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!
It was a busy first full week back to school after the winter break and snow day extension! Check out the happenings mentioned below, among the many other terrific times we shared from Monday, January 13 - Friday, January 17:
- Congratulations to René Pettit, our school nurse, as the recipient of the LCPS / Loudoun Education Foundation's SHINE (Spotlighting Heroes in Education) Award for January 2025, an honor that is bestowed upon only one LCPS staff member on a monthly basis.
- You can nominate any member of the JL Simpson MS staff for a SHINE Award by submitting the nomination form found here! Each nominee receives a certificate that our school leadership team frames and presents to the staff member...and is entered for the monthly contest sponsored by LCPS/LEF!
- Our Grade 6 Orchestra performed a brilliant first concert on Wednesday, January 15 before a great crowd of Mustang family and community members. Thank you to Ms. Alexa Kanakry for her boundless energy and dedication in being our terrific strings teacher!
- Ms. Laura Bolyard worked collaboratively with a host of our Mustang Professionals to guide our Rising 7th and 8th Grade Students through a series of rotations focused on Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, World Languages and Cultures, and Communications electives options on Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 15. Mr. Brent Washburn, Mr. Jeremy Fox, and Dr. Noah Rogers facilitated outstanding mid-year Class Meetings with their respective grade levels as well!
- We welcomed a terrific group of Mustang families to our Rising 7th-8th Grade Curricular and Extracurricular Fair on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. We would like to thank all of our student leaders who presented to our community about aspects of the various extracurricular opportunities afforded to our Mustangs. They also chaperoned our families to four rotations led by our illustrious JLS Mustang Professionals focused on learning more about Simpson and the course scheduling process, elective options, core subjects, and even a hands-on engagement in the Amazon ThinkBIG Space! Thank you all so much for attending...and a huge debt of gratitude to our Mustang Professionals who remained on campus from 7:10 AM (or earlier) - 8:30 PM to make this a great day for our students, families, and community!
- Six of our tenor and bass vocalist Mustangs attended the Voices of Strength experience at Dominion High School on Friday, January 17, suppported by our awesome chorus teacher, Ms. Holly Hoey-Johnson!
- Forty Loudoun County High School Captains returned to JLS on Wednesday, January 15 to engage our current 8th graders in proactive circle discussions centered on life at the high school, including course options, extracurricular opportunities, and a positive outlook on becoming involved in meaningful ways for the final four years of their K-12 experience. Thank you all for your tremendous leadership!
- We appreciate our JLS School Counselors and LCHS School Counselors immensely for working authentically and laboriously with our Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders via the new Course Planner module of our School Links program all week long. Our Mustangs did an outstanding job of reflecting on their progress and setting goals for the future as part of this and advisory experiences as well!
SCHEDULING 2025-2026 ENDURES!
Our Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders will continue focusing on completing their Course Planner and selecting courses for SY 2025-2026 alongside the assistance of our school counseling team.
REMEMBER: No Rising 6th-7th-8th course selections can be altered after Monday, April 21, 2025 at JLS! Use the provided time wisely!
Don't forget that our Rising 6th Grade Curricular and Extracurricular Fair Night is set for 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!
REMEMBER!: THE END of QUARTER 2 / SEMESTER 1 is COMING! - Friday, January 24, 2025
The end of Quarter 2 and Semester 1 is THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025.
Please check in with your Mustang on ParentVue/StudentVue to review current academic performance and any assignments that might be missing or in need of recovery in Schoology.
Grade-Level Weekly Academic Updates are set for this week as always...and let's be mindful that these can change depending upon inclement weather or potential needs to adjust instruction in general throughout the year. Remember that these updates are posted each and every week in the Mustang Messenger, just a few headings down below my opening message.
We have lots of cool events during this final week of Quarter 2 and the first semester of 2024-2025, as seen below in the remainder of this edition of the Mustang Messenger, including:
- our January PTO meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 5:00 PM
- MAP Growth Assessment Testing in all English and Math classes prior to Friday, February 7
- Monty's Tack Shop opening on Thursday and Friday, January 23-24 respectively for our Mustangs to spend their well-deserved Monty Bucks
- Rising 6th Grade Instrument Test Drives for Band and Orchestra on Tuesday, January 21 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the band and orchestra rooms
- our Spelling Bee Finals on Thursday, January 23,
- our Grade 6 Band Performance on Thursday, January 23 at 6:15 PM in our auditorium
- All County Chorus at Woodgrove HS on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25
- Intramural Volleyball Tournament at Heritage HS on Saturday, January 25
It has been a pretty tremendously dynamite first semester of 2024-2025 at JL Simpson Middle School...and we plan to make the second semester even greater than our opening half of the school year. We have many surprises coming your way, including new artwork to brighten the halls of JLS alongside the beautiful creations by our Mustangs, a school spirit store, and a huge focus on preparing for Simpson's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2025-2026.
We appreciate all of you so very much...and look forward to our continued POSITIVE COMMUNICATION and RELATIONSHIPS to generate a WELCOMING, SAFE, AFFIRMATIVE, and KIND environment for each and every Mustang as they are uniquely important to all of our Mustang Professionals.
I am truly going to attempt a run in the cold today wth Ollie...wish me luck!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
End of Quarter 2 and Semester 1: Friday, January 24
Rising 7th & 8th Grade Course Selection Lessons Continue - SSGS Classes
Math MAP Testing Will Be Taking Place in Math Classes prior to Friday, January 24, 2025
English MAP Testing Will Be Taking Place in English Classes prior to Friday, February 7, 2025
Monday, January 20 - No School - Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Tuesday, January 21 - SNOW DAY
- Rising 6th Grade Band & Strings Instrument Test Drives - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- PTO Meeting - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Library
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. TECH Rehearsals - Cafeteria - Mr. McGraw, Mr. Thompson
Wednesday, January 22 - B-Day - Two-Hour Delay - NO FLEX! - See bell schedule below.
- Rising 7th & 8th Grade Course Selection Lessons All Week - SSGS Classes
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Vocal Rehearsals - M4 - Ms. Hoey
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - 6th Grade Woodwinds Rehearsal - Auditorium - Mr. Pazanowski
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Student Council Association (SCA) - Cafeteria - Ms. Suttie
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Latino Student Association (LSA) - Ms. Lopez
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Empowered Girls Meeting - B12 - Ms. Herrin/Ashley
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - JLS Principal Student Advisory Committee - Art 1 - Dr. Di Nicola
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Weightlifting Club - Main Gym - Mr. Dunbar
Thursday, January 23 - A-Day - Two-Hour Delay - NO FLEX!
- Rising 7th & 8th Grade Course Selection Lessons All Week - SSGS Classes
- Tack Shop is Open
- Spelling Bee Finals - 10:30 AM in the JLS Library/Media Center
- 6th Grade Band Winter Concert (Brass/Woodwinds/Percussions) - 6:15 PM - 7:45 PM
- 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 - Running Club - C10 - Mr. Peyton
Friday, January 24 - B-Day - FLEX DAY: B8
End of Quarter 2 Grading Period
- Rising 7th & 8th Grade Course Selection Lessons All Week - SSGS Classes
- Tack Shop is Open
- All County Chorus Event at Woodgrove HS
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Vocal Rehearsals - M4 - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
Saturday, January 25
- All County Chorus Event at Woodgrove HS
- LCPS Intramural Volleyball Tournament at Heritage High School
Monday, January 27 - No School (Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day)
Tuesday, January 28 - No School (Student Holiday/Professional Learning Day for Staff)
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - All District Chorus Rehearsal - M4 - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
Wednesday, January 29 - No School - Holiday (Lunar New Year)
Thursday, January 30 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: ADVISORY
- District Band Performance
- Tenement Museum Virtual Field Trip (7th Grade History Classes)
- 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 - Harry Potter Club - A9 - Ms. Wence
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Video Game Club - C10 - Mr. Peyton
- 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Equity Ambassador Meeting - B12 - Ms Herrin/Ms. Ashley
Friday, January 31 - B-DAY - FLEX DAY: ADVISORY
- SCA Spirit Day - Crazy Sock Day!
- District Band Performance
- January HERD Awards Announced During Lunch
- Project Lit Book Club During All Lunch Shifts
- Tenement Museum Virtual Field Trip (7th Grade History Classes)
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Cast Rehearsals - M4 - Ms. Hoey-Johnson
Ms. Johnston's Mustangs attended a citations lesson in the library this week to learn how to create a Works Cited page for their foreign country research project.
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - January 20-31, 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.
As we approach the LAST WEEK of the second quarter of 2024-2025, please take some time to sit with your Mustang and review through Schoology and StudentVue / ParentVue to ensure that all assignments and assessments are completed. If your Mustang has any questions for staff, please ask them to e-mail their teachers or talk with them...as always, we will be here to support to the maximum of level of engagement!
Our students will be participating in the MAP Growth Assessment / Winter Window in all grade levels.
Math Testing - MAP testing for Math will be completed by Friday, January 24. Testing will take place during regularly scheduled math classes.
English Testing - MAP testing for English will be completed by Friday, February 7. Testing will take place during regularly scheduled English classes.
Please be sure your Mustang's Chromebook is charged FULLY as always!
The MAP Growth Assessment serves as a pre-test in supporting student progress and achievement on their end-of-year Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. This assessment also allows our educators to review current student performance to design appropriate authentic learning experiences where our learners can apply skills in areas of interest.
The resources linked below in the NWEA MAP Family Tool Kit are helpful in providing more information about the MAP Growth Assessment and its purpose in determing current student performance level in a variety of subjects, namely English and Mathematics in our school division.
If you have any questions about the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment in English / Mathematics, please feel free to connect with your child's teacher or Laura.Bolyard@lcps.org (School-Based Instructional Facilitator), Jennifer.Burns@lcps.org (Instructional Facilitator, Technology) or Sarah.McIntosh@lcps.org (School Testing Coordinator / Assistant Principal).
Learn strategies to support your student’s mental health, academic and social engagement and overall wellness at the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair, LCPS’ 7th annual mental health and wellness event, on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Watson Mountain Middle School.
This event reflects LCPS’ focus on supporting all areas of student health. The conference will feature more than 40 school mental health professionals and community partners as they share tips and strategies for promoting mental health and wellness.
It will also include a resource fair with local businesses and nonprofits offering services and guidance to support your family.
See the full schedule of speakers and register to attend sessions. There will be food trucks, music and so much more!
We look forward to seeing you at the United for Wellness Conference and Resource Fair. You won’t want to miss it!
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 2 - Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - Friday, January 24, 2025
Dates to Remember + More!
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
2025
January 20: No School - Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
January 21: Rising 6th Graders Instrument Test Drive - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
January 21: PTO Meeting - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Library/Media Center
January 23: Spelling Bee Finals - 9:00 AM in the JLS Library/Media Center
January 23: Monty's Tack Shop is Open
January 23: 6th Grade Band Winter Concert - 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
January 24: All County Orchestra Event at Woodgrove HS
January 24: End of Quarter 2 Grading Period
January 24: Monty's Tack Shop is Open
January 25: All County Orchestra Event at Woodgrove HS
January 25: Intramural Volleyball Championship at Heritage HS
January 27: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)
January 28: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)
January 29: No School - Holiday (Lunar New Year)
January 31: SCA Spirit Day - Crazy Sock Day
January 31: Project Lit Book Club During All Lunch Shifts
January 31: 8th Grade Special Programs Application Window Closes
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 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 17: No School - Holiday (Presidents' Day)
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
