The Leopard’s Tale – Friday, September 24
Dear LKMS Parents, Guardians and Community Members,
Happy Fall! We have survived our first five-day week in a while, along with the ushering in of a new season and a torrential downpour upon arrival on Thursday. Students and staff are doing a tremendous job of acclimating back to school routines.
Enjoy this fall weather weekend!
Ms. Lublin and Mrs. Ketterman
Important Dates and News
September 28- MCAP (Math) Testing (Morning)
September 29- MCAP (ELA) Testing (Morning)
October 1- Student Picture Day
October 5- MCAP (MISA) - 6th Grade (Morning)
October 5- PTA's "Gotta Eat Night"
October 15- Schools Closed for Students (Professional Day)
October 20 - PTA Virtual Meeting - 6:30pm
October 21 - Flu Clinic
October 29 - 6th Grade "Ice Breaker"
November 5 - Student Picture Day
LKMS News
MS Cell Phone Policy
A reminder that as of last school year (however, fully implemented in this school year) middle school students in HCPSS are no longer able to access and utilize their cell phones during the school day. If a student is in violation of this policy, progressive discipline will be followed. Upon the first incidence, the student will be asked to put their phone away and/or store it in the front office (securely) to pick up at the end of the school day. Subsequent violations will result in implementation of the HCPSS Code of Conduct disciplinary responses, as appropriate. Thank you for helping us reinforce this expectation for all students.
Backpack Usage and Lockers
HCPSS has allowed students in middle school to carry a backpack throughout the school day with the goal of protecting their school issued laptops. Unfortunately, many students are using their backpacks to carry all of their items throughout the school day. This is concerning on many levels, most importantly the safety of students. Full backpacks, along with lunch bags, coats, etc. can be a heavy burden on developing and growing adolescent bodies. Students walk through the halls stooped over and loaded down by overstuffed backpacks. We have instructed and encourage students to only load their backpacks with their computers and enough school materials for a few classes at a time. All students have been assigned lockers for storage of their personal and school items.
“Tik Tok” Challenge
Unfortunately, there is a viral challenge on the social media website, “Tik Tok” which encourages students to destroy soap dispensers in school bathrooms, among other things. Some of our LKMS students have joined in this challenge and have vandalized our bathrooms by pulling the soap dispensers and liquid soap refills off the walls. We have been able to identify some of the students responsible, and have applied appropriate HCPSS Code of Conduct response. Please talk with your students about the seriousness of vandalism and the lack of respect it shows for themselves and our school. Thank you.
Family File Information
Please update your student's Family File information for the 2021/22 school year.
Listen and Learn Virtual Meeting
A "virtual"
Listen and Learn session hosted by our Community Superintendent and Performance Director will be held Tuesday, September 28, from 7:00-8:00pm. The session will be facilitated by students from the Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC). All middle and high school students are welcome to participate and share feedback directly with HCPSS leaders about their school experiences. Students who would like to attend will need to
RSVP in order to receive the link for the meeting.
HCPSS STARTALK Chinese Language After-School Program (Virtual)
Free Fall 2021 HCPSS STARTALK Chinese Language After-School Program (virtual) for current HCPSS Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. Please read further for more information. Parents/Guardians may complete enrollment requests via HCPSS Connect between Monday, September 27, 2021 at 8:00 am and Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 8:00 am.
Early Fall Testing
Early Fall Testing will take place next week. Please read further for more testing information and dates.
Student Services News
8th Grade Students and Parents!
Read the latest information regarding Career Academies for high school students.
PTA News
Student Spirit Wear is now available! For more information and PTA news, visit our PTA website.