The Mustang Messenger

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What a tremendously fantastic opening of school year we have had at JL Simpson Middle School on both Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25! It has been an absolute pleasure meeting each and every one of our Mustangs as they began their journey for 2023-2024. So many great conversations, positive interactions...it warms the heart, for sure!

Our school leadership team has been actively visiting all of our classrooms to engage with our students in the connection activities that our instructional staff has been introducing to focus on developing positive COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS with our students. We are also working as a team to maintain a VISIBILITY AND PRESENCE both in classrooms and throughout our building in all settings to ensure that we have a SAFE, WELCOMING, AFFIRMING ENVIRONMENT for all of our Mustangs each and every day we are together.

We are thoroughly impressed by the oustanding character we have witnessed among so many of our Mustang students thus far. From supporting each other to open lockers and find classrooms, greeting both one another and staff in a positive manner, and working hard to participate in the classroom activities that our educators are designing for student engagement and recognition of the individuality of their voices, our Mustangs are certainly off to a great start symbolizing the HONORABLE, ENGAGED, RESPECTFUL, and DETERMINED qualities of our HERD vision at Simpson.

I must admit that this experience has been among the most fun that I have had in my twenty-eight-year career in education...and what an honor it is to work with all of you as well as our families. We appreciate your own positive support and communication to help our Mustang professional staff do our best for each and every student in our building.

We cannot wait to see everyone again tomorrow as we begin another week. Onward and upward we go, Mustangs!

If your student(s) need an early dismissal, please remember that you must come to the main entrance to show your photo ID to sign your student(s) out. For your convenience, we recommend that you avoid early dismissals during lunch times and close to regular dismissal time. Our parking lot tends to become quite congested starting around 2:45pm. And, lunch time is quite busy with students moving throughout the building, cafeteria or our outdoor space. It may take longer for your student to be dismissed during these extra busy times.

Bus passes (for transportation on a bus other than the student assigned bus) will not be permitted for the first two weeks of school as our students and bus drivers adjust to their new routine. Be sure to watch out for bus pass start date and procedures in an upcoming newsletter.

Whenever students are changing their normal dismissal transportation (ie. bus rider to walker or bus rider to car rider), please be sure to notify your house secretary the morning of the change via email or a written note.

6th Grade Secretary - Stephanie.DeWan@lcps.org

7th Grade Secretary - Laura.Ridings@lcps.org

8th Grade Secretary - Monica.Allman@lcps.org

Current eighth graders interested in attending the Academies of Loudoun in high school, may apply now. The application process closes on October 18, 2023.

Use this link for information about the fall application process:

https://www.lcps.org/domain/33082

Use this link to complete your application:

https://webinter.lcps.org/AcademiesOfLoudounAdmissionPortal/

Student should see Ms. Jeane, 8th Grade Counselor, with any questions.

Sabrina.Jeane@lscps.org

Our students will be participating in the Fall MAP Growth Assessment in their English/Language Arts classes at all grade levels during the week of August 28 - September 1.

The MAP Growth Assessment serves as a pre-test in supporting student progress and achievement on their end-of-year Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. This assessment also allows our educators to review current student performance to design appropriate authentic learning experiences where our learners can apply skills in areas of interest.

The resources linked below in the NWEA MAP Family Tool Kit are helpful in providing more information about the MAP Growth Assessment and its purpose in determing current student performance level in a variety of subjects, namely English and Mathematics in our school division.

If you have any questions about the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment in English / Mathematics, please feel free to connect with your child's teacher or Laura.Bolyard@lcps.org (School-Based Instructional Facilitator), Jennifer.Burns@lcps.org (Instructional Facilitator, Technology) or Katherine.Hailey@lcps.org (School Testing Coordinator / Grade 6 Dean).

Click here for the NWEA MAP Family Tool Kit.

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Ryan Bartel Foundation is committed to preventing youth suicide and promoting mental health. On September 24th, they will hold the 8th Annual We're All Human 5K Color Run—a walk/run event for all ages that celebrates life, resilience, and community.

Recruiting Teen Volunteers: They are actively seeking teen volunteers to make this event a success. If you know teens interested in volunteering and who would like to contribute, please give them the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA3AP-K19dB1rtPYuWykXqxpGWplImROg10r7CpEoP9lLLoA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Sign up to Run: Spots will quickly fill up so don't forget to register. Registration ends September 22, 2023 at 9:00pm EDT https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Purcellville/WereAllHuman5KRun

RACE DAY registration opens: 8:00am
Come early to get ready, enjoy music, check out the raffle, meet friends.
WARM UP begins: 9:30am
RUN START: 10:00am

Did you know that you can order your yearbook now? Orders can be placed at yearbookordercenter.com

Be sure to use our school code 13625

LCPS has updated this information with a refreshed title this year with the release of the Student Rights and Responsibilities for Families and Student Code of Conduct.

As Simpson will be aligning completely with this useful guide, please take time to review it with your Simpson Mustang prior to the start of the new school year and save it for future reference.

Click here to access the SY 2023-2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities for Families and Student Code of Conduct.

Our main entrance and parent - student drop-off doors will open at 8:10 AM.

Each day students will report to welcoming areas supported by Simpson staff members and are required to remain in that location until release to advisory and the beginning of our school day.

WELCOMING AREAS by GRADE LEVEL:

8th Grade - Auditorium

7th Grade - Main Gym

6th Grade - Auxiliary Gym

Students will be released from their welcoming areas by 8:25 AM to report to their advisory classes by 8:30 AM.

If your Mustang arrives after 8:25 AM, please drop them off in the small loop indicated by the A-Frame sign displaying the message DROP OFF AFTER 8:25 AM

Staff members are always in the hallways to support our students in arriving at their locations each and every day, so please encourage your Simpson Mustangs to find any one of us to help whenever needed!

The last bell will ring at 3:18 PM to signify the end of our school day.

Students can locate their bus numbers on their schedules. There are staff members outside to support students in finding their buses.

There is a Bus Dismissal Icon on LCPS GO where students can see when their bus has arrived at school. Block 7/8 teachers will also show this each day. If a Mustang's bus has not arrived, they will report to the auditorium to wait for its arrival.

Click here for a printable A Day/B Day Calendar.

Transportation Reminders/FAQ:

Please check out this useful document for some Frequently Asked Questions and information about LCPS transportation.

Students Walking to School:

Simpson has several neighborhood areas in the walk zone. Students that live in these locations may walk or bike to school. Students must follow these rules when walking/biking to school:

• Students walking or biking to school must always consider using the safest route. Parents are asked to review the safest route and proper procedures for crossing a street.
• Students should use cross walks throughout the community where available.
• Students must stay on a sidewalk while walking to school and must use crosswalks to safely come to school.
• Students that need to cross Evergreen Mill Road MUST do so at the crosswalk located at the intersection of Tolbert and Evergreen Mill.
  
• Students who live in the Simpson walk zone are permitted to ride their bike to school. Students should follow safety guidelines and must wear a helmet. All bikes are to be secured in the bike rack at the front entrance.
• Walkers must abide by all school rules while walking or biking to and from school. School rules apply until students safely enter their homes.

All students should bring their Chromebook (fully charged) and charger to school each day.

If Mustangs need any assistance with their Chromebooks, they are welcome to stop by the office of our Digital Experience Specialists, Mr. Harden or Ms. Santos Herrera, for any access, repair, or other questions to support the successful use of their educational devices.

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.

In order to promote safety and comfort for all in our hallways and classrooms, bookbags are to be kept in lockers throughout the entire school day after arrival prior to going to advisory and may be removed at the end of the day prior to departure to return home from school.

Students are welcome to visit their lockers before school, between classes, and after school for necessary items, as well as any other occasion on which they receive permission from staff to do so.

Students may carry cinch sacks (see below) from class to class with items needed for courses.

Our staff will be flexible with students carrying backpacks to classes through Thursday, August 31 as they work collaboratively with their teachers to organize themselves for the items they need for each class session. Starting on Tuesday, September 5, only cinch sacks may be brought to classrooms to transport Chromebooks / school supplies.

Gym and house area lockers are provided as a convenience to the student, but they remain the exclusive property of the school. They are provided for the express purpose of storing books, clothes, lunches, and other materials during the school day. Defacing the locker (inside or outside) by writing, scratching, or the pasting of stickers/pictures may result in a loss of locker privileges.

Lockers should be closed and secured at all times. The principal, or a designee, may enter any student locker when reasonable suspicion exists that illegal contraband is hidden inside. Locker problems should be reported to the dean or physical education teacher. Locker combinations are not to be shared with friends.

Don't worry!

Simpson will be providing cinch sacks with our school logo to each and every student via advisory block. Students may also have their own cinch sack if they would like something different from our Simpson version. Starting on Tuesday, September 5, only cinch sacks may be brought to classrooms to transport Chromebooks / school supplies.

Students are expected to place their names on their cinch sacks to identify them as their own property.

Cell Phones/Personal Digital Mobile Devices: It is the expectation at JL Simpson MS that students’ cell phones, earbuds, and any other personal digital mobile device are off and away during the school day. Digital wrist watches may be worn so long as they are used only for the purpose of telling time, with all notifications turned off so as to not cause a disruption to the learning process for Mustangs.

While cell phones/personal digital mobile devices are allowed at school, students will not be allowed to use these items in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, recess, bathroom/locker rooms, or other areas of the building during school hours (8:10 a.m. – 3:18 p.m.)

Maintaining the integrity of the learning environment is the top priority, so students must:

• Have their cell phones turned off​ during the school day; Cell phone use shall cause no distraction or disruption.
• Keep their cell phones out of sight​ during instructional time (inside and outside of classrooms).
• Certain infractions will result in students immediately losing the privilege to carry a cell phone on campus. This response will be decided by school administrators. Infractions include, but are not limited to:

(a) Posting harmful material against students and/or any members of the school community

(b) Refusing to give the device to a school official who requests it

(c) Making threats against the school community

In-Class Interventions/School Leadership Responses:

• 1st Offense: Teacher to Student Warning

• 2nd Offense: Teacher to Student Warning - Teacher contacts parent/guardian.

• 3rd Offense: Student takes phone to dean for storage in envelope - Student must pick up at end of the day - Dean contacts parent/guardian.

• 4th Offense: Student takes phone to dean for storage in envelope - Parent/guardian must pick up. - Dean contacts parent/guardian.

• 5th Offense+: Student-Parent/Guardian-Counselor-Dean/AP Meeting / Additional Interventions/Disposition(s) to Support Positive Improvement of Student Behavior

Please take a moment to read about the expecations in our Health and Physical Education classes here at Simpson!

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.

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!

Our most immediate need right now is for a 6th Grade Event lead and someone that would like to help with our welcome back staff breakfast. Please reach out to Natalie Sutter nsutter@gmail.com or Sara Conner sbc070178@gmail.com if you are interested in helping. 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!

Anyone else super busy with getting everything ready for back to school and fall sports gearing up?

Let the Simpson PTO help with getting dinner on the table a little easier.

Click here for the official link with more info.

For the next month you can order from Little Caesars. Orders are for either:

1. A hot meal deal that you can pick up right from our local Little Caesars.

2. Pizza, breadstick or cookie kits that are delivered right to your door!

This fundraiser is national, so please share the link above with friends and family. You can also place as many orders during the month that you want.

Thank you for supporting our PTO and JLS Mustang Family!

Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.

September 1 No School

September 1-4 No School - Holiday

September 6 & 7 Select Choir Auditions

September 18 & 19 All County Chorus Auditions

September 23 JR Regional Orchestra Auditions

September 25 No School - Holiday

October 2 & 3 School Picture Days

October 9 No School - Holiday

October 31 All District Chorus Auditions

November 6 No School - Election Day

November 13 No School - Holiday

November 22-24 No School - Holiday

December 21-January 1 No School

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