Lansdowne Middle Newsletter

Hello LMS families,

The middle of Marking Period 3 is here. Students should be attending school with an effort to be on time and present at least 94% of the marking period. Please ask students to speak with their teachers regarding any missing assignments. Parent conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 5th 3:15 - 5:15pm. Please work with your child's teachers to arrange a time to meet if you would like a conference.

Thank you,

Ryan Warfel

Principal

Winter is when colds & the flu peak. To avoid getting sick during the winter season and maintain good school attendance, prioritize good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick.

Our partners over in the Office of Health Services would like to remind parents when students should stay home and when it is safe for them to return to the school building

Digital media – cell phones, computers, social media, television – can have a big impact on children. But parents have a bigger influence. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to make sure that their children are healthy in this digital world by helping them find a balance between digital media (screen time”) and healthy practices like sleep (children need 8-12 hours each night, depending on their age), physical activity (children need 1 hour a day), and “in person” time with family and friends. The AAP provides a helpful table about recommended times for screen time by age. Parents are also encouraged to develop a Family Tech Planner using the screen time guidelines and their family’s values and schedule. Parents can also create a Family Social Media Plan, which can help minimize conflict, support good choices, and address misuse.

We are committed to to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments where all students thrive—

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has identified several resources that may support you:

• Parents/guardians can identify a “standby guardian” to care for their child if they are detained or deported, by completing this Maryland Judiciary form and providing a copy to schools, health care providers, and family members.
  
• Families trying to locate someone who has already been detained, may use the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee locator.
  
• Legal assistance is available from a variety of sources, including immigration lawyers in private practice, accredited representatives (non-attorneys who assist individuals in immigration proceedings), and legal-aid organizations:

The People’s Law Library of Maryland Immigration Advocates Network

Immigration Advocates Network

• Several immigration organizations have provided guidance related to preparing for and/or responding to immigration action.
  • Family Preparedness Plans – Michigan Immigration Rights Center.
  • ACLU.
  • Immigrant Resource Center.
  • USAHello.

We are encountering more and more students experimenting with vaping. Please see the attached flyer to learn more about the dangers of vaping and talk to your child. Please reach out to our school nurse, Ms. Snyder, if you have additional questions at asnyder4@bcps.org.

LMS will be hosting a free tutoring program for students.The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4:30pm, and transportation will be provided. This program is made possible through a partnership through BCPS and Your Teacher Tutor. We still have a few slots open.

LMS Staff will serve as the tutors for the program. Math and Literacy will be the focus areas.

If you know your child could benefit from this extra support, please contact Ms. Carr at 443-809-6651 or dcarr6@bcps.org.

LMS is here to support our parent community. If you need translation support for job applications, bills or something else, we are here to help. We have a dedicated translator here every Tuesday and Thursday that can support you. Sign up for a time slot here.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to recover from the uncertainties of the last few years – to learn, connect to peers and teachers and benefit from classroom instructions.

We are starting to notice an increase in student absences. Please review the tips below to ensure your child maintains a positive attendance record.

• Create a routine: A consistent routine can help students get to school on time. This can include packing bags and choosing clothes the night before.

• Communicate with school: Talk to teachers or counselors about any worries or concerns.

• Have a backup plan: Make arrangements with family or neighbors in case of an emergency.

• Understand the attendance policy: Know the school or workplace's attendance policy, including consequences for excessive absences.
• Talk about attendance: Explain why good attendance is important and work with your child and the school to address issues.

• Develop good habits: Good attendance habits can help students succeed in school and in life.

• Monitor attendance: Keep track of your child's attendance

If you have gently used or new items laying around the house including toys, stickers, books, etc please reach out to Ms Delenick to coordinate a drop off. kdelenick@bcps.org

We will use Talking Points to help communicate with you about your students. Please download the free Talking Points app. You can also opt in to text messaging. You can sign up at families.talking pts.org/welcome.

We need you! Please consider becoming a Volunteer this year. There will be opportunities to support with events, in classrooms, on field trips and more! Every interested person must complete the BCPS.

*If you are ready to apply now, please go to https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/FACE/b_c_p_s_volunteers for more information and to get started.

Our Community Schools Facilitator and CARES Liaison, Ms. Carr and Ms. Young, have been hard at work preparing our CARES Closet, which houses non perishable food items, hygiene products, and gently used clothing. Please stop by and see us. If you would like to visit at a time outside of the open house hours, please email us at dcarr6@bcps.org or syoung6@bcps.org.

If you have items you would like us to have in the CARE Closet, please let us know here: https://forms.office.com/r/3E43AxA5Xt

Lansdowne High School's (3800 Hollins Ferry Rd) Food Pantry will be open and available on the following dates from 2:30-5pm.

2/27

3/13

PTA Dues Can now be paid electronically!!!! Please use the QR Code to get your dues paid for this year. We have a meeting this Thursday. See details below.

The PTSA also has a brand new Facebook page. Please join here . We hope to see you at our meetings this year.

Please find the meeting schedule for the rest of the year. All meetings are virtual are at 6pm.

March 13

April 10

May 8

June 12

Discuss new initiatives, fundraisers, and more! Please join the meeting by clicking the "Join the PTA" image.