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The Mustang Messenger
Sunday, January 28, 2024
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A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
What an incredible first week of Quarter 3 at JL Simpson MS! As students commenced their academics for the new semester with our awesome instructional team, they were also surrounded with cool experiences ranging from Clubs During the Day on Wednesday and our Grade 6 Blue/Gold Band Concerts on Thursday to the outstandingly fantastic musical and historical experience performed by The Souled Out Band on Friday. The Souled Out Band was an awesome way to debut our Black History Month celebration and was graciously acquired under the leadership and support of Ms. Jennifer Herrin, one of our 7th Grade Social Sciences and Global Studies teachers and our co-SCA sponsor. It was inspiring to see all of our students and staff dancing and having a good time to wonderful music and learning about impactful historical figures that have contributed so richly to our global society! Stay tuned for more enjoyable happenings that will be featured as part of our Black History Month Celebrations soon!
A word of gratitude to our JLS PTO for bringing Monty's Cafe back to us on Thursday, January 25 as we had to postpone last week's event due to our snow days. We appreciate you very much for making our mornings warm with hot chocolate on a monthly basis...and we are already looking forward to February 21 for your next visit!
A gigantic thank you to Ms. Jennifer Maulfair and Ms. Jeannine Everett for spearheading our Spelling Bee on Friday, January 26...and an even larger congratulations to all of our student participants who confidently stood before their peers and families to shine in such a challenging experience! We are very proud of you all for being such terrific Mustang leaders! Nila Noorian is this year's JLS Spelling Bee Champion and will now progress to county-level competition, Paul Fasenmyer is our Alternate Champion, and Jude Afash earned honorable mention. Congrats again to all of you on a job extremely well done! We also appreciate our Assistant Principal Kjersti Oliver and Grade 6 Dean Katherine Hailey for volunteering so professionally to serve as judges for the event.
As scheduling season is now upon us with the arrival of February this week, please be sure to read the information below about our Rising 6th-7th-8th Grade Parent Information Nights at Simpson. Both events will provide you as our families with an opportunity to participate with our JLS Mustang Professional Team in experiences that are organized as a series of up close and personal sessions permitting you to both learn and dialogue with us to support your Mustang into the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.
We shall always be here for our Mustangs and your family at Simpson...so remember to connect with us at any time should you need us! We look forward to seeing you at the school house soon and wish you a fabulous February ahead!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School
Monday, January 29 - B Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- All District Chorus Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey Johnson - Choir Room
- Mary Poppins Rehearsal - Ms. Ashley Lapointe - Choir Room/Auditorium (3:30 PM- 5:00 PM)
- Jazz Band Rehearsal - Ms. Paquette - Band Room
- 5:30 PM: Rising 6th Grade Mouthpiece/Rhythm Assessment - Ms. Paquette - Band Room
- 5:30 PM: Strings Inststrument Test Drive - Ms. Kanakry - Orchestral Music Room
Tuesday, January 30 - A Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Rising 7th and 8th Grade Parent Information/Curriculum Night
Wednesday, January 31 - B Day - Last day to express interest in HAMSci, the IB Program and students NOT zoned for LCHS who are interested in ROTC. (see below)
- Clubs During the Day - See the clubs schedule below. Your child's club is also viewable on StudentVue/ParentVue!
- 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM: LCHS Drumline Performance - Auditorium
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Ms. Thomasson on BEAM Field Trip
9:25 AM - 11:00 AM: LCHS CAMPUS Visit to 8th Graders During Resource
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) - Ms. O'Hara - Aux Gym
- Weight Lifting Club - Mr. Dunbar - Weight Room
- Candy Grams Committee Meeting - Ms. Herrin B12
- Empowered Girls - Ms. Ashley - Room A17
- Mary Poppins Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey Johnson - Choir Room/Auditorium (3:30 PM- 5:00 PM)
Thursday, February 1 - A Day
- All District Band Rehearsals at John Champe HS
- WIDA Access Testing - Block 3-4 - Room B14
- Electives Assembly for Grades 6-7 at all Resource Blocks - Auditorium
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
Friday, February 2 - B Day
- All District Band Rehearsals at John Champe HS
- WIDA Access Testing - Block 3-4 - Room B14
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Friday School - Mr. Washburn
- Mary Poppins Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey Johnson - Choir Room/Auditorium (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Sunday, February 4
- 12:30PM: Girls JV Basketball Game @Eagle Ridge MS
- 1:45 PM: Boys 6th Grade Basketball Game @Harper Park MS
- 1:45 PM: Boys 8th Grade Basketball Game @Smart's Mill MS
- 3:00 PM: Boys 7th Grade Basketball Game @Brambleton MS
- 4:15 PM: Girls Varsity Basketball Game @Harper Park MS
Rising 6th-7th-8th-9th Grade Parent Information and Curriculum Nights
Join us at our Rising 7th and 8th Grade Parent Information Night on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM to attend in-person sessions on important topics for your Mustang as we look forward to the 2024-2025 School Year!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
A Loudoun County HS Captain or JLS Simpson Mustang student chaperone will meet you at the front entrance by our auditorium to provide you with a site map and program for your sessions. We will also have Captains and Mustangs around the building to guide you to locations if you need any assistance.
WHAT SESSIONS AM I ATTENDING?
- Simpson 101: School Leadership Team + School Counseling Staff + Parent-Teacher Organization President
- Getting Involved at JLS!: Clubs/Organizations and Opportunities for Student Engagement and Leadership at Simpson
- Grade 7-8 Electives: What Are Our Choices?
- Grades 7-8 Core Subject Information Session: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Mathematics
WHAT OTHER RESOURCES WILL BE ON SITE DURING THE EVENT?
- Parent-Teacher Organization Welcome Table
- LCPS Family and Community Engagement / Family Liaison Welcome Table
- Department of Digital Innovation - StudentVue/ParentVue Access Table
- World Languages and Cultures Program Information Tables
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
- Contact Alison.Hyman@lcps.org (Rising 7th Grade School Counselor) or Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org (Rising 8th Grade School Counselor) with any questions!
Join us at our Rising 6th Grade Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM to attend in-person sessions on important topics for your Mustang as we look forward to the 2024-2025 School Year!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
A Loudoun County HS Captain or JLS Simpson Mustang student chaperone will meet you at the front entrance by our auditorium to provide you with a site map and program for your sessions. We will also have Captains and Mustangs around the building to guide you to locations if you need any assistance.
WHAT SESSIONS AM I ATTENDING?
- Simpson 101: School Leadership Team + School Counseling Staff + Parent-Teacher Organization President + Information About Rising 6th Grade Events in March, June, and August 2024
- Getting Involved at JLS!: Electives + Clubs/Organizations + Opportunities for Student Engagement and Leadership at Simpson
- Mathematics at the Middle School Level
- English, Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Science at the Middle School Level
WHAT OTHER RESOURCES WILL BE ON SITE DURING THE EVENT?
- Parent-Teacher Organization Welcome Table
- LCPS Family and Community Engagement / Family Liaison Welcome Table
- Department of Digital Innovation - StudentVue/ParentVue Access Table
- Youth After School (YAS) Program Table
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
- Contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org (Rising 6th Grade School Counselor) with any questions!
More Information for Students Attending 6th Grade @Simpson Next Year (2024-2025)
Mark Your Calendars for Rising 6th Grade Events
Simpson Instrument Information Sessions
Click the image to schedule your time slot.
Simpson Orchestra Information Sessions
Congratulations to Our Simpson Spelling Bee Winners!
LCHS to Visit Simpson 8th Graders Wednesday, January 31
LCPS Requires All 8th Grade Students to Attend the CAMPUS Presentation
We have two LCHS Captains and an LCHS Counselor joining us on January 31 to present the CAMPUS program to all eighth graders during their resource blocks.
Federal Impact Aid Forms - Due Now - for ALL Students to Advisory Teachers
If you have not yet completed the Federal Impact Aid Form, please do so and return to your student's advisory teacher.
Dear JLS Mustang Families,
LCPS uses Impact Aid funds to support public education and reduce the amount of local monies needed to provide education for all Loudoun children. The Impact Aid Survey form identifies federally connected students and supports our request for Impact Aid resources.
- Information about this form can be found here.
- On Thursday, January 18, your student received a paper copy of this Federal Impact Aid Survey. Here is an extra copy of the form for you. You can also find alternative formats of the Federal Aid Impact Survey Here.
- Please complete the survey by no later than Friday January 26, 2024 for each LCPS-enrolled child in your household.
- The completed forms should be returned to your student’s advisory teacher.
- See the informational section below for more details about whom you can contact with any questions!
Thank you for your support and please reach out to the appropriate house secretary below if you need any assistance:
- Grade 6: Stephanie.Dewan@lcps.org
- Grade 7: Laura.Ridings@lcps.org
- Grade 8: Monica.Allman@lcps.org
PTO Silent Auction
Our PTO Silent Auction is now open! We have some amazing items that were generously donated to the PTO. The online auction will run until Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Three baskets that were donated by the PE, Math and SPED departments. The money from those baskets will go directly to those departments! Let's show them some love and bid on their amazing contributions to the silent auction!
We also have a gorgeous afghan, a jersey signed by Jalen Hurts, a jersey signed by Mike Singletary, a jersey signed by Franz Wagner, a cookbook signed by Gwyneth Paltrow, and a book signed by Evangeline Lilly!
Candy Gram Sales Coming February 5-8
Applications Being Accepted for Library Helpers
Become a Library Helper and help the library staff and keep the library looking sharp!
We will meet once a month during lunch and helpers are required to volunteer twice a month.
The Library Helpers will team up with the librarians to:
Keep the library looking sharp
Help run errands for the library staff
Help create displays
Create book trailer(s)
Duties will include:
Attending lunch meetings once a month
Volunteering twice a month during Resource to help in the library (i.e. shelving books, help students, keeping library neat and tidy, etc..)
LCPS Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) - January / February Newsletter
A message from Rod Julear, Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) Parent-Teacher Organization Delegate:
Our Yearbook Staff Is Looking For Fun Photos of Our Mustangs Outside of School!
Our Simpson Yearbook staff is seeking photos of Mustangs outside of the school house!
Please consider sharing your photos of anything that your Mustangs do in relation to volunteering, sports, clubs, pets, favorite Leesburg activities, attending LCHS games, or neighborhood / family events.
Go to HJeshare.com and use code 13625 to submit your pictures!
Thank you for your support!
Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Mary Poppins, Jr. presented by JLSMS
Special Education Parent Coffee - Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Virginia Speak Up Family Survey
Be a part of the conversation happening across the state!
Starting on January 15, we will be participating in the Virginia Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning.
The national Speak Up is the first survey designed to help families share their ideas directly with schools and national policymakers. Speak Up provides parents and guardians with a mechanism for expressing their views to the administrators at their child(ren)’s school and district about key issues impacting their child(ren)’s education.
Since 2003, Speak Up has collected and shared the views of more than 5.4 million students, teachers, and parents/guardians from across the country. By participating in the Virginia Speak Up, you are expressing your views to a wider audience of local, state, and national policy makers —and contributing to the national dialogue about how best to prepare students for the future. The online survey is open to students, educators, and parents/guardians; it’s quick and easy to get involved. All participation is 100% confidential. Surveys take about 20 minutes to complete. To take the survey, visit this link.
To preview any of the surveys (students, teachers, administrator) visit https://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/vaspeakup/
We appreciate you taking the time to share your views with us! We need your input!
Resource Opportunity for 8th Graders
It's not too late to order from JLS Library Book Fair!
Thank you to everyone who visited the JLS Library Book Fair. We appreciate your support!
You weren't able to make it? You're in luck! The online book fair is open for the rest of the year. 15% of all proceeds go to the JLS Library. https://www.bookwormcentral.com/JLuptonSImpsonMiddle
SHINE! Spotlighting Heroes in Education Recognition Program
HRTD is excited to launch SHINE! Spotlighting Heroes in Education, a new recognition program that aims to tell the stories of the incredible work happening throughout the division. We encourage schools to promote SHINE both inside their buildings between peers as well as with their school communities through newsletters, websites and social media as all parents, students, staff and community members are welcome to submit a nomination. Each month, Loudoun Education Foundation will choose one submission to provide additional acknowledgement and a special gift.
How it works:
We are seeking submissions for LCPS staff members at schools, central office and support locations who:
Have gone above and beyond in a situation
Have inspired others or have a heartwarming story
Are doing something unique or creative that is leading to results
In general, ANY great news!
Complete the submission form (It’s short and easy!)
The Employee Recognition office notifies the nominee as well as their supervisor of the submission
The story may be placed on the Employee Recognition webpage.
We are honored to announce that Ms. Victoria Curtis-Meyding, Mr. Derrick Jackson, and Ms. Alesha Whitmore have already been recognized by families in our community! You can find their stories on the SHINE webpage under Inspirational Stories.
Our goal is to place a spotlight on the hundreds of positive interactions taking place in LCPS each day...and especially at JLS! We look forward to seeing your celebrations of our JLS Mustang Professionals throughout 2023-2024!
Makeup and Retake Photos Now Available Online
Make Up/Retake School Pictures are now viewable online. 😀
Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Club Day Bell Schedule: Next Club Date: Wed. January 31
Don't Forget to Order Your Yearbook!
Orders can be placed at yearbookordercenter.com
Be sure to use our school code 13625
Middle School Softball Registration Now Open
We are excited to once again host the Leesburg teams in the Loudoun Middle School program for the Spring 2024 season!
LGSL manages the following middle schools: Harper Park, J.L. Simpson, and Smart's Mill.
The Middle School Softball Program provides the opportunity to represent their schools, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and further develop their softball skills while developing relationships.
All players (grades 6-8) may register to tryout, but they must also be enrolled in a House or Travel league.
Players interested in trying out please register here- https://leesburggirlssoftball.sportngin.com/.../171216706
Special Programs for 9th Grade - January 31 - Last Day to Express Interest
Recently, our eighth graders had a presentation about the high school specialty programs. If your eighth grader is interested in applying for to the Health Medical Science Academy (HAMSci), International Baccalaureate Program (IB) or the Naval Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC), now is the time to express interest.
*Students zoned to go to Loudoun County High School that are interested in the JROTC, please see Ms. Jeane.
We hope your student will consider these opportunities. Please see flyers below for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org.
"If I Were Mayor" - Essay Contest for 7th and 8th Graders
Leesburg, VA (January 24, 2024) – The Town of Leesburg invites local 7th and 8th grade students to enter the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
Students are asked to identify a problem within their community, gather feedback from community members, and offer a proposed solution, which must be presented in a typed essay between 300 and 500 words.
Students must live in the Town of Leesburg, which is considered a VML member locality. All entries must be received by end of day on Monday, March 18. Visit https://www.vml.org/Opportunities/Essay-Contest for full details.
Regional winners selected from around the state will each receive a $150 gift card and a plaque. One statewide winner chosen from the regional winners will receive a $250 gift card and a plaque. The runner-up from the region that receives the statewide award will become that region’s winner.
“This is a great opportunity for our local 7th and 8th grade students to imagine themselves as mayor, identify an issue, and problem solve for their community,” said Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. “I can't wait to read the great ideas that will come from the essays. If there is a really good idea maybe we can work together.”
Winning essays will be featured in the May issue of VML’s magazine Virginia Town & City.
DEL, FACE, Welcome to LCPS Family Workshop (Virtual)
The Division of English Learners, Family and Community Engagement (DEL FACE) Office invites new international families to our virtual Welcome to LCPS Family Workshop.
This virtual informative session will include information about LCPS and the U.S School system. A toolkit to support student's transition to LCPS will be shared.
- Thursday, February 1st 2024 - 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Thursday, March 7th 2024 - 6:30pm-7:30pm
Sessions will be available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi/Dari:
Welcome to LCPS Flyer - English
Welcome to LCPS Flyer - Spanish
Welcome to LCPS Flyer - Arabic
Welcome to LCPS Flyer- Dari/Farsi
Families can register by completing this Google Form.
Contact Sarah.Ocampo@lcps.org, DEL FACE Coordinator, with any questions.
This update has been shared with EL Leads, EL teachers, and Family Liaisons and can be found on the Division of EL Landing Page, information pertaining to this update can be found on the Division of EL website.
LCPS FACE Presents Partnering with Families in the Special Education Process
Campus Application Window - Jan 8 - March 1
Youth After School - Loudoun County PRCS
*LCPS Events*
LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Parent Series
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!
Be Sure to Join Remind to Receive More Important Updates
Dates to Remember
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
January 30 - Rising 7th/8th Grade Parent Information Night - 6 PM - 7:30 PM
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
February 6 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Information Night - 6 PM - 7:30 PM
February 9 - No School - Holiday - Lunar New Year
February 13 - Club Photo Day / Special Education Parent Coffee 9:00am and 7:00pm
February 14-17: Virginia Kindness Week
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
Instagram: @jlsimpsonms_official_ jl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLSimpsonMS2020/
X: @JLSMS_Official