The Mustang Messenger
Sunday, December 3, 2023
A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
We hope that all of you had a wonderfully restful Thanksgiving break and that your Mustangs enjoyed their return this past Monday! We were thrilled in welcoming so many of you to our Bring Your Parent To School Day on Thursday, November 30 and appreciate all of the positive support and words that you shared with our school staff about the JLS experience. Our students also participated in their first Clubs During the Day experience, thanks to the detailed dedication of Mr. Brandon Filsinger and our Mustang professional staff in opening doors to activities of interest at the end of the day on Wednesday, November 29. Our next Clubs During the Day experience is slated for Wednesday, December 13 as we have VGA Reading and Writing Testing slated for this coming week, as you know based on the special edition of the Mustang Messenger that was released this past Thursday.
This entire past week was filled with great fun for me too as I was able to listen to some wonderful music being prepared for our forthcoming winter concerts, witness some art work being generated for the showcase to accompany our concert events, help some students place their creative projects on display in various classes, and collaborate with students on some mathematics equations where they taught me as much as they were learning! Every day is a refreshing experience at Simpson!
As you can see below, we have quite an array of fun events happening this month in addition to our fantastic fine arts events, including candy grams from our Empowered Girls, the SCA's winter holiday door decorating contest, our book fair sponsored by our library/media center staff, donation opportunities from Sources of Strength, LCHS Winter Guard tryouts, another student/family interest meeting for our Mary Poppins, Jr. musical to be performed this spring...and so much more!
In addition to VGA Reading and Mathematics Testing this coming week, we have reached Quarter 2 Interim time, which means it is essential that our Mustang students work with their teachers to review any assignments which need completion and/or request any assistance that we can absolutely offer during class time, resource, by appointment, or even Opportunity Time after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
As always, please encourage your Mustang to reach out to any of our staff or school leadership team with any questions/support needed to continue to pave their pathway of success throughout the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. You are of course always welcome to contact us as well as part of our team in support of our Mustangs!
Have a wonderful first full week of December...hope to see you all soon!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School
Sunday, December 3 - 5:30 PM: Boys 8th Grade Basketball Game at Harper Park Middle
2nd Quarter Interim Week
Monday, December 4 - B Day
- After School Events: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Grade 6 Choir Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
- Jazz Band Rehearsal - Band Room - Ms. Paquette
Tuesday, December 5 - A Day
- VGA Reading Testing (see bell schedule below)
- 7:00 PM: Simpson Guitar Concert @LCHS
- After School Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Grade 7 Choir Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
Wednesday, December 6 - B Day
- VGA Math Testing (see bell schedule below)
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - Room M6
- Grade 6 Choir Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
- DBA Winds Coaching - Band Room - Ms. Paquette
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Aux Gym - Ms. O’Hara
- 5:00 PM: Select Choir Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
- **Please Note - PTO Bingo has been postponed to January - More information to come!**
Thursday, December 7 - A Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Opportunity Time - Room M6
- Orchestra Rehearsal - Auditorium - Ms. Kanakry
- DBA Percussion Coaching - Band Room - Ms. Paquette
- Pride Club - Room B6 - Ms. Wilfong
Friday, December 8 - B Day
7:00 PM: LCHS Bands Winter Concert - LCHS Auditorium
Saturday, December 9 - 4:00 PM - Boys 8th Grade Basketball Game at Riverside HS
Sunday, December 10 - 1:45 PM - Boys 8th Grade Basketball Game at Trailside Middle
December 4 - January 19 - Please be sure to visit the Simpson Visual Arts Show in the Simpson St. Hallway and the Library while you're here for our musical performances.
Virginia Growth Assessment Testing This Week
Students in grades 6-8 will take the Virginia Department of Education’s Growth Assessments in reading and math this week. Test dates for this week will be Reading on Tuesday, December 5 and Math on Wednesday, December 6. The online growth assessments are adaptive assessments that aid teachers with identifying learning strands that require additional instruction. Students will take these tests in addition to the spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.
We will operate on the adjusted bell schedule below.
Encourage your students to get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast prior to testing and to arrive at school with their Chromebooks fully charged the day of testing.
Questions can be directed to our 6th Grade Dean, Ms. Hailey. katherine.hailey@lcps.org
Congratulations to Our October HERD Award Recipients!
We proudly congratulate all of our Mustangs who received a HERD award for the month of October!
Students are chosen for the HERD awards by teacher nominations each month. Nominations are submitted for students who display the characteristics we look for in our Mustang HERD, Honorable, Engaged, Respectful and Determined.
Each of these students receives a gift card, a sign delivered to their yard and their photo displayed at school.
Here's a short video clip with all of our HERD award recipients for October.
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!
Help The PTO Provide Sweet Treats for Simpson Staff
Help the PTO spoil our wonderful Simpson Staff with sweet treats before the break. If you are able to bring in a dessert on Monday, December 18th, please sign up here.
Volunteers Needed
Nurse Pettit is looking for some parent volunteers to help out with vision and hearing tests on Thursday, December 14th and Friday, December15th. Sign up here if you are able to help.
LCPS Student Assistance Services News
Please take a moment to review the newsletter from LCPS Student Assistance Services for some important information about Fentanyl awareness, some upcoming events and more.
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 fliers below for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org.
Bus Passes and Early Dismissal Procedures
- Bus passes are back!
- Early Dismissal Procedures:
Merry Mustangs
Merry Mustangs is a program that strives to support the needs of students and their families at Simpson Middle School. We are collecting donations to provide families with retail gift cards. During this Season of Giving, please consider donating to the Merry Mustangs Program.
There are 2 ways you can contribute.
- You can purchase and donate gift cards in any denomination. Ideas for store gift cards include Target, Walmart, Nike, Aeropostale, Old Navy, Marshalls, Ross, and Dicks Sporting Goods. Donations can be dropped off at the Simpson front office Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. We will be collecting gift cards through December 8th. Please use this link to sign up for gift card donations.
- You can make a monetary donation (any amount) that will be used to purchase various gift cards. Monetary donations can be made here through School Cash Online.
Important Notes From Our School Nurse - For 6th grade students
Dear Parents or Guardians of current 6th grade students,
While the start of the 2024/25 school year is still many months away, it is important that you begin to schedule vaccinations for your student now. All 7th grade students are required, per Virginia Code 32.1-46, to have the following vaccinations and to show proof of vaccination to the student’s school:
Required Vaccinations for All 7th Grade Students:
● One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given at age 7 or older.
● One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 10 or older. (Please Note: MenB, Bexsero, and Trumenba vaccines are not the same as MenACWY and will not be accepted in place of MenACWY. Please confirm with your medical provider that the appropriate vaccination is administered.)
Encouraged Vaccine (not required):
● HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. This vaccine is at the discretion of the parents or guardian but is recommended. LCPS does not require opt-out documentation for the HPV vaccine. Please ask your private healthcare provider, the Loudoun County Health Department, or your school nurse to review your student's immunization record to ensure that they have received the required vaccines.
Vaccines are available from the Loudoun County Health Department, pharmacies, urgent care providers, or your child’s pediatrician.
Contact information for the Loudoun County Health Department is provided below:
Loudoun County Health Department
102 Heritage Way NE, Leesburg
703-777-0236 – Call for an appointment
August 22, 2024 is the first day of school for the 2024/25 school year. Students without the appropriate documentation will not be able to start school on the first day of school. Don’t wait until August! Vaccinate your student early and provide your student’s school with the appropriate proof of vaccination any time prior to the first day.
Acceptable documentation includes one of the following:
● A copy of your student's immunization record, signed/stamped by the provider, showing the date the immunization was given.
● A signed note from a healthcare provider on the provider’s letterhead stating the date the immunization was given.
● A healthcare provider’s signed statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption for a student who cannot receive the immunization due to medical reasons.
● A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available on the LCPS website.
If you have questions about these requirements, please contact Nurse Pettit at Rene.Pettit@LCPS.org
Lost and Found
Have You Ordered Your Yearbook Yet?
Be sure to use our school code 13625
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.
December 5 - VGA Reading Testing / 7:00 PM Simpson guitar concert 7pm @LCHS
December 6 - VGA Math Testing
December 11 - VGA Make Up Reading Test
December 12 - VGA Make Up Math Test / Simpson Choir Concert 7pm @LCHS
December 11-15 - Book Fair in the Library/Media Center
December 13 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance / 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra 7pm @JLSMS
December 14 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
December 14 - 15 - Hearing and Vision Screenings (7th grade and new to LCPS students)
December 18 - 7th and 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band Concert 7pm @JLSMS
December 21-January 1 - No School - Winter Break
January 5 - Mary Poppins Jr. Interest Meeting during advisory
January 10 - 6th Grade Orchestra Concert (Gold 6pm, Blue 8pm) @JLSMS
January 15 - No School - Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
January 18 - Grade Band Concert (Blue 6:30pm, Gold 8pm) @JLSMS
January 19 - End of Second Grading Period
January 22 - No School - Student Holiday
February 9 - No School - Holiday - Lunar New Year
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLSimpsonMS2020/
Twitter: @JLSMS_Official
