August 9, 2024

Dear Liberty Middle School Parents,

Our Back to School Night is on Monday, August 12, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Parents and students may come early from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to tour the building on their own. We will also have the building open on Tuesday, August 13, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. to provide parents and students another opportunity to see the building, if desired. Parents and students will enter Entrance 17, the middle school entrance, located on the east side of the building and toward the back. Student schedules are now available in Skyward. We encourage you to pull up student schedules on your phones or iPads so you don't have to wait in line for a paper copy. However, we will have paper copies in case you need one.

If you have a question or concern about scheduling, please email the middle school counselor, Laura Herrod, at lherrod@duneland.k12.in.us.

The Liberty Campus has been undergoing many improvements over the last two years. Next week, we are excited to begin our journey as a 5-8 campus. While our building is ready to welcome our staff and students back to school, there are still some areas where contractors will be finishing-up over the next 4-6 weeks. This will be noticeable near the main gym area and outdoor athletic complex. There will be minor disruptions to programming in those spaces as we begin the school year. These will be temporary and students and staff will move back into their regular area(s) as soon as the improvements are completed.

If you have any questions regarding Fall Athletics at LMS, please email Nick Bamber, LMS Athletic Director, at nbamber@duneland.k12.in.us.

Our dedicated staff has been working diligently to prepare for this transition and we are all ready to get going and begin creating beautiful memories together. On behalf of the Liberty Middle School staff, I'd like to officially welcome you to Liberty Middle School!

Respectfully,

Mike Hamacher, LMS Principal

In accordance with Indiana Code, please see the new cell phone policy below. Please take some time to share this with you child. Thank you!

Wireless Communication Devices

Per IC 20-26-5-40.7 - The use of wireless communication devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, gaming devices, smartwatches, etc. is strictly prohibited during academic class periods unless explicitly authorized by the teacher for educational purposes.

Students are permitted to use a wireless communication device in the event of a health or safety emergency or to manage health care as specifically defined in the student’s Individualized Health Plan (IHP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Section 504 Plan.

A wireless communication device is defined by Indiana law as any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties.

Electronic devices can aid or hinder the learning experience in a school environment. With this in mind, cell phones are not permitted to be visible/audible in the classrooms, hallways or lunchrooms at any time.

WE WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH FRIENDS THAT DO NOT SHARE THE THE SAME DESIGNATED BUS ROUTE. THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR STUDENTS.

Monday, August 12, 2024

6:30pm-8pm - Open House

• Monday, August 12 - LMS Open House 6:30PM-8PM
  
• Wednesday, August 14 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
• Friday, August 23 - LMS Picture Day
• Wednesday, August 28 - Student Council Papa John's Fundraiser 10am - 12am (709 Plaza Dr. #3, Chesterton)

• Wednesday, August 14 - Boys and Girls Cross Country Practice - 4 PM- 5:30

Student class schedules with locker assignments and combinations will be available online via Skyward on August 9th. Hard copies will be available on Monday, August 12th at our Back to School Night open house. Parents and students are encouraged to take a screenshot and have it available on a phone or device, as there is a line waiting to receive hard copies. Parents and students who have it on a device should just walk in and not wait in line. Click below for guides on using the Skyward Family Access Dashboard and for a direct link to log into Skyward.

The Duneland School Corporation has adopted the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for all grade 5-12 schools this year. The link to the Say Something Tip Line can be found on the DSC website, on the middle and high school websites, and on the DSC Safety and Security page located under Programs and Services.

BREAKFAST

$1.60

LUNCH

$2.95

The DSC Child Nutrition Department is now utilizing NutriSlice as its new menus program. This app is available for iphone and android through your mobile app store. Parents can also access the full website for Duneland Schools on a computer via this NutriSlice link.

This app will allow parents and students to view the menus as well as the nutritional info for each items at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of food items being served at each of the schools.

ATTENTION!!!

2024-2025 ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE!

Middle School Physicals will need to be turned coaches or the athletic department, prior to open gym, tryouts, or practices in order to participate.

There are a total of 6 forms that need to be completed. The actual physical is completed by the Dr. and the rest of the forms are completed by the parent(s) and the student. Physicals will not be accepted if there are forms missing! Physical packets are available in the main office.

*Physical Checklist*

• Physical Examination from the Doctor
• History Form
• Consent and Release Certificate (Make sure insurance information is complete)
• Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Sheet
• ALL FinalForms documents MUST be completed.