PTO Fundraiser Reminder

As a reminder, London Middle School's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is organizing a Flower Fundraiser to support our school community! Your student should have come home at the start of spring break with an order form for this fantastic fundraiser.

Please note that this fundraiser is not a door-to-door campaign. Instead, the order form is intended for you and your student.

We encourage you to take a look at the order form and consider participating in this wonderful initiative. Your support plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for all students at London Middle School.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the fundraiser, please don't hesitate to contact the school. Our staff will be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. We work closely with the LMS PTO to help maintain a positive and productive relationship to help the LMS community.

Thank you for your continued support,

If you prefer, click HERE for electronic ordering

Kid to Know from the SRO

Joey Williams embodies a gentle spirit, radiating kindness and warmth that creates a welcoming atmosphere for those around him. His genuine encouragement empowers others to discover their potential in a supportive environment.

In summary, Joey Williams exemplifies the uplifting influence of positivity, showing how one person's actions can spark a wave of goodness, fostering a brighter future for all.

Basketball Spring Training

The following information is for our families in grades 3-8?!

The London Boys Basketball Program will be conducting Spring Training sessions for boys in grades 3-8 from April-early May (10 days total). $5 per session or they can purchase a punch card for $40.
Dates/Times & info can be found HERE.
I'll supervise the kids in the wood gym after school. 6th graders coming from the middle school will wait in the LHS commons, and then walk over with me at 3:20p to LES.

Final - FinalForms Weekly Update

There's been no deviation from last week's statistics, with our completion rates for the required forms holding steady at 95%. Currently, 32 parents still need to complete these forms. Due to our consistent percentage maintenance over recent weeks, we're wrapping up our Final Forms weekly updates.

Your involvement remains crucial, whether you've already submitted your Final Forms or plan to do so post-break. We urge those who've completed the forms to assist us by spreading the word and motivating others to participate.

Should you have any queries or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Dingledine at tammie.dingledine@london.k12.oh.us. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration.

Hooting for Science: Owl Pellet Exploration

by Mr. Pollock

Within the science classroom, students were met with the task of dissecting owl pellets to see the contents inside. London Middle 7th graders got their hands dirty to explore how energy travels throughout ecosystems. Barn owls are fantastic night hunters who are included in the highest trophic level (tertiary consumers) of their ecosystem.

Students discovered the barn owl is a common predator in North America and uniquely swallows their prey whole. However, their stomach does not allow the bones and fur to be digested, so it is regurgitated back out as a pellet of waste. Students had the opportunity to break apart these owl pellets to see what was a part of the barn owl's diet. The class was presented with the challenge of classifying the organisms that the owl had for lunch using a sorting chart of bones that were common owl prey.

Many students were engaged and captivated by the task, while others were trying to hold back their own regurgitation. This project demonstrates the student-centered learning approach that helps students learn some of the fascinating science behind the energy within ecosystems around us.

Students include Dani Kennedy, Bailey Derifield, and Harper Witt with Mr. Belmont.

Yearbook Reminder

The excitement builds as the 2023-2024 London Middle School Yearbooks are gearing up for their grand reveal in mid-May! These yearbooks encapsulate cherished memories, friendships, and milestones, making them a timeless keepsake for both students and staff. Priced at $25.00, you can purchase them online at www.balfour.com or by bringing in a check or cash to Mrs. Sims. Don't miss out on securing your copy of this year's edition, which vividly captures the essence of the academic year!

Student Lens

The "Student Lens" is a thought-provoking segment that aims to focus on students' often-unheard perspectives. In this space, we dive into students' minds to explore their unique viewpoints on weekly questions encompassing student life, school dynamics, and global issues that might not typically cross the mainstream narrative.

This week's question: Is it better to be good at sports or academics?

Cooper H. - Sports because you will have a lot more fun.

Blake D. - You have to have good grades to play on a sports team, so economics.

Hailey W.- I think it is better to be good at academics. If you are failing a bunch of classes, you can't play the sport you want.

Karsyn D. - I think that academics are more important. Because if you don't have good grades, you won't be able to play. And bad grades will hurt you in any chance you have to get a job or get into college.

Anonymous - I would choose academics because if your good at academics you would be good at sports and That means you would be a good athlete.And if you practice you will be a good athlete and be a good class student at the same time.

Anonymous—I would choose academics because if you're good at academics, you would be good at almost every class, and if you're good in PE, you would be an athlete. You could play sports and practice a lot to get good at sports.

Christopher S. - I feel like it is better to be good at academics than athletics. Think about it, if your grades determine your job and athletic eligibility, then academic structure is better than athletic structure. Also, academics can better your salaries and open more jobs and opportunities. It may also stress out some student-athletes because if they have a test and a big game that day, it can give them some unwanted anxiety and could lead to worse grades. Yet again, athletics can possibly lead to more things to do, but academics can open up many jobs, as I stated earlier. Athletics can also open up more colleges. Academics can also open up more colleges and jobs because, if you can get into honors classes, it can look good on a resume. Academics, in this way, can also affect athletics. Athletics can also affect attendance because it can possibly lead to injuries which can land student athletes in the hospital. With this information, we can conclude that Academics are better than Athletics even though they are both equally needed.

Eclipse Reminder - Almost Here!

London City Schools to Cancel Classes on Monday, April 8th

After ongoing consultation with the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, the London City School District is canceling classes for all schools on Monday, April 8th, 2024, due to the Solar Eclipse. Despite the district being at the southern edge of totality, the area is expected to be heavily impacted by solar tourism on this day.

The district is planning to provide students and families with resources to make this day meaningful. Lessons on the eclipse, frequently asked questions and general information can also be found on the Ohio Department of Education's 2024 Solar Eclipse webpage.

PaySchools Central

PaySchools Central is just what its name implies—a central hub for all parent payment activities.

To manage school lunches, fees, and activities, parents log in to PaySchools Central online and pay with a link to their bank account or a credit or debit card.

Why parents love PaySchools Central

Today’s parents are busier than ever, and PaySchools Central is a timesaver.

Parents log in to our cloud-based system to pay for lunches, fees, activities, and more.

In one transaction, they can manage payments for all their children in your district. And if they have kids in other districts that use PaySchools Central, they can make payments in the same transaction for them, too!

Parents access PaySchools Central with a computer, tablet, or phone. Our mobile app makes on-the-go payments fast and easy.

PaySchools Central is fully English-Spanish bilingual, enhancing its family-friendliness.

Together with QuikLunch, PaySchools Central gives parents control over their children’s meal choices and lunch spending limits. It also lets them view meal activity, add funds to lunch accounts, move funds from one child’s account to another’s, and set up auto-replenish.

Parents can even schedule future payments and manage recurring payments.

PaySchools Central also integrates with many student information systems. If parents are logged in to your SIS, they can also view fees there and click through to make payments via our shopping cart (PaySchools, 2024).

Stay in the Game

Remember, being on time and attending the entire day matters. It all adds to learning time – and being with friends, involved in activities, and receiving other support to help them thrive – that sets them up for future success. Consistent attendance promotes better time management skills and sets a positive example for punctuality and commitment in various aspects of life.

It's crucial to highlight the significance of good attendance and punctuality for your child's education. London Middle School opens its doors at 7:00 am, and the school day commences promptly at 7:25 am. It's essential for your student to be in their first-period class by then. Tardiness disrupts their learning experience and should be avoided.

As we embark on Spring Break, we want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to your child's education. While this break offers a chance for relaxation and fun, it's also important to keep in mind the significance of attendance when we return.

Remember, being on time and attending the entire day matters. It not only maximizes learning time but also fosters connections with friends, engagement in activities, and access to support systems that contribute to your child's growth and future success. Consistent attendance promotes better time management skills and serves as a positive example of punctuality and commitment in various aspects of life.

As we prepare to resume classes, let's reaffirm the importance of good attendance and punctuality. London Middle School doors open at 7:00 am, and the school day begins promptly at 7:25 am. Ensuring your student is in their first-period class on time is crucial for maintaining a positive learning environment.

What to know about Ohio school bus laws for drivers -REMINDER!

Amber lights: A bus is planning to come to a stop.

Red lights and stop arm: The bus is stopping.

On a road with fewer than four lanes, all traffic approaching a stopped school bus from either direction must completely stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus and remain stopped until the bus begins to move or the bus driver signals motorists to proceed.

If the bus is stopped on a street with four or more lanes, only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Transportation - Be Kind

As we navigate our daily routines, it's essential to remember the value of kindness in all our interactions, including while riding the school bus. We'd like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of practicing good manners and spreading positivity during our bus journeys.

Be Respectful

Respect is the cornerstone of a positive bus ride. Treat your fellow passengers, the bus driver, and any supervising adults with kindness and consideration. Use polite language and avoid any behavior that may disrupt the peace and safety of the bus environment.

Listen to the Bus Driver

Our bus drivers work tirelessly to ensure our students arrive safely to and from school. Please listen attentively to their instructions and follow their guidelines for boarding, seating, and disembarking the bus. Your cooperation helps maintain order and safety for everyone on board.

Help Others

If you see someone in need of assistance, lend a helping hand. Whether it's offering a seat to someone carrying heavy bags or helping a younger student find their way, small acts of kindness can go a long way in creating a supportive and caring bus environment.

Keep it Clean

Respect the bus and keep it clean and tidy. Dispose of trash properly, avoid eating, and refrain from damaging or vandalizing the bus interior. By taking care of our shared space, we show respect for ourselves and our peers.

Misconduct

Misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated on the school bus. If you witness or experience any form of inappropriate behavior, please speak up and report it to a responsible adult or school authority immediately. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Let's make every bus ride a positive and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Thank you for your cooperation in upholding these principles of kindness and respect.

Immunization

Attention Parents of Incoming 7th Graders

For parents of students who will be entering 7th grade, it's time to start planning for their required immunizations. Seventh graders are required to have a TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster and a Meningococcal vaccine as per Ohio's Immunization Summary for school attendance. Ensuring your child is up-to-date with these vaccinations is essential for their health and compliance with state regulations for the 24-25 school year.

To prevent any potential exclusion from school, we urge you to plan accordingly and schedule appointments with your healthcare provider now.

Exemptions from Immunizations

If your child has an exemption from required immunizations, please ensure that the proper exemption form is on file with the school. This helps us maintain accurate records and ensures the safety of all students and staff.

Your cooperation in these matters is greatly appreciated as we work together to maintain a healthy school environment. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding immunizations or the mobile dentist visit, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse's office.

Student Soundbites: Making Waves in Podcasting

by Mr. Belmont

Throughout the school year, Mrs. Sims, in collaboration with the district's curriculum coach, Mr. Greenlee, has been leading her students on a transformative adventure in audio storytelling. From crafting compelling narratives to mastering the art of sound editing, the students have embraced the challenges and triumphs of podcast production.

What sets Mrs. Sims' class apart is the level of autonomy given to the students. They are the actual practitioners of the projects, from conceptualization to execution. With guidance from Mrs. Sims and Mr. Greenlee, they have been empowered to take charge of every aspect of their podcasts.

In each episode, students have been tasked with creating music intros and outros, selecting topics for discussion, and even choosing their guests to interview. This hands-on approach has honed their technical skills and fostered their creativity and critical thinking.

In a most recent episode, SRO Officer Langham and I were invited to participate in a thought-provoking discussion on the topic, "Grades shouldn't be the primary measure of a student's success." The students confidently led the conversation, asking insightful questions and sharing their perspectives. Officer Langham and I were impressed by the students' maturity and enthusiasm, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Also, several staff members have eagerly joined in the process, contributing their voices and expertise to the students' projects.

As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, we are excited to see what new stories and voices will emerge from Mrs. Sims' technology class.

Coming Soon

March

No School - Good Friday, March 29

April

No School - April 1
Camp Nuhop - April 3-5
No School Eclipse - April 8
State Assessment ELA - April 10-11
State Assessment Math- April 16
State Assessment Science - April 18
Interims Available - April 19
iReady Spring Diagnostic April 29-30 and May 1-3

LMS Weekly Newsletter