Auer Time at LPMS
June 2024
One Purpose. Your Pathway. Our Promise.
Pencils down, backpacks on, this school year is officially gone.
Goal Area 1: Redefining Student Success
We will support each learner in defining success in their own way.
Report Cards
Report cards will be available on PowerSchool after exams and grading are complete. Paper copies will not be mailed home. If you need a paper copy of your student's report card please contact Ellen Karp in the Guidance Office at 716-286-7208.
Portfolio+ Spring Aimsweb Results
The Spring Benchmark results will be posted on Portfolio+ in PowerSchool. Please take a look and see your student's progression throughout the school year!
D.A.R.E. Ceremony
Our 6th grade students were recognized for completing the D.A.R.E. program. Students participated in lessons throughout the Spring with Officers Stafford and Salada. The program emphasizes the importance of making healthy and informed choices. It teaches students decision-making skills that can help them avoid risky behaviors and adopt positive alternatives. Beyond substance abuse, D.A.R.E. addresses other issues such as violence and bullying. The program provides strategies for conflict resolution, promoting a safer and more supportive school environment. Harper Bragdon, Kazimier Gallagher, Libby Finkle, Vivian Davis, Victoria Keller, Cooper McFadden and Alexis Diez were all recognized for their essays regarding the program.
Goal 2: Innovative Learning
We will design innovative learning environments that support learners in achieving their personalized goals.
Alumni Grant Comes to Fruition
8th grade students read “Paradise Falls” by Keith O’Brien about the chemical waste dumped in Love Canal, and the importance of activism to protect our environment. Mr. Reid, teacher aide, spoke to each class about his childhood, living 12 yrs in Love Canal and the effects that has had on his family.
Be an Upstander not a Bystander
As part of Ms. Rayome's Holocaust unit, students engaged in discussions about the necessity of active intervention. They emphasized the importance of speaking up when witnessing wrongdoing and avoiding the role of a passive bystander. To reinforce these principles, the students created a "Pyramid of Alliance," a conceptual framework designed to support and protect one another from discrimination. This "Pyramid of Alliance" encapsulates their collective strategies for intervening at various stages, aiming to foster a society where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
IMPACT Expo
400 Middle School students from eleven districts, including LPMS, attended IMPACT Expo at Buffalo State University on May 20th. Students worked on their capstone project throughout the school year with Innovation Experience advisor, Ms. Nina Calarco. Students consulted local experts, researched their passion project, and then presented their project to their peers. Click on the button below and check out Channel 7's coverage of the Expo!
Middle School Spring Concerts
Congratulations to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade Band, Orchestra and Chorus students on outstanding Spring Concerts. 7th & 8th grade Musicians performed on Tuesday, June 11th and 6th grade Musicians on Wednesday, June 12th, both to a packed High School Auditorium. They were very excited to perform for their families and friends.
Mrs. Spinnegan, Mrs. Carere, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Marinaccio and Miss Burdick are very proud of their performances. Check out our Lewiston Porter Music Facebook page for a recordings of the concerts. Click the button below to link to our social media accounts. Have a great summer!
Goal Area 3: Climate and Culture
We will build a culture and climate that supports the needs of all Lewiston-Porter community members.
Crew Corner
LPMS Schoolwide Community Service Field Trip
On May 30th, the ENTIRE middle school completed a series of Community Service projects at Rumsey Woods in Delaware Park. Students weeded the Rose Garden, cleaned debris, planted flowers, and picked up fallen tree limbs. 8th grade students spent half their day at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 7th grade students went to the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and 6th grade students participated in a demonstration from the Buffalo Science Museum.
Community Service helps students develop a sense of civic duty and learn the importance of contributing to society. Volunteering and helping others can have significant positive effects on students' mental and emotional health. It can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment, and provide a sense of accomplishment and meaning. School-wide community service is a vital component of holistic education. It not only benefits the individuals involved but also has a ripple effect, positively impacting schools and communities. By promoting values such as responsibility, empathy, and collaboration, community service helps shape well-rounded, socially conscious individuals ready to contribute to a better world.
End of Year Crew Day
On June 17th we had our final Crew Day for the 23-24 school year! We started with a Community Gathering at the high school where we recognized Students of the Month for May and June, awarded ribbons, and acknowledged stand out Crews for each grade level. Congratulations to Ms. Filicetti's 6th Grade Crew, Miss Herman's 7th Grade Crew, and Ms. Rayome's 8th Grade Crew for your outstanding leadership. We also reviewed all the amazing things we accomplished this year! Students then participated in station activities: Beach Ball Simon Says, Ice Cream Sundaes, and Candy Bar Bingo! Thank you to Ms. Marshall, Ms. Calarco, Ms. Buck, Ms. Alexander Carlo, Ms. Bond, and Mr. Kirsch for all of your hard work planning these activities throughout the year!
May Students of the Month
Middle Schoolers are getting younger and younger...
June Students of the Month
Where Everybody Belongs (WEB)
Thank You, to our Outgoing 8th Grade WEB Leaders
As the school year ends, we reflect on the remarkable impact our 8th grade WEB Leaders have had on our 6th grade students and the entire middle school community. Their dedication and leadership have contributed to the improvement of our school’s culture, climate, and kindness. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them for their invaluable contributions throughout the year.
The journey began with the summer orientation, where they warmly welcomed the incoming 6th graders, easing their transition to middle school. This welcoming spirit continued on opening day, as WEB Leaders guided their mentees through the new school environment, ensuring that each 6th grader felt comfortable and supported.
Throughout the school year, they played key roles in organizing the Winter Carnival for elementary students, fostering community connections. The Holiday Breakfast, orchestrated by our WEB Leaders, was a heartwarming gesture that showed gratitude to our hardworking staff and highlighted the importance of appreciation and kindness.
Perhaps their most significant contribution was the monthly character education lessons that they delivered in 6th grade classrooms. These lessons focused on values such as respect, responsibility, and empathy, helping to instill a strong moral foundation in our younger students. The consistent guidance of these 8th Grade Leaders was crucial in shaping a positive and inclusive school culture.
Their final task was to give our current 5th graders their first glimpse of the Middle School. During the final week of the school year, they led an Introduction to the WEB Program that included a number of fun activities revolving around the two words that we want our Middle School to embody—FUN & FOCUS.
In every activity and interaction, our 8th grade WEB Leaders have demonstrated leadership, kindness, and a commitment to making our middle school a better place. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their dedication. Thank you, 8th grade WEB Leaders, for being exceptional role models and leaving a lasting legacy of positivity and kindness in our middle school community. Your contributions have made a world of difference, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive effects of your efforts in the High School.
Congratulations to Our New 8th Grade WEB Leaders!
We are thrilled to congratulate and welcome our new 8th grade WEB Leaders, the 7th grade students who have stepped up to guide and support the incoming 6th graders at the beginning of next school year. Your commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment is truly admirable.
Recently, our new WEB Leaders participated in a Spring Play Day, a special event where they were warmly welcomed by the outgoing 8th grade WEB Leaders. This day was filled with team-building games and activities designed to strengthen bonds and develop essential leadership skills. These activities not only fostered camaraderie among the new WEB Leaders but also gave them a preview of what they will experience during this August’s training, and provided them with a solid foundation for their upcoming roles.
The new WEB Leaders were introduced to the WEB program's goals and responsibilities. They learned about the importance of their role in easing the transition for new 6th graders, offering guidance, support, and a friendly face during this critical time. The outgoing WEB Leaders shared valuable insights and experiences, ensuring that the new team is well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of WEB Leadership.
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, remember that your efforts will make a significant impact on the lives of your younger peers. Your leadership, kindness, and dedication will help create a welcoming and supportive environment for the new 6th graders, setting the stage for their success and well-being.
We are confident that you will carry forward the legacy of positivity and inclusivity established by your predecessors here at the Middle School. Congratulations once again, and we look forward to seeing the wonderful things you will achieve as 8th grade WEB Leaders!
Save the Date: WEB 6th Grade Orientation
Meet your WEB leaders, have some fun and get familiar with the Middle School!
Wednesday, Aug 21, 2024, 08:00 AM
Lewiston Porter Middle School, Creek Rd, Youngstown, NY, USA
PTSA Color Battles 2024
Thank you to all who contributed to LPMS PTSA fundraiser Color Battles! Over $6000 was raised to support enrichment activities including field trips, assemblies, and cultural experiences. Check out the video below to see how much fun we had!
Class of 2028 Moving Up Day Field Trip
On June 7th the Class of 2028 spent the day in Niagara Falls visiting the Nikola Tesla Museum, the Cave of the Winds, and the Maid of the Mist. Students enjoyed an amazing breakfast, received their yearbooks, and had lunch on Goat Island. Thank you to 8th Grade advisors Ms. Buck and Ms. Calarco for planning a memorable experience the students and staff will never forget!
Club and Activities
NJHS: Little Free Libraries
On June 20, 2024, eighth grader Genevieve Zimmerman proudly cut the ribbon on the NJHS Little Free Libraries, marking the culmination of an initiative she began the previous summer. This project, driven by Genevieve’s passion for reading, aims to foster a love of books within the community. Located outside each building on campus, these libraries invite everyone to take a book and share a book, with each library tailored to the grade level of the building it serves.
Genevieve's journey included extensive fundraising efforts, and a generous donation from the Niagara Falls Home Depot was instrumental in the project. The outpouring of community support, assistance, and donations has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.
Heartfelt thanks go out to several key supporters: the Niagara Falls Home Depot, the Lewiston Porter Board of Education, and the National Junior Honor Society. Special gratitude is extended to our generous donors, including the Lewiston Porter United Teachers, Dr. Lyon, Dr. Ryan Adelizi, the Jaruszewski Family, and Lynn Gray. Without their contributions, the libraries would not have been possible.
A special thank you to the Golden Family, who meticulously cut all the pieces and built the frames. We also extend our thanks to Mr. Garry Daigler, who dedicated numerous hours after school to assist with assembly. The Buildings and Grounds team’s help with the installation was invaluable, and Mrs. Linda Napolitano’s countless phone calls and attention to many little details were essential to the project.
Gratitude also goes to Mrs. Emily LaGamba and the NJHS for their unwavering support. Recognition is due to Angelo Dunets, Cody Larson, Lilian Aceti, Sadie Cipollitti, and Francesca Carroll for their hard work in building and painting the libraries. A shout-out to Charlie Stainbrook for her early morning dedication to help us get things done. We appreciate everyone who donated books, including the Youngstown Library, Ms. Shepardson, and the contributors to the senior book sale.
This project has truly been a labor of love, aimed at spreading Genevieve’s enthusiasm for reading to students and the broader community. We invite everyone to stop by campus, take a book, and share a book. Visit Little Free Library Map to find the exact locations of Lew-Port’s Libraries and others throughout the community.
Girls on the Run 5K
Attention Grades K-6 there is still time to sign up for Camp Invention. See the flyers below!
Builders Club
Congratulations to the Builders Club Officers for being recognized as "Distinguished Officers" by Kiwanis International. They presented at the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston meeting on May 22, sharing the achievements of Builders Club this year (See Builders Club 2023-2024 at a Glance button below). Their hard work and dedication this school year have made a significant impact on our school and community!
- President - Anisha Singh
- Vice President - Isabella Jackson
- Treasurer - Claire Kowalyk
- Secretary - Bruno Scrufari
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Builders Club Officers that were inducted on May 29 at the Builders Club Year End Celebration!
- President - Bruno Scrufari
- Vice President - Isabella Jackson
- Treasurer - Joshua Adamson
International Connections Club
Students in International Connections Club made piñatas for Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. It has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, and festivities!
Staff Spotlight
🎵 Mark Marinaccio, Music Teacher 🎹
I have been at LPMS since 2017, and I direct both choirs in the building. I also teach Exploring Music to all 7th and 8th graders. In my classes, I encourage all students to express themselves through the craft of composition. In seventh grade, every student creates a Rhythmic Speech Composition and later writes their own Melodic Composition. In eighth grade, we produce songs in which most students choose to write rap lyrics!
Each year, I serve as musical director for the annual middle school show. Recent junior productions include Willy Wonka (2024), Peter Pan (2023) and Mary Poppins (2022). You can also find me accompanying on piano many concerts throughout the district and county.
I attended SUNY Fredonia, where I earned both a Bachelor and Master in Music Education. Directing multiple vocal groups and playing in gigging bands helped me to be the well-rounded musician I am today. My original band received enough attention to earn opening spots for artists such as Blondie, Average White Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Jimmie Van Zant. I was even hired as the keyboardist for jazz trumpeter Tom Browne and four-time Grammy-winner Deniece Williams.
One of my current projects of note is Queen City, a band that pays tribute to the music of British rock hall-of-famers Queen. We happen to be bringing our show to Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls, NY (July 12, 7-10 PM) and the Niagara County Peach Festival (September 6, 8-11 PM) right here in Lewiston. I will also be joining the Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble on the Northwest Jazz Festival’s Center Street Stage (August 24, 1:30 PM).
My wife and I welcomed a daughter to the world in December 2023. She looks just like me. Hopefully one day, she starts looking more like her beautiful mother.
In my limited spare time, I write and engineer songs for my production company, Windtree Theory Records, with clients from Los Angeles to Montreal and Norway. While most of my endeavors are related to music, I still make time for other pursuits. As an avid genealogist, I have made multiple trips to Italy to visit the towns from which my ancestors came.
My favorite thing about LPMS is the base of strong families from which my students come, and the parental support that makes concerts, musicals and academic achievement possible. Also…the village is amazing!
📄Ellen Karp, Guidance Secretary💻
I started at Lew-port in 2018 working in the Special Education department until 2022. I then transferred to the Middle School Guidance office as the Secretary. My husband and I have 2 daughters. Samantha is a Nurse and Marissa is in commercial banking. My husband and I love to hike and try new trails along with camping. We also like to travel to a professional baseball game every summer. My immediate and extended family have started a tradition to go to a Bills away game every season. We love to travel and I love to cook (especially trying new dishes). My favorite thing about LPMS is helping the students out with any questions or concerns. Also, I enjoy my co-workers in the guidance office very much. We have a great team – Mr. McDermott, Mrs. Stack and Mrs. Kudela.
Brian Hall, LPMS Business Technology Teacher Inducted into Prestigious Marquis Who's Who
Brian Hall, LPMS Business Technology Teacher was recently Inducted into Marquis Who's Who! Click on the button below to read the full article.
Mental Health Moment
24-25 Cell Phone Policy at LPMS: Away for the Day
LPMS has updated our cell phone policy for the 2024-2025 school year. Students who have cell phones will keep their phones in their lockers for the day. Students will not be allowed to use their cell phones in the hallways or in lunch, this includes airpods, earbuds etc. Cell phones can be a significant distraction to students, which diverts their attention from classroom activities, learning and social interactions. Studies have shown that students who use cell phones during school hours tend to have lower academic performance. Middle school is a crucial time for students to develop social skills and interpersonal relationships. Without cell phones, students are more likely to engage with their peers and create meaningful relationships. Cell phones are often a weapon for cyberbullying, which can have serious emotional and psychological effects on young people. If parents need to contact their student throughout the school day, please call the Main Office.
Students who do not abide with the cell phone policy will face the following consequences:
1. First Offense: Warning. Student puts phone in their locker
2. Second Offense: The phone is placed in the Main Office until the end of the day
3. Third Offense: The parent must come to get the phone; phone to be turned in at the Main Office going forward.
While cell phones have their benefits, such as enabling communication in emergencies and providing access to educational resources, the potential drawbacks during school hours outweigh these benefits. Encouraging middle school students to keep their cell phones away during the day helps create a more focused, interactive, and productive learning environment, ultimately benefiting their academic performance and personal development.
Upcoming Dates/Events
August 21: 6th Grade WEB Orientation
September 3: First Day of School
September 5: Open House
September 10: Aimsweb Math Fall Benchmark
September 12: Aimsweb Reading Fall Benchmark
Lewiston-Porter Middle School
Email: aauer@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com
Location: 4061 Creek Road, Youngstown, NY, USA
Phone: 716-286-7201
Twitter: @LewPortMS
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! @LewPortMS and if you see something great with our students or staff, share it with us using #lewport!