A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
As we honorably celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. tomorrow on Monday, January 15th, it is hard to believe that we are entering the final week of our our second quarter and first semester of 2023-2024! This is the time to empower your Mustangs to check Schoology/StudentVue and with their teachers to ensure that they are 100% up to date on the completion of all assignments/assessments to wrap up this term in a thoroughly positive way. If your Mustang has any questions or needs support, please encourage them to talk to their teachers, e-mail them, or seek any resource time required to promote their best performance. We are and always will be here for our Mustang students, each and every day!
A gigantic congratulations to Ms. Alexa Kanakry and our Grade 6 Blue and Gold Orchestra performers for a job well done at their winter concert this past Wednesday, January 10! Be sure to come to Simpson on Thursday, January 18 to see Ms. Beth Paquette present our Grade 6 Blue and Gold Bands in concert at 6:30 PM and 8 PM respectively.
We have some fun PTO-related events coming our way in the next week and a half, namely the return of Monty's Cafe on Wednesday, January 17th at which your Mustang can purchase hot chocolate to enjoy in our cafeteria that morning for only $2.00, the fee for which is donated back to JL Simpson MS to support our school-wide initiatives for our students. We also have the return of PTO Bingo on Tuesday, January 23 in the cafeteria from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, an event that was a huge hit in previous years and for which we have cool prizes for our winning participants. Check out the posters below for more info on these wintry warm events!
As mentioned last week, we have scheduling season for 2024-2025 coming our way...and stay tuned for a very special edition of the Mustang Messenger that will be coming your way to kick off the second semester to announce new student leadership initiatives/organizations, Rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade event details, and many other resources to support quality experiences for your Mustangs at Simpson. We encourage 8th grade families now to check out a new opportunity for Grade 8 Mustangs to become a Peer Assistance Team member during resource time as seen in the poster below this opening message...a very awesome avenue to make an even greater positive impact at Simpson!
Finally, we always have so many fun events and opportunities, both academic and extracurricular, for our students, staff, and community to celebrate at Simpson...and we often do so in our social media outlets. You can see our various account handles at the bottom of this newsletter. For those of you out there with Instagram accounts, we especially encourage you to follow JL Simpson MS @jlsimpsonms_official_ as it is a great way to check out so many cool happenings at our superb school with postings occurring rather often!
Hope to see you all very soon...and stay warm this weekend! 😀
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
MAP Testing - throughout January 2024
- Math MAP Test during math classes January 8-16
- Reading MAP Test during English classes January 17-26
Monday, January 15 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 16 - B Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Mary Poppins Jr. Call Backs - M4 - Ms. Hoey Johnson
- 6th Grade Blue Band Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Paquette
- 6:00 PM: PTO Meeting - library
Wednesday, January 17 - A Day
- 8:00 - 8:30 AM - Monty's Cafe - during morning arrival - Students are required to enjoy their hot chocolate in the cafeteria. Thank you!
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- District Chorus Rehearsal - M4 - Ms. Hoey Johnson
- 6th Grade Gold Band Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Paquette
Thursday, January 18 - B Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- Select Choir Rehearsal - M4 - Ms. Hoey Johnson
- Running Club - Main Office Vestibule - Dr. DiNicola & Mr. Dungan
- SCA (Student Council Association) Meeting - C8 - Ms. Suttie and Ms. Herrin
- Library and Lit Club (Library Council, Book Lover's and Writer's Club) - Ms. Everett
- 6:30 PM: 6th Grade Blue Band Concert - Auditorium
- 8:00 PM: 6th Grade Gold Band Concert - Auditorium
Friday, January 19 - A Day - LAST DAY of 2nd Grading Period / First Semester SY 2023-2024
Saturday, January 20
- 5:15 PM: Boys Varsity/8th Grade Basketball Game @Riverside HS
- 6:30 PM: Girls Varsity Basketball Game @Riverside HS
- 12:30 PM: Boys JV/7th Grade Basketball Game @Riverbend MS
- 1:45 PM: Boys JV/6th Basketball Game @Lunsford MS
- 3:00 PM: Girls JV Grade Basketball Game @Brambleton MS
- 4:15 PM: Girls Varsity Grade Basketball Game @Brambleton MS
- 4:15 PM: Boys Varsity/8th Grade Basketball Game @Riverbend MS
Monday, January 22 - No School - Teacher Work Day
*Now through Friday, January 19 - Please be sure to visit the Simpson Visual Arts Show in the Simpson St. Hallway and the Library /Media Center during our musical performances.*
Important Reminder for Bus Riders
In an effort to keep our afternoon buses running on schedule so that students may arrive home in a timely manner, it is imperative that all bus riders have boarded their buses prior to 3:26pm. Please remind your student(s) that our afternoon buses seek to depart Simpson promptly at 3:26pm. Thank you for your team work!
Our Yearbook Staff Is Looking For Fun Photos of Our Mustangs Outside of School!
Our Simpson Yearbook staff is seeking photos of Mustangs outside of the school house!
Please consider sharing your photos of anything that your Mustangs do in relation to volunteering, sports, clubs, pets, favorite Leesburg activities, attending LCHS games, or neighborhood / family events.
Go to HJeshare.com and use code 13625 to submit your pictures!
Thank you for your support!
Virginia Speak Up Family Survey
Be a part of the conversation happening across the state!
Starting on January 15, we will be participating in the Virginia Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning.
The national Speak Up is the first survey designed to help families share their ideas directly with schools and national policymakers. Speak Up provides parents and guardians with a mechanism for expressing their views to the administrators at their child(ren)’s school and district about key issues impacting their child(ren)’s education.
Since 2003, Speak Up has collected and shared the views of more than 5.4 million students, teachers, and parents/guardians from across the country. By participating in the Virginia Speak Up, you are expressing your views to a wider audience of local, state, and national policy makers —and contributing to the national dialogue about how best to prepare students for the future. The online survey is open to students, educators, and parents/guardians; it’s quick and easy to get involved. All participation is 100% confidential. Surveys take about 20 minutes to complete. To take the survey, visit this link.
To preview any of the surveys (students, teachers, administrator) visit https://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/vaspeakup/
We appreciate you taking the time to share your views with us! We need your input!
Flipper Zero Device
We would like to bring to your attention a device called Flipper Zero, which has gained popularity among a small number of students. The Flipper Zero is a versatile electronic tool designed for security professionals, enthusiasts, and hobbyists. It combines features like RFID emulation (building access card keys), infrared control (TVs and projectors), and various “hacking” functionalities. The device recently became popular on TikTok for pranks like shutting off fast food displays and interfering with iPhones.
We want to emphasize that the Flipper Zero device is not appropriate for use inside the school environment, and it is important not to encourage or enable its use within LCPS. Its functionalities may disrupt the learning environment and Its capabilities pose a potential risk to the security and integrity of various systems.
We encourage you to communicate this information to your students to ensure awareness and prevent any unintended consequences.
If any staff members observe the use of a Flipper Zero or similar device, they will promptly report such instances following standard procedures.
What should students do if they are feeling ill at school?
Students feeling ill during the school day should be seen by the school nurse.
It is important that students make an E-Hall Pass with their teacher to go to the Health Clinic to see the nurse.
Please make sure that your student(s) understand that they should NOT text or contact someone to come to school to pick them up without first being seen by the nurse. The nurse will assess the student's condition before contacting the parent or guardian. This is necessary to ensure that parents/guardians have adequate information to determine if a student should be picked up early from school.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. Rene Pettit
JLS School Nurse
Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, influenza like illnesses (ILI), COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise in Virginia. Some schools in LCPS have seen an increase in the number of students and staff experiencing these illnesses.
We encourage you to take a moment to read the attached information letter and fact sheet provided in both English and Spanish.
To prevent spread of illnesses, please remind your students to wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or tissues, stay home when sick and until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
Please Help the PTO Provide Gift Cards for the Simpson Spelling Bee
The Simpson Spelling Bee is just around the corner! The PTO would love to support local businesses while helping provide a prize for the spelling bee! Please consider helping us out. Click here if you are able to help.
Monty's Tack Shop Open!
Every other week students can complete an order form to spend any Monty Bucks that thay have earned. Then they may stop by the shop to pick up their orders during their resource time on Thursday and Friday. They can choose to shop or not shop each time. Any balance they have not spent will carry over to the next shopping week, allowing them to save up for higher priced items.
It's not too late to order from JLS Library Book Fair!
Thank you to everyone who visited the JLS Library Book Fair. We appreciate your support!
You weren't able to make it? You're in luck! The online book fair is open for the rest of the year. 15% of all proceeds go to the JLS Library. https://www.bookwormcentral.com/JLuptonSImpsonMiddle
SHINE! Spotlighting Heroes in Education Recognition Program
HRTD is excited to launch SHINE! Spotlighting Heroes in Education, a new recognition program that aims to tell the stories of the incredible work happening throughout the division. We encourage schools to promote SHINE both inside their buildings between peers as well as with their school communities through newsletters, websites and social media as all parents, students, staff and community members are welcome to submit a nomination. Each month, Loudoun Education Foundation will choose one submission to provide additional acknowledgement and a special gift.
How it works:
We are seeking submissions for LCPS staff members at schools, central office and support locations who:
Have gone above and beyond in a situation
Have inspired others or have a heartwarming story
Are doing something unique or creative that is leading to results
In general, ANY great news!
Complete the submission form (It’s short and easy!)
The Employee Recognition office notifies the nominee as well as their supervisor of the submission
The story may be placed on the Employee Recognition webpage.
We are honored to announce that Ms. Victoria Curtis-Meyding, Mr. Derrick Jackson, and Ms. Alesha Whitmore have already been recognized by families in our community! You can find their stories on the SHINE webpage under Inspirational Stories.
Our goal is to place a spotlight on the hundreds of positive interactions taking place in LCPS each day...and especially at JLS! We look forward to seeing your celebrations of our JLS Mustang Professionals throughout 2023-2024!
Makeup and Retake Photos Now Available Online
Make Up/Retake School Pictures are now viewable online. 😀
Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Middle School Softball Registration Now Open
We are excited to once again host the Leesburg teams in the Loudoun Middle School program for the Spring 2024 season!
LGSL manages the following middle schools: Harper Park, J.L. Simpson, and Smart's Mill.
The Middle School Softball Program provides the opportunity to represent their schools, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and further develop their softball skills while developing relationships.
All players (grades 6-8) may register to tryout, but they must also be enrolled in a House or Travel league.
Players interested in trying out please register here- https://leesburggirlssoftball.sportngin.com/.../171216706
A Note from Our 8th Grade Counselor - Special Programs for 9th Grade
Recently, our eighth graders had a presentation about the high school specialty programs. If your eighth grader is interested in applying for to the Health Medical Science Academy (HAMSci), International Baccalaureate Program (IB) or the Naval Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC), now is the time to express interest.
*Students zoned to go to Loudoun County High School that are interested in the JROTC, please see Ms. Jeane.
We hope your student will consider these opportunities. Please see flyers below for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org.
How do I join the Simpson Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)?
Are you trying to figure out how to stay involved during those middle school years?
There are small and big ways that really make an impact on our AMAZING school! Please reach out to Natalie Sutter nsutter@gmail.com or Sara Conner sbc070178@gmail.com if you are interested in helping with our PTO activities in any way. You can also sign up to help by clicking here!
The PTO has many things planned for our staff and students! Check out our Volunteer Signup! A board member will reach out with more details!
- FREE Grade Level Events for each grade
- Monty's Cafe (Coming back for a 3rd year)
- Family Bingo Night w/ Silent Auction and Concessions
- Enhance our social media platforms
- Lots of Appreciation Days / Weeks for Staff
- Joint 5K with other middle schools
Click here for the Official J.L. Simpson MS PTO Webpage.
We look forward to engaging all of our Mustang families in PTO in service and support of all of our children!
Dates to Remember
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
January 8 - 16 - Math MAP Testing (during regular scheduled Math classes)
January 15 - No School - Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16 - PTO Meeting 6PM @JLSMS
January 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
January 17- 25 - Reading MAP Testing (during regular scheduled English classes)
January 18 - 6th Grade Band Concert (Blue 6:30pm, Gold 8pm) @JLSMS
January 19 - End of Second Grading Period
January 22 - No School - Student Holiday
January 26 - JLSMS Spelling Bee
February 9 - No School - Holiday - Lunar New Year
February 19 - Special Education Parent Coffee 9:00am and 7:00pm
February 15 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
February 19 - No School - Holiday - Presidents' Day
February 21 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
March 5 - No School - Student Holiday
March 14 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
March 20 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
March 25 - 29 - No School - Spring Break
April 4 - End of Third Grading Period
April 5 - No School - Student Holiday
April 10 - No School - Holiday - Eid al Fitr
April 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
April 18 - PEP Meeting
May 15 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
May 27 - No School - Holiday - Memorial Day
June 5 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
June 14 - Last Day of School/End of Fourth Grading Period
Follow Us On Social Media!
Email: Tripp.DiNicola@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/jlsms
Location: J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 5712522840
Instagram: @jlsimpsonms_official_ jl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLSimpsonMS2020/
X: @JLSMS_Official
