Leopard's Tale - May 11, 2021

Tue, 05/11/2021 - 11:43am

Leopard's Tale

May 11, 2021

 

LKMS Important Dates and News

May 13-        Schools Closed for Students - Professional Learning/Articulation Day
May 17-        Rising 6th Grade Virtual Visit
May 19-        PTA Virtual Meeting - 6:30pm
May 19-        MAP Testing (Reading) - 8:45-11:00am
May 26-        MAP Testing (Math) - 8:45-11:00am
May 31-        Schools/Offices Closed - Memorial Day
June 9-         Rising 9th Grade Virtual Visit
June 10-       8th Grade Celebratory Drive Through Parade (Rain Date- June 11th)
June 10-15   3 Hour Early Dismissals - Last Day of School - June 15th

View our full calendar for LKMS News.

 

A Message from Administration

Last week we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week. We commend the LKMS staff for their efforts to make every day academically challenging and emotionally safe for our students. On behalf of the entire LKMS staff, we want to thank our wonderful PTSA for making this week extra special for us. The PTSA spoiled us with wonderful treats and we are grateful for the support of our community.

HCPSS Board of Education declares May 2021 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the Howard County Public School System. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates the rich heritage and cultural, intellectual, economic, and social contributions of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage.

Additionally, in May we honor and celebrate the legacy of Jewish Americans with Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month takes its theme from the ancient Jewish scholar and teacher Hillel’s most well-known saying, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?  If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” and the work of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma.

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan began on Monday, April 12th, and ends on the evening of Wednesday, May 12th. We wish all families who are celebrating a happy Ramadan.

A reminder that schools are closed for students on Thursday, May 13th. Thank you for your ongoing support and continued collaboration as we finish the year strong.

 

 

Information and News

 

Measure of Academic Performance (MAP) Testing

On May 19th and May 26th (Wednesdays), students in grades 6-8 will have the opportunity to complete the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/

The reading test will be offered on May 19th (8:45-11:00 AM). The math test will be offered on May 26th (8:45-11:00 AM). Teachers will share Google Meet information and as we get closer to the May testing dates.

Please note the following exceptions for middle school testing:

  •     Students in 8th grade GT-ELA do not take the Reading Test.
  •     Students taking HS level math classes (Alg1 or 2, Geometry or Statistics) do not take the Math Test.

Students who do not have a school-issued device and will be participating in MAP testing, may pick up a device from our Media Center for the testing sessions.

8th Grade Promotion Celebration

There will be an optional 8th Grade Drive-Through Celebratory parade on Thursday, June 10 (Rain date: June 11).   More information on this celebration will be coming in the next few weeks.

Student Service Learning Hours

This week we are wrapping up the Student Service Learning Project for this year. Students will complete the reflection forms during Leopard Pride homeroom on Wednesday, May 12.  It is extremely important that every student attend homeroom this Wednesday from 10:45am-11:15 am to fill out the required documentation.   If you are able, we are still collecting pledges to provide animals to families in need around the world.  Pledges will be collected until Tuesday, May 11.
https://fundraise.heifer.org/lkmsgrade6
https://fundraise.heifer.org/lkmsgrade7
https://fundraise.heifer.org/lkmsgrade8

The only way for students to receive the 25 hours of Student Service Learning each year in middle school is by participating in the school-sponsored program. If you have missed any homeroom classes, please take time to review the information that was covered during that week using this link. You will need to write a short reflection on what you learned from the project.

 
Course Requests for the 2021/22 School Year

Your student’s 2021-2022 course requests will be available to view Thursday, May 13, through Thursday, May 20, in HCPSS Connect. It is recommended that you and your student review the course requests. If there is an error or you would like to adjust a course request, it is advised that you first speak with your student’s teacher and current school counselor, Ms. Beth_Lucas@hcpss.org (A-L) or Ms. Anna_Miles@hcpss.org (M-Z) with any questions.  Please note this is not your schedule and there may be future adjustments due to course availability and/or staffing.

 
Health Room News

Please read the latest important information from our Health Room.   Parents/Guardians should call our Health Room, 410-880-5916 or email the cluster nurse at Kassandra_Wanless@hcpss.org with any questions or concerns regarding your student's health.

 
Attendance Reporting Procedures

Please use our "Absence Reporting School Email":  LKMSabsence@hcpss.org for reporting your child's absences.  Please do not send paper notes to school with your child.  The first point of contact for absence questions should be sent to your child's teacher.  Click here for the LKMS Staff List.   To view attendance information for your child, log in to HCPSS Connect and click on Attendance in the left panel.

Attendance During Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Instruction

If you need additional assistance, email Rhonda Hill, School Counseling Secretary, rhonda_hill@hcpss.org.

 
Media Center News

Attention Parents and Students!
We have many outstanding books checked out from our Media Center. Please take the time to look around your home for any books you have not returned. Lime Kiln offers a "checkout" and "return" service daily between the hours of 8am-12pm, Monday through Friday.  Books may be returned and retrieved from the book cart located in the school's Front Office vestibule.  If you wish to checkout a new book, please complete this new Survey.

 

 

PTA News

Read the latest news and events on our PTA website.

 

 

HCPSS News and Information

Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC)

Wednesday, May 12, 7 p.m., virtual meeting

All middle and high school students interested in getting involved in student leadership and service are invited to attend the May 12 meeting of the Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC). The meeting theme will be "Looking Ahead" to next year, including officer elections, final words from the current HCASC officers, a recap of this school year, and a look ahead to leadership opportunities next year. Students should pre-register to receive the meeting link. For more information, please email cindy_drummond@hcpss.org.

River Hill High School

The River Hill High School Boosters are sponsoring summer camps at River Hill High School.  The camps are designed to help young athletes improve their fundamental athletic skills.  Weekly camps begin June 14, from 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm.  Camp times will be adjusted for the last two days of school on June 14 and 15.  Over twenty different camps are offered this summer, including football, soccer, baseball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, weight training, and an Art camp.  Camp information and registration are available at www.riverhill.org.

 

New HCPSS Community News and Programs Site

In response to community requests for resources, HCPSS’ new Community News and Programs  website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations.

Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org.