaging and rigorous instruction. 

This week, we shared with students key HCPSS Code of Conduct policies and expectations.  Please review the attached information and discuss with your student.  It is important that parents, staff and students are all on the same page with regard to these important policies.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Ms. Lublin and Mrs. Ketterman

 

PTA SEPTEMBER MEETING

Our PTA will hold its first meeting of the year this Wednesday, September 22, 2021 6:30-8:00 p.m on Zoom. We hope that the virtual format  will enable you to get involved in the PTA and support our wonderful school.  Here is the Zoom information for the meeting:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://umd.zoom.us/j/96159198686?pwd=Qi9PQjduY0pNSVk3eFBDRkJqY3B4Zz09

Meeting ID: 961 5919 8686
Passcode: 560087
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,96159198686# US (Washington DC)

 

EARLY FALL TESTING INFORMATION

As part of continued COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education is conducting an early fall student assessment. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP; formerly PARCC) is the overarching term used for all state assessments. MSDE will administer assessments in the Early Fall for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/L), Mathematics, and Science (Maryland Integrated Science Assessment- MISA), as well as the Alternate Assessments in ELA, Mathematics and Science.  
 

Students at LKMS will participate in MCAP on the following days: 

  • Tuesday, 9/28- Math MCAP (all grades) 
  • Wednesday, 9/29- ELA MCAP (all grades) 
  • Tuesday, 10/5- MISA MCAP (6th grade) 

 

On the night before testing: 

  • Get a good night's sleep 
  • Charge your HCPSS laptop
  • Pack wired headphones (not bluetooth)
     

On the day of testing: 

  • Get to school on time; testing will take place in the morning
  • Bring your charged HCPSS Chromebook (testing must be done on an HCPSS Chromebook)*
  • Bring wired headphones (not bluetooth)* 

*Please note, cell phones, smart watches, and other non-test related electronic items are NOT allowed during testing. Students will receive directions on how to store these devices during testing.  

Please visit the following link to learn more about MCAP testing this fall.  

https://help.hcpss.org/grades-testing/mcap-early-fall-2021 

 

Important HS course information for 7th and 8th grade parents:

If your child is enrolled in a world language course (Spanish or French), a high school technology course (Foundations of Technology or Exploring Computer Science), or high school level math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, or Pre Calc) PLEASE READ BELOW.

You are receiving this letter because your child is taking a high school credit bearing course in middle school.  In accordance with Policy 8020: “Any high school course listed in the Middle School Course Catalog which is offered at the middle school is eligible for high school credit and will be treated as an equivalent.”  

  • The student’s course grade will be recorded on the high school transcript.
  • The student’s grade will not be calculated into the high school grade point average.
  • If a student re-takes one of the high-school courses that was taken in middle school for which credit was earned: 
    • The high school grade(s) will be calculated into the GPA, and
    • Only the first credit will be awarded.
  • If a student is receiving a full year of high school world language content within one middle school year, one high school credit will be awarded at the completion of that year. If a student is receiving the course content over two years, the high school credit will be awarded upon completion of the final year.

Please note that any middle school students enrolled in a high school level course who withdraws after the published withdrawal date of September 30, 2021 will receive a “W” on their high school transcript. A W (Withdrawal) code will be used to indicate that a student withdrew from a course more than the equivalent of four weeks (20 school days) from the start of the course, the date of enrollment for a non-traditional course, and did not transfer into another level of the same course. Courses with W codes will not receive credit and will not be calculated into the cumulative GPA.

Courses* this policy applies to include: 

  • ESOL - English Language Development 1 & 2 
  • Math - Algebra I, Algebra I GT, Geometry G/T, Algebra II G/T, and AP Statistics 
  • Technology Education - Exploring Computer Science & Foundations of Technology  
  • World Language - Spanish I & II, French I & II, and Chinese I & II (only at MHMS & MVMS)

* For more information on Middle School Courses please visit the 2021-22 Middle School Course Catalog (https://www.hcpss.org/f/academics/ms-catalog-2021-22.pdf

Please do not hesitate to call your school counselor, Mrs. Lucas or Mrs. Miles,  should you need assistance.

 

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Social emotional well-being is essential as we transition into a new school year, which for many has presented new challenges, anxiety, and emotional distress. As we recognize these challenges, it is important that we continue to educate ourselves and empower our school communities to engage in prevention efforts. Please refer to the below resources or our Student Services Team for support.
 

Informational Resources:

Crisis Resources: 

  • Grassroots 24 Hour Crisis Hotline/ Mobile Crisis Team – 410-531-6677
  • Text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 

For additional information, visit the HCPSS Mental Health and Wellness webpage.

 

FALL PICTURES

Life Touch Photography will be at LKMS on October 1.   Please look out for an order form that will be sent home with their students on Tuesday, September 28.  The order form is also attached here .

 

PTA SPIRIT WEAR

IT’S FREE SHIPPING TIME FOR YOUR LKMS SPIRITWEAR 9/17-10/4!

Your PTA welcomes you back to school with 2 weeks of free shipping on orders of any amount on Lime Kiln Spirit Wear t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, sweats, tote bags, masks, and more. Click here for the flyer  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xKiQGn88016gWpl8mjXoDjMERN4emkQx/view?usp=sharing

Visit the online store here where you can see all 12 Lime Kiln designs: www.LimeKilnSpiritWear.com

We have great NEW designs and some old favorites, 6 ink designs, including the new “May The Leopard Pride Be With You” design, and 6 different glitter designs in silver or green glitter!

All year long, shipping is free on orders over $50 … and NOW between 9/17-10/4, shipping is free on orders of ANY amount.

Show your LKMS pride, your Leopard Pride, with LKMS spirit shirts and attire!

 

Family File Information in HCPSS Connect

We are so close to having everyone complete this task!  If you have not done so already, please do so today!

The 2021-2022 Family File is now accessible to families through HCPSS Connect. It is time to update your child's emergency information. This is the most important step as we prepare for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Your Family file needs to be verified and/or updated EVERY school year.  

Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the Family File tab on the left and then clicking on Family File.

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  •  Student Information
  •  Parent/Guardian Contact
  •  Emergency Contacts
  •  Medical Information
  •  Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
  •  Media Coverage
  •  Data Confidentiality
  •  PTA Directory