

The Johnson Voice
March 2025

A Message from Dr. Branch
Dear Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School Families,
As the weather becomes warmer, we are excited to celebrate Women's History Month, honoring the incredible contributions and impact that women have made on our country and community.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on maintaining high academic expectations and fostering a positive culture within our community. We are committed to completing our Journey to Success, which includes Defenses of Learning for our 8th graders and Student-led Conferences as part of the Milestones for our 6th and 7th graders, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future academic endeavors and personal growth.
Our dedication to excellence in literacy and numeracy continues to be strong, helping to ensure that our students are well-prepared for future success. We will also keep strengthening our valuable partnerships with the community and supporting the EXPLORE program, which provides our students with opportunities to discover and pursue their passions.
Additionally, Spring MAP testing will begin on March 18th. This assessment is a predictor of academic achievement for students at the next level and provides a road map for teachers to create personalized education plans.
At LJTMS, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all students and staff feel valued, special, and that they belong. We will keep working towards this goal, recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of every member of our school community.
Let's make the most of the coming months and achieve great things together!Warm regards,
Dr. Branch
Principal, Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School
Buses are back at LJTMS
Bus Transportation begins at LJTMS on Monday, March 17, 2025. Students who were granted a bus will receive a green bus tag on Friday, March 14, 2025 so they know their bus number in advance. Families were required to request a bus through the JCPS transportation portal to be granted a bus.
Curriculum and Instruction
I am excited to continue to support our new Expeditionary Learning (EL) and Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum.
NTI Schedule
Please review Johnson's short-term NTI plan below. If you receive a notification from JCPS that we will use an NTI day, please follow this schedule. Assignments will be available in students' Google Classrooms at 8:00 AM. There is space in the schedule for students to meet with their teachers during office hours.
Need a tutor (Math/ELA) or help with writing or revising a writing assignment?
Journey to Success
Journey to Success is a developmental framework that defines Jefferson County Public Schools’ (JCPS) shift to transformational, student-driven learning. Created to empower students to explore their interests, showcase their learning, and develop the skills they need to thrive, Journey to Success builds upon the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills, which launched in 2018.
Click for more information.
EXPLORE @ LJTMS
EXPLORE Pathways
This is the first year of implementation of EXPLORE at LJTMS. The EXPLORE model provides a clear focus for learning and engagement as well as short- and long-term goals to build confidence. Currently, we are providing courses in Engineering/Design and Business/Communications.
Culture and Climate
Schoolwide Expectations
We are proud of our young Jags for follwoing our schoolwide expectations while we uphold the tenets of the traditional program: Character, Integrity, Dignity, and High Achievement. To that end, we want to ensure that families and the community know our that our students are Respectful, Orangized, Accountable, Resilient. These are our ROAR expectations that we follow in all areas of the school building. Connected below are several policies that support our tenets and positively impact our students.
ROAR Program
A school-wide incentive program that allows students to earn points that they can redeem for preferred items or activities. Our first school-wide incentive day was on October 25th. It was a huge success. Students enjoyed a snack and drink while spending a period outside relaxing with their friends. We appreciate parents reminding their students to wear their badges as part of our dress code and for safety reasons. The cost to replace a missing or damaged badge is $5.00, and a lanyard costs $2.00.
Counseling Corner
Progress Reports
Resources
See What's Happening @JagNation Athletics
Suit Up for Success! Support Jag Athletics with Super Hero T-Shirt Day!
- Pre-order your t-shirt during your lunch or with Mr. Founder
- Cost: $15
- Dress Down Day: March 27th, 2025
Spring Sports Season: A Burst of Jaguar Spirit!
Spring is in the air, and so is the energy of Jaguar athletics! This season promises a thrilling lineup of competition and camaraderie, featuring a diverse range of sports for our talented student-athletes.
- Baseball: Our baseball team is swinging for the fences, aiming for a season of strong pitching, powerful hits, and strategic plays. Expect exciting matchups and a determined squad ready to make their mark on the diamond.
- Soccer: The soccer field will be alive with action as our team showcases their footwork, teamwork, and competitive spirit. With a focus on both offensive prowess and defensive strength, they're set to deliver a season of thrilling goals and hard-fought victories.
- Girls' and Boys' Flag Football: The inaugural flag football season is upon us! Both the girls' and boys' teams are bringing speed, agility, and strategic gameplay to the field. Get ready for fast-paced action and impressive displays of athleticism as they compete for victory.
- Softball: Our softball team is geared up for a season of powerful plays and unwavering determination. With a focus on both hitting and fielding, they're aiming to dominate the diamond and achieve new heights.
- Outdoor Track: From sprints to distance runs, jumps to throws, our outdoor track team is pushing their limits and striving for personal bests. Their dedication and hard work will be on full display as they compete against top athletes from across the region.
Stay tuned for game schedules, results, and athlete spotlights throughout the season. Come out and support our Jaguars as they embody the spirit of competition and sportsmanship!
Spirit Wear
We have spirit wear for sale and there is more to come. Please reach out to Mr. Founder, if interested at che.founder@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Almost There!
Renovation Project
We are excited to share that the first phase of our much needed $25 million facelift (renovation project) is completed. The south side of our builiding received new lighting and HVAC. Also, we have upgraded our auditorium with new seats, a fresh coat of paint and the curtains are on the way. Some classrooms have received new storage, flooring, and paint while others have received items like white and bulletin boards. Our new media center (library) also received all new flooring and shelving along with some new books and furniture. The front entrance is more secure for students and staff and the front office has been totally remodeled. Thankfully everyone has been flexible as we worked through this phase of improvements to our physical space and building culture. Please continue to afford us a little more grace when you visit, particularly on the north side of the building and let us know if you see something that is out of place. The expected completion date is Fall 2025.