

The Mustang Messenger
2024-2025 Season

Sunday, September 22, 2024
Traducción en Español
- Para ver el boletín en español haga clic en el cuadrado negro ubicado en el lado derecho donde dice Traducir boletín.
- Cuando llegue aquí, haga clic en la flecha hacia abajo y elija el idioma Español.
A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
Fall has officially arrived this weekend as we enter another exciting week at JL Simpson Middle School! This past week saw the commencement of our Intramural Sports program as Flag Football kicked off the season under the outstanding leadership of Sam Carpenter and awesome support of Maggie Darby, Tony Dunbar, Justin Grantham, Angela Rogers, Derrick Jackson, and Richard Rogers. We had a wonderful turnout of more than 100 students in attendance for our first day, all of whom showed the greatest value of enthusiasm and sportsmanship that we could imagine. We are excited to see where our teams shall go this fall and into our subsequent seasons as Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer are in the future for our Mustangs to consider as options for their engagement in this new program to our school and LCPS as a whole!
Our eighth graders learned about LCPS Special Programs opportunities as they participated in a question and answer session with staff regarding Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, The Academies of Loudoun, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, International Baccalaureate, and the Health and Medical Sciences Academy on Wednesday, September 18. The presentation provided to our Mustangs is linked just above if you would like to see more details regarding the programs...and we also plan to invite some currently enrolled students in each program to come to JLS so that our eighth graders can learn more from those who are actively participating in these experiences as we speak! 😀
We also enjoyed seeing so many of our former Mustangs at the 70th Anniversary Special Edition of the Loudoun County High School Homecoming Parade Event on Thursday, September 19. Members of NJROTC, fall sports teams, instrumentalists, and so many other clubs and organizations were represented as part of this beautiful tradition. Check out some of the photos below...so many bright and excited Captains and Mustangs were participating! A terrific event indeed!
Hispanic Heritage Month continues with more trivia opportunities this week...and it has been so awesome to have such a large number of Mustangs participating in earning Monty Bucks and subsequently entering our raffle drawing set for October 15 as they have been answering our questions with great vigor! Our Latino Student Association is 100% behind all of the events that we are engaging with our Mustang Family as part of the celebration, all of their creation and fine work thus far displayed not only by generating fun trivia questions, but also bulletin boards, showcases, beautiful clothing representing the rich cultural Hispanic traditions both modern and past, as well as a spirit week that is heading our way as a finale to the month's celebration in early October. Check out some fun images and details below!
There are some super important topics in this week's edition of The Mustang Messenger, including:
- An opportunity to provide support to our renaming our auditorium in honor of Beth Paquette, our band director at JLS from 1984-2024
- A slight procedure change for morning car rider drop-off
- The availability of bus passes
- Our SCA-sponsored Friday, September 26 Gold Out in support of finding remedies for childhood cancer
- Terrific announcements honoring our Select Chorus accompanied by the return of clubs/organizations after school, including the arrival of new club experiences available to our Mustangs, such as the Harry Potter Club, Latino Student Association...and soon our Running Club and Video Game Club!
- An opportunity for your Mustang to join us in our Student Equity Ambassador leadership team!
This coming Wednesday, September 25 and Thursday, September 26 mark our Quarter 1 Interims. Therefore, please do take some time to check Schoology and StudentVue with your Mustang to ensure that assignments and grades are fully up to date...and know that if your Mustang has any questions that they can always use class, FLEX time, resource, or office hours per their syllabi to check in with their teachers...or simply send an e-mail with any questions that they might have about their assignments/performance status. We will always be here for each and every Mustang throughout their journey with us at JLS and beyond, as you can see from our staying connected with our former students as they head into their high school years and post-graduation from LCPS!
We look forward to seeing all of you again this week as we so quickly tackle the mid-point of the first quarter of the 2024-2025 season! Our Mustangs are collectively doing so brilliantly as they learn with us every day, engaging in hands-on experiences in so many of their classes that are impressive to see in person across the mass of content areas of study....as well as showing true signs of HONORABLE, ENGAGED, RESPECTFUL, and DETERMINED qualities that encompass the essence of a true Mustang of whom we are SO proud!
It's time for my Sunday run, even though it is a bit more cloudy out there than usual! Bright skies are ahead this week as colorful foliage changes will be arriving soon to accompany the new fall season. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other as we enter this week! Kindness is an easy pathway for us all to illuminate the fortitude that each of us has to offer one another as a united Mustang Family Forever!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week @ JL Simpson Middle School
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Monday, September 23 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: ADVISORY
- 7th Grade Hearing and Vision Screening during PE CLASS
Tuesday, September 24- B-Day - FLEX DAY: B6
- 7th Grade Hearing and Vision Screening during PE CLASS
- 8th Grade Honor Roll Celebration for Q4 and End of Year 23-24 (invitation only) - 8:30 AM - Auditorium
- EL Family Room - Exploring the Academies of Loudoun Virtually
- 6:00 PM - Spanish & English
- 7:00 PM - Arabic & English
Wednesday, September 25 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: A6
- See You At The Pole - 8:00 AM-8:15 AM - Outside at the flag pole in grassy area of bus loop
- 7th Grade Honor Roll Celebration for Q4 and End of Year 23-24 (invitation only) - 8:30 AM - Auditorium
After School Activities
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - Aux. Gym - Ms. O'Hara
Thursday, September 26 - B-Day - FLEX DAY: B8
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Harry Potter Club - Room A9 - Ms. Wence
- 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Intramural Flag Football - Main Gym - Mr. Carpenter
- 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Select Choir Rehersals - M4 - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
- 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - JLS Student Advisory PlanningTeam (SAPT) - AWS ThinkBIG Space - Ms. Herrin and Ms. Ashley
Friday, September 27 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: A8
- GOLD OUT Spirit Day for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Project Lit Book Club - All lunch blocks - Library
Grade-Level Weekly Academic Updates
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - September 23-27, 2024
HOW CAN I ACCESS THE JLS GRADE-LEVEL ACADEMIC WEEKLY UPDATE NEWSLETTER in MULTIPLE LANGUAGES?
To Translate A Document to a Preferred Language Other Than English:
1. Click on the grade-level newsletter you wish to review.
2. In the top menu, click Tools and then Translate document.
3. Enter a name for the translated document and select a language.
4. Click Translate.
A translated copy of your document will open in a new window. You can also see this copy in your Google Drive.
School Picture Day Is Coming! - Monday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 1!
JL Simpson MS School Picture Day is Coming!
📅 Date: Monday, September 30th & Tuesday, October 1st, 2024
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001141085#login
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com
PTO Seeks Your Support for Our School Picture Days! :)
We need YOUR Help!
Volunteers are needed to help make picture day run smoothly. If you have some time to spare on September 30th and October 1st, we would love to have you!
Prepare to celebrate HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SPIRIT WEEK! - Oct 7-11, 2024
WE WOULD LOVE YOUR SUPPORT!: The Beth Paquette Fine Arts Center at JL Simpson MS
JL Simpson MS is currently pursuing the renaming of our auditorium to The Beth Paquette Fine Arts Center, seeking formal approval by LCPS and the School Board in the coming weeks...and we request your words / letter of support by Monday, September 30, 2024 to help us make this proposal a reality!
Please click here to access the Google Form to submit your words / letter of support!
Thank you in advance for your wonderful support of this incredible opportunity to celebrate a fabulous professional who provided 41 years of service to a community-based school that is entering its own 50th year of existence in 2025-2026!
Procedure Change for Morning Car Rider Drop-Off
To improve student safety, we are asking students who are morning car riders to no longer enter the building at the side door marked B2.
Students will continue to be dropped off at the B2 door, but will walk on the sidewalk toward the front of the school and enter through the main entrance as the only entryway into JLS for all visitors/guests and morning arrivals.
Thank you for your partnership to ensure the safety of our students and our JLS community!
Interim Grades
This week marks the halfway point of the First Quarter Grading Period.
We have four weeks remaining until Quarter 1 ends on Tuesday, October 29. It is a good time to check in with your student on their academic progress. We encourage students to review their grades in Schoology, catch up on missing assignments and assessments, and talk with their teachers about any concerns they may have.
We will be here to support each and every Mustang along their journey to learning!
Bus Passes Are BACK!
Transportation has given the green light on bus passes!
All bus pass requests should be addressed to your grade level secretary. You can request a bus pass for your student via email, a written note with parent/guardian signature, or a phone call to your grade level secretary. Requests should be received no later than NOON on the day the pass is needed.
Whenever students have a change in 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 Administrative Professional - Molly.Steinbach@lcps.org
7th Grade Administrative Professional - Stephanie.DeWan@lcps.org
8th Grade Administrative Professional - Laura.Ridings@lcps.org
7th Grade Hearing and Vision Screenings
Hearing and Vision screenings for our 7th grade students will take place during their PE blocks on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24.
Students who wear glasses need to bring them to school on the day of their screening (their PE day). They will be screened wearing their glasses.
Nurse Pettit is in need of a few parent volunteers to help during screenings. Please use the link here and sign up for a time slot!
Friday, September 26 is a Gold Out!
The SCA is holding their first Spirit Day of the new school year! Wear gold or yellow on Friday, September 27th in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. There will be prizes for the best Gold Out Spirit!
Congratulations to our 2024-2025 JL Simpson MS 6th Grade All County Chorus!
Congratulations to our 2024-2025 JL Simpson MS Select Choir!
After School Clubs and Activities
Please check this section often as we continue to add new activities!
We have been busy planning some amazing after school opportunities for our Mustangs!
Here are our current JLS Clubs/Organizations set for after school on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays.
Please remember that after school activity participation requires permission from parents/guardians!
Please use the link below to complete the PERMISSION CLICK document.
Activity buses are available every Wednesday and Thursday for students needing transportation home from an after school activity. You can view the activity bus route stops using this link.
See You At The Pole - Wednesday, September 25
As part of our Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, (FCA) we will meet Wednesday morning, September 25, at 8:00 AM in front of JL Simpson at the flagpole for this International Day of Student Led Prayer. Students, Staff and Parents are welcome to attend!
Please note, this event will begin prior to bus arrivals. Students wishing to attend will need an alternative form of transportation.
For more information, visit the See You at the Pole website.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
The FCA club will meet every Wednesday after school from 3:30 PM-4:30 PM in the auxiliary gym.
Harry Potter Club
Student Council Association (SCA)
The SCA will meet after school, every other Wednesday in the cafeteria from 3:30 PM-4:30 PM. Interested students are welcome to attend a meeting to learn about the JLS SCA!
Upcoming meeting dates: October 2, October 16.
Weightlifting Club
The Weightlifting Club will meet after school in the gym weight room every Wednesday from
3:30 PM- 4:30 PM beginning October 23rd. Interested students should see Mr. Dunbar with questions.
We are Seeking Student Equity Ambassadors for 2024-2025!
Parents, please click here for additional information about our Student Equity Ambassadors.
Latino Student Association (LSA)
The Latino Student Association (LSA) will hold their first meeting after school on Wednesday,
October 9th. Join your LCA friends in the cafeteria from 3:30 PM-4:30 PM and find out what LSA is all about! Prospective members should complete the interest form found in our Mustangs' grade-level Schoology pages.
Intramural Sports at JLS
Intramural Volleyball Begins November 14th!
When Do We Play at Simpson?
Intramural Volleyball will take place at JL Simpson Middle School, after school on Thursdays from 3:30pm - 4:45pm. Volleyball will begin on Thursday, November 14th.
Activity buses are available and depart Simpson at 4:45pm.
Parent pick-up is 4:45pm.
Registration and Program Information:
Students must be registered to participate in intramural activities. Registration will take place online with no paper registrations available.
- Be sure to register your student FOR the JL SIMPSON LOCATION
- The registration site can be translated into many languages with the click of a button.
- Students can select to participate in any or all activities.
- Students must be enrolled at the middle school participating in the intramural sports program.
- Each student must be at school and in good standing academically and with our LCPS/JLS Code of Conduct to participate on the day of each tournament.
Use the link below for registration and additional program information:
Intramural Flag Football Update
Intramural Flag Football Play Dates
The upcoming dates for Intramural Flag Football are as follows:
Pool Play - Thursday, September 26th
Pool Play - Thursday, October 10th
Pool Play - Thursday, October 17th
JLSMS Tournament - Thursday, October 24th
LCPS Tournament – Saturday, November 2nd
Students must be registered to attend!
Activity Bus Information
Our activity buses are rolling! Students who participate in after-school activities have the option to ride an activity bus home. Use this link below to view the route sheets for the activity buses, including the bus stop locations and approximate drop-off times.
Library News
Project Lit
Project Lit is a book club for teachers and students who come together and read culturally important books, while encouraging the love of reading. Each month, participants will read a book at their own speed and meet in the library during lunch to discuss the book.
The first book will be Frizzy by Claribel Ortega . Students interested in participating can pick up a copy of the book from Ms. Yorkshire in the library. The first book club meeting will take place on Friday, September 27 during lunch in the library.
Library Helpers Needed!
The JLS Library is looking for Library Helpers! Volunteers will meet monthly in the library and help with shelving books, setting up book displays, creating book trailers, and many other tasks. Students are encouraged to attend an interest meeting being held on Friday, September 27 and Monday, September 30.
Special Programs Visit With 8th Grade Students
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Department of Teaching & Learning visited the eighth-grade class at J.L. Simpson Middle this past Wednesday to share information about the various special programs and academies available to rising 9th-grade students. The presentation included information about the following special programs and academies.
Special Program/Academy & Admissions Timeline:
- Academies of Loudoun (AET & AOS)
- August 19 to October 16 at Noon
- Student Opportunities located in LCPSGo
- Health and Medical Science Academy (HAMSci)
- December 1 to January 31
- Student Opportunities located in LCPSGo
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- December 1 to January 31
- Student Opportunities located in LCPSGo
- Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC)
- December 1 to January 31
- Student Opportunities located in LCPSGo
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ)
- October 21 to November 15 at 4:00 p.m.
- TJ Admission Website
For additional information about the various LCPS Special Programs and Academies, visit https://www.lcps.org/specprog.
EL Family Room - Exploring the Academies of Loudoun
The Division of English Learners, Family and Community Engagement (EL FACE) Office cordially invites EL families to join The Family Room session titled:
“Exploring the Academies of Loudoun”
Learn about the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) magnet programs offered at the Academies of Loudoun! Meet The Office of Admissions and Outreach to learn about:
- STEM Programs
- Admission Criteria
- Application process and deadlines
EL families are encouraged to come with questions.
Join us on Google Meet https://meet.google.com/idz-qabj-tft
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
6 pm (English & Spanish)
7 pm (English & Arabic)
Academies of Loudoun Applications Open for Current 8th Grade Students
The Academies of Loudoun 2024 Fall Admission Cycle opened on Monday, August 19, 2024, and will remain open until Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The fall admissions cycle is for any eighth-grade student enrolled in Algebra I or higher who is interested in applying to the Academies of Loudoun for ninth-grade entry into the Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET) program and/or the Academy of Science (AOS) program for the 2025-2026 school year.
The admissions office will conduct four (4) fall admissions information sessions for Loudoun County students in eighth grade and their parents or guardians. These sessions will provide details about the Academies.
2024 Fall Admissions Information Session Schedule
- Wednesday, August 28, at Tuscarora High School, 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 14, at Independence High School, 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 18, at Harmony Middle School, 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 1, at River Bend Middle School, 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Academies of Loudoun Admissions website, email AcademiesAdmissions@lcps.org or call 571-252-1992.
Students should see Ms.Thomasson, 8th Grade Counselor, with any questions.
Second-Step Program
We will be implementing the LCPS-sponsored Second Step® Middle School program during our resource blocks this season.
From the LCPS Department of Student Services:
We want your child to be successful in school, and that means supporting and encouraging their
whole development. While excelling in academic classes is important, students also need skills for
learning challenges, making good decisions, handling strong emotions, and getting along with others.
Second Step® Middle School is a research-based social-emotional learning
program designed to improve students’ social-emotional skills, such as emotion management,
impulse control, problem solving, and empathy. Second Step skills and concepts are designed to
help students both in and out of school. These include:
Mindsets and Goals: Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-
based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.
Developing a Positive Sense of Self: Students learn to identify their guiding principles,
work toward becoming the person they want to be, and learn strategies for building
confidence.
Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions: Students learn how to recognize strong emotions
and unhelpful thoughts, and apply strategies to manage their emotions and reduce stress.
Managing Relationships and Social Conflict: Students learn strategies for developing
and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict.
If you have any questions about Second Step® Middle School, please don’t hesitate to contact
Sarah.McIntosh@lcps.org or Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org for more information. Thank you for your support as we work to build a safe and supportive school community!
PTO Spirit Night - NEW DATE!
Join us for the first Spirit Night of the year at Buffalo Wing Factory on October 1st from 4-10pm. Please place your receipts in the basket near the front counter and the PTO receives 20% of the total purchases.
LCHS Field Hockey Clinic Fundraiser
Spend the evening with the LCHS Varsity Field Hockey Team and coaches learning about field hockey, running drills and practicing skills!
Purchase Your JLS 2024-2025 Yearbook on a REDUCED COST now!
SIMPSON SPOTLIGHT on MUSTANGS!
Science Lab
Escape Room Day in English
Ms. Olden's 6th grade English class working on a genre escape room challenge.
Friday Stations
Friday station work in Ms. Johnston's 7th grade English class.
Former Mustang musicians march in the 70th Anniversary LCHS Homecoming Parade!
The LCHS Captains Football Team marches through the 70th Anniversary LCHS Homecoming Parade!
NJROTC cadets lead the way during the 70th Anniversary LCHS Homecoming Parade!
JL Simpson Middle School Bell Schedule for SY 2024-2025
SY 2024-2025 JLS A-B Day and Flex Schedule
Tardy To Class Protocol
Students are expected to use their time effectively during our five-minute class change to ensure they are in class before the bell. School administration will implement student behavior administrative and accountability measures to address excessive tardies to class.
1st and 2nd Tardies to Any Class: Teacher and Student Conversation + General E-mail to Families Through ParentVue Communications
3rd Tardy to Any Class: Teacher and Student Conversation / Reflection Opportunity to Focus on Improving Timeliness to Class + Phone Call to Parent/Guardian
4th+ Tardy to Any Class: Teacher Referral to Dean + Phone Call Home to Parent/Guardian with Student Behavior and Accountability Measures Continuum:
- Lunch / After School Detention w/Teacher / Dean
- Loss of School Privileges (i.e. Recess, Intramural Sports, Clubs/Activities, etc.)
- Friday School
- Conferencing With LCPS Attendance Officer + Family + Student Support Advisor + School Leadership / Unified Mental Health Team
Please talk with your Mustang about the importance of arriving to class on time to BE PRESENT and POWERFUL in their learning!
Remember that we are here to support all of our Mustangs if they need help to strategize ways to arrive to class in a timely manner so that they can maximize their performance in each and every one of their classes! THANK YOU for your wonderful support!
Need To Talk To Your Mustang's Counselor?
Please contact your student's grade-level counselor if you have scheduling questions.
School Counseling Team Contact Information
6th Grade: Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org
7th Grade: Alison.Hyman@lcps.org
8th Grade: Last Name A-Q: Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org
8th Grade: Last Name R-Z: Juan.Barrios@lcps.org
Need To Talk To Your Mustang's Dean?
Please contact your student's grade-level dean if you have questions or concerns.
School Dean's Contact Information
6th Grade: Brandon.Filsinger@lcps.org
7th Grade: Katherine.Hailey@lcps.org
8th Grade: Brent.Washburn@lcps.org
Breakfast and Lunch Menu at JLS
Click the image above to see this week's breakfast and lunch menus!
LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for Families & Code of Conduct
Where can I find LCPS level information on general information and expectations for students and their families?
LCPS has updated this information for this year with the release of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook 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.
LCPS Policies 8650 and 8655: Please read carefully with your Mustang!
Please note the following in terms of Student Personal Device Use:
Middle school students must keep their devices silent and not visible, stored in their locker during the school day. Personal devices may be used before or after the school day.
The above includes any and all devices, including cell phones, earbuds, wireless headphones, iPads, etc. :)
NOTE: Students may have wired earbuds/headphones for classes in which their teachers permit them to use these devices. The devices may only be connected to the Chromebook.
We also request that all families refrain from texting or calling our Mustangs' personal devices during the school day to help support this new LCPS policy and our engagement of its content at JLS.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MUSTANGS?
- Please contact us at 571-252-2840 if you need to speak to your Mustang. We can always find them for you!
- We will allow any of our Mustangs to call home to their families as needed using our school lines...never a problem!
- Teach your Mustangs to use their e-mail accounts regularly alongside our own school expectations for academic engagement and communication with their teachers. You are more than welcome to touch base with them in that manner!
Fentanyl Awareness and Resources for Our LCPS Students and Families
LCPS middle and high school students receive information about the dangers of opioids and other illicit drugs through health and physical education classes. Student Assistance Specialists who have mental health and substance abuse expertise provide these targeted presentations and partner with their respective schools to plan additional opportunities, including assemblies, student-led campaigns, and classroom lessons.
More information can be found on this site - Student Assistance Services / Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness
NEED A TUTOR? JLS Tutoring Program Support Services Request Form
Click here and work with your Mustang to complete this Google Form to request a tutor and we will be in touch super soon!
Please read all instructions in the Google Form carefully to learn about the expectations for our tutoring support program...and reach out to JLS-Tutoring@lcps.org with any questions!
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.
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!
* LCPS Events and Announcements *
Loudoun County High School digPINK 2024 Event - Tuesday, October 1, 2024!
LCPS Community Book Club Opportunity: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
LCHS is hosting a community book club for students, parents, and teachers to discuss The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The first of four book club discussion of The Anxious Generation was a huge success! We had 26 people in attendance and a large portion of the attendees were parents and staff from both Elementary and Middle School levels. We even had our school board member, Lauren Shernoff in attendance.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 @ 5:00 PM. with required reading from chapters 1-3, and optional readings from chapters 9 & 10. It's never too late to join us!
We invite you to participate by completing this form. Be sure to indicate whether or not you will require childcare so we are prepared to fill that need.
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LCHS COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB? Contact:
Heather Rainey, LCSW | Student Assistance Specialist
LCPS PROPEL and Level Up Program
The LCPS PROPEL and Level Up Program is designed to address equity through enrichment for high-achieving students underrepresented in STEM.
The program goals are:
- Developing high-level reasoning skills in students.
- Providing students with opportunities to enhance behaviors associated with high achievement and demonstration of the 5C’s
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Contribution
- Creation
- Critical Thinking
- Assisting students with planning and preparing for academically rigorous coursework in middle and high school and for entry into competitive academic programs.
- Providing opportunities for parents to share as educational partners.
Click here to see the PROPEL and Level Up newsletter in English
Click here to see the PROPEL and Level Up newsletter in Spanish
YOUTH AFTER SCHOOL (YAS) Program Registration for SY 2024-2025 Available!
Parent Coaching and Resources
Loudoun County Public Schools is offering new resources for all staff and parents/guardians to use to support students through www.parental guidance.org. You can learn more about this initiative by clicking here.
These resources include easily accessible video-based courses on difficult parenting topics, individualized parent coaching for any LCPS parent/guardian, on their schedule in their home, and weekly interactive webinars to let parents know the mental health needs of our students are a critical concern of Loudoun County Public Schools. Your unified mental health team members are ready to assist parents in accessing the support. You can watch this video about the services available.
Slide deck with additional information: Coaching CCHC LCPS 2024.pptx
* Community Events and Announcements *
SNAP Provides Eligible Families Access to Healthy Food
The SNAP in Schools initiative from the Virginia Department of Social Service, which is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps develop partnerships to bridge the gap of food insecurity among school-aged children. The objectives of SNAP in Schools are to reduce food insecurity in school-aged children, to increase the number of students directly certified for free school meals through SNAP, and to increase the number of students eligible without application for the summer EBT program.
Please advise families who could benefit from this program to access the CommonHelp portal link to submit online SNAP applications.
Please also share the flyer below with your families:
* Simpson Middle School PTO *
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 at JLSimpsonPTO@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 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Quarter 1 - Thursday, August 22 - Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Dates to Remember + More!
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
September 23 & 24: 7th Grade Vision and Hearing Screenings during PE Block - Art 1
September 24-25: Quarter 1 Interims
September 24: SY 2023-2024 Quarter 4 Honor Roll Assembly - Grade 8 - 9 AM - 10 AM - Auditorium
September 24: EL Family Room - Exploring the Academies of Loudoun Virtual Session
September 25: See You at the Pole - 8:O0 AM - Outside at the JLS Flagpole
September 25: SY 2023-2024 Quarter 4 Honor Roll Assembly - Grade 7 - 9 AM - 10 AM - Auditorium
September 25: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30 - Aux. Gym
September 26: Fall Intramural Flag Football - 3:40 PM - 4:45 PM
September 26: JLS Student Advisory Planning Team Meeting - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - AWS ThinkBIG Space
September 26: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
September 26: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
September 27: GOLD OUT Spirit Day in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 27: Project Lit Book Club discussion during lunches - Library
September 30: September 2024 HERD Awards - Announcements in Cafeteria at Lunch
September 30 & October 1: School Picture Days
October 1: Bullying Prevention Month Begins
October 1: PTO Spirit Night at Buffalo Wing Factory - 4:00 PM-10:00 PM
October 1 & 2: 6th Grade Science Field Trip to Udvar Hazy - Students attend on Science Day
October 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day
October 2: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30 -4:30 PM - Aux. Gym
October 2: Student Counci Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM-Cafeteria
October 3 & 4: No School (Rosh Hashanah)
October 7-11: Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week
October 7: Spirit Day - Soccer Jersey Day
October 8: Spirit Day - Dress like a Hispanic Historical Figure
October 8: Monty's Cafe - 8:10 AM - 8:25 AM - Main Entrance
October 9: Spirit Day - Dress like a TV character
October 9: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30 -4:30 PM - Aux. Gym
October 9: Latino Student Association (LSA) After-School Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM-Cafeteria
October 10: Spirit Day - Bring your Flag and wear it on your shirt, wear the colors of your flag
October 10: Fall Intramural Flag Football - 3:40 PM - 4:45 PM
October 10: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
October 10: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
October 11: Spirit Day - Bring your Flag and wear it on your shirt, wear the colors of your flag
October 11: Yom Kippur
October 10: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
October 14: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
October 15: JLS Parents as Educational Partnerships (PEP)
October 15-18: Bullying Prevention Awareness Spirit Week
October 16: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 PM- Aux. Gym
October 16: Student Counci Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM-Cafeteria
October 17: Fall Intramural Flag Football - 3:40 PM - 4:45 PM
October 17: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
October 17: 8th Grade Strings Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Auditorium
October 17:Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
October 18: Transportation Staff Appreciation Day
October 18: Reading Department Field Trip - 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
October 20-26: Red Ribbon Week
October 21-25: National School Bus Safety Week
October 23: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 PM
October 23: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
October 24: Fall Intramural Flag Football - 3:40 PM - 4:45 PM
October 24: Project Lit during lunches - Library
October 24: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
October 24: Spooktacular Strings Concert at LCHS - 7 PM - Auditorium
October 24 & 25: Monster Mash 5K during PE Classes
October 28: Occupational Therapists Day
October 29: End of First Grading Period
October 29: October 2024 HERD Awards - Announcements in Cafeteria at Lunch
October 30 - November 5: No School
November 6: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
November 6: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
November 7: 6th Grade Academies of Loudoun Presentation - 9:45 AM
November 7: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
November 7: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
November 8: 6th Grade All County Choir @ Stone Bridge High School
November 8: Junior Regional Orchestra Event - Massaponax High School
November 11: Veterans Day Celebration - 9:00 AM
November 12: Monty's Cafe - 8:10 AM - 8:25 AM - Main Entrance
November 13: 7th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Auditorium
November 13: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
November 13: Student Counci Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM-Cafeteria
November 13: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
November 14: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
November 14: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
November 14: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Gym
November 14 & 15: Morven Park Visitors to 7th Grade History Classes
November 15: School Picture Make-Up Day
November 16: All County Orchestra Auditions - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M1
November 20: Q1 Honor Roll Ceremony (Grade 8) - 9:00 AM - Auditorium
November 20: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
November 20: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
November 21: Q1 Honor Roll Ceremony (Grade 7) - 9:00 AM - Auditorium
November 21:Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
November 21: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
November 21: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Gym
November 22: Q1 Honor Roll Ceremony (Grade 6) - 9:00 AM - Auditorium
November 22: Project Lit during lunches - Library
November 27 - 29: No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
December 2: 6th Grade Choir Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 3: 8th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 4: 7th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 4: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
December 4: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
December 5: 7th Grade Orchestra Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 5: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
December 5: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Gym
December 5: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
December 10: Monty's Cafe - 8:10 AM - 8:25 AM - Main Entrance
December 10: 7th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 10: JLS Winter Choir Concert @ LCHS - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - LCHS Auditorium
December 10: JLS Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
December 11: 8th Grade Orchestra Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 11: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
December 11: Student Council Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Cafeteria
December 11: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
December 11: 7th/8th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concert - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - JLS Auditorium
December 12: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
December 12: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Gym
December 12:Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
December 18: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
December 18: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
December 19: Project Lit during lunches - Library
December 19:Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
December 19: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
December 23 - January 3: No School (Winter Break)
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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