A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
This November weather has definitely been quite warm and sunny so far...and that characterization seems to be heading in the same direction as we begin the second week of Quarter 2 at Simpson! Our clocks have also turned back an hour today, so hopefully all were able to enjoy that extra time this morning!
Opening the doors to student centered-leadership and engagement both in the classroom and via co-curricular and extracurricular activities at Simpson is a major priority for our Mustang professional team and in alignment with the LCPS 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence. Our after school clubs/organizations and those that will be occuring during the day on Wednesdays are taking off nicely at JLS as second quarter begins. You can find an entire section devoted to this important topic to empower each and every student to become involved beyond the classroom at JLS below this introductory message.
Speaking of clubs/organizations and activities, Loudoun County HS student leaders and sponsors will be coming to JLS to provide information to our current 8th graders (as our rising 9th graders) about a plethora of quality outstanding opportunities available at the high school level on Wednesday, November 8.
We are also excited to see our annual Veterans Day program launch on Friday, November 10 with the support of an array of community members and student leaders at JLS. Remember to remind your Mustangs to wear RED, WHITE, and BLUE in honor of this fabulous tradition. Thank you so much to many families and students who volunteered to be a part of this great event...and especially to JLS Mustang Professionals Lisa Hamilton, Brandon Filsinger, Beth Paquette, Katie Hailey, Stephanie Dewan, Monica Allman, and Penny Barry for their exquisite efforts in working diligently to prepare for our event.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead...and remember to connect with us whenever you have questions or ideas about ways we can continue to provide the utmost of quality education and opportunities to our JLS Mustangs!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School - November 6-10
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Jazz Band Rehearsal - Band Room
Tuesday, November 7 - Election Day - Student Holiday - No School
- Professional Learning Day for JLS Staff - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, November 8 - B Day
- Grade 7 Field Trip to Waterford (B-Day Classes)
- LCHS Clubs/Activities/Organizations/Athletics Presentations for Grade 8 - Resource Time
- 3:20 PM - 4:45 PM: After School Clubs/Activities:
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - Main Gym
- Japanese Club - Library/Media Center
- Opportunity Time - Room M6
Thursday, November 9 - A Day
- Grade 7 Field Trip to Waterford (A-Day Classes)
- 3:20 PM - 4:45 PM: After School Clubs/Activities:
- Student Council Association - Room B12
- Library Council - Library/Media Center
- Opportunity Time - Room M6
Friday, November 10 - B Day - Simpson Veterans Day Tribute / Wear Red, White and Blue Day!
- All grades stay in advisory to watch the ceremony live stream.
Monday, November 13 - Student Holiday - Diwali - No School
JLS Clubs/Organizations for SY 2023-2024: Engaging Our Mustangs Beyond The Classroom!
LCPS Student Athletics and Activities Program Summary
Loudoun County Public Schools' athletic & activities programs dynamically support the academic mission of the school system. Our athletic & activities programs provide opportunities for lifelong lessons in the value of teamwork, empathy, work ethic, resilience, and sacrifice for a goal, all within the values of respect and honor. It is the hope that participation in the student activities within LCPS will promote positive attitudes that will empower students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Objectives:
To promote an atmosphere that allows students to be challenged to develop physical, mental, emotional, and social growth.
To provide a student with the environment to develop their individual skills and potential.
To teach each individual how to function as a member of a team or group, with personal goals and accomplishments being held in high regard but subservient to that of the team or group.
To teach each individual to strive for excellence, but only within the confines of acceptable sportsmanship and conduct.
To enable a community-wide sense of school spirit that is fostered by participation in student activities at each school.
To develop a life-long appreciation of physical fitness, wellness, and empathy.
National studies and research indicate that:
- Participation in athletics and activities promotes citizenship
- Students involved in activities have higher grade point averages than do non-participants
- Students involved in activities have better attendance records than do non-participants
- Of all students who drop out of school, 96 percent are NOT involved in school activities
- Participation in school activities is one of the most accurate predictors of success after college
What AFTER SCHOOL clubs/organizations are offered at JLS?
- Click here to see our current offerings, including their general dates/times.
- After school club/organization meeting dates, times, and locations will be consistently listed in the THIS WEEK AT JL SIMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL calendar section at the top of The Mustang Messenger.
- Please encourage your Mustang to e-mail the sponsor of each club/organization with any questions.
What is the CLUBS DURING THE DAY Program at JLS?
Our purpose of the Clubs During The Day Program is to provide an opportunity for students to explore co-curricular and extracurricular interests during the school day as many may not be available to participate after school hours. Each staff member will be aligned with a club/organization as a sponsor, promoting our mission of POSITIVE COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS at the forefront of our program.
Students do not miss any class time when participating in Clubs During The Day as all students and staff are involved together in the program at the same time each week.
Clubs During The Day will meet on Wednesdays for 44 minutes from 2:34 PM -3:18 PM on an adapted bell schedule.
Clubs During The Day will meet from November 15, 2023 - April 4, 2024.
CLUBS DURING THE DAY TIMELINE in ADVISORY:
October 25: Student Preview of Clubs During The Day Program / Students begin submitting club/organization proposals
October 27: Last day to submit club/organization proposals
November 1: Student Club Preview (Advisory) / Students rank their top five (5) club choices
November 3: Last day for students to submit their top five (5) club choices
November 6-8: Students assigned clubs based on their top five (5) club choices - Staff will work with students who have not submitted their top five (5) club choices to find a club of interest for participation
What is OPPORTUNITY TIME?
Opportunity Time occurs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at JLS by appointment via communication among our educators, students, and their families to provide an after school location for our Mustangs to work with a teacher to complete or catch up on current assignments in their classes. This program takes place regularly in Room M6.
We encourage our Mustangs to become involved in JLS' clubs, organizations, and extracurricular/co-curricular activities program!
First Quarter JLS Honor Roll Assemblies
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - Grade 8 - Brandon.Filsinger@lcps.org, Dean, Point of Contact
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Grade 7 - Brent.Washburn@lcps.org, Dean, Point of Contact
Friday, November 17, 2023 - Grade 6 - Katherine.Hailey@lcps.org, Dean, Point of Contact
Stay tuned for more information that will be delivered specifically to our First Quarter Honor Roll Mustangs and their families regarding logistics for our event.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT FENTANYL
School Pictures Now Available Online
School pictures are available online!
Families should have received an e-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam folder if you cannot find this e-mail.
If your student missed picture day, there will be a picture make up day on Friday, November 17.
For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com
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.
Thomas Jefferson Application Process Now Open for Current 8th Graders
The application process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology is now open. Current 8th grade students who meet the eligibility criteria below are invited to apply for the 2024-2025 school year. Please feel free to share this information with your eligible students. To apply, students must be:
- in 8th grade
- interested in STEM
- enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher
- enrolled in science honors and one other honors course (English or Social Studies)
- Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher (7th grade & first quarter of 8th grade)
Click here for the TJ Application Details.
Application portal: https://jasonline.fcps.edu/jase-web/jase
Last day to open an application is November 15 at 4:00 PM.
Application deadline is November 17th at 4:00PM.
If you have questions, please contact our 8th grade counselor, sabrina.jeane@lcps.org
Morning Student Drop-Off
Thank you for your support in keeping the drop-off zone moving in an already reduced parking/queue area at our JLS campus! :)
Crosswalk Safety
We also now have law enforcement support and a crossing guard at the intersection of Evergreen Mill and Tolbert on duty both in the AM and PM to support students safely crossing the street...and we appreciate your own communication with your Mustangs about consistently being careful about walking to school and back home.
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.
November 7 - No School - Election Day
November 8 - High School Clubs/Athletics presentation for 8th Grade
November 10 - JLSMS Veterans Day Tribute
November 13 - No School - Holiday - Diwali
November 14 - Special Education Parent Coffee
November 15 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance / Special Education Parent Coffee
November 15 - Grade 8 Quarter 1 Honor Roll Assembly - 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Auditorium/Cafeteria
November 16 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
November 16 - Grade 7 Quarter 1 Honor Roll Assembly - 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Auditorium/Cafeteria
November 17 - Grade 6 Quarter 1 Honor Roll Assembly - 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Audiitorium/Cafeteria
November 17 - Epilepsy Awareness - Wear purple! / School Portrait Make-Up Day
November 22-24 - No School - Holiday - Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - Bring Your Parent to School Day
December 6 - PTO Bingo (more information coming)
December 11-15 - Book Fair in the Library/Media Center
December 13 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
December 14 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
December 21-January 1 - No School - Winter Break
January 15 - No School - Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
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
