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The Mustang Messenger
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Sunday, February 25, 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!
In addition to greeting many of you each morning in the car line upon your arrival with your Mustang, it was spectacular seeing our families this past week at our Quarter 2 Grade 6-7-8 Honor Roll Assemblies! We are certainly proud of all of our honorees and each of our Simpson Mustangs for all of their continuous efforts to do their best every day! It was quite inspiring to see our honor roll recipients provide their impact bracelets to so many of our Mustang Professional Staff members who have made a difference in their journeys so far at Simpson. We will be providing all of our Mustangs with an opportunity to honor our staff very soon as part of an advisory activity...so stay tuned for more information about that awesome event to shine a light on our entire instructional and support team for a job well done!
Let's not forget that we are at Quarter 3 Interims as we mentioned last week, so please take some time with your Mustangs to encourage them to check Schoology/StudentVue and to connect with their teachers should they need any support in any way. Before we know it, the end of the quarter shall be here alongside spring break! Time is passing by so quickly!
Please read the information below about some important events coming our way this week and into next, a few of which may require action on your part as a Mustang family member 🙂:
Black History Month Finale!
Black History Month wraps up this coming Friday with a terrific Spirit Week celebration from February 26 - March 1! Check out the schedule below for what we can all wear to respectfully celebrate this wonderful tradition. We appreciate the leadership of many of our students and staff in offering such great recognition of Black History Month this current school year with special morning announcement segments, the fabulous Souled Out band performance in late January, a beautiful showcase honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. by school leader Beth Winsor, quotes from many famously impactful Black leaders in our history and culture each morning on our PA, our Equity Team offering a plethora of different classroom-based activities to staff, and our library team for creating a wonderful display of books celebrating so many of our Black writers, both past and present.
Important Surveys Are Happening Through March 17!
You should have received an e-mail with the link to the LCPS Annual Family Survey for each of your children's schools on Tuesday, February 20 from Dr. Aaron Spence, our division superintendent.
We will be conducting the LCPS Annual Student Survey this coming week during advisory time for those families who have permitted their Mustangs to participate...and our staff is in the midst of completing their own surveys. :)
All of the surveys take roughly ten minutes...and your voice is extremely important to us as we build our JLS School Improvement Team for SY 2024-2025...and that may include you as well! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Research@lcps.org or Tripp.DiNicola@lcps.org and we shall assist!
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser For JLS Beautification Ends This Week!
Our Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Fundraiser ends on February 29...and we are assuredly looking for additional support of our endeavor to refresh hallway art, create our new gymnasium Murals, install a digital sign in front of our school, and build school supply resources for our Mustangs in 2024-2025. If you would like to simply make a donation to our effort in lieu of our doughnut sale, feel free to do so at this link! We appreciate the constant support our families and community members offer to make Simpson continually the best!
Sydney Dunlap Author Visit on Monday, March 4 - It Happened On Saturday
Please check out the information further down in this week's Mustang Messenger to read about a wonderful opportunity for your Mustang to meet award-winning author Sydney Dunlap as she visits Simpson for short assemblies with each grade level on Monday, March 4 to discuss her book, It Happened On Saturday, the story of a 13-year-old girl named Julia who meets someone online who isn’t who he says he is. This interactive presentation will delve into the writing process along with the importance of making careful decisions when going online. If you would like to opt your child out of this assembly experience that focuses on internet/social media safety for our children, you are welcome to do so by completing this Permission Click.
Pre-Assessment Fine Arts Concerts This Week!
Read about the opportunity below this introductory message to attend our Fine Arts Pre-Assessment Concert slated for Tuesday evening at 7 PM this week to celebrate our Mustang musicians as they head into spring performances! As always, a huge thank you to Beth Paquette, Holly Hoey-Johnson, Alexa Kanakry, and Al Young for being such tremendously talented fine arts educators as they inspire our young performers daily!
Spring is surely on its way with the sunny skies and warmer temperatures coming this week...so hopefully you are all able to enjoy some outdoor time in the fresh air with your family and friends! I am about to head out for a run 🏃♂️ in the sun 🌞 myself here before doing a bit more school and house work this fine Sunday as I complete this introductory message for you.
Have a great week ahead and we shall look forward to seeing you and our Mustangs again soon!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
JLS Grade-Level Academic Weekly Update - February 26 - March 1, 2024
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - February 26-March 1, 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.
LCPS Family Survey 2023-2024: We Need To Hear From You!
The LCPS Annual Family Survey was emailed to you on Tuesday, February 20.
The LCPS Annual Staff, Student and Family Survey is the most extensive and influential feedback survey conducted by Loudoun County Public Schools each year. We use the results to assess the learning climate in our building and make plans for the following year. We want to hear from everyone so that we can make the best decisions for ALL our students!
The parent/family survey will only take a few minutes of your time. You should have received an email on Tuesday, February 20 from Dr. Aaron Spence that includes a link to take the survey. You are asked to fill out a survey for each school in which you have a child enrolled (elementary, middle, high or program). For more information go to the Stakeholder Surveys 2024 Information webpage
If you have not received a survey email, please contact Research@lcps.org.
NOTE: The survey is open through Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Thank you for sharing your opinion with us!
Tutoring and Enrichment Opportunities Available for All LCPS Students
Looking for tutoring and enrichment opportunities for your students?
All Mustangs now have access to Varsity Tutors, a free resource to support student academic growth. Parents can contact Varsity Tutors directly to learn more about all the services available.
For more information see the LCPS website.
Please note: Staff is not responsible for connecting, scheduling or monitoring students whose families seek out the services provided. Varsity Tutors' operations are separate from LCPS.
Author Visit by Sydney Dunlap on Monday, March 4! - Click for info!
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School
February 26-March 1 - Happening All Week:
- WIDA ACCESS Testing Continues
Monday, February 26 - B Day - 3rd Quarter Interim
- Club Photo Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Jazz Band Rehearsal - Ms. Paquette - BAND Room
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - M4
Tuesday, February 27 - A Day
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: JLSMS 8th Grade Music Pre Assessment Concert - Auditorium
Wednesday, February 28 - B Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Ms. O’Hara - Auxiliary Gym
- Weightlifting Club - Mr. Dunbar - Weight Room
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - M4
Thursday, February 29 - A Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- Select Choir Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - Choir Room
- Principal Mustang Student Advisory Team - Dr. Di Nicola - Art 1
- 4:00 PM - Closing - Simpson Empowered Girls Fundraiser at Melt
Friday, March 1 - B Day
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - Auditorium
Club Photo Day for Yearbook is Monday, February 26!
PTO Help with Club Photo Day
Club picture day take two!
After missing for the snow day, club picture day is rescheduled for this coming Monday.
4 parents are needed per shift to help organize and manage the students. If you can help, please sign up by clicking here to fill out the form!
Simpson Art Exhibit @ The National Conference Center
Be sure to stop by and see the our Simpson Mustangs' art on display at the National Conference Center.
Location: National Conference Center, Lansdowne, Virginia
Lower Tunnel, Right Side
Dates: Now to May 10th
The following Mustangs have their artwork on display:
JJ Bowser
Isabelle Boyle
Levi Carter
Makenna Dudas
Cady Fallon
Eva Garcia
Sophia Gudla
Jackson Hall
Thora Hammer
Marcela Herrera
Adro Javidan
Elliot Karwoski
William Kunitz
Scott Lepene
Ellen Lotridge
Everly Grace Mackey
Harper Manuel
Arnav Mohaan
Charlotte Mottet
Emma Nanna
Nila Noorian
Aisa Noorian
Aniya Paranjattu
Grayson Perkins
Kaity Peterson
Patrick Reaser
Delaney Regan
Sofia Rodríguez
Cora Steorts
Logan Stone
Chloe Tilghman
Madelyn Wilch
Parker Yeager
8th Grade Music Pre-Assessment Concert - Tuesday, February 27 - 7:00 PM
8th Grade Music Electives will be performing in a Pre-Assessment Concert on Tuesday, February 27, @ 7:00 p.m. in the JLSMS Auditorium. For more information, please contact your child's music teacher.
Donations for Fire Fighters Injured in Sterling Home Explosion
If you are interested in donating to help the families of fallen fire fighters from last weekend's Sterling home explosion, you may do so through the Loudoun First Responder Foundation. The Loudoun First Responders Foundation serves Loudoun County by providing immediate financial support to active first responder personnel in their time of need.
One of the most seriously injured fire fighters remains hospitalized and has a long recovery ahead of him. He is a full-time 8th grade teacher at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School in South Riding along with his wife who is also a full-time teacher. They have four young children. Their twin boys who are currently sophmores in high school were Simpson Middle School students.
Black History Month Spirit Week: February 26 - March 1, 2024
Empowered Girls Fundraiser - Thursday, Feb. 29 @MELT
No Place For Hate at JLS
No Place for Hate Initiative @Simpson Middle School
Simpson Middle School is joining the No Place for Hate initiative!
Created by the Anti-Defamation League, this program provides lessons, activities, and resources which we will uniquely tailor to meet the needs of our school community. Our goal is to facilitate an environment that helps students to be Honorable, Engaged, Respectful, and Determined each and every day. To meet this goal, our objectives include: implementing strategies that promote school unity, encouraging student voice, celebrating diversity, increasing student-leadership opportunities, and encouraging respect for each member of our school community. Students will participate in learning activities via weekly advisory lessons and quarterly events.
The No Place for Hate Initiative uses its pledge as a focus for students and teachers. The program encourages students to make a commitment to uphold each line. Please see below:
Middle/High School Pledge
• I will seek to gain understanding of those who are different from me.
• I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
• I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.
• I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school.
• I believe that one person can make a difference—no person can be an “innocent” bystander when it comes to opposing hate.
• I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the
responsibilities of all students.
Escuela Secundaria y Preparatoria
• Buscaré comprender a quienes son diferentes de mí.
• Me expresaré en contra del prejuicio y la discriminación.
• Me acercaré y apoyaré a quienes son objetivos de odio.
• Promoveré el respeto hacia las personas y ayudaré a fomentar una escuela libre de prejuicios.
• Creo que una persona puede hacer la diferencia–ninguna persona puede ser un espectador
“inocente” cuando se trata de oponerse al odio.
• Reconozco que respetar la dignidad individual y promover la armonía entre los grupos es
responsabilidad de todos los estudiantes.
Please be on the lookout for further information about our efforts with No Place For Hate at Simpson! We look forward to your support, as always, as our Mustang Community!
Save the Date - J L Simpson Multicultural Night - March 19
If you are interested in participating in the J L Simpson Multicultural Night on March 19, please complete this form. We are looking for volunteers to help with set up, clean up, presenting artifacts, performing cultural dances, and sharing foods from around the world.
Loiselle-Fawcett Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society
The Loiselle-Fawcett Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at J.L. Simpson Middle School is excited to invite academically eligible (3.5 or higher GPA) 7th and 8th grade students to submit a candidate information packet.
If your student is eligible for candidacy they will receive an email with the candidate packet before the end of February 2024. (NOTE: This is a change to last week's Mustang Messenger as we work with our school division to appropriately calculate the cumulative GPA at the middle school level.)
National Junior Honor Society members shall exemplify and maintain the five pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Membership in NJHS does not guarantee membership in NHS during their high school years. All candidate packets will have to be submitted to the committee by a forthcoming due date to be announced within the e-mail for candidates for consideration.
Fun Solar Eclipse Guides and Resources from the NSTA
Eclipse Guides and Resources from the NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association has a variety of free resources for teachers, administrators, and families for the upcoming solar eclipse. The resources are designed to make learning about solar eclipses both engaging and safe.
The next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, between about 2-4:30 p.m. Virginia will experience a partial eclipse between about 80-90% totality, depending on which part of the state you live.
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!
7th Grade - Free PTO Event - March 9 @Ida Lee Rec Center
We are excited for our 7th graders to join us at Ida Lee. They can swim or use the basketball and racquetball courts. All students will need a signed permission form. You can fill one out online or get a paper copy from the house secretary. We also need help with donations of cookies, water and napkins and a few chaperones to keep everyone safe.
Permission Form: https://simpson.ptboard.com/formvw?store=3940&form=9
Chaperones and donations: https://simpson.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=-VKet2sVQLGTTzO00XYChnN___523QvVs3___nIr9BMb
Resource Opportunity for 8th Graders
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. February 29
Don't Forget to Order Your Yearbook!
Orders can be placed at yearbookordercenter.com
Be sure to use our school code 13625
* LCPS Events and Announcements *
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
World Language Opportunities for Students
The Division of English Learners, Family and Community Engagement (DEL FACE) Office is pleased to invite families to our next The Family Room Session:
World Language Opportunities For Your Student
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024
6 pm English & Spanish
7pm English & Arabic
Join us virtually to learn about exciting and rigorous World Language opportunities available to LCPS students.
The focus of this session will be on:
- The Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program for Kindergarten to 1st Grade students
- Credit through Testing (CTT)
- The Seal of Biliteracy
Click on the flyer below to learn more!
New Parent Report for VGA Assessments
VDOE has created a new Parent Report for the Virginia Growth Assessments that were administered in reading and math to students in grades 3-8 in December. This report includes comparison data from fall to winter and resources to help parents support their student’s learning.
A sample report is included below. A spring Parent Report is also expected and will contain the student’s scores from the fall and winter Growth Assessments, along with the Spring SOL scores.
Content offices have been informed of this new report and are available to assist. It is anticipated that the Parent Reports will be posted to ParentVUE / TeacherVUE during the week of January 23-26, 2024. This report will be available to parents in addition to the ‘standard’ SDBQ reports, which have already been uploaded. Please reach out to the Office of Assessment with questions.
Reference: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VADOE/bulletins/3831ebb#performance
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.
Campus Application Window - Jan 8 - March 1
Youth After School - Loudoun County PRCS
LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Parent Series
* Community Events / Announcements *
Central Loudoun Basketball League Events and Opportunities
Check out the Playoff Schedules / Brackets for our JLS Boys and Girls as they are approaching this coming weekend! Come support our Mustang basketball stars!
Young Screenwriters Conference - March 2 - Recommended for Grade 8 and Up
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy - Young Birding Program
Parent Workshop with College Funding Coach @Harper Park Middle School
"If I Were Mayor" - Essay Contest for 7th and 8th Graders
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.
* 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 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.
March 5 - No School - Student Holiday
March 9 - PTO free event for 7th grade @Ida Lee - 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
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