Lansdowne Middle Newsletter
August 26, 2024
🎯Staff Spotlight🎯
This week, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mr. Spence, the talented and inspiring music teacher at Lansdowne Middle School. For Mr. Spence, education is a privilege—a chance to work with and help mold young minds. His passion for music education stems from his own experiences, as music has always been a source of self-discovery and solace in his life. “Music was something I turned to when all else failed,” he shares. Now, he dedicates himself to giving that gift to his students, offering them a creative outlet that can guide them on their journeys. At LMS, Mr. Spence loves being a “musical soundboard” for students and colleagues alike, helping them connect with their inner musicians, find themselves, and cultivate self-love.
When reflecting on memorable moments, Mr. Spence cherishes the quiet yet impactful times he spends with colleagues and students during early mornings and planning periods. These moments, filled with collaboration, growth, and genuine connection, are where he finds the joy and camaraderie that make education so rewarding.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Spence explores his creative side through poetry, which he uses to navigate and embrace his emotions without judgment. He’s also a fan of horror movies, finding humor in their twists and turns, and he loves the unmatched freedom that comes with singing.
A lover of literature, Mr. Spence’s favorite book is James Baldwin: Complete Essays, which he admires for its insightful exploration of societal complexities, race, gender, sexuality, and education. His personal mantra reflects his approach to building meaningful relationships: “I know them through their past, I am experiencing through their present, and I am hoping for their future.”
If Mr. Spence could choose a superpower to use at school, it would be time manipulation. He dreams of giving himself and his colleagues more time to complete their tasks, easing the pressure of packed schedules and creating more space for creativity and connection.
Thank you, Mr. Spence, for using your passion for music and education to inspire students and foster meaningful connections at LMS!
Please Educate Your Child About Vapes!
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.
In the Case of Inclement Weather
BCPS has now used two out of its three traditional inclement weather days for the 2024-2025 school year. After day three, BCPS will transition to virtual learning, operating on a 2-hour delay schedule. More information is available on the BCPS website.
Additionally, more information about how BCPS makes decisions for school closings and delays is available online. As a reminder, decisions regarding school operations are made by 5:30 a.m. Please always check the BCPS Website for the most updated information about school closing, early dismissals, or delayed openings. This should be your first course of action before contacting the school directly. Thank you!
Join the PTSA!
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.
Do You Need Translation Services?
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.
Weekly Attendance Tip
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.
Plan a special event for the first day after the holiday break to welcome students and staff back. If your school or teachers are equipped to text parents (Talking Points App), send a text right before school starts again to remind them of any special plans.
ROAR Store Donations
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
Communicate with Us about Your Child! Please Sign Up for Talking Points
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.
Volunteers Needed!
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.
FAMILY NIGHT-VISION BOARDS
Join us on January 22nd from 5-7pm for a night of fun and vision planning. We will provide the supplies, and you bring the visions, dreams and hopes for 2025 to create a unique vision board for yourself. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP Here: https://forms.office.com/r/ZPKUXjN841
Chipotle Fundraiser-January 28th!
Calling all burrito lovers,
Foil your dinner plans and stop by the Chipotle at 1622 W Nursery Rd in Linthicum Heights for our fundraiser on Tuesday, January 28 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. We're raising money to support PTSA At Lansdowne Middle School, so just download a flyer from the link below or mention the fundraiser at checkout and they'll donate 25% of the proceeds to the cause!
CARE Closet Open House-January 22nd! 8am-3pm
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
Spots Still Available-Free Tutoring Program for Students
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.
