The Knightly News
Lake Middle School
Welcome Back to the 2022-2023 School Year!
Knightly News- Letter from the Principal
We would like to welcome you all back to the Castle after a relaxing summer.
As a community, we are looking forward to working together toward an amazing school year (Chapter 96).
We understand that this is a crucial time in our Knights' journey, and we are always looking for ways to improve your student's experience here at Lake Middle School. As such, we have improved upon some of our previous policies and procedures to ensure that your Knight has a healthy and safe learning environment. Please be sure to read about important dates and information below. It takes a village to successfully care for and raise our youth, and we can't wait to partner with you this year.
~Always Forward
Amanda McDonald
Week at a Glance
August 8 & 9th: In-person registration at the Lake Campus. Please enter through the main doors.
August 8-10th: 6th grade academy from 8-1 pm. Lunch will be provided.
August 22: First Day of School for ALL 6th grade students, new to Lake students, and our center program.
August 23: First Day of School for ALL students
September 7th: Back to School Night (more information coming)
Upcoming information:
DPS Athletics, 22-23 Family Calendar, Family Orientation Support
A Day In the Life of a Lake Knight
7:30 AM -2:30PM
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Important Information and Reminders
6th Grade Academy
- August 8th, 9th, and 10th, (Mon-Wed) from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- All incoming 6th graders are expected to attend. 6th Grade Academy will jump start the transition from elementary school to a successful middle school experience. Thank you for supporting your child’s middle school success.
Registration-
We have 2 options for in-person registration at The Lake Campus this year:
- August 8th from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
- August 9th from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Update critical information (emails, phone numbers, addresses, guardian information)
Identify your technology or internet needs
- Ensure your child is fully enrolled, registered, and ready to begin the new school year as a Lake Knight!
- To access the Annual Family Update, go to schoolchoice.dpsk12.org and click the green “Annual Family Update” button. You will use your Parent Portal username and password to get in. Only the parent listed as the first emergency contact in the primary household can do AFU. If you are having trouble logging in and are certain you have a parent portal account set up, you may want to contact our main office to see who is listed as the first emergency contact.
- If you do not have a Parent Portal account, go to myportal.dpsk12.org and click on “Create Account” at the top of the page. You will need your student’s DPS ID# to start your account. If you forgot your password or you can’t log in, you can get help by emailing portalteam@dpsk12.org or calling the portal hotline at 720-423-3163. If you do not know your child’s ID number, please contact our main office at 720-424-0260.
- If you need any additional support or have any questions please call Michael or Leticia in the front office
- The front office will be open every day from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Michael Coscarella (AFU English support)
Email: Michael_Coscarella@dpsk12.org
Phone: 720-424-0260
Leticia Rodriguez (AFU Spanish support)
Email: Leticia_Rodriguez@dpsk12.org
Phone: 720-424-0267
Free and Reduced Lunch
All families must complete an application for Free and Reduced lunch in order to receive free lunch regardless of eligibility. Please visit https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application to complete the application.
Denver Health
Lake Middle School has a Denver Health Center in our building. All services at Denver Health School Based Centers are free of charge to all DPS students (regardless of insurance or citizenship status), and many sites are open even while schools are closed. You can utilize the school based centers for immunizations, physicals, mental health services, and many other medical needs. In order for your child to receive services from Denver Health, you must complete their application at www.DenverHealth.org/SBHC (click “get started with e-consent”). We highly encourage all families to complete the application for their child.
Family Outreach
Please reach out to any of the following Lake staff members for support. Parent communication will begin August . Principal McDonald will send home a weekly newsletter on Fridays with important information, dates, and announcements. This communication is called “The Knightly News.” It will be sent as an email and you will receive a text message informing you when it has been delivered.
Chromebooks and Internet Needs
All K-11 students were asked to keep any district-issued devices they had going into the summer and are expected to use them for this coming school year. This applies to students in transition grades. If you are new to Lake or are coming from out of district, please contact the front office to inform them that you need a device.
IEP, 504 Plan, GT, or Emergent Bilingual services
We will provide comprehensive services in all of these areas, from your Special Education teachers, English Language Development teachers, or GT teacher and it will be embedded in your child’s schedule if needed.
School Culture
We will have a dedicated time for 20 minutes daily for social-emotional learning that will take place in students' homeroom classes (learning family). Additionally, whole-school gatherings and celebrations will be occurring weekly facilitated by Mr. Reyes. Students will be participating in our monthly virtue, historical connections, guest speakers, celebrations, and opportunities to connect as one family together. These will be available for families and community members to join and celebrate with us as well (If health guidelines allow).
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Cellphone Policy Reminders
Cell/Mobile phones and other electronic devices (i.e. iPods /MP3 players, tablets, earbuds, smart watches, etc.) are not permitted at school. In order to prioritize learning and promote a healthy and safe school environment, phones will not be allowed during school hours. If your child needs a cellphone for after-school hours, then students are required to turn their cellphone into an adult during homeroom upon arrival. If an electronic device is seen or heard, it will be confiscated. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or confiscated electronic devices. In case of emergency, a phone is available for student use. Additionally, we will be teaching and encouraging students to email/google chat their parents updates and important information through their DPS gmail account.
School Supplies
We are asking students to provide their own trapper keeper or Chromebook carrying case, pencils and $20 fee. All other school supplies will be provided by Lake MS using the supply fee.
As a parent you can access:
- Student Schedule
- Grades
- Attendance
- All Assignments
- Teacher Contacts
- Missing Assignments
- Re-Submit Assignments