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The Mustang Messenger
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Sunday, March 10, 2024
Traducción en Español
- Para ver el boletín en español haga clic en el cuadrado negro ubicado en el lado derecho donde dice Traducir boletín.
- Cuando llegue aquí, haga clic en la flecha hacia abajo y elija el idioma Español.
A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
As always, this past week at Simpson proved to be quite outstanding yet again for our Mustang students, staff, and community in a zillion ways!
Rising 6th Grade Student Visits Were A Hit!
Our Rising 6th Grade School Counselor Sabrina Jeane worked with our Sources of Strength Student Leaders alongside support from our terrific main office and house administrative assistance team, Instructional Leadership Team, Unified Mental Health Team, cafeteria staff, custodial superstars, and school leadership to make our Rising 6th Grade Future Mustang Visits from Sycolin Creek, Evergreen Mill, and Catoctin ES superb successes! As part of their visit, our Rising 6th graders...
- Met some key staff members
- Took a building tour
- Practiced opening a locker
- Enjoyed lunch and snacks while learning about clubs/organizations and academic/extracurricular/leadership engagement opportunities at Simpson from current Mustangs
- Learned about our Stampede into Simpson Rising 6th Grade / New Student Orientation event slated for Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27
- Dialogued with our Sources of Strength student leaders in a panel discussion about daily life at JLS.
8th Grade Orchestra Earns a Superior Rating at District Assessments at Stone Hill MS!
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Orchestra musicians and Ms. Kanakry for earning a Superior Rating at our district assessment event on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7! We look forward to choral assessments this coming week!
Girls and Boys Varsity/Junior Varsity Simpson Basketball Superstars
We would love to congratulate our Girls and Boys Varsity / Junior Varsity basketballers at JLS for their semifinal and championship performances this current weekend! We also thank so many of our staff for attending in support of these terrific Mustangs who have dedicated countless hours of their year thus far to these great extension opportunities beyond the classroom!
All in Virginia Tutoring at JLS
In addition to Varsity Tutors that are available as seen in our Mustang Messenger these past few weeks, we are super excited to welcome University Instructors staff members Bryan Wadursky and Zhaklin Afzal, who will be working with many of our students throughout our English/Language Arts and Mathematics classes alongside our Mustang Professional Team.
We are also excited to expand our tutoring program to incorpate Loudoun County HS and Heritage HS National Honor Society Tutors, who will be available to work with many of our Mustangs before school, after school, and during resource blocks in a virtual capacity in a variety of subjects! Our English Interventionist Laura Zambrano and Mathematics Interventionist Shelly Graves have both been working throughout the course of the year to provide additional academic supports, remediation, and interventions to our Mustangs as part of our All in Virginia Tutoring Program at JLS, well before the initative was introduced in January 2024. Stay tuned for how you can request a LCHS / HTH tutor for your Mustang over the course of the next week as our expansion program launches!
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fundraiser - Doughnuts Will Be Arriving Next Week!
Our main office administrative assistance staff will contact any Mustang community members who purchased Krispy Kreme Doughnuts as part of our February 2024 fundraiser for pick-up next week! Thank you for supporting JLS via your heartfelt contributions, whether via purchasing doughnuts or providing a donation...or simply just being a part of our Mustang family!
Finally, please notice that our DATES TO REMEMBER list at the bottom of this edition of the Mustang Messenger has been dramatically expanded to include much more information to help you plan ahead to the end of SY 2023-2024...and additional dates will be added accordingly once we are able to finalize arrangements for a few other special events for our superb students and their families!
Thank you again for being such a supportive, engaged Mustang family community. I must say I do greatly enjoy standing outside welcoming students who emerge from our buses or walk to school... and seeing all of you in our car line each morning if you bring your Mustang to Simpson. Whether it is raining or the sun is shining, it is always terrific to see everyone!
Savor the awesome week ahead...I do believe I see sunny 70 degrees+ temperatures on the horizon! Time to go for a run!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
Students participate in a team-building activity during advisory on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Our Sources of Strength leaders are ready to welcome our Rising 6th Graders!
Our jazz band plays for our 5th grade visitors from Sycolin Creek ES.
Rising 6th graders testing out a few locker combinations!
5th grade teachers from Sycolin Creek ES engage with many of our 6th grade educators in a vertical articulation meeting facilitated by members of our Instructional Leadership Team.
More building tours!
Our Sources of Strength team ready to welcome Catoctin ES!
Ms. Kanakry's orchestra plays for our visitors from Catoctin ES.
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School
Mary Poppins Jr Tickets on Sale Now! (See info below to purchase!)
March 2024 - Happening All Month:
- Celebrating Women's History Month
- Read Across America
March 11-15 - Happening All Week: LCPS Student Surveys Continue in Advisory!
Monday, March 11 - A Day
- Locker Clean Out Day - During Resource Blocks
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Jazz Band Rehearsal - Ms. Paquette - Band Room
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - M4
Tuesday, March 12 - B Day
- Locker Clean Out Day - During Resource Blocks
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Select Choir Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey Johnson - M4
- Empowered Girls - Ms. Herrin & Ms. Ashley - A17
Wednesday, March 13 - A Day
- Choral Assessment
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Ms. O’Hara - Auxiliary Gym
- Weightlifting Club - Mr. Dunbar - Weight Room
- Level Up - Ms. Keefer - B16
- Sleeping Beauty Rehearsal - Ms. Maulfair - Cafeteria
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - M4
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Community Table Dinner @ Loudoun County High School - Be sure to check out the wonderful artwork created by some of our Mustangs. (More information below)
Thursday, March 14 - B Day -- Happy Pi Day
- Monty's Tack Shop - Open during resource blocks for students who placed an order!
- Choral Assessment
- Library Helpers Meet During Lunch
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- English Club - Ms. Fetscher - C11
- Running Club - Mr. Peyton, Dr. DiNicola, Mr. Dungan
- Level Up - Ms. Keefer - B16
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - PEP (Parents as Educational Partners) March Meeting
Friday, March 15 - A Day
- Monty's Tack Shop - Open during resource blocks for students who placed an order!
- 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM: Rising 6th Grade Visit - Frederick Douglass Elementary
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Mary Poppins, Jr. Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey-Johnson - Auditorium
JLS Grade-Level Academic Weekly Update - March 11 - 15, 2024
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - March 11 - 15, 2024
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.
Congratulations, Ms. Kjersti Oliver!
It is my great honor to announce that Ms. Kjersti Oliver has accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Watson Mountain Middle School. Her first day in her new role will be on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Ms. Oliver is one of the most illustriously talented school leaders and educational professionals with whom I have had the pleasure of working in my current role as principal and in my previous role as Supervisor of School Administration...and honestly throughout my twenty-eight years in this profession. Her pedagogical prowess both as an experienced classroom educator in mathematics in another school division with some of our most vulnerable learners alongside her renowned support of middle and high school colleagues as an Instructional Facilitator have illuminated a path for her to be the gifted leader that she is today. Ms. Oliver has devoted countless quality hours collaborating with so many of us here at Simpson over the past six years in her Instructional Facilitator role in addition to her dedication as a grade-level dean and assistant principal to ensure that our hearts are squarely on what matters the most...the success of each and every one of our Mustangs in a welcoming, affirming, safe environment.
Ms. Oliver, thank you for all of your HONORABLE efforts with our students, staff, and community, your ENGAGED efforts with every task that you undertake, your RESPECTFULNESS to ensure we are following processes and procedures in a caring, human-focused manner each day, and your DETERMINATION to maintain high quality expectations for yourself such that they become contagious among all of our Mustang family members.
I will be working with the Office of Middle School Education and Human Resources & Talent Development to fill the role of the JLS Assistant Principal position vacated by Ms. Oliver in a timely manner.
Congratulations, Ms. Oliver! We wish you the very best always...and please know that you will forever be a member of the Mustang Family! 🙂
Upcoming Events for Rising 9th Graders
- Future Heritage High School Students -- Tuesday, March 12th: A counselor from HHS will be at Simpson in A-7 at 9:30 to help select courses for next year. The trip to HHS will be on Wednesday, April 17th in the morning. More information will be coming!
- Future Loudoun County High School Students - The LCHS visit for all Rising 9th Graders will take place on Wednesday, March 21st during the morning. More information will be provided soon!
Loudoun County High School Football Information
Read Across America Road Rally
March is Read Across America Month
Get lost in a book, and find worlds that you never knew existed.
Studies consistently show that the more a student reads, the better they do in school. This is especially true of pleasure reading. At Simpson, we will be celebrating the joys of reading through a school-wide reading road rally. Students will accumulate miles for every book while advisories compete to see who gets across America fastest. The rally will run through the end of May and there will be prizes and mini-contests along the way.
Please encourage your students to participate, and read along with them at home. Ask them about what they are reading and let them know that reading isn’t just good for learning–it’s fun!
Any questions? Contact Ms. Everett at jeannine.everett@lcps.org
Congratulations 8th Grade Orchestra
We are so proud of our 8th Grade Orchestra students!
They earned a superior rating from each judge at our District Assessment on Thursday, March 7, 2024!
They had a great performance and represented Simpson so well!
Great job, 8th Grade Mustang Orchestra!
JLS Loiselle-Fawcett National Junior Honor Society - UPDATE
Students who are eligible for National Junior Honor Society at Grades 7 and 8 will receive notification THIS WEEK as our database has been updated to incorporate the appropriate information for eligibility. Families of NJHS candidates will also be notified simultaneously. Watch your e-mail for specific details on completing the Student Information Packet, its due date, and our forthcoming induction event, slated for April 2024.
Thank you for your patience as we are excited to recognize our JLS Loiselle-Fawcett NJHS members for SY 2023-2024 and beyond!
Congratulations, Mustang Artists!
Congratulations to the following students selected to have their artwork on display at the Loudoun County High School Community Table Dinner!
We look forward to seeing your beautiful work!
*Please see below for more information about the LCHS Community Table Dinner*
We Welcome Frederick Douglass 5th Graders on Friday, March 15, 2024!
Observing Ramadan at Simpson
Ramadan, a festive time in Islam, begins on Sunday, March 10th and will last until Tuesday, April 9th. If you are unfamiliar with this holiday, please read here for more information: Ramadan: What Schools Need to Know 2024.
Students who celebrate Ramadan will have the option of going to the library or to a designated teacher’s classroom during their 30 minute lunch period. Students will be notified of whose classroom they may go to on a particular day should they choose that option.
If you or your child has any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s grade level counselor.
LCPS Family Survey 2023-2024: We Need To Hear From You!
The LCPS Annual Family Survey was emailed to you on Tuesday, February 20.
The LCPS Annual Staff, Student and Family Survey is the most extensive and influential feedback survey conducted by Loudoun County Public Schools each year. We use the results to assess the learning climate in our building and make plans for the following year. We want to hear from everyone so that we can make the best decisions for ALL our students!
The parent/family survey will only take a few minutes of your time. You should have received an email on Tuesday, February 20 from Dr. Aaron Spence that includes a link to take the survey. You are asked to fill out a survey for each school in which you have a child enrolled (elementary, middle, high or program). For more information go to the Stakeholder Surveys 2024 Information webpage
If you have not received a survey email, please contact Research@lcps.org.
NOTE: The survey is open through Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Thank you for sharing your opinion with us!
Tutoring and Enrichment Opportunities Available for All LCPS Students
Looking for tutoring and enrichment opportunities for your students?
All Mustangs now have access to Varsity Tutors, a free resource to support student academic growth. Parents can contact Varsity Tutors directly to learn more about all the services available.
For more information see the LCPS website.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions in English.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions in Spanish.
Please note: Staff is not responsible for connecting, scheduling or monitoring students whose families seek out the services provided. Varsity Tutors' operations are separate from LCPS.
New English Club
No Place For Hate at JLS
No Place for Hate Initiative @Simpson Middle School
Simpson Middle School is joining the No Place for Hate initiative!
Created by the Anti-Defamation League, this program provides lessons, activities, and resources which we will uniquely tailor to meet the needs of our school community. Our goal is to facilitate an environment that helps students to be Honorable, Engaged, Respectful, and Determined each and every day. To meet this goal, our objectives include: implementing strategies that promote school unity, encouraging student voice, celebrating diversity, increasing student-leadership opportunities, and encouraging respect for each member of our school community. Students will participate in learning activities via weekly advisory lessons and quarterly events.
The No Place for Hate Initiative uses its pledge as a focus for students and teachers. The program encourages students to make a commitment to uphold each line. Please see below:
Middle/High School Pledge
• I will seek to gain understanding of those who are different from me.
• I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
• I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.
• I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school.
• I believe that one person can make a difference—no person can be an “innocent” bystander when it comes to opposing hate.
• I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the
responsibilities of all students.
Escuela Secundaria y Preparatoria
• Buscaré comprender a quienes son diferentes de mí.
• Me expresaré en contra del prejuicio y la discriminación.
• Me acercaré y apoyaré a quienes son objetivos de odio.
• Promoveré el respeto hacia las personas y ayudaré a fomentar una escuela libre de prejuicios.
• Creo que una persona puede hacer la diferencia–ninguna persona puede ser un espectador
“inocente” cuando se trata de oponerse al odio.
• Reconozco que respetar la dignidad individual y promover la armonía entre los grupos es
responsabilidad de todos los estudiantes.
Please be on the lookout for further information about our efforts with No Place For Hate at Simpson! We look forward to your support, as always, as our Mustang Community!
J L Simpson Multicultural Night - March 19
If you are interested in participating in the J L Simpson Multicultural Night on March 19, please complete this form. We are looking for volunteers to help with set up, clean up, presenting artifacts, performing cultural dances, and sharing foods from around the world.
Tickets On Sale Now! Click Below to Purchase!
LCHS Free Community Event - Everyone is Welcome!
Fun Solar Eclipse Guides and Resources from the NSTA
Eclipse Guides and Resources from the NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association has a variety of free resources for teachers, administrators, and families for the upcoming solar eclipse. The resources are designed to make learning about solar eclipses both engaging and safe.
The next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, between about 2-4:30 p.m. Virginia will experience a partial eclipse between about 80-90% totality, depending on which part of the state you live.
Our Yearbook Staff Is Looking For Fun Photos of Our Mustangs Outside of School!
Our Simpson Yearbook staff is seeking photos of Mustangs outside of the school house!
Please consider sharing your photos of anything that your Mustangs do in relation to volunteering, sports, clubs, pets, favorite Leesburg activities, attending LCHS games, or neighborhood / family events.
Go to HJeshare.com and use code 13625 to submit your pictures!
Thank you for your support!
Resource Opportunity for 8th Graders
SHINE! Spotlighting Heroes in Education Recognition Program
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.
We are honored to announce that Ms. Victoria Curtis-Meyding, Mr. Derrick Jackson, and Ms. Alesha Whitmore have already been recognized by families in our community! You can find their stories on the SHINE webpage under Inspirational Stories.
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!
Makeup and Retake Photos Now Available Online
Make Up/Retake School Pictures are now viewable online. 😀
Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Club Day Bell Schedule: Next Club Date: Wed. March 13
Don't Forget to Order Your Yearbook!
Orders can be placed at yearbookordercenter.com
Be sure to use our school code 13625
* LCPS Events and Announcements *
Parent Coaching and Resources
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
Campus Application Window - Jan 8 - March 1
Youth After School - Loudoun County PRCS
LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Parent Series
* Community Events / Announcements *
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy - Young Birding Program
Parent Workshop with College Funding Coach @Harper Park Middle School
"If I Were Mayor" - Essay Contest for 7th and 8th Graders
The Town of Leesburg invites local 7th and 8th grade students to enter the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
Students are asked to identify a problem within their community, gather feedback from community members, and offer a proposed solution, which must be presented in a typed essay between 300 and 500 words.
Students must live in the Town of Leesburg, which is considered a VML member locality. All entries must be received by end of day on Monday, March 18. Visit https://www.vml.org/Opportunities/Essay-Contest for full details.
Regional winners selected from around the state will each receive a $150 gift card and a plaque. One statewide winner chosen from the regional winners will receive a $250 gift card and a plaque. The runner-up from the region that receives the statewide award will become that region’s winner.
“This is a great opportunity for our local 7th and 8th grade students to imagine themselves as mayor, identify an issue, and problem solve for their community,” said Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. “I can't wait to read the great ideas that will come from the essays. If there is a really good idea maybe we can work together.”
Winning essays will be featured in the May issue of VML’s magazine Virginia Town & City.
* Simpson Middle School PTO *
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 nsutter@gmail.com or Sara Conner sbc070178@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!
Be Sure to Join Remind to Receive More Important Updates
Dates to Remember
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
March 14 - Pi(e) Day / PEP Meeting - 5:30 PM - Cafeteria
March 15 - Frederick Douglass Elementary 5th Grade Visits Simpson
March 19 - Multicultural Night - 7:00 PM
March 20 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8 AM at school main entrance
March 21 - 8th Grade Visits Loudoun County High School / PTO Spirit Night @MELT
March 25 - 29 - No School - Spring Break
April 1-5 - Assistant Principal / Dean Appreciation Week at JLS!
April 2 - Wear Blue for Autism!
April 4 - End of Third Grading Period / Teacher Assistant Appreciation Lunch
April 5 - No School - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
April 8 - Solar Eclipse
April 10 - No School - Holiday - Eid al Fitr
April 11 - Bring Your Parent to School Day - Spring Date
April 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8 AM at school main entrance / Rising 9th Grade Visits Heritage HS
April 18 - PEP Meeting / PTO Meeting
April 22 - Mary Poppins, Jr. Elementary School Tour
April 23 - Quarter 3 6th Grade Honor Roll Celebration
April 24 - Administrative Assistant Day / Quarter 3 7th Grade Honor Roll Celebration / 8th Grade Integrated Reading & Writing SOL
April 25 - Makeup 8th Grade Integrated Reading & Writing SOL
April 26 - Quarter 3 8th Grade Honor Roll Celebration
May 3-5 - Mary Poppins Jr. School Musical
May 3 - Lunch Heroes Day
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week 2024
May 6 - Interims
May 7 - Reading SOL
May 8 - School Nurse Appreciation Day / Reading SOL Make Up
May 10 - Hershey Park Music Department Field Trip
May 13 - Civics 8 SOL
May 14 - Civics 8 SOL Makeup / PTO Meeting
May 15 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8 AM at school main entrance
May 16 - Science SOL
May 17 - Science SOL Makeup
May 21 - JLS Choir Concert @LCHS
May 22 - Math SOL / 6th Grade Orchestra Concert / 6th Grade Spring Art Exhibit
May 23 - Math SOL Makeup
May 27 - No School - Holiday - Memorial Day
May 28 - Retake Reading SOL / 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Concert
May 29 - Science SOL Retake
May 30 - Civics 8 SOL Retake / PEP Meeting
May 31 - Math SOL Retake
June 3 - 7th & 8th Grades Jazz Band Concerts
June 5 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8 AM at school main entrance / Guitar Concert
June 6 - 6th Grade Gold and Blue Band Concert
June 10 - STEAM Day
June 11-12-13 - Grade-Level Field Trips - Specific Dates by Grade Level TBA
June 14 - Last Day of School/End of Fourth Grading Period
June 25 - 26 - Rising 6th Grade Stampede Into Simpson
Follow Us On Social Media!
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_ jl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLSimpsonMS2020/
X: @JLSMS_Official