The Mustang Messenger
2024-2025 Season
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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_
A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
Here we are! It's time for Quarter 3 and Semester 2 already at JL Simpson Middle School! Our Mustangs jumped right into their first A- and B-Days of the new term with great enthusiasm and excellence on Thursday and Friday of last week...and now it is already February! The year certainly is flying by...and we continue to have great times working with your Mustang in joyful, interesting, and engaging experiences academically and in extracurricular opportunities!
As we begin Quarter 3, we would like to acknowledge the wonderful support that Dr. Noah Rogers provided us as both an Interim Grade 7 Dean until Mr. Fox arrived and Interim Grade 6 Dean during Mr. Filsinger's absence. Dr. Rogers is returning to his retirement after having completed his long-term role in these positions.
We now welcome Mr. Sam Carpenter to the role of Interim Grade 6 Dean until Mr. Filsinger's return to JLS. Mr. Carpenter has previous experience as both a dean and assistant principal in Loudoun County and Jefferson County, WV. Mr. Richard Rogers will be filling in for Mr. Carpenter in the world of Health and PE as well. Thank you both, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Rogers, for your awesome support!
More than thirty students participated recently in our JLS Spelling Bee...and I must admit that round after round went by with some very tricky words that I am certain I would have to look up to be sure of the spelling myself! Our spellers were all so very impressive with their poise, confidence, and brilliance in performing before their peers and guest families who were in attendance. Check out our winners in the graphic posted below this opening message! Thank you to Ms. Maulfair, Ms. Combs, and Ms. Saville for your fine leadership of our bee!
We are also proud to announce quite a few of our Mustangs who have been welcomed to All-County Orchestra and All-District Band as you can see below. We witnessed our Grade 6 Orchestra and Band perform their first concerts under the supreme guidance of Ms. Alexa Kanakry and Mr. Matthew Pazanowski respectively over the past few weeks. Our sixth grade instrumentalists are growing so quickly into their musicianship, soaking up their learning like sponges, as usual. 😀 Our fine artists in the realm of both music and visual modes have been highly impressive all year. Whether they are singing in gorgeous harmonies that we can hear down our hallways, playing an instrument alone or in their ensembles together, or creating original works of art that adorn our walls and showcases at JLS, our Mustangs certainly demonstrate such terrific talent and breadth of accomplishment at such a young age!
Our Intramural Volleyball Patriots team recently had an opportunity to participate at the county level in our all-district tournament with each and every one of our seventeen middle schools taking part. It was a great experience for them all...and we look forward now to Intramural Basketball and later Intramural Soccer to round out the 2024-2025 season of sporting at JLS!
Our Student Council Association is hosting a Sock Drive throughout the month of February as well as selling Candy Grams around Valentine's Day, so please review those cool opportunities to support Simpson via the graphics posted below this opening message.
Remember that our Mustangs will be taking their Club Photos on Tuesday, February 4, so be sure to ask them to wear school spirit wear or clothing representing any of the clubs/organizations of choice if they would like on this special day of celebrating our Mustangs' extracurricular engagement by picturing them in our 2024-2025 JLS Yearbook!
Scheduling season is still very much underway as you know in relation to your receiving a message from me on Friday, January 31 with details surrounding our new Course Planner system that supports our Mustangs in course selections both for next season and well into the future. Our counselors have been meeting laboriously alongside their colleagues from Loudoun County HS with our Mustangs to introduce them to Course Planner and will now create individual sessions with each and every student to ensure that their course selections are in place for 2025-2026. Please remember that no Rising 6th-7th-8th course selections can be altered after Monday, April 21, 2025 at JLS! Please do use this plentiful amount of time wisely to focus on course scheduling...and reach out to your Mustang's counselor should you have any questions at all:
Grade 6: Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org
Grade 7: Alison.Hyman@lcps.org
Grade 8: Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org
Grades 6-7-8: Ana Castro@lcps.org
Speaking of scheduling, our Rising 6th Grade Curricular and Extracurricular Fair Night takes place ten days from today on Wednesday, February 12! Doors will open at 5:45 PM for all attendees to report intially to the cafeteria space for a smorgasbord of helpful information, including but not limited to our Parent-Teacher Organization, ParentVue/StudentVue, Youth After School Programs, Intramural Sports, Clubs/Organizations at JLS, World Languages and Cultures options, and Family and Community Engagement. This event is intended for parents/guardians only!
We have one more Band and Strings Instrument Test Drive heading your way for rising 6th graders on Wednesday, February 5 from 5 PM - 7 PM if you were unable to make your way to us on January 27 with your future Mustang. Mark your calendars now if you'd like to attend!
Our current eighth graders have an opportunity to attend the Loudoun County HS Academic and Athletic Open House Night starting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 5 in the school's auditorium. Information about this fantastic orientation event to the world of Grades 9-12 can be found below too!
Our 2024-2025 Book Fair commences on the night of our Rising 6th Grade Curricular and Extracurricular Fair and runs through February 20. Purchasing books and other accessories from our book fair is a great way to not only bring greater, expanded levels of interest in literacy to your Mustang...it is also a fundraiser of sorts since a percentage of the profits that we gain from our fair come right back to JLS! English classes will sign up for times to come and visit the fair throughout our week-long event. Students can also come by during Resource, Lunch, and after school. Families are welcome to sign in the front office to check out our book fair in person! Glance over the flyer and the presentation pasted below this welcome message for more details.
This week ahead brings us another PTO fundraiser at Chipotle on Tuesday, February 4...so please do head out to 510 Compass Point Plaza from 5:00 - 9:00 PM to enjoy a delicious meal, naming Simpson PTO in the process so that a portion of your purchase will drive itself right back to JLS in service of our Mustangs!
Finally, it is my great pleasure to announce that February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week 2025, so we shall be honoring the WONDERFUL Mica Thomasson, Ana Castro, Sabrina Jeane, and Alison Hyman in many, many ways. We are very fortunate to have such giftedness among all members of our Unified Mental Health Team at Simpson...so please do take a moment to connect with your child's counselor to let them know how very much you appreciate their dedication to ensuring that our Mustangs are surrounded by their care and support every single day!
It's time for me to tackle my run in these slightly colder temperatures today...but looking forward to what appears to be a warm-up on the horizon in the coming days! Wishing you all an outstanding evening and week ahead, Mustang Families! Thank you for being YOU!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
Black History Month Begins
National School Counseling Week
SCA Candy Gram Sale Begins
Start of Quarter 3/Semester 2
Monday, February 3 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: ADVISORY
- Student Equity Ambassadors Meeting at Admin Building
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Rehearsals - Cafeteria - Mr. McGraw, Mr. Thompson
Tuesday, February 4 - B-Day - FLEX DAY: B1
- Yearbook Club Photos During the Day
- PTO Spirit Night at Chipotle Compass Creek - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. TECH Rehearsals - Cafeteria - Mr. McGraw, Mr. Thompson
Wednesday, February 5 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: A1
- Rising 9th Grade Academic & Athletic Night Night at LCHS - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Rising 6th Grade Band and Strings Instrument Test Drive at JLS - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Strings Rehersals During the Day - 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Vocal Rehearsals - M4 - Ms. Hoey
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Student Council Association (SCA) - Cafeteria - Ms. Suttie
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Empowered Girls Meeting - B12 - Ms. Herrin/Ashley
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Weightlifting Club - Main Gym - Mr. Dunbar
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Mad Scientist Club - C4 - Ms. Song
Thursday, February 6 - B-Day - FLEX DAY: B3
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Rehearsals - Cafe - Mr. McGraw, Mr. Thompson
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Select Choir Rehearsal - M4 - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Empowered Girls Meeting - B12 - Ms. Herrin/Ashley
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Running Club - C10 - Mr. Peyton
Friday, February 7 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: A3
- JLS Hosts LCPS All District Choir Competition
Ms. Lloyd’s students are hard at work purchasing items from Lowe’s on their field trip to prepare for a forthcoming special project as part of Robotics class!
Ms. McIntosh was happy to see that Bella Vinyard served as referee at her daughter’s recent basketball game!
Ms. Herrin, Ms. Vlchek, Ms. Matz, Ms. Gandi, and Ms. White welcomed presenters from the Tenement Museum in New York City as part of a virtual field trip this past Thursday and Friday! Students dove into the past through 360° images, videos, primary sources, and immersive photogrammetric tours. On their virtual visit, students explore history through the stories of real people and see how their own stories are part of history.
Thank you to Mr. Carpenter for supporting our Patriots group from our Intramural Volleyball teams of the 2024-2025 season as they took on Eagle Ridge MS on Saturday, January 25 at their division-wide tournament! Eagle Ridge MS went on to win the event, but we were very proud of our terrific participants, who played with heart!
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - February 3, 2025 - February 7, 2025.
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.
Tryouts will be February 17 at the Revolution Softball Indoor Facility. Participants must be registered in order to tryout.
Leesburg Girls Softball League (LGSL) sponsors the only Middle School Girls Softball program in Loudoun County.
The middle school softball program provides girls at participating middle schools the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. The program will also provide an opportunity to encourage participation from the high school programs as the middle school players practice and play together before they try out for their respective high school teams.
Follow this link for additional information about the Middle School Softball Program:
https://leesburggirlssoftball.demosphere-secure.com/middle-school/middle-school-softball
Follow this link for Registration Information:
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.
After school activities run generally from 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM with our LCPS Transportation team citing that our two activity buses will arrive by 5:00 - 5:05 PM.
We acknowledge that on a few occasions recently that our activity buses have arrived later than the above time frame. Please know that JLS School Leadership is working closely with members of LCPS Transportation to improve activity bus arrival time to support our students themselves arriving home in a timely fashion.
Parents/families who are waiting to pick up their Mustangs from after-school activities are encouraged to park in our large staff/guest parking lot adjacent to our school in lieu of lining up in a car line format.
We also are working very closely with LCPS Transportation to improve the arrival of a few of our AM buses to Simpson so that our students are comfortably in their classrooms by the 8:30 AM tardy bell.
If you have any questions/concerns with your Mustang's LCPS transportation to JLS, please feel free to contact the LCPS Transportation team by using the LET'S TALK! option seen at the right of the page at this website. (See image below...)
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!
JLS is proud to share that we have received SHINE -Spotlighting Heroes in Education submissions highlighting many of our very special teachers!
Use the link below to view the Staff SHINE submissions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10CLr09q_G6sO-9pyjKJBGr_Hw0LGTYfo72ZUzl_EgN4/edit?usp=sharing
CONGRATULATIONS, Thank you for SHINING for our Mustangs! Simpson is lucky to have you!
If you have a staff member you would like to nominate for SHINE, please complete the submission form (It’s short and easy!).
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
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.
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!
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: Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org
Grades 6-7-8 Combo: Ana.L.Castro@lcps.org
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
6th Grade (Interim Dean): Noah.Rogers@lcps.org
7th Grade: Jeremy.Fox@lcps.org
8th Grade: Brent.Washburn@lcps.org
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!
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
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:
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!
If you own a small business and would like to support the PTO this year, please email JLsimpsonPTO@gmail.com for our detailed tiered sponsorship letter!
Quarter 3 - Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Thursday, April 3 2025
Dates to Remember + More!
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
February 4: PTO Spirit Night at Chipotle Compass Creek - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
February 5: Rising 6th Graders Instrument Test Drive - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
February 5: Rising 9th Grade Students Academic Night at LCHS - 6:00 PM
February 7: JLS Hosting All District Choir
February 10: Intramural Basketball Team Creation Meeting during Advisory
February 12: Rising 6th Grade Curriculum and Extracurricular Fair Night - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
February 13: PEP Meeting - 5:30 PM in the Cafeteria
February 13 - February 20: Library Book Fair During the Day
February 17: No School - Holiday (Presidents' Day)
February 18: Grade 8 Honor Roll Celebration - 8:30 AM
February 19: Grade 7 Honor Roll Celebration - 8:30 AM
February 20: Grade 6 Honor Roll Celebration - 8:30 AM
February 21: Grade 6 Author Visit
February 26 & 27: 7th Grade Science Field Trip to the National Zoo
March 31: No School - Holiday (Eid al Fitr)
April 3: End of Quarter 3 Grading Period
April 4: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)
April 7: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)
April 14 - April 18: Spring Break Week
May 26: Holiday (Memorial Day)
June 13: Last Day of School and End of Quarter 4 Grading Period
