A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Our first five-day week for SY 2023-2024 was another great success across the board for our Mustang students and staff!
In addition to visiting our classrooms to witness our students perform music individually and together, participate in healthy physical fitness activities, create original works of art, and collaborate on projects to apply essential skills to real-world problems, we saw the following student-centered community events come to fruition:
- JLS Educators Jennifer Herrin and Kimberly Poole engaged students from their classes in conversations with division-level representatives from Loudoun County Public Schools and local businesses/community organizations about their own original projects related to computer science and thinking skills at our Amazon ThinkBig Space Showcase event on Tuesday, September 12. We also had the honor of hearing students from Alexa Kanakry's strings class and Al Young's guitar class open our showcase event in the auditorium as guests arrived. We are excited to see how this wonderful learning space can continue to inspire both JLS educators and students and those from across the division to open doors to opportunities beyond the classroom into career-oriented endeavors that appeal to their interests and dreams.
- JLS Educators Jennifer Maulfair and Abby Moulton invited community and educational representatives to JLS to engage their English 7 students in interviews about personal experiences related to September 11, 2001 and how that significant moment in history connects to today's world.
- National Hispanic Heritage Month started off with a wonderful note on Friday, September 15 as many of our Mustangs donned celebratory clothing in honor of their countries and our Mustang News Team opened the day with Spanish language announcements alongside a song illustrating many of our Hispanic historical figures who have impacted our world with their contributions to global society.
Clubs/Organizations at JL Simpson Middle School
You will be receiving information in the coming week about both AM / PM Co-Curricular / Extracurricular Clubs/Organizations to begin later in September and Clubs During The Day that will occur on Wednesdays commencing in the second quarter of SY 2023-2024. I will also be working with our JLS Professional Staff to engage a diverse membership on our Principal's Student Advisory Group to elicit student ideas about ways in which we can focus on continuous improvement to make our school the best place for each and every one of our Mustang students, staff, and community members.
We will also be seeking your support in a variety of school improvement-related initiatives throughout the year...so please do join our PTO by looking at information at the bottom of this newsletter and watch out for opportunities to come in the very near future. :)
Thank you again for your continued support of our Mustangs and our Simpson staff on a daily basis. I must admit that I wake up each morning elated to come to school to see our students and staff excel, knowing that another wonderful day is ahead for us all.
We wish you a terrific week...and keep in touch with us if you need us...we are here for you and your Mustang always!
Dr. Di Nicola
Principal, JL Simpson MS
HONORABLE - ENGAGED - RESPECTFUL - DETERMINED = Our HERD Initiative
The LCPS 2023-2024 Guide and Directory
Helpful Parent Vue Grade Report Tip
Would you like a weekly email report with your student(s) grades?
Here's how you can set this up in Parent Vue.
These directions will send a weekly report for all of your students for all of their classes.
First log into ParentVUE.
Next click on my account (it is located in the bottom right corner of a mobile device).
Then click on the notify tab.
Make sure to click on Grade book and select the day you want to see the grades sent through email!
New LCPS Digital Service, LightSpeed Family Portal
LCPS is offering a new, optional and free digital service for families called Lightspeed Parent Portal. This service allows parents/guardians to view a list of websites their student(s) are accessing when using their LCPS-issued Chromebook or laptop. Families who elect to use this service will receive weekly reports by email.
In addition, families can elect to temporarily suspend Internet access for their student(s) devices when they are not connected to the LCPS network (home, bus, etc.). Please note: Internet access cannot be suspended when a student is at school.
To sign up for Lightspeed Parent Portal, go to ParentVUE. From there:
Click on: “Student Information.”
From “Student Information,” opt in for Lightspeed Parent Portal under “Student Notifications and Permissions.” (Be sure to click the “Edit” button at the top of the screen.)
Choose “YES” from the drop-down menu “I am opting into receiving weekly emails regarding my student’s internet usage.”
For additional information and questions about Lightspeed, go to the Lightspeed Parent Portal website.
Monday September 18 - Last Day to Order!
Thank You and Congratulations Mustang Musicians
The following musicians from our strings and guitar classes performed for our Amazon Think Big Space dedication ceremony, last Tuesday, September 12. Their performance provided a warm welcome for our LCPS and Amazon Web Services attendees. Thank you all for a job well done!
Leia Hatem
Hadley Boehret
Angelica Immel
Daniel Moore
Nataly Garcia
Madison Bevins
Matt Sutter
Alexia Boyer
Eddie Moshrefi
Amberlee Bertramsen
Donovan Leiva Hernandez
Nadia Whiting
Max Pepper
Sabrina Wells
Bullying Prevention and Awareness Lessons for Students
During the month of October, the school counseling team will be presenting lessons to students in grades 6-8 as part of National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month. Lessons for students in grades 7 and 8 will focus on healthy relationships. The LCPS Department of Student Services has selected the One Love Foundation Couplets Program to help facilitate these discussions.
For more information about the program please visit https://www.joinonelove.org/act/couplets/
Please submit the PermissionClick form linked below if you do not want your 7th or 8th grade student to participate in the One Love lessons.
https://permission.click/kzJ58/int
Please reach out to the grade level school counselor if you have any questions.
Virginia Growth Assessment - Reading - September 20
Students in grades 6-8 will take the Virginia Department of Education’s Growth Assessments in reading and math this fall and again during the winter. Test windows for fall will be Math on September 11 and Reading on September 20. 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.
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
Last Chance to Apply to Run for Student Council
If your student would like an application for student council, please have them see their History or Civics teacher. Elections will be held by 9/22. The first Student Council meeting will take place on 9/28.
Click here for more information on SCA responsibilities, the election process and how to apply.
See You at the Pole
For more information, visit the See You at the Pole website.
Writing Prompts for 8th Graders Interested in Academies of Loudoun
The Admissions & Outreach Office at the Academies of Loudoun will be releasing the writing prompts again this year for 8th graders. The released prompts will be shared with all 8th grade students through their science classes. A guided lesson has been constructed for 8th grade science teachers to introduce the nature of a STEM related critical thinking writing task.
8th grade science teachers will introduce the guided lesson anytime between now and October 18, 2023. This date coincides with the application due date. This timeframe will allow Academies of Loudoun applicants an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the admissions writing assessment before their scheduled test sessions on October 28, November 4, and November 11, 2023.
Need Chromebook Assistance? DES Can Help!
All students should bring their Chromebook (fully charged) and charger to school each day.
The office is located down the main hallway (SIMPSON STREET) just past Room M3 on the right. If Mustangs need any help locating the site, any staff member can assist.
What is a Family Liaison?
A Family Liaison is a LCPS staff member (not a volunteer) who works to bridge the gap between home and school by helping parents get the information and support they need to ensure their child’s academic and social success. As a parent, you have a private link, connection, and bridge to your child’s school. We are fortunate to have an outstanding Family Liaison at Simpson Middle School, Ms. Leslie Chisholm. She can be reached at leslie.chisholm@lcps.org.
Your Family Liaison can connect you to important information
· Contacting Teachers and Counselors
· School Expectations
· Directing families to the appropriate staff member when questions arise
Your Family Liaison can connect you to available resources/help
Financial assistance for school fees (based on need)
· School Supplies or fees
· Medical Assistance/Glasses
· After School Programs
. Resources in the community
Your Family Liaison can help you make a comfortable connection with the school
· Get Help from Interpreters
· Volunteering
Your Family Liaison works with our Simpson MS United Mental Health Team to connect you with support in crisis situations (emotional, physical, and academic)
· Housing
· Accidents
· Illness
· Bullying
· Substance and Physical Abuse
· Food stability
If you would like assistance from Ms. Chisholm at any time, feel free to connect via e-mail or see your counselor/dean and we can support your meeting with her.
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!
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
September 11-19 - Math MAP Testing
September 18 - Last Day for PTO Simpson Spirit Wear Shop
Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 3-8pm
September 18 & 19 - All County Chorus Auditions
September 19 - PTO Meeting - 6 PM - Library/Media Center
September 19 - Special Education Parent Coffee - 9 AM - Library/Media Center
September 20 - Special Education Parent Coffee - 7 PM - Library/Media Center
September 20 - Reading VGA Testing
September 22 - Makeup Math VGA Testing
September 23 - JR Regional Orchestra Auditions
September 25 - No School - Holiday - Yom Kippur
September 26 - Makeup Reading VGA Testing
October 2 - Interims - Quarter 1
October 2 & 3 - School Picture Days (taken during Health and PE classes)
October 5 - PTO Spirit Night @ Chipotle 5pm-9pm
October 6 - Simpson Pink Out along with LCHS
October 9 - No School - Holiday - Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 18 - Unity Day - Wear orange!
October 18-20: Bullying Prevention and Awareness Lessons presented by JLS Counselors to Mustang Students
October 24 - PTO Spirit Night @ ResQ BBQ 11am-9:30pm
October 27 - End of first grading period
October 30-31 - student holidays - no school
November 7 - No School - Election Day
November 13 - No School - Holiday - Diwali
November 22-24 - No School - Holiday - Thanksgiving Break
December 21-January 1 - No School - Winter Break
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
