The Mustang Messenger

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Happy Heart Month!

Although it's only February, we are already looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you so much to the families that were able to attend our Rising 7th and 8th Grade Parent Information Night this past Tuesday, January 30. We missed seeing those of you who were unable to join us, but we hope you can stop by Simpson soon for a visit!

Please take some time to carefully read the supportive information below that can help you make some valuable decisions with your Mustang about Scheduling for 2024-2025. We also have information for rising 9th graders available in this newsletter as well.

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Rising Grade 7 Counselor: Alison.Hyman@lcps.org

Rising Grade 8 Counselor: Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org

Rising Grade 9 Questions - Current Grade 8 Counselor: Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org

Have a wonderful weekend...we appreciate your being a member of our Mustang family!

Sincerely yours,

Ms. Katherine Hailey, Rising 7th Grade Dean

Mr. Brent Washburn, Rising 8th Grade Dean

The purpose of this special edition of the Mustang Messenger is to share some important information regarding the course selection process, helpful resources for selecting courses, and upcoming parent information events for rising 9th grade.

We hope that this Academic Advising site will be a helpful overview while planning for middle school academics.

Please reach out to the grade level counselor if you have any questions or concerns.

J.L. Simpson School Counseling Team

Ms. Hyman, 6th Grade, Alison.Hyman@lcps.org

Ms.Thomasson, 7th grade, Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org

Ms. Jeane, 8th Grade, Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org

Counselors will be visiting History classes February 5-9 to assist students with selecting their elective courses for next year. We encourage parents to begin talking with your student(s) about what electives they are interested in taking.

Teacher Recommendations

Your student's current teachers will be making course recommendations for Mathematics and World Languages and Cultures (if applicable). Your student should be able to view these recommendations under the Course Request tab in StudentVue on February 8.

Our teachers spend quality time reviewing current student performance to determine their professional recommendations about course selection to best support your child's progress and success for next year and into the future. If you have questions regarding a recommended course, please reach out to the individual teacher for support.

Course Selection Timeline: Mark Your Calendars Now!

• February 5-9, 2024: Counselors will meet with current 6th & 7th grade students through history classes to select elective courses.

• Early March 2024: Course request letters will be sent via Permission Click.

Permission Click will provide a link to confirm courses, and/or request course

changes. Parents should review list of courses and either confirm or request changes.

• March 22, 2024: Course request responses/confirmations due via Permission Click.

• June 1, 2024: No course changes will be made after this date.

Explore Electives: JL Simpson Electives Options

7th Grade Course Options: Rising 7th Grade Course Selection Chart

8th Grade Course Options: Rising 8th Grade Course Selection Chart

LCPS Program of Studies: The 2024-2025 LCPS Program of Studies

Math Placement Guidance: LCPS Secondary Math Course Selection Information

Parent Night Presentation: JLSMS Rising 7th & 8th Grade Parent Information Night

Event Information: Loudoun County High School - Parent Information / Curriculum Night

For rising 9th grade students and families attending Loudoun County High School next year.

When:

Wednesday, February 7 @ 6:00 PM

Where:

Loudoun County High School, Dry Mill Road Southwest, Leesburg, VA

Event Information: Heritage High School - Course Information Night - Open to current 8th grade through 11th grade

When:

Monday, February 5 @ 7:00 PM

Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mills Road Southeast, Leesburg, VA

Event Information: Tuscarora High School (Rising 9th Grade Information Night took place on January 25) Please click here to view the slide presentation.

LCPS offers French, German, Latin, and Spanish at Levels 1 and 2 at the middle school level. Proficient speakers of Spanish approved after the completion of a language assessment by trained LCPS educators may also take Spanish for Fluent Speakers 1/2.

Please review these very helpful resources to support your Mustang in making helpful decisions about adding a world language to their repertoire. Each and every one has special value...and students can even branch out to taking more than one language in high school and beyond!

Check out opportunities to earn Credit Through Testing for students who are already proficient in a language other than English as well as the amazing avenue to earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma for graduation from LCPS, a tremendous honor!

LCPS Credit Through Testing

Why take a World Language?

What language should I learn?

Virginia Seal of Biliteracy

English Learners may also find valuable information on the English Learners Family and Community Engagement (EL FACE) site.

Click here to learn more about navigating ParentVUE/StudentVUE resources.

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