Straight Out of Middle School!

Dear LMS Families,

As we settle into the new school year, I want to take a moment to express how thrilled we are with the fantastic start we've had. It has been wonderful to see our students getting acclimated to the building, navigating their new schedules, and diving into the year with enthusiasm.

The positive energy throughout the school is contagious, and I am incredibly proud of how well our students and staff have adjusted. Whether it’s mastering the layout of the school, connecting with new friends, or engaging in classroom activities, the progress we've seen so far is remarkable.

We are excited about what the rest of the year holds and are committed to supporting every student in their journey. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Liberty Middle School a place where students thrive.

Here's to an amazing school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Tammy Heiney

If you have not completed a free and reduced lunch form, please print this and send it in or you can complete it in the Lumen Portal!

We are striving for 95% attendance as a building this year. Each month, we will update everyone on how we are doing to meet that goal.

Did you know? Students who attend school regularly in middle school are more likely to graduate high school on time! In fact, missing just two days a month can add up to 18 days a year, which is like missing an entire month of school. Let's keep those attendance streaks going strong!

Upcoming important dates:

• September 2: No School
• September 9: No School
• September 11: Fall Pictures
• September 12: Tailgating Party at the Eagles' Nest
• September 20: Bus Evacuation Drill
• September 28: Pioneer Days

Mrs. Moore's Life Skills Class has been learning to cook some easy meals. Here they are making cheese quesadillas.

The 6th grade teaching team at Liberty Middle School, consisting of Lisa Pruett, Mitzie Pennycuick, Ashley Allen, and Stephanie Coen, is a dynamic group of educators who blend experience, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge to create a vibrant learning environment. With years of teaching expertise between them, they know how to engage students in meaningful ways while making the learning process enjoyable. Their collaborative spirit and dedication to student success make them an invaluable part of our school community, ensuring that each 6th grader thrives both academically and personally.

Every other Friday, Liberty Middle School is excited to offer Flourishing and Focused Fridays! This initiative is designed to help students catch up on any missing assignments, improve their grades, and reward those who are already on track.

How It Works:

It runs from 1:25 to 3:25 PM. Teachers assess student progress every two weeks. By Thursday, students are grouped based on their current performance. Those who have missing assignments, a D or F, or haven’t completed enough i-Ready lessons will be placed in the Focused Group. Meanwhile, students who are keeping up with their work and grades will join the Flourishing Group.

Students will be notified of their group placement on Thursday. It's important to note that students in the Focused Group will stay in that group for the day, even if they complete their assignments.

On Flourishing and Focused Fridays, students in the Flourishing Group will participate in activities like gym time, art projects, reading in the library, or even some outdoor games. Students in the Focused Group will have the opportunity to work on their assignments with the support of teachers and optional tutoring. This is a wonderful time to get every student on track for success.

To encourage students, those in the Focused Group who make significant progress will receive small rewards. Students in the Flourishing Group will be recognized for their continued good performance.

This program is all about helping students succeed while also providing a fun and engaging environment for those who are already doing well.

Liberty Middle School is excited to introduce a new class called *Lifetime Sports*! In this course, students will explore a variety of activities they can enjoy throughout their lives, such as swimming, fishing, ping pong, archery, and more. This hands-on class is designed to help students discover new hobbies, stay active, and develop skills that they can carry with them long after middle school.

Smart Pass is a digital hall pass system LMS and LHS are using to manage student movement within the building. Instead of using traditional paper hall passes, Smart Pass allows students to request and track passes through a mobile app or a web interface. Teachers and administrators can monitor student movement in real-time, set limits on how many students can leave the classroom at once, and review data on student activity. This system is designed to improve security, reduce disruptions, and provide a more efficient way to manage hall traffic.

Lunchtime at Liberty Middle School isn’t just about grabbing a bite—it’s a chance for students to unwind, connect with friends, and dive into some serious fun! After finishing their meals, students have the freedom to chat, play games, and relax before heading back to class.

The cafeteria comes alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter as students share stories, catch up with friends, and make plans for after school. But the real excitement kicks in once the plates are cleared. Students can challenge each other to a round of Connect Four, test their luck with Left Right Center, or out-strategize opponents in Sorry. For those who love a bit of friendly competition, there’s always a game of Cornhole going on, along with plenty of other games to keep everyone entertained.

Whether it’s a thrilling game, a good conversation, or a moment to relax, lunchtime at LMS offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation, giving students the energy they need to power through the rest of their day.

Vaping has become a growing concern in middle schools across the country, including here at Liberty Middle School. While it might seem like a harmless trend to some, the reality is that vaping poses serious risks, especially for young adolescents.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling vaporized liquid, often containing nicotine, through a device called an e-cigarette or vape pen. These devices can look like USB drives, pens, or other everyday items, making them easy to hide. The liquids, known as e-liquids or vape juice, come in various flavors, which are often designed to appeal to younger users. What many students don’t realize is that even though these flavors might taste sweet or fruity, they can contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine.

The Risks

Nicotine is highly addictive, and its effects are even more significant on developing brains, like those of middle school students. Vaping can lead to addiction, making it harder for students to concentrate, learn, and manage stress. Additionally, the chemicals in vape liquids can harm the lungs and overall health, with long-term effects that are still being studied. There’s also the social pressure to fit in or try something new, which can push students to experiment with vaping, often without understanding the consequences.

What Parents and Students Can Do

It’s important for parents to talk openly with their children about the dangers of vaping. Start the conversation early and keep the lines of communication open. Educating students about the risks can empower them to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure.

At Liberty Middle School, we are committed to keeping our students safe and healthy. We have resources available for students who have questions or need support, and we encourage parents to reach out if they have concerns. Together, we can help our students understand the real dangers of vaping and encourage them to make choices that will benefit their health and future.

How i-Ready Helps Our Middle School Students Meet Standards

At Liberty Middle School, we're committed to providing the best tools and resources to help our students succeed. One of the key tools we're using this year is i-Ready, a comprehensive online program that supports students in meeting academic standards in both reading and math.

What Is i-Ready?

i-Ready is an interactive learning platform designed to meet students where they are in their learning journey. It starts with a diagnostic assessment that identifies each student’s strengths and areas for growth. Based on this assessment, i-Ready creates a personalized learning path that targets the specific skills each student needs to develop.

How It Helps Students Meet Standards

i-Ready aligns with state standards, ensuring that the lessons and practice exercises are focused on the skills and knowledge students need to master at their grade level. Whether a student needs extra help to catch up or is ready to move ahead, i-Ready adapts to provide the right level of challenge.

For students who are struggling, i-Ready offers targeted instruction and practice to help them build a strong foundation in key areas. For those who are already performing at or above grade level, the program offers enrichment activities that push them to excel further. This personalized approach ensures that every student is working on the skills they need to succeed.

Tracking Progress

One of the great features of i-Ready is that it allows both teachers and parents to track student progress. Teachers receive detailed reports on how students are performing, enabling them to tailor their instruction to address any gaps or challenges. Parents can also be kept in the loop, with regular updates on their child’s progress and areas of improvement.

Why i-Ready Matters

By using i-Ready, we’re helping our students take ownership of their learning and stay on track to meet and exceed the standards. The program’s engaging format makes learning enjoyable, while its focus on individual needs ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

At Liberty Middle School, we believe that with the right support, every student can achieve academic success. i-Ready is a key part of our strategy to help all of our students meet their goals and prepare for the future.

This is a short video you may want to share with your child - it's got a great message!