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The Bark
Lamar's Weekly Newsletter
May 14th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
Mon, 5/15 - Band Six Flags Field Trip
Mon, 5/15 - Orchestra Banquet & Fun at Playland Skate Center (6p)
Tues, 5/16 - Yearbook Distribution in Scottie Seminar (SS will meet AFTER 8th period)
Tues, 5/16 - Thurs, 5/18 - Spring Show Dance Rehearsals (4-7p)
Weds, 5/17 - Finals in 1st and 2nd Periods
Weds, 5/17 - Visual Arts Booster Meeting (3:50-5p, Rm. 504/506)
Weds, 5/17 - Band Spring Concert (7p, MAC)
Weds, 5/17 - Open Studio w/ Acevedo (Rm. 504/506)
Thurs, 5/18 - Finals in 5th & 6th Periods
Thurs, 5/18 - 8th Grade Dual Language Field Trip to UT
Thurs, 5/18 - 8th Grade Athletics Banquet (6p, Cafeteria)
Thurs, 5/18 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Main Event
Fri, 5/19 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Typhoon Texas
Fri, 5/19 - Dance's Spring Show (7p, AISD PAC)
Fri, 5/19 - Pride of Texas Musical Festival for Beginning Orchestra Students
Sat, 5/20 - Dance Majors Show (12p, AISD PAC)
Sat, 5/20 - Intermediate & Advanced Choir Concert (AISD PAC)
Sun, 5/21 - Choir Schlitterbahn Field Trip
happy Mother's Day!
Week re-cap
Mr. Conger and Guitar Ensembles continued the Lamar tradition of earning sweepstakes ratings and Guitar Concert and Sight reading this week! Congratulations to him and the musicians - we are very proud of you!
The Advanced Theatre classes put on another great show on Thursday evening, "Melodrama". We continue to be amazed by the work that Ms. Easter does with her students.
The rain didn't stop us from celebrating the accomplishments of our students on Friday. Seventh grade student athletes were recognized for their hard work this year with many wishes for an even better year next year. The Theatre majors enjoyed their end of the year ice cream social.
chromebook collection
Fees will not be applied for damaged devices at this time. Students should remove all stickers from devices but leave their names on the device. We will try to make every effort to return 6th and 7th graders their devices in August.
Devices will be disabled at 5:00 pm on May 25th.
For any devices found over the summer, students and families should call the Austin ISD Help Desk at 512-414-8324.
If requested, a parent or guardian may complete an OPT-IN form via their Parent Portal account or at the school campus to request the pick-up of a device from the Technology Department at Gus Garcia YMLA, or at the Austin ISD Central Office.
Devices will be available for pick-up on May 26, and May 30 through June 2, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. During device pickups, fee schedule forms and accountability acknowledgments will also be provided. Devices must be returned to the home campus at the start of the fall 2023 school year.
6th grade will turn in their devices on Monday, May 22nd. Exceptions will be made for students who need them to complete finals for high school credit classes.
7th and 8th grade will turn in their devices on Tuesday, May 23rd in Scottie Seminar.
No backpacks
Save the date for Spring Semester Finals
Wednesday, May 17th (finals in periods 1&2)
1st period (final taken) -- 8:20 am to 10:20 am
2nd period (final taken) -- 10:25 - 1:15
- A lunch 10:45 - 11:15
- B lunch 11:25 - 11:55
- C lunch 12:05 - 12:35
- D lunch 12:45 - 1:15
3rd period (regular instruction) - 1:20 - 2:35
4th period (regular instruction) - 2:40 - 3:50
Thursday, May 18th (finals in periods 5&6)
5th period (final taken) -- 8:20 am to 10:20 am
6th period (final taken) -- 10:25 - 1:15
- A lunch 10:45 - 11:15
- B lunch 11:25 - 11:55
- C lunch 12:05 - 12:35
- D lunch 12:45 - 1:15
7th period (regular instruction) - 1:20 - 2:35
8th period (regular instruction) - 2:40 - 3:50
Monday, May 22nd (finals in periods 3&4)
3rd period (final taken) -- 8:20 am to 10:20 am
4th period (final taken) -- 10:25 - 1:15
- A lunch 10:45 - 11:15
- B lunch 11:25 - 11:55
- C lunch 12:05 - 12:35
- D lunch 12:45 - 1:15
1st period (regular instruction) - 1:20 - 2:35
2nd period (regular instruction) - 2:40 - 3:50
Tuesday, May 23rd (finals in periods 7&8)
7th period (final taken) -- 8:20 am to 10:20 am
8th period (final taken) -- 10:25 - 1:15
- A lunch 10:45 - 11:15
- B lunch 11:25 - 11:55
- C lunch 12:05 - 12:35
- D lunch 12:45 - 1:15
5th period (regular instruction) - 1:20 - 2:35
6th period (regular instruction) - 2:40 - 3:50
Yearbooks are Here!
Yearbook staff are working hard to organize the pre-purchased books to be distributed next week. Please read the information below for more details:
When: Tuesday May 16
Where: During Scottie Seminar
*Scottie Seminar will be moved to the end of the day
How: Students Scottie seminar teachers will be provided with a list of names & stack of yearbooks of students who had pre-purchased in their class. Students will need to initial that they received the book before being handed it.
Other Information:
- If a student is absent or thinks they purchased but did NOT receive, they can go to room 206 to check with Ms. Godina before or after school (not during the school day)
- If you signed up through the google form to purchase a copy in person, Ms. Godina will send out communications to those parents Wednesday May 17. This is to make sure all pre-purchased books are accounted for.
It's Time to register for next year!
8th Grade End of the Year Festivities
Typhoon Texas Field Trip - Friday, May 19th
Please note that the window to sign up for the trip has closed. We will continue to leave the slide deck up to access information regarding logistics.
Thank you to Mrs. Borg, PTA volunteer, and Ms. Sanders, 8th grade teacher, for all your work in planning this trip!
8th grade Advancement Ceremonies on Thursday, May 25th
9:00 am - Last Names A - L
10:30 am - Last Names M - Z
Due to limited seating space, each student is allowed 2 guests. We are exploring a streaming option. Guests MUST only enter through the gym foyer doors. All guests shall remain in the Large Gym and outside area for safety purposes.
Stay turned for details if you plan to check your child out after the ceremony.
8th grade Formal Fun
Another shout out to Ms. Neal, Ofc. Livingston, Ms. Bell, and Mr. Willenberg and the parent chaperones who made the night a success.
And finally, many thanks to the students who attended and were on their best behavior. They danced, socialized, and included everyone at the event. Everyone was looking dressed to impress! Memories were made by all in attendance. 7th grader, Levon, kept the crowd hyped with his DJing skills! (Yes, I am acutely aware of how uncool I sound writing this.)
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE ATHLETES!
8th grade sports banquet
6 pm - 8 pm
Lamar Cafeteria
Dinner served
Free to 8th grade athletes.
$20 for up to 2 guests per athlete.
https://checkout.square.site/buy/7KJWC5MY2WJPZRS6RHRSEU2E
The event is for Lamar 8th graders in UIL Sports: Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Track, Tennis, Cheer, and Cross Country.
7th Grade END OF THE YEAR Festivities
7th Grade Field Day - May 24th, 2023
Activities include:
- Inflatables
- Dunk Tank
- Games
- Video Games/Board Games
- Movies
$15 per student (Pay using School Cash Online)
Note: Students who receive disciplinary action from May 1st - May 23rd will NOT be allowed to attend. This will include students who receive ISS or more severe disciplinary actions.
Link to pay for those unable to use the QR code
AISD to provide Summer meals
Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow, and thrive—even when school is out. Through federally funded Texas Department of Agriculture meal programs, AISD provides free breakfast and lunch for students at many schools throughout the summer.
Who qualifies for free summer meals:
Students participating in on-site summer programs at eligible schools.
Any child in the community younger than 19.
Enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old.
How to find free meals this summer:
Families may use the following tools to find a meal site anywhere in Texas:
Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator.
Visit www.SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map.
Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304.
Families may also find district meals sites on the AISD website.
How it works: Children in the community enjoy free meals regardless of household income and without any registration or identification. To receive a free, healthy meal, children may simply visit the cafeteria at any participating site during designated service times. Children do not have to be enrolled in AISD to receive free summer meals.
Good to know: All AISD meal sites are closed July 3-7. Meal sites and times are subject to change.
Too Much Testing? Not Enough? AISD wants to hear from you!
SY 23-24 Assessment Plan and Calendar Survey (google.com)
This year, Lamar MS has (or will) administered the following assessments: SCA, MAP growth, TELPAS, STAAR, AP (DL only), PSAT 8, campus common assessments (teacher quizzes and tests)
Cell phone and electronic device policy reminder
NOTE: Students with accommodations that require the use of audio functions such as text to speech may use corded headphones. A limited number of headphones are available for check out from the school. Students may see their teacher with to sign up for headphones.
Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
These recommendations have been in place since the beginning of the year after several consultations with AISD PD and Transportation as well as the City of Austin.
Between 7:50 am and 8:20 am, the curb along Wynona Ave should be for immediate loading and unloading only (similar to the airport). Thank you for your cooperation to keep this congested area moving.
Drop off should occur on the northbound side of Wynona only. There are no sidewalks on the southbound side of Wynona so students are forced to cross through traffic.
Also, please do not drop off or pick up in the parking lot on White Horse Dr, which is reserved for school buses and staff parking.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping our students safe.
Attendance Reporting Updates
Students who leave campus and return the same day should bring their pink slip back with them to check back in.
Office Hours
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering, the first step is completing an application with Austin Partners in Education.
From The Library
ALL LIBRARY BOOKS WERE DUE MAY 12
ALL BOOKS WERE DUE FRIDAY, MAY 12. Not sure if you owe a book? Email Mrs. Bowman with any questions: tara.bowman@austinisd.org
May Staff Birthdays
May 6th - Ms. Pena-Montemayor (Science)
May 13th - Rolando Carlin (Custodial)
May 22nd - Ms. Vouvray (Creative Writing/ELA)
May 22nd - Ms. Young (Math)
May 27th - Ms. Vasquez (Piano)
May 29th - Ms. Brandimarte (ELA)
May 30th - Ms. O'Guin (Fine Arts)
IN THE COMMUNITY
McCallum Lady Knights Summer Soccer Camp is BACK!
We will be hosting a soccer camp for girls at the McCallum practice field June 19th - 22nd, 2023 from 9-11:30am. The camp will include soccer fundamentals, training stations, and scrimmaging, all hosted by current Mac Knight soccer players and coaches. On Thursday, campers will participate in a tournament to showcase their skills, and all parents are invited to attend. The registration fee for the camp is $90 per participant and $70/2nd sibling if submitted by June 5th, 2022. After June 5th, the fee increases to $100 per camper and $75/2nd sibling. Fees include snacks, camp t-shirt, and certificate. Snacks will be provided daily, but each camper should bring their own water bottle. Participants must provide their own transportation to /from camp and their own cleats (optional). Soccer balls will be provided by McCallum High School.
MAC Basketball Camp Registration is Open!
Coach Daniel Fuentes and the McCallum Boys' Basketball team are hosting a summer basketball camp for boys and girls at the McCallum High School gym. The camp will include basketball fundamentals, training stations, 3 on 3, and scrimmaging.
The camp will run from July 10th-13th, 9 am to 12 pm each day.
• Registration fee: $125 + online fee per camper
• Basketballs will be provided by McCallum, Camp T-shirt is included
• Participants must provide their own transportation.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must have an updated Physical (dated after 4/30/2023), as well as all necessary online forms submitted prior to the camp. All forms can be found at https://www.austinisd.org/athletics/forms You can email all completed physical forms to Trainer Matt Johnson at matthew.johnson@austinisd.org
For questions please email mccallumbasketball@gmail.com.
Anderson Speech & Debate Summer Camp
See attached flyer for more details!
Current and future Trojans welcome!
From July 31 to August 4 9am- 2pm* @ Anderson High School
*come and go from camp as needed!
Incoming Freshman will be attending Trojan Charge on August 1st from 9am to noon. Your student is welcome to join us after Trojan Charge for the rest of the afternoon.
Questions? Contact elizabeth.s.contreras@austinisd.org
Film Kids Summer Camps are week-long deep dives for current 4th, 5th and 6th graders into story development, directing, editing, costuming, acting, and all other aspects of filmmaking. We collect the creative All-Stars from all over the city and give them a chance to create elaborative, involved movies based entirely on their own ideas.
Our North location will meet at The G.I.F.T. ATX, a community space and gardens just off of Burnet Road on Justin Lane. Sessions are limited to 16 campers so everyone gets plenty of time on screen and behind the camera.
You can find out more and sign up at www.filmkids.org , and feel free to invite friends. We love to see new faces in the program. Any questions? You can email Brian Cox at filmkids@filmkids.org or call 512-567-0778.
Thanks for supporting Film Kids and we hope to see you this Summer!
Counselor's Corner
DO YOU HAVE AN 8TH GRADER? CHECK OUT OUR HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM TEACHERS
Scottie Sports Camp!
🎉CONGRATULATIONS TO COACHES BALLEE, MCGRATH, AND PEREZ! 🎉
Coach Ballee, Coach McGrath, and Coach Perez have been nominated for the Netspend Coach of the Year!
Because the winner is based on overall nominations, I invite you to visit the nomination website to show them support. People can also nominate additional coaches from Lamar if they'd like.
Whatever the outcome, we congratulate Coach Ballee, Coach McGrath, and Coach Perez on this honor and recognition!
Dance Department Presents - Color Kaleidoscope
AISD Performing Arts Center
1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
General Admission - Free
$5 VIP Tickets at www.lamardance.ludus.com
Tickets are now on sale at www.lamardance.ludus.com for VIP seats and guaranteed seating!
SPEAKING OF DANCE....
FREE Summer Dance Classes at LMS!
FREE!! Summer Dance
Classes at Lamar Middle School
Classes are open to all current & incoming Lamar students and staff.
All classes meet on Tuesdays and are held in Lamar Dance portable 5
Tap with Mrs. Luna (6/13, 6/20, & 6/27) from - 2 or
Contemporary with Ms. Wood i(6/13, 6/20, & 6/27) from 12-1 on
Jazz with Mrs. Roe and Mrs. Luna (6/6, 6/20, 8 6/27) from 1-2 on
Students should wear comfortable clothes they can move in. Students should bring tap snoes to tap class. If students do not own tap shoes they may borrow tap shoes from the Lamar shoe library.
Send questions to natalia.luna@austinisd.org
Lamar's Summer Master Class Series
Lamar Dance Department's
Summer Master Class Series
Classes are open to all currently enrolled 7th and 8th graders an incoming 6th graders. 6th grade non dance majors who have dance experience can use one or both of the classes as a placement audition for a higher level dance class for the 2023-3034 school year.
The Summer Master Classes will be held in the Lamar Big Gym on Friday, August 11th
Session 1
Beginning/Intermediate Level
9-9:50 Ballet
10-10:50 Modern
11-11:50 Jazz
Session 2
Advanced/Company Level
1-1:50 Jazz
2-2:50 Contemporary
3-3:50 Hip Hop
Classes are $30 per student per session
To register for the Summer Master Class Series visit the Lamar Dance website
Email natalia.luna@austinisd.org with questions
End of Year Dance Party!
End of Year Party *
"Sweet Treat Celebration" Monday, 5/22 4-4:45 pm
in The Lamar Big Gym
The "Sweet Treat Celebration" will be held in the Big Gym. Students will get one sweet treat and can play in Just Dance.
All Lamar Dance students are invited to attend.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LAMAR PTA
Lamar Merch - SHOP NOW!
Scottie merch for sale - NOW OPEN!
Orders are fulfilled every Friday, with pick-up in the Library on Monday.
Get yours today & show your school spirit!
About Lamar Middle School & Fine Arts Academy
Email: megan.tesano@austinisd.org
Website: lamar.austinschools.org
Location: 6201 Wynona Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: (512) 414-3217
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LamarMS/
Twitter: @LamarFineArts