Christmas Holiday

Lorena ISD will be out for Christmas Break, December 23rd through January 6th.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 7th.  There will be continued construction in the back of the school throughout the holidays.  When we return in January, our modified morning drop off and traffic flow will be in place.

From all of us at Lorena Middle School, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Construction Update

Lorena Middle School will begin its portion of construction the week of December 16th.  The first phase of the project will require the demolition of the concrete recess area.  We ask that no vehicles park in the back of the school during school hours, beginning December 16th, as there will be various construction trucks in and out of the area.

Morning drop off and afternoon bus line will continue to be located in the back of the building, although it will be slightly modified. Please see the picture for more detailed information.  Hard copies of the information below are available from the Lorena Middle School Office.  Please contact us with any questions you may have. Thank you in advance for your patience and support.  Great things are happening in the Lorena ISD and at Lorena Middle School.

December Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Schulte!  Mrs. Schulte has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for December.   Mrs. Schulte teaches 7^th  Career and Technology.  This is Mrs. Schulte's 12th year to teach at Lorena Middle School. 
Below is a portion from the nomination letter  Mrs. Schulte received:


Mrs. Schulte deserves to be teacher of the month.  She does an incredible job keeping the 7th grade team organized and communicates well with all stakeholders.  Mrs. Schulte works well with all students.  It doesn't matter what subject the student is struggling in, Mrs. Schulte goes the extra mile to help them.  She opens her computer lab early, before school starts, to provide tutoring or student access to the internet.  The bottom line is that Mrs. Schulte is always willing to help a student be successful.

Mrs. Schulte is a huge asset to the 7th grade team and to the Lorena Middle School.

Congratulations Mrs. Schulte!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

Holiday Helping Hands

     Dear Lorena Middle School Parents,

It is hard to believe, but the holidays are already around the corner! With that in mind, there are a few local resources that offer help to our families in need during the Christmas season.  If your family is in need of assistance this year to provide food or gifts such as clothes, shoes, or coats for your children, you can contact the school and ask for the school counselor. You may reach me at the Middle School at 857-4621.  

Please contact me by Monday, December 3^rd so there is enough time to make plans. 

We hope to help make this holiday season a wonderful one for you and your family.  

November Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Peevey!  Mrs. Peevey has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for November.   Mrs. Peevey teaches 7^th and 8^th grade Theater Arts.  This is Mrs. Peevey’s 2^nd year at Lorena Middle School. 

Below is a portion from the nomination letter  Mrs. Peevey received:

It is not often in Texas that we take our kids to Saturday, Sunday or 6am practices without it being sports related, nor are kids excited about practices at these times.  However, there is an exception to that rule.  We took our daughter to these practices and saw her passion for theater growing.  These amazing kids worked hard and it paid off with first place medals from the UIL competition for One Act Play.

Our daughter has chosen to continue in Theater this year because of Mrs. Peevey.  This year, the program continues to be excellent. The Theater II students performed a play on a difficult topic about using social media in front of their peers and teachers.  When the curtain closed, I was amazed!  The kids were incredible!  Many parents commented about how great the performance was. Lots of students told their parents about the play and many others wished they could have seen it too.  So while the performance was great, the message was delivered as well.

I attribute this program’s success to the hard work, dedication and love that Mrs. Peevey has put into it.  I am simply amazed at what she has accomplished in such a short period of time.  Mrs. Peevey has done a wonderful job and I look forward to seeing what’s next from Lorena Middle School Theater.

Congratulations Mrs. Peevey!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

October Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Campbell!  Mrs. Campbell has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for October. Mrs. Campbell teaches 8th grade math.  She has been teaching students at Lorena Middle School for 3 years but in the field of education for 22 years. 

Below is a portion from the nomination letter

Mrs. Campbell received:

Mrs. Campbell deserves to be Teacher of the Month.  Both of my students were so ready for high school because of Mrs. Campbell.  

Not only does Mrs. Campbell teach students how to be strong math students, she teaches them to think for themselves and push themselves to do better.  Mrs. Campbell also requires students to be prepared and organized for learning. She is patient and understanding when working Mrs. Campbell teaches multiple ways to solve problems, knowing that there isn't just one way to correctly work a math problem.

Mrs. Campbell has taught two of our children, and we hope our third child will be able to have her too. Again, Mrs. Campbell is very deserving of Teacher of the Month.

Congratulations Mrs. Campbell!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

September Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Pitts!  Mrs. Pitts has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for September. Mrs. Pitts teaches 7th grade math, regular and advanced.  She has been teaching students at Lorena Middle School for 7 years.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter
Mrs. Pitts received:

I would like to nominate Mrs. Pitts for Teacher of the Month.  She is a quiet person and has a calm demeanor when dealing with her students. Mrs. Pitts does not get flustered easily.  She has high expectations for her students and they want to behave for her in the classroom.  Mrs. Pitts's students respond very well to her which leads to a positive learning environment.

As a parent, I appreciate her willingness to work at different grade levels.  I have enjoyed the opportunity for my children to have her as their teacher several times in different grades.

Mrs. Pitts is also a parent of students in the Lorena I.S.D., so she knows the importance of being involved with school activities and keeping parents informed. She sends weekly emails with academic and extracurricular activities which is a great resource for parents.

We have had Mrs. Pitts teach both of our children, one having her as a teacher multiple times.  We are thrilled that she will be teaching one of our children again, now in the 7th grade.
Congratulations Mrs. Pitts!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

Meet the Teacher Nights

Lorena Middle School will host two Meet the Teacher nights in September.  The first Meet the Teacher night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. for 7th and 8th graders. We will meet in the Lorena Middle School Gym.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about expectations for your students this school year.  It is also a great opportunity to meet your student's teachers and see where your students spend a majority of their day.  Additionally, if you need to schedule a more in-depth conference with one of your student's teachers, there will be an opportunity to sign up in that teacher's room.

The 6th grade Meet the Teacher will be held on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m.  In addition to the above information listed for the 7th and 8th grade Meet the Teacher night, parents and students will have an opportunity to learn about the Lexington Trip scheduled for May 2014.

We hope to see you at one of the Meet the Teacher nights.  For students to be successful, it takes all of us working together.  Thank you in advance for you support.

Principal's Welcome

Welcome to Lorena Middle School.

"Greatness is not a function of circumstance.  Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline." Jim Collins in Good to Great.

The 2013-2014 school year is off to a FANTASTIC start! In the Lorena I.S.D. a "Tradition of Excellence" has always been about the journey from good to great, or in this year's case, our journey to "Discover Extraordinary."  Lorena Middle School will support that district initiative by continuing to share our passion for learning with the students we serve in grade five through eight. With community and parent support, our goal is to ensure that each student has a challenging and safe learning environment in which to excel.

Lorena Middle School will "Discover Extraordinary" through high expectations, respect for ourselves and others, integrity, and excellence in all that we say and do.  For the 2013-2014 school year, our goal is to Dive Below the Surface to Discover Extraordinary.  So much more exists below the surface level.  Deep thinkers are created by diving below the surface to see all that lies beneath it.  At Lorena Middle School, all faculty and students have the opportunity to be EXTRAORDINARY and we will discover that throughout the school year.

It truly is an honor to teach the children of Lorena. Teachers will create many exciting and fun learning opportunities.  I have encouraged each of our students to get to know our teachers, value the opportunities provided, and be inspired by the great things they learn this year.

It's a great day to be a leopard and it's going to be an EXTRAORDINARY year at Lorena Middle School!

Back to School

WOW! The start of the 2013-2014 school year is right around the corner.
Tuesday, August 27th is the first day of school for students.

However, before the first day of school, we have a couple of back to school events planned for parents and students at Lorena Middle School.

Thursday, August 22nd at 6:30 p.m.      5th Grade Meet the Teacher
Students will get a chance to tour the school and check things out. Parents will learn more about what is expected in the 5th grade. Parents will also be able to pick up registration packets.  Completed packets can be returned to the campus on Friday, August 23rd.


Friday, August 23rd      Registration, Schedule Pick Up & Yearbook Photos
Parents will need to update and complete registration packets during their students designated grade level time. All shots and required records must be up to date before a student will be issued an official schedule. Yearbook photos will be taken on Friday so please make sure students are in dress code. Below are designated times for reach grade level. If you have students in mutiple grade levels, please come to the later scheduled time. Also, if you are unable to attend during your student's designated time, we will have registration packets in the office until 5:30 p.m. Registration packets and schedules may be obtained on Monday, August 26th as well.
                                                                 
                  7th grade  8:00 - 10:00      
                  5th grade  10:00 - Noon
                  6th grade  12:00 - 2:00      
                  8th grade  2:00 - 4:00

It's going to be a FABULOUS year at Lorena Middle School! We look forward to seeing everyone.
                                                                   

Important Back to School Information

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer break.  The start to the 2013-2014 school year will be here before you know it.  I wanted to remind all families that our registration and schedule pick-up will take place on Friday, August 23rd.  We will have more information about times for each grade level.  School pictures will also be taken on this day, so please make sure your student is in dress code and ready to start the school year.

A special note to 7th graders - 7th graders MUST have all their immunizations updated before they are allowed to enroll in school. All students must have one dose TDaP (tetanus diphtheria acellular pertusis) vaccine, one dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), and a second dose of varicella vaccine if they have not had the chicken pox disease and have had only one dose of varicella vaccine.  Additional information about school vaccine requirements is available on the Immunization Branch website at www.immunizetexas.com (click on the "school and childcare link").

Again - we hope you are enjoying the summer and we look forward to seeing everyone when we return in August.

Summer School

 

STAAR Bootcamp

The goal of TEA's Student Success Initiative (SSI) is to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in reading and mathematics.  Students in grades 5 and 8 who have not met standard on the Math and/or Reading State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) during the school year will have a retest opportunity on June 24th for Math and June 25th for Reading. In an effort to prepare students for their STAAR retest opportunity, instruction will be provided at the LMS STAAR Bootcamp.

STAAR Bootcamp is scheuled on the middle school campus for the following dates:
Monday through Thursday, June 10th-13th, June 17th-20th and Monday, June 24th.

Times will be determined after we have received results from the second administration.  Please contact Dr. Drews or Mrs. Fields if you have any questions.

Academic Credit Recovery

Students are promoted only on the basis of achievement.  Students must maintain a yearly average of a 70% or above to receive credit for a course.  If a student fails 2 subjects he or she will be required to attend and pass summer school or pass a credit by exam in order to be considered for promotion or placement. 

Credit by Exam:  On July 15th students will have the opportunity to take a test to demonstrate mastery in the course or courses failed.  A student must score a 70% or higher to receive credit.  Tests are $50 per semester.  If a student scores below 70%, he or she does not receive credit.

Summer School:  Students must pay $100 for each course they did not pass during the regular school year.  Students must earn a 70% or higher to receive credit for summer school.

Summer School Dates:     Monday - Thursday, July 15th - August 8th (No Fridays)
                                       
Summer School Hours:    8:00 - 11:00

Please contact the Lorena Middle School office for more information.

May Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Coach Larry Havard, Lorena Middle School's Teacher of the Month for May.  Coach Havard coaches boys athletics and teaches students 8th Grade U.S. History. This is Coach Havard's 19th year to teach at Lorena Middle School.

 

Information from Coach Havard's nomination is provided below:

I feel that Coach Havard has done a magnificent job guiding his 8th grade students to prepare for high school!  This year he has encouraged his students to advance their study habits and enhance their skills.  Preparation for test taking has been elevated to a higher expectation.  Initially, it may not have been an easy task for students to grasp, but it was better once they adjusted to this new level, it started a great foundation for high school learning.  Coach Havard is always easy to communicate with.  At any time I had a question or concern.  My emails would be answered very promptly and with great detail. He made sure all my questions or concerns were addressed, always asking if there was anything else he could do.  I am truly thankful for teachers like Coach Havard who have the desire to better students - THANK YOU!!!
 

Congratulations to Coach Havard!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

Parent Survey

Your Opinion Matters!

 The survey link available below is designed to gather parent feedback in an effort toward continuous school improvement. Thank you for your time.

2012-2013 Parent Survey - Middle School  

LMS Band Receives Superior Ratng

Congratulations to Mr. Chamberlin and the 7th and 8th grade Wind Ensemble.  The Lorena Middle School Wind Ensemble traveled to Midway I.S.D. to compete in UIL concert and sightreading.  The bands received a first division - a Superior Rating!  Way to go!!

April Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Emily Gibson, Lorena Middle School's Teacher of the Month for April.  Mrs. Gibson teaches 7th and 8th Grade Art I and Art II.  This is Mrs. Gibson's second year to teach at Lorena Middle School.

Information from Mrs. Gibson's nomination is provided below:

Mrs. Gibson is an awesome teacher.  I love all the projects we get to do.  Even if you aren't good in art, she helps you and treats you the same as the students who are really good.  She is really easy to talk to and cares about us, probably because she is younger than a lot of our other teachers.  Mrs. Gibson makes learning fun, it's like we don't realize we're really learning.  I wish I could have a teacher like Mrs. Gibson every year.  She works hard and likes what she does - that is why she deserves to be teacher of the month.

Congratulations to Mrs. Gibson!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

March Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Jenny Glaser, Lorena Middle School's Teacher of the Month for March.  Mrs. Glaser teaches 6th grade English Language Arts and serves as the English Language Arts and Reading Department Chair.  She has been teaching students at Lorena Middle School for 7 years.  Mrs. Glaser is also a product of Lorena I.S.D.

Information from Mrs. Glaser's nomination is provided below:

Mrs. Glaser works tirelessly to ensure that every student in her class is engaged in the learning process.  She integrates technology to further engage her students.  Mrs. Glaser also serves as a teacher leader, sharing teaching strategies with other teachers on her campus and within the Lorena I.S.D.  Mrs. Glaser shares her passion for the community of Lorena through teaching.  A great project that she does is the research project which is the History of Lorena.  Each year students look forward to learning more about the community in which they live.  The field trip through town and the Chuck Wagon lunch make the project come alive.  Lorena Middle School is fortunate to have such a quality teacher.

Congratulations to Mrs. Glaser!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

UIL One Act Play Dominates Competition

LMS Cast and Crew of Miss Electricity

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Miss Electricity, Lorena Middle School's One Act Play.  On Saturday, February 23rd, they traveled to West ISD to compete in the District 17-3A UIL One Act Play competition.  Lorena Middle School brought home 1st place, beating out China Spring, Robinson, West, Connally and LaVega. 

Not only did the performance win first place, Lorena also received awards for Best Actor - Koby Kirk, Best Actress - Bradyn Braziel, Gold Star awards and members of the All Star Cast - Hunter Chaudoin and Hayley Anderson.  Other members of this outstanding cast and crew are Ryan Kirby, Marissa Feller, Megan McClung, Ecclesia Velasco, Ansley Roberts, Sloane Baker, Kimi Smith, Hunter Isham, Justice Floyd and McKlynn Sanders.  The director of this outstanding group of young people is Deborah Peevey.  This is Mrs. Peevey's first year at Lorena Middle School.

Again - Congratulations to each and everyone of you!  Hard work does pay off!

LMS UIL Results

Lorena Middle School was well represented at the recent District UIL Competition.  We want to recognize and congratulate all partcipants.  Click here to see a list of events and competitors.  Those who placed in their event are also noted.  Congratulations to these students!

Thank You Lane Construction!!

Thank you to Lane Construction for completing our line of landscaping rocks along Leopard Lane and for providing a concrete slab in the Green Classroom.



Leopard Lane in front of Lorena Middle School

We started the projects with about 10-12 large rocks left over from our excavation of the front area for the parking addition.  Lane Construction was able to provide the remainder of the rocks to finish the project. 

Another Thank You goes to Lane Construction for providing a 20' x 30' concrete slab for the Green Classroom. 

20' x 30' Slab with 7th Grade Science Students

The Green Classroom is used by all 560 students through the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade science classes.  Hands on learning is a great way to keep students engaged and active in the learning process.  The goal is to provide a way for students to apply what they learn in the classroom.  The Green Classroom is a work in progress and we are grateful for Lane Construction's donations.



Spring 2012 STAAR Scores are Here

STAAR Testing

Beginning with the 2011 - 2012 school year, students in grades 3 - 8 began participating in the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Exams in grades 3 - 8 are grade-level assessments.

We have finally received last year's individual student STAAR Score Reports. We are sending these reports home with your student on Friday, February 8, 2013. You will receive a 1 page copy of your student's results and an explanation of those results. Please contact the campus counselor if you have addtional questions.

Parent Information

Texas Education Agency Links:

The links below contain valuable information regarding the state testing program:

STAAR Resources: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/

STAAR Modified Resources: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/special-ed/staarm/

STAAR Alternate Resources: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/special-ed/staaralt/

STAAR FAQ (TEA): http://www.txetests.com/FAQS/index.asp

Testing Calendars: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/calendars/

Explanation of Results: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/explainresults/



February Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Cox!  Mrs. Cox has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for February. Mrs. Cox teaches 7th grade science and serves as the Lorena Middle School Science Chair.  She has been teaching students at Lorena Middle School for 12 years.

 

Below are portions from the nomination letters Mrs. Cox received:

I am so impressed with Mrs. Cox's proactive approach, enthusiasm and interest in the kids.   Her passion for teaching is evident when she communicates with parents.  It is evident that Mrs. Cox cares about her students.  My husband and I are thrilled to have someone of her caliber in Lorena ISD and teaching our son!

Mrs. Cox makes learning fun.  We are always using technology in different ways.  Science is my favorite subject, but Mrs. Cox makes it even better.

Mrs. Cox does whatever it takes to help her students and colleagues successful.  She clearly loves what she does. It shows in her day-to-day interactions with students and other teachers.  Mrs. Cox shares her passion in the classroom with her love of learning and helping kiddos really learn and have fun while doing it.  She goes the extra mile and deserves to be teacher of the month.

Congratulations Mrs. Cox!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

January Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Coach Ashley Jones!  Coach Jones has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for January. This is Coach Jones's second year teaching at Lorena Middle School.  She teaches 7th grade Math and Social Studies and coaches 7th and 8th grade girls athletics.

Below are portions from the nomination letters Coach Jones received:

Coach Jones explains everything so well and I really like her method of teaching. She has great imaginary skills when it come to activities.  Coach Jones is dedicated and she makes things easy to understand in class and on the court.  Coach Jones motivates us to do our best. 

Coach Jones is a great role model.  She shows she cares and treats everyone with respect. I've learned so much because of her.

Coach Jones loves all of her students and treats them fairly and equally.  She encourages everyone to give effort and do their best.  Coach Jones also helps you. She will explain things over and over until you get it.  Coach Jones deserves teacher of the month because she is a great teacher and a great coach!

Congratulations Coach Jones!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.