Friday - December 19th

On Friday, December 19th - Lorena Middle School will be on an Early Release Schedule.  School will begin at 7:55 a.m.  On Fridays, LMS is usually on a Late Start Schedule.  However, as we release for the Christmas Holiday, we will follow the Early Release Schedule:

School begins at 7:55 and release at 12:25.  

Please contact the office with any questions, 254.857.4621.

All Region Band

Congratulations to the following Lorena Middle School students who made all region band through the audition process held this past week in Clifton ISD.

Madeline Treat - Clarinet
Jacob Goldstein - Alto Sax (1st Chair)
Easton Cox - Alto Sax (2nd Chair)
Caidon Livingston - Euphonium
Hunter Goldstein - Tuba (1st Chair)

These students will participate in a clinic / concert in Groesbeck on January 17, 2015.  Way to GO!!!

PTO Gym Night and Dance

LMS PTO Gym Night and Dance

The Lorena Middle School PTO is hosting its first Gym Night and Dance Friday, December 12th at the Middle School Gym.

Gym  Night is for 6th graders only and is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Admission is $5 which includes 2 slices of pizza and a soda.

The dance is for 7th and 8th graders only and is from 7:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Admission is $5 which includes 2 slices of pizza and a soda.

Drop off is in the back of the school - Pick up is in the front.

Thank you for supporting the Lorena Middle School PTO.  

Christmas Band Concert

Everyone is invited for a wonderful night of Christmas Cheer performed by the 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands.  The Lorena Middle School Bands will perform their Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 11th in the LISD Performing Arts Center.  Sixth grade will begin at 6:00 p.m.  The 7th grade band will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the 8th grade will immediately follow.  

Tis the Season - So bring the whole family for 

an evening of Christmas Joy.

History Fair

History Fair is due Wednesday, December 10th!

Doors to the gym will be open at 7:00 a.m. for students to begin setting up and turning in History Fair projects.  History Fair teachers will be on hand to direct students to the correct locations.  All projects are due in the gym before the first bell rings at 7:50 a.m.

Public viewing will be begin at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.  Students and parents may begin taking projects home at 6:30 p.m.

Please do not block the car line.  We ask that you use the parking space in the back to unload if you are accompanying your student in.  If you do not need to enter the building with your student, please use the car line as usual.  We ask for your patience in advance - the car line may take just a tad longer on Wednesday morning.  Please contact the office if you have any questions.  Thank you for all you do to support your student and the Lorena Middle School.

December Teacher of the Month

Our December Teacher of the Month is not the traditional "teacher."  Mrs. Thompson, has been nominated and selected as Lorena Middle School's December Teacher of the Month.  Mrs. Thompson is the school counselor at Lorena Middle School.  This is her 2nd year in the role of counselor.  Mrs. Thompson has been in Lorena ISD for 15 years.  Before becoming a counselor, Mrs. Thompson taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Lorena High School. 

Below is a portion of the nomination letter Mrs. Thompson received:

I know Mrs. Thompson is not a teacher, but she deserves to be recognized for all she does.  The counselor, Mrs. Thompson, is great!  She is always there for us and really cares about us.  Sometimes when you just need someone to talk to, she will listen to you.  Mrs. Thompson doesn't care if you're pretty or if you're popular, she likes you just the same.  Sometimes she is busy but she lets you put your name down and calls you later in the day.  Mrs. Thompson deserves to be something of the month because she is awesome for everyone.

                                                Congratulations Mrs. Thomspon!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please contact the school at 254-857-4621.

Lorena Middle School Late Work Policy

At Lorena Middle School, it is important for us to have a true understanding of what students know and do not know.  For the first two six weeks grading periods, we have not deducted points for late work.  Students have had until the end of the six weeks to turn in assignments for full credit.  However, we are finding that most students need additional structure to stay organized.  The end of the six weeks can sneak up on some and then work is not turned in at all.  Therefore, as a campus, we have decided to provide additional structure to help students stay organized and turn in assignments in a timelier manner.  Students were surveyed to help develop this policy.  A positive is that most students reported that they turn work in when it is due most of the time.  

The LMS Late Work Policy is outlined below:

All assigned work should be completed and turned in when the teacher states that it is due.  If a student fails to turn in an assignment when it is due, they will have until the following Monday morning at 7:55 a.m.  to turn it in for full credit and avoid Learning Lunch for the week.  Work could be turned in before 3:20 on Monday for full credit, but Learning  Lunch would still be required for the week.

Work turned in on Tuesday could receive up to a 70%.  In other words, a 70% is the highest a student could receive for the assignment.  Each day the assignment is late; an additional 10 points would be deducted.  After Friday at 3:20, the assignment would receive a zero.

Three late papers in one class in a six weeks grading period will result in after school detention to be served Tuesday or Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.   Each six weeks grading period allows students a fresh start or clean slate. 

Learning Lunch – students who fail to turn in work before 8:00 a.m. on Mondays will be required to have lunch in a designated room each day for that week.  No exceptions will be made.  Students who eat a regular plate lunch item will have the lunch provided to them in the designated room in a to-go box unless they bring their lunch from home. (Points will be deducted from work that is officially “late” after 3:20 p.m. on Mondays or Tuesdays should Monday be a holiday.)

Additionally, students receiving below a 70% in a core class when grade reports are run Monday mornings will also be required to serve Learning Lunch for the week. 

Students in Learning Lunch will be allowed and encouraged to work on missing assignments or work ahead.

Opposite of lunches, students report to regular tutorials.  Teachers may provide students with a pass to attend a different tutorial.  However, students must have a pass.  Tutorials allow students time to complete work, read library books or get help from a teacher.

If you should have questions about the late work policy, please contact the LMS office.

Thanksgiving Holiday

The Lorena Middle School campus will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, November 26th through Friday, November 28th.  School will resume on Monday, December 1st. Enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday and be safe.

Local Food Drive Underway

The annual Fall Can Food Drive is underway at Lorena Middle School. Students and families are encouraged to donate items to benefit the Shepard's Heart of Lorena Food Pantry.  All donated items will remain in the local community. Can goods and nonperishable items will be collected.  There is a friendly competition.  Students may donate to support their favorite college:  Baylor, Texas Tech, U.T. or Texas A&M. Regardless of which college wins, our entire community of Lorena is the real winner. Items will be collected through Tuesday, November 25th.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Veterans Day Ceremony

On Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45, Lorena Middle School will be holding a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all veterans.  

We invite all veterans to join us in the Lorena Middle School Gym to be honored. Special seating is available.  

We would like to thank all veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedoms.  

Please contact the Lorena Middle School Office at 254.857.4621 if you have any questions. 

After School Tutoring

If your student is in need of additional support, Lorena Middle School hosts after school tutoring from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Tuesday Tutoring is held with Mrs. Schulte in her computer lab.  If students need access to online materials or help with Math or they need to work on History Fair, Mrs. Schulte can help.  Wednesday Tutoring is held with Mrs. Campbell in her room and the focus is just Math.  Students do not need to sign up or register, they just need to report to these teachers' rooms on the designated day.  Parents may pick up students at 5:00 p.m. in front of the school.  If you have any questions, please contact the office at 254.857.4621.

November Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Newman!!  

Mrs. Newman, has been nominated and selected as Lorena Middle School's November Teacher of the Month.  Mrs. Newman teaches 6th grade English. She also sponsors Student Council for Lorena Middle School.

Mrs. Newman is in her 2nd year of teaching.

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

Mrs. Newman deserves teacher of the month because she goes above and beyond what is asked of her.  Her creativity is evident in her teaching.  The interactive notebooks the students create are amazing!  Mrs. Newman incorporates technology regularly to increase student engagement.  She is often trying new things to get more students involved.  Mrs. Newman is a team player.  She helps teachers and students.  Most recently she has been helping with Lorena Middle School's New Concession Stand at volleyball games and will continue into basketball season.  Mrs. Newman also sponsored the Leopard Line.  The project she is getting underway now is the can food drive to benefit the local food pantry in Lorena.  Mrs. Newman definitely contributes to Lorena Middle School and the community in a positive way.  She is a true asset to Lorena Middle School and is very deserving of Teacher of the Month.

                                                Congratulations Mrs. Newman!!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

AR Lunch Bunch

Reading is such an important skill for our students to develop and to continue developing as they progress in school.  The more a student reads, the more their vocabulary is developed.  State of Texas testing, the STAAR, requires our students to think critically about what they are reading.  Additionally, students are asked to apply what they read to problem solve across different content areas.

In an effort to encourage more students to read, Lorena Middle School has started a new incentive program.  Each six weeks for the first 5 six weeks, students who reach 100% of their AR goal will be entered into a drawing to travel off campus fora pizza lunch.  Two students from each grade will have their names drawn and travel with the principals for lunch.

At the end of the year, students who have reached 100% of their goal for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,and 5th six weeks grading periods will be entered into a drawing for a Nook or a Kindle.

Thank you in advance for encouraging your student to Read More and Learn More.

Leopard Line 

Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can join Lorena Middle School's Spirit Club or Leopard Line.  The Leopard Line supports our Leopards in their different endeavors.  The Leopard Line pictured here were cheering on the Leopards victory over the Mexia Blackcats.  The Leopard Line is sponsored by LorAnn Newman.  #Go Leopards

Monday through Friday, October 27th through October 31st, is National Drug Prevention Week also known as Red Ribbon Week.  While we stress making healthy choices throughout the year, now and in the future, Red Ribbon Week is a week selected to focus on saying no to drugs. Guest speakers are scheduled and messages from our school counselor will be shared. Each day there is a theme to coordinate with our message of saying no.

 



Should you have any questions, please call the office at 254-857-4621.

After School Tutoring

If your student is in need of additional support, Lorena Middle School hosts after school tutoring from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Tuesday Tutoring is held with Mrs. Schulte in her computer lab.  If students need access to online materials or help with Math, Mrs. Schulte can help.  Wednesday Tutoring is held with Mrs. Campbell in her room and the focus is just Math.  Students do not need to sign up or register, they just need to report to these teachers' rooms on the designated day.  Parents may pick up students at 5:00 p.m. in front of the school.  If you have any questions, please contact the office at 254.857.4621.

October Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Qourzal!!!  

Mrs. Qourzal, or Mrs. Q as she is called by the students, has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for October.  Mrs. Qourzal teaches 8th grade Science. She also helps with National Junior Honor Society.

Mrs. Qourzal is in her 3rd year of teaching.

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

I would like to nominate Mrs. Qourzal for Teacher of the Month.  She puts a lot of time and effort into planning her lessons.  She truly cares about her students and wants to make sure that her classes are fun and engaging for all students.  Mrs. Qourzal is always willing to lend a helping hand to other teachers as well.  She is a great team player and is a big reason why Lorena Middle School is such a wonderful place.

Congratulations Mrs. Qourzal!!

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.

LMS Meet the Teacher Nights

The 2014-2015 school year has gotten off to a great start!  Meet the Teacher nights have been scheduled for each grade level.  Please check the schedule listed below for your student's grade level meeting date and time.

7th Grade     Thursday, September 11th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

8th Grade     Thursday, September 11th from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

6th Grade     Tuesday, September 16th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for you to see where your students spend a majority of their time each day.  It is also a chance for you to see the new carpet and expanded gym lobby. 

Thank you for supporting LMS now and throughout the school year.  We look forward to meeting you at one of the scheduled Meet the Teacher Nights.

Back To School

WOW!!

The summer is flying by quickly.  Lots of great things are taking shape with the construction process.  The Lorena Middle School will be ready to accept, invite and challenge students on day one - which this year is the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 2nd.

Important Dates to Remember:

August 4 -    New Students to the District may begin the online registration process.
August 11 -  Returning students to LISD may begin the online registration process.
August 29 -  Schedule pick up and yearbook photos taken at LMS from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                      (NOTE:  students must be in dress code to have pictures taken)

NOTICE - Immunizations for incoming 7th graders

All students who will be entering the 7th grade in the 2014-2015 school year will need to obtain vaccinations this summer (if they have not already done so). The State of Texas requires that all students be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases before starting school.  Students that do not meet the 2014-2015 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements will not be able to start the school year OR obtain his or her schedule if immunizations are not up to date.  Please check with your doctor or the school nurse if you have any questions.

I hope everyone is enjoying this cooler than normal summer.  The 2014-2015 school year is fast approaching.  It is going to be a GREAT school year.  Lorena Middle School will be "ALL IN" - "All Leopards Learning & Invested" to explore and give 100% effort toward EXTRAORDINARY!!

Please contact the LMS office with any questions.  There will also be more information about registration on the LISD website in the coming weeks.

Thank YOU for a FANTASTIC School Year!!

Many Thanks

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone - students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as the community for such a FANTASTIC school year.  The 2013-2014 school year went by quickly.  Reflecting upon the school year, students and staff have accomplished so much.  Lorena Middle School could not have done it without you.

I thank everyone for their patience during the construction process.  Things are moving along and we will have an even better facility when we open our doors in the fall for the 2014-2015 school year.

Summer Activities

While the LISD is undergoing LOTS of construction, the Lorena Middle School continues to be a hub of activity.  Many athletic activities usually held in the HS Gym are now being held in the MS Gym.  If you are bringing students to the LMS for an activity in the Gym, we do ask you to please use the back entrance into the school. We are also hosting a STAAR Bootcamp for LMS students.  Students attending STAAR Bootcamp may enter through the front doors. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. should you need to call for any information.  STAAR Retests for 5th and 8th grade Math and Reading will be held Tuesday, June 23rd for Math and Wednesday, June 24th for Reading.

Getting Ready for 14-15

NOTICE - Immunizations for incoming 7th graders

All students who will be entering the 7th grade in the 2014-2015 school year will need to obtain vaccinations this summer (if they have not already done so). The State of Texas requires that all students be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases before starting school.  Students that do not meet the 2014-2015 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements will not be able to start the school year OR obtain his or her schedule if immunizations are not up to date.  Please check with your doctor or the school nurse if you have any questions.

Thank you again for a FANTASTIC School Year.  Have a safe and fun Summer Break!

LMS 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher Wins Two State Awards

Congratulations to Mr. Pat Browder!!!

Mr. Browder, a sixth grade Social Studies Teacher at Lorena Middle School, has been awarded two prestigious teaching awards.  On Saturday, May 3, 2014, Mr. Browder was awarded the Patricia Behring Junior High Teacher of the Year Award and the David C. DeBoe Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Browder is now eligible for the National History Teacher of the Year Award.  In addition to a personal monetary award, Mr. Browder also received two very nice trophies.




LMS is very proud of Mr. Browder and thankful that he chooses to share his passion for Social Studies with the students in the Lorena ISD.  Again - Congratulations Mr. Browder!!! Way to GO!!!

May Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Coach Hubbard!!

Coach Holly Hubbard has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for May.  Coach Hubbard teaches 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts. She also coaches girls atheletics.

Coach Hubbard is in her 10th year of teaching, but this is her first year at Lorena Middle School.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter Coach Hubbard received:

I would like to nominate Holly Hubbard for Teacher of the Month for many reasons.  I am continually amazed by her creative projects in both her 7th and 8th grade classes.  Students are always working on something "out of the box."  Coach Hubbard proudly displays their hard work throughout the hallways.  Also, Coach Hubbard always has a positive attitude.  She is full of energy and clearly loves her job.  I have never heard her complain even once.  Coach Hubbard has great relationships with her students.  I feel I could learn a lot from her as a teacher.  Coach Hubbard is very deserving of being named Teacher of the Month.

Congratulations Coach Hubbard!

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.

8th Grade Parent and Student Meetings

On January 31, 2014, the State Board of Education approved House Bill 5 adopting new rules regarding Texas high school curriculum and graduation requirements. In response to these new requirements, Lorena High School will hold mandatory eighth grade parent and student meetings on April 21 and April 24.  Both meetings will be held in the Lorena High School Commons at 6 PM. All current eighth grade parents and students are highly encouraged to attend one of these meetings. Information concerning House Bill 5 curriculum and graduation requirements will be presented, and parents will have an opportunity to ask questions. This information will allow parents and students to make informed decisions regarding freshmen requirements and electives.

At the end of each meeting, parents and students will be asked to complete a 2014-2015 Freshmen Choice Sheet and to select an endorsement. Information regarding endorsements will be presented, and advisers will be available to assist with this process. Choice sheets must be signed and turned in before students can register for their freshmen classes. For more information prior to the meetings, students and parents may reference LHS House Bill 5 graduation requirements and possible endorsements which are located on the Lorena High School website.

You can click here to find all the Info for Incoming Freshmen on the High School's Guidance and Counseling page. Please make plans to attend one of the two important meetings on either April 21 or April 24. For more information, call the high school office at 254-857-4604.

April Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Dr. Borchardt!!

Dr. Borchardt has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for April.  Dr. Borchardt teaches 6th and 8th grade Social Studies. He also helps with 5th grade math.  

Dr. Borchardt is in his first year of teaching.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter Dr. Borchardt received:

I would like to nominate Dr. B because he is always working hard and doing his best.  He goes out of his way to make sure that everyone understands.  He always has fun lessons and review games.  Dr. B is also super dedicated to his social studies UIL team.  He made sure we had everything and pushed us to do our best.  I couldn't ask for a better History teacher. Dr. B always answers any questions we have and explains everything to us.  He makes class fun and interesting which makes me look forward to 5th period!! He teaches us very well. He is also very nice.  Dr. B never really gets mad, sometimes a little frustrated when kids talk, but he is never rude or mean.  Dr. Borchardt is definitely not a teacher I will soon forget about.

Congratulations Dr. Borchardt!

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.

National Geographic Bee Finalist Advances to State

Congratulations to Garrett Swain!! 

Garrett has qualified to represent Lorena Middle School and participate at the state level of the National Geographic Bee.  The state Bee will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 at Pat May Center, HEB ISD in Bedford, Texas.

Garrett will compete against other students from across the state. The winner will have the opportunity to advance to the national competition, which will be held May 19 - 21 in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to Garrett.  This is an AWESOME accomplishment.  We are very proud of him and wish him continued success as he competes at the state level.

STAAR Testing at Lorena Middle School

In order to fulfill the requirements of House Bill 3 passed by the 81st Texas Legislature and incporated into the Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 39, the Texas Education Agency developed the STAAR (STate of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), which will provide the foundation for the state of Texas public school accountability system.  STAAR is designed to more thoroughly assess the content of a course, including both concepts taught in previous grade levels and readiness for the next instructional level.  Questions will require higher order thinking skills and more complex through processes. A significant change from TAKS, which was untimed, is that the STAAR is limited to 4 hours.  Extended time accommodations for students with unique learning needs will continue to be offered. 

The STAAR program at grades 5 - 8 assesses the same subjects and grades previously assessed on TAKS.  

More details about STAAR can be found on this page (TEA - STAAR Resources).

	Math	Reading	Writing	Science	Social Studies
Grade 5	April 1	April 2		April 24
Grade 6	April 22	April 23
Grade 7	April 22	April 23	April 1 & 2*
Grade 8	April 1	April 2		April 24	April 22
Grades 5 & 8 Retest**	May 13	May 14
Grades 5 & 8 Retest**	June 24	June 25

*The 7th grade writing assessment is a 2-day exam.

**The Student Success Initiative requires that students in grades 5 and 8 pass both the reading and math exams to be promoted to the next grade. 5th and 8th grade students not successful on the April administrations of math and reading will retest in May and /or June if needed.  

Eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra 1 will take the End of Course (EOC) exam in May.  Students will only be assessed in the subject for which they are enrolled. 

Please note that on the days students are testing, we request that parents and guests not join students during lunches.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. 

One Act Play Wins 1st Place - AGAIN!

The Terezin Promise

On Saturday, March 1st, Lorena Middle School's One Act Play competed in District 17-AAA UIL One Act Play Competition in China Spring.  Lorena beat LaVega, Connally, West, Robinson and China Spring ISDs to take home 1st Place!!  This is the second year in a row that Lorena Middle School took the honors of 1st place show.  In addition to 1st place show, Bradyn Braziel received Best Actress and Ryan Kirby received Best Actor.  Jacob Goldstein won Outstanding Crew Member.  These students worked hard and it paid off!  Congratulations to Mrs. Peevey and the cast and crew of The Terezin Promise.  Thank you to everyone who helped support them along the way!  (A special thanks to Center Street Antiques, Jack Payne, Mr. Krobot, Mrs. Cookus, Mrs. Newman and The Goldstein Family)

The cast and crew are pictured to the left, showing off their medals and trophy.

The cast included:  Bradyn Braziel, Alesis Juntunen, Hayley Anderson, Lexi Kincaid, Mason Lewis, Bradley King, Cade Kilpatrick, Ryan Kirby, Hunter Isham, Trey Busby, Kenlly Fieseler, Caleb Nyander and Brie Lomenzo.

The crew included:  Maddie Pitts, Jacob Goldstein, Isaac Romer, Taylor Gilliam, Emily Mosley, Sara Zawadzki and Megan Marshall.

March Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Laurie Bagby!  

Mrs. Bagby has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for March.  Mrs. Bagby serves as the Librarian for students in grades 5 - 8 at Lorena Middle School. She is in her 9th year in the Lorena ISD.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter Mrs. Bagby received:
Mrs. Bagby does a great job of teaching, guiding and instructing our students.  She listens to students and helps them find material that fits their interests. 

Mrs. Bagby is kind, understanding and helpful. She knew just the book series to recommend for our student.  Mrs. Bagby went the extra mile to engage our student and got to know her.  Our daughter beamed with pride when she told Mrs. Bagby about reading over the weekend and making a 100 on her AR test!  Mrs. Bagby even called us to share this positive story. This is only one example of how Mrs. Bagby goes above and beyond for students and parents. We are so thankful for her thoughtfulness and support.

Congratulations Mrs. Bagby!

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.

Junior High UIL Academic Meet!

On February 5th, Lorena Middle School hosted the District UIL Academic Contest for District 17-AAA.   Students from 6th, 7th and 8th grades from surrounding schools competed against each other in multiple academic contests. We are very proud of all the students who represented Lorena in such a positive way. One Act Play will compete on Saturday, March 1st in China Spring. Results are provided and students who placed in 1st, 2nd and 3rd are pictured.  Congratulations to all the students and their coaches.

Front row, left to right: Haley Flores, Kynlee Bartosh, and Adley Mattei
Back row, left to right: Haden Johnson, Brock Sykora, Zane Grimm & Caden Crenshaw

6th Grade: Music Memory: Carson Ford (5th), Spelling: Colleen Ryan (4th), Casey Towner (5th), Number Sense: Zane Grimm (2nd), Haley Flores (3rd), Garrett Blalock (6th), Mathematics: Zane Grimm (3rd), Haley Flores (5th), Garrett Blalock (6th), Calculator: Megan Jones (4th), Maps, Graphs and Charts: Brock Sykora (1st), Hannah Elkins (4th), Jacob Carson (6th), Editorial Writing:  Haden Johnson (3rd), Colleen Ryan (4th), Listening: Caden Crenshaw (2nd), Dictionary: Kynlee Bartosh (2nd), Poetry:  Adley Mattei (3rd), Impromptu Speaking: Hannah Ballard (5th), Adley Mattei (6th) and Art:  Hannah Elkins and Sarah Green (5th tie).

Left to right:  Garrett Swain, Calvin Small, Braedon Herbelin,
Emily Mosely, Alder Fulton & Kimberly Kolls in front.

 7th Grade: Impromptu Speaking:  Braedon Herbelin (1st), Raley DeLeon (4th), Spelling:  Mabry Strauch (4th), Number Sense: Alder Fulton (2nd), Braden Robinson (6th), Maps, Graphs and Charts: Garrett Swain (4th), Hunter Hudgens (6th), Listening: Kimberly Kolls (2nd), Dictionary: Emily Moseley (3rd), Emma Harris (4th), Science:  Braden Robinson (4th), Social Studies:  Garrett Swain (1st).

Left to right: Emily Jander, Kayla Garner, Austin Lanning and Trey Busby.
Isaac Romer and Jackson Goodall in front.

8th Grade:  Ready Writing:  Jackson Goodall (1st), Number Sense:  Emily Jander (2nd), Trey Busby (3rd), Mathematics:  Emily Jander (1st), Calculator:  Hunter Isham (5th), Maps, Graphs, and Charts:  Austin Lanning (2nd), Trevor Jackson (5th), Listening:  Jamie Soukup (6th), Science:  Kayla Garner (3rd), Social Studies:  Isaac Romer (1st), Joel Horton (4th), Art:  Ryan Kirby (5th), Emily Mathis (6th).

February Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Coach Luke Blaylock!  Coach Blaylock  has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for February.  Coach Blaylock teaches 7th and 8th grade science as well as boys' athletics.  He is in his second year of teaching and this is his first year of teaching at Lorena Middle School.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter  Coach Blaylock received:

I could not be more pleased with the hire of Coach Blaylock.  He is very deserving of Teacher of the Month.  My student says great things about him.  My student states that Coach Blaylock is kind and seems to really love his job.  He says "Coach Blaylock knows what is important.  He teaches students lessons about life, not just sports. "  What more could a parent ask for than a public school teacher and coach displaying integrity and good values to students.  Most would say that Coach Blaylock is quiet, but I would say that -actions speak louder than words.-  A big Thank You to Coach Blaylock for exhibiting fine character to the students of Lorena Middle School. 

Congratulations Coach Blaylock!

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.

LMS Construction Update

Have you wondered about the progress going on behind the fence when you are making your way through the morning car line?  Wonder no more.  Progress is being made for the Lorena Middle School Cafeteria.  Below is a brief slideshow of progress from multiple views.  On Saturday, February 1st, the concrete for the new portion of the LMS cafeteria was poured.  Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Drews if you have any questions about the progress of construction at LMS.  As progress is made, more updates will be provided. Interior work for flooring and other projects will be starting soon. Thank you for making this project possible.  It's a great day to be a Leopard!

Think Through Math - Free Online Learning

The state of Texas has provided a free online math tool for school districts, Think Through Math (TTM). At Lorena Middle School, all students have a user name and log in to access this great online tool to help develop math skills.  Students take a pretest the first time they log in.  Results of this test set each student on an individual targeted pathway.

To access Think Through Math, go to lms.thinkthroughmath.com/

Results show that students who complete at least 30 Think Through Math lessons in their targed pathway make INCREDIBLE gains.  With TTM and steady, consistent effort, every student can improve their math trajectory.

An example of THINK 30 Success:

·                               Students attempting 30+ lessons achieved a 12 point year-over-year gain

·                               67% of these students scored at the Advanced level!

        

           Please contact the Lorena Middle School Campus with any questions.

January Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Emily Abbe!  Ms. Abbe has been nominated and selected as the Lorena Middle School Teacher of the Month for January.  Ms. Abbe teaches 5th grade Mathematics.  She is in her first year of teaching at Lorena Middle School.

Below is a portion from the nomination letter  Ms. Abbe received:

I think Ms. Abbe would make an excellent Teacher of the Month!  She is sweet, kind, loving, caring, and forgiving.  Ms. Abbe is doing an AMAZING job at her first year at Lorena Middle School.  She is more than a teacher to a lot of her kids in her classes.  Ms. Abbe reminds me of spring.  For example, when times get cold and rough, like winter, she is always there right after to make you smile - just like spring.  By the way - Ms. Abbe ROCKS at teaching!

Congratulations Ms. Abbe!

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.