

The Mustang Messenger
2024-2025 Season

Sunday, December 1, 2024
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A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
We are excited to welcome our Mustangs and their families back to Simpson from the Thanksgiving Break...and to fifteen days of highly engaging, authentic classroom learning experiences, spectacular music and visual arts performances, exciting after school club/organization sessions, intramural volleyball fun, PTO-sponsored events...and a fun SCA-sponsored spirit week to round out the month!
BLOOM WAS A HIT FOR GRADE 6!
On November 26, nearly one-hundred Grade 6 Mustangs as well as visiting Smarts Mill Mavericks and Harper Park Hurricanes participated in the third annual BLOOM event sponsored by Inova Loudoun Hospital and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
Focused on connecting students with opportunities available via the Loudoun County Public Schools Health and Medical Sciences Academy, students worked with professionals in the medical realm to learn about career options beyond high school, engaging in hands-on stations where they tested out CPR techniques, how to stop bleeding using a tourniquet, and checking out resources and functional equipment aboard the INOVA Mobile Health Bus and a visiting ambulance on campus. Participants also posed inquisitive questions to surgeons, social workers, and nurses who were on site as part of a Q&A session.
The BLOOM event received excellent reviews from our Mustangs upon their return to classes...and we wish to thank our Grade 6 Science Team of Michele Song, Paige Costic, Beth Suttie, Lydia Seekford, Maria Escobar, and Rosmery Torres, our PROPEL: Level Up! sponsor and Grade 7 Science Teacher Brenda Keefer, central office representatives from the LCPS Offices of Family and Community Engagement and Computer Science, our kind parent chaperones/volunteers, and our fantastic Assistant Principal Sarah McIntosh for their efforts in making this experience a success for all involved!
JLS PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION: BINGO EXTRAVAGANZA + KRISPY KREME FUNDRAISER!
December blasts off with our JLS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hosting our annual Bingo Night Extravaganza on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM with baskets brimming full of prizes sponsored by many of our academic departments right here at JLS! The funds earned from Bingo Night come right back to your Mustangs as they are provided to the departments who sponsor baskets to purchase resources in support of their instructional activities throughout the year!
- Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first game is called at 6:30 PM
- $10 for 10 games, and get a free dauber!
- Pizza and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are available for preorder - See the links below!
- Food orders are due by Tuesday at 8 PM!
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Orders <-- Click here!
Little Caesar's Pizza Orders <--- Click here!
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will be available to pick up on December 4th from 6-8pm in the school cafeteria during our Bingo Night. Purchasers do NOT need to participate in Bingo to order - you just need to love doughnuts! Orders will be accepted until Tuesday, December 3rd at 8pm.
MUSTANG WINTER CONCERT SEASON GALLOPS FORWARD WITH OUR GUITARISTS!
LOUDOUN COUNTY HS + JL SIMPSON MS will be uniting its performers for our WINTER GUITAR CONCERT on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM under the fine mentorship of JLS Mustang Professional Mr. Alphonso Young and Loudoun County HS Captain Professional Matthew Trkula. Be sure to head over to the Loudoun County High School auditorium with us to enjoy a night of music for the season presented by our wonderful young guitarists!
ALAN GRATZ: GRADE 7 AUTHOR VISIT - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
We are excited to welcome Alan Gratz, globally renowned author of nineteen novels for young adults including Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, Grenade, Something Rotten, Ground Zero and Refugee, in an interactive virtual author visit with our Grade 7 Mustangs through their English classes on Thursday, December 5! Our Grade 7 Mustangs read Ground Zero earlier this season and participated in interviews with Mustang family and community members who experienced 9/11 as part of their authenticated learning experience!
- Please click here to review information about Alan Gratz, a plot / thematic description of Refugee, the book of focus for the visit, a parent review link for submitting student questions, and a Permission Click for opt-out.
ANY QUESTIONS?: E-mail Devon.Yorkshire@lcps.org and Jennifer.Maulfair@lcps.org!
MERRY MUSTANGS: WE WOULD LOVE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS!
Merry Mustangs is a program that strives to support the needs of students and their families at Simpson Middle School. We are collecting donations to provide families with retail gift cards for the holiday season.
- You can purchase and donate gift cards in any denomination. Ideas for store gift cards include Target, Walmart, Kohls, Marshalls, and Ross. Donations can be dropped off at the Simpson front office Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. We will be collecting gift cards through Monday, December 9th. Please use this link to sign up for gift card donations.
- You can make a monetary donation (any amount) that will be used to purchase various gift cards. Monetary donations can be made here through School Cash Online.
WINTER SEASON SPIRIT WEEK IS COMING!
First of all, a big thank you to all of our Mustangs and professional staff who participated in wearing PURPLE to support National Epliepsy Awareness Month at the core of our hearts on Tuesday, November 26. Our school continues to shine so brightly in the realm of school spirit...it is truly incredible!
Our Student Council Association (SCA) will be sponsoring a Winter Spirit Week scheduled from Monday, December 16 - Friday, December 20, 2024 as a finale for the month just prior to our Winter Break...so prepare your spirit wear now!
Monday, December 16: Merry Monday Morning Pajama Day!
Tuesday, December 17: Candy Cane Day: Wear Red and White!
Wednesday, December 18: What Not to Wear: Ugly Sweater Day!
Thursday, December 19: Winter Wonderland Day: Wear snow / ski gear or your favorite wintry, icy colors!
Friday, December 20: Favorite Winter Character (film, TV, book, etc.)!
Finally, a reminder that Quarter 2 Interims are approaching with grades posting on Friday, December 13...hard to imagine how fast the year is going, isn't it? 😃 As with every Sunday, please take some time to sit with your Mustang and have them present their current class performance in StudentVue and assessment/assignment completion in Schoology as well as look ahead to the coming week via our Grade-Level Weekly Academic Updates (NOTE: Some of our Mustang Professionals may need time to update the latter resource early this week as we are returning from a long weekend break). If your Mustang has any questions, please encourage them to connect with their teachers in person or via e-mail...and we shall support!
Wishing you and your family a dynamite start to December 2024 as we round out the year...and enter 2025, which shall introduce festivities for the 2025-2026 Season's JL Simpson Middle School 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow as we return to Simpson! I'm off to do a run with Ollie as we bundle up for the colder temperatures!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week @ JL Simpson Middle School
Monday, December 2 - B-Day FLEX DAY: ADVISORY
- Beetlejuice Jr. Parent Information Meeting - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- After School Activities
- Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Cafeteria
- 6th Grade Choir Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Auditorium
Tuesday, December 3 - A-Day - FLEX DAY: A2
- JLS Winter Guitar Concert at LCHS - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - 8th Grade Band Rehersal - Auditorium
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - 8th Grade Choir Rehersal - M4
Wednesday, December 4 - B-Day: FLEX DAY: B2
- PTO BINGO Night - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Cafeteria
After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - Cafe
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - 7th Grade Band Rehersal - Band Room
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Choir 7 Rehersal - Auditorium
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - Aux. Gym - Ms. O'Hara
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Level Up - B16 - Ms. Keefer
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Weightlifting Club - Gym - Mr. Dunbar
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Empowered Girls - B12 - Ms. Herrin
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Mad Scientist Club - C4 - Ms. Song
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Student Council Association (SCA) - C8 - Ms. Suttie
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Lead Mentor/Mentee - Art 2
Thursday, December 5 - A-Day: FLEX DAY: A4
- Alan Gratz Author Visit in the Auditorium
- PEP (Parents as Educational Partners) - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Cafeteria
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - Cafe
- 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Long Select Choir Rehersal - M6
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - 7th Grade Orchestra Rehersal - Auditorium
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Harry Potter Club - A9 - Ms. Wence
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Intramural Volleyball - Gym - Mr. Carpenter
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Video Game Club - C10 - Mr. Peyton
- 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Level Up - Room B16 - Ms. Keefer
Friday, December 6 - B-Day: FLEX DAY: B4
- After School Activities
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Choir 8 Rehersal - Auditorium
Grade 7 Mustangs: Virtual Visit: Author ALAN GRATZ! - Thurs. December 5!
FAMILES of GRADE 7 MUSTANGS: Click the image above to review information about Alan Gratz, a plot / thematic description of Refugee, the book of focus for the visit, a parent review link for submitting student questions, and a Permission Click for opt-out.
ANY QUESTIONS?: E-mail Devon.Yorkshire@lcps.org and Jennifer.Maulfair@lcps.org!
Breakfast and Lunch Menu at JLS
Click the above image to find out our breakfast and lunch menu items for this week and month!
Grade-Level Weekly Academic Updates
Click here --> JLSMS Grade Level Academic Weekly Update - December 2 - December 6, 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.
Welcome Back, Ms. Ana Castro: Grades 6-7-8 Counselor!
Welcome back, Ms. Ana Castro!
Ana is rejoining the JLS Mustang Professional Staff as our Grades 6-7-8 School Counselor. Our Mustangs are so very fortunate to have you in their corner!
The Merry Mustangs Program - Collecting Donations Through December 9
Merry Mustangs is a program that strives to support the needs of students and their families at Simpson Middle School. We are collecting donations to provide families with retail gift cards for the holiday season. During this Season of Giving, please consider donating to the Merry Mustangs Program.
There are 2 ways you can contribute:
- You can purchase and donate gift cards in any denomination. Ideas for store gift cards include Target, Walmart, Kohls, Marshalls, and Ross. Donations can be dropped off at the Simpson front office Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. We will be collecting gift cards through Monday, December 9th. Please use this link to sign up for gift card donations.
- You can make a monetary donation (any amount) that will be used to purchase various gift cards. Monetary donations can be made here through School Cash Online.
PTO BINGO Night - Wednesday, December 4!
The PTO is excited for our annual BINGO NIGHT on Wednesday December 4th
from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first game is called at 6:30 PM
- $10 for 10 games, and get a free dauber
- Pizza and Donuts available for preorder
- Food orders are due by Tuesday at 8 PM (if we don't hit our donut minimum by Friday the 29th we will not be able to order and that link will be closed)
JLSMS Choir Presents Songs Of The Season - December 10 At LCHS
PTO Spirit Night At Panera Bread - December 10
Grab some dinner at Panera Bread and help our PTO raise some DOUGH! Remember to mention Simpson, or use the code FUND4U when ordering!
BEETLEJUICE, Jr. Cast & Crew Announced!
CONGRATULATIONS to our Mustangs selected for the cast & crew of our spring production, Beetlejuice Jr.! We are so excited to watch you shine!
The Simpson Spelling Bee is Back!
After School Clubs and Activities
Please check this section often as we continue to add new activities!
We have been busy planning some amazing after school opportunities for our Mustangs!
Here are our current JLS Clubs/Organizations set for after school on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays.
Please remember that after school activity participation requires permission from parents/guardians!
Please use the link below to complete the PERMISSION CLICK document.
Activity buses are available every Wednesday and Thursday for students needing transportation home from an after school activity. You can view the activity bus route stops using this link.
Intramural Basketball Registration is OPEN!
There is still time to register for JLS intramural Basketball! Game play begins February 13.
Intramural Volleyball Update
The upcoming dates for Intramural Volleyball are as follows:
Game Play - December 5 – 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - JLS Gym
Game Play - December 12 – 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - JLS Gym
Game Play - January 9 – 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - JLS Gym
Game Play - January 16 – 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - JLS Gym
LCPS Tournament - January 25 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Heritage HS
After School Activities + Student Pick-Up / Bus Transportation
After school activities run generally from 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM with our LCPS Transportation team citing that our two activity buses will arrive by 5:00 - 5:05 PM.
We acknowledge that on a few occasions recently that our activity buses have arrived later than the above time frame. Please know that JLS School Leadership is working closely with members of LCPS Transportation to improve activity bus arrival time to support our students themselves arriving home in a timely fashion.
Parents/families who are waiting to pick up their Mustangs from after-school activities are encouraged to park in our large staff/guest parking lot adjacent to our school in lieu of lining up in a car line format.
We also are working very closely with LCPS Transportation to improve the arrival of a few of our AM buses to Simpson so that our students are comfortably in their classrooms by the 8:30 AM tardy bell.
If you have any questions/concerns with your Mustang's LCPS transportation to JLS, please feel free to contact the LCPS Transportation team by using the LET'S TALK! option seen at the right of the page at this website. (See image below...)
LCPS Presents Suicide Prevention: What You Need to Know - Thursday, December 5
Join LCPS on Thursday, December 5 at Independence High School for a parent information session on Suicide Prevention.
LCPS Department of Transportation: Update on Late Bus Arrivals
The LCPS Department of Transportation sends a Connect Ed to families when a student's bus is due to be late arriving home.
We recognize that there are several buses at JLS that are currently doubling up due to a shortage of drivers available for the routes, causing your Mustang to arrive home later than the typical schedule. Please know that the LCPS Department of Transportation is working daily to resolve these matters.
PLEASE NOTE:
When changes are made to a route, parents are notified through our routing system and emails come from a NOREPLY@TRANSFINDER.COM email address.
We encourage parents to check ParentVue or Stopfinder regularly, including on Friday evenings, for any route change notifications. We also encourage parents to check SPAM and DELETE folders at the same time in the event filters have been set up and emails are not going into your Inbox.
If you have any questions/concerns with your Mustang's LCPS transportation to JLS, please feel free to contact the LCPS Transportation team by using the LET'S TALK! option seen at the right of the page at this website. (See image below...)
Community Book Club at LCHS - Final Meeting, December 3
Our final Anxious Generation Book Club is Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 5:00 PM in the LCHS Library!
Please feel free to reach out to Heather.Rainey@lcps.org with any questions.
Teen Skate Nights at Douglas Community Center
The Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services will be hosting Teen Skate Nights at the Douglass Community Center.
- Admission is $2 per person
- Teens are encouraged to bring their own skates if they have them
- Skate rentals are available for $3, walker rentals are $5.
- No pre-registration needed
Step Up Loudoun Registration
The Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition presents middle and high school students an opportunity to identify an issue in their communities and implement a solution as they contribute to the world around them. The goal is to encourage, support, and reward the youth of Loudoun County for making positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others.
In the past few years, we have seen projects delve deep based on things already being done in school as part of Project Based Learning and Personalized Learning methods. These provide the perfect place for students to make their project work public by explaining, displaying and presenting it to people beyond the classroom. As in the past, students will create a five (5)-minute team video due on March 5, 2025, and then the top 20 teams will present live to judges at the LCPS Admin. building on March 26, 2025. The Finals and Awards Ceremony will be on April 3, 2025, where the top teams will be invited to present for cash prizes.
Use this link to check out top projects from previous years:
Use this link for additional information and registration. Registration Closes January 15, 2025.
Looking Ahead: Events and Opportunities in 2025
Curriculum and Extracurricular Fair Night for Rising Students
Mark Your Calendar for the Curriculum and Extracurricular Fair Nights for our Rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade families!
Join us to learn about the academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and student leadership initiatives available at JLS!
Rising 7th and 8th Grade Families - Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rising 6th Grade Families - Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rising 6th Grade Mustang Field Trip Visits to JL Simpson MS Scheduled!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
Grade 5 students from Catoctin ES, Sycolin Creek ES, Evergreen Mill ES, and Frederick Douglass ES will be visiting JL Simpson MS to engage with their future Mustang peers, professional staff, and even Monty the Mustang himself via a collection of fun activities to begin the onboarding process to the middle school experience in February and early March 2025!
All elementary school principals + teams have been notified as well...so you will likely see this information in their newsletters too!
ANY QUESTIONS?: Please e-mail Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org, our rising 6th Grade Counselor for 2025-2026!
Information for Rising 6th Graders
JLS Instrument Test Drive!
We are busy preparing for our future Mustangs!
If you have a current 5th grade student headed to Simpson next August, be sure to mark your calendar for the JLS Instrument Test Drive!
6th graders for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to come to Simpson on either Tuesday, January 21 or Wednesday, February 5, 2025 to try out Band and String instruments! You will have have the opportunity to meet Mr. Paz (Band teacher) and Ms. Kanakry (Strings teacher), and talk with current Band and String members to help you in making a decision on your musical instrument for 6th grade.
We can't wait to see our future Mustangs!
Student Success Talks With The Superintendent - Coming to Simpson in April 2025
Student Success Talks with Dr. Spence will begin in November and run through May. Each election district will host one event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on its scheduled day. Families and staff are encouraged to attend the Talk in their district.
Student Success Talks are family engagement meetings that are all about open communication, sharing useful tips, and giving families practical advice to help their kids succeed. Each session will cover important topics related to students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. The goal is to create a space where families, staff, and the Superintendent can share ideas and resources together.
The Student Success Talk will take place at JL Simpson Middle School on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Current 6th Grade Families - An Important Message From Nurse Pettit
6th GRADE FAMILIES,
Prior to starting 7th grade, all students are required to receive two immunizations: Tdap and MenACWY. Over the next 10 months, if your child has a doctor's visit and receives these immunizations, please email a copy to Nurse Pettit at Rene.Pettit@LCPS.org so that she can update your child's school records.
Second-Step Program
We will be implementing the LCPS-sponsored Second Step® Middle School program during our resource blocks this season.
From the LCPS Department of Student Services:
We want your child to be successful in school, and that means supporting and encouraging their
whole development. While excelling in academic classes is important, students also need skills for
learning challenges, making good decisions, handling strong emotions, and getting along with others.
Second Step® Middle School is a research-based social-emotional learning
program designed to improve students’ social-emotional skills, such as emotion management,
impulse control, problem solving, and empathy. Second Step skills and concepts are designed to
help students both in and out of school. These include:
Mindsets and Goals: Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-
based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.
Developing a Positive Sense of Self: Students learn to identify their guiding principles,
work toward becoming the person they want to be, and learn strategies for building
confidence.
Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions: Students learn how to recognize strong emotions
and unhelpful thoughts, and apply strategies to manage their emotions and reduce stress.
Managing Relationships and Social Conflict: Students learn strategies for developing
and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict.
If you have any questions about Second Step® Middle School, please don’t hesitate to contact
Sarah.McIntosh@lcps.org or Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org for more information. Thank you for your support as we work to build a safe and supportive school community!
Purchase Your JLS 2024-2025 Yearbook on a REDUCED COST now!
SIMPSON STAFF SHINE Spotlight!
JLS is proud to share that we have received SHINE -Spotlighting Heroes in Education submissions highlighting a very special teacher!
James Mullin (Student Support): "He makes my day better because hs is really fun to be around."
Lindsey Rice (FACS): "She talks to me, helps me out and doesn't give up on me. She makes me feel welcomed and gives me enouragement."
Stacey Walters (Math): "Ms. Walters has been such a help in math, and so kind to me and everyone."
CONGRATULATIONS, Thank you for SHINING for our Mustangs! Simpson is lucky to have you!
If you have a staff member you would like to nominate for SHINE, please complete the submission form (It’s short and easy!).
Monty's Tack Shop Night Trivia Fun!
Ms. Walters working in groups with her Mustangs!
Friendsgiving for Mustang Professionals!
Mathematics Collaborative Learning Stations!
Mad Scientist Club!
Monty Visits Grade 6!
Just for Fun!
Mustangs enjoying the outdoor seating area!
Taylor and London spell out SIMPSON using objects...just for fun!
Cellular Organism projects adorning the hallways of Science 7!
Mr. Thompson and his "Mustang." 😆
LCPS Substitute Appreciation Week shines!
More from our LCPS Substitute Appreciation Week!
BLOOM Event 2024!
JL Simpson Middle School Bell Schedule for SY 2024-2025
SY 2024-2025 JLS A-B Day and FLEX Schedule
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders: Safety Is #1
As mentioned in last week's Mustang Messenger, in order to improve student and staff safety, we are asking students who are morning car riders to no longer enter the building at the side door marked B2.
Students will continue to be dropped off at the B2 door, but will walk on the sidewalk toward the front of the school and enter through the main entrance as the only entryway into JLS for all visitors/guests and morning arrivals. This allows our safety and security team to ensure that all students, guests, and family members proceed to the correct locations of our building without worry of multiple entry points to our facility creating possible security concerns.
Here are some additional updates and reminders for you regarding our AM/PM carline:
- DROP MUSTANGS OFF ONLY AT THE B2 DOOR and CROSSWALK in the MORNING: All family members dropping off Mustangs in the car line are expected to proceed to the B2 Parent Drop Off location before opening their doors to drop off their Mustangs. Dropping students off in other areas of the car line reduces the efficiency and speed of the car line, potential safety hazards for students, and even causing a back-up to occur at times on Evergreen Mill Road.
- PLEASE STAY IN THE CAR LINE AFTER DROPPING OFF YOUR MUSTANG: Once you drop off your Mustang at the B2 Door, please continue stay in line and do not pass other cars on the left. This can be a tremendous safety issue if a student or staff member should happen to be in the crosswalk in front of the B2 door.
- USE THE SMALL LOOP WHEN DR. D OPENS IT UP!: Dr. Di Nicola will open the small car loop close to the front entrance of the building around 8:20-8:25 AM to allow our Mustangs to make it to their classes on time as the tardy bell rings at 8:30 AM.
- PICK UP YOUR MUSTANGS in the CAR LINE AFTER SCHOOL: Please proceed through the car line in a safe, linear manner, picking up your Mustang at the B2 door, the same location where drop-off occurs in the morning. All safety expectations listed above for morning arrival are still in place in the afternoon at pick-up time!
- PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP STUDENTS ON TOLBERT ROAD or EVERGREEN MILL ROAD: We have one car line for picking up our Mustangs after school...and these two locations are public roads where safety hazards can occur should our students be moving to these areas where many cars and buses are in motion.
Thank you for your partnership to ensure the safety of our students and our JLS community by proceeding through our CAR LINE in the AM and PM in an HONORABLE, ENGAGED, RESPECTFUL, and DETERMINED (HERD) manner! You're the best!
Bus Pass Protocol
All bus pass requests should be addressed to your grade level secretary. You can request a bus pass for your student via email, a written note with parent/guardian signature, or a phone call to your grade level secretary. Requests should be received no later than NOON on the day the pass is needed.
Whenever students have a change in dismissal transportation (ie. bus rider to walker or bus rider to car rider), please be sure to notify your house secretary the morning of the change via email or a written note.
6th Grade Administrative Professional - Molly.Steinbach@lcps.org
7th Grade Administrative Professional - Stephanie.DeWan@lcps.org
8th Grade Administrative Professional - Laura.Ridings@lcps.org
Activity Bus Information
Our activity buses are rolling! Students who participate in after-school activities have the option to ride an activity bus home. Use this link below to view the route sheets for the activity buses, including the bus stop locations and approximate drop-off times.
Tardy To Class Protocol
Students are expected to use their time effectively during our five-minute class change to ensure they are in class before the bell. School administration will implement student behavior administrative and accountability measures to address excessive tardies to class.
1st and 2nd Tardies to Any Class: Teacher and Student Conversation + General E-mail to Families Through ParentVue Communications
3rd Tardy to Any Class: Teacher and Student Conversation / Reflection Opportunity to Focus on Improving Timeliness to Class + Phone Call to Parent/Guardian
4th+ Tardy to Any Class: Teacher Referral to Dean + Phone Call Home to Parent/Guardian with Student Behavior and Accountability Measures Continuum:
- Lunch / After School Detention w/Teacher / Dean
- Loss of School Privileges (i.e. Recess, Intramural Sports, Clubs/Activities, etc.)
- Friday School
- Conferencing With LCPS Attendance Officer + Family + Student Support Advisor + School Leadership / Unified Mental Health Team
Please talk with your Mustang about the importance of arriving to class on time to BE PRESENT and POWERFUL in their learning!
Remember that we are here to support all of our Mustangs if they need help to strategize ways to arrive to class in a timely manner so that they can maximize their performance in each and every one of their classes! THANK YOU for your wonderful support!
Need To Talk To Your Mustang's Counselor?
Please contact your student's grade-level counselor if you have scheduling questions.
School Counseling Team Contact Information
6th Grade: Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org
7th Grade: Alison.Hyman@lcps.org
8th Grade: Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org
Grades 6-7-8 Combo: Ana.L.Castro@lcps.org
Need To Talk To Your Mustang's Dean?
Please contact your student's grade-level dean if you have questions or concerns.
School Dean's Contact Information
6th Grade: Brandon.Filsinger@lcps.org
7th Grade (Interim Dean): Noah.Rogers@lcps.org
8th Grade: Brent.Washburn@lcps.org
LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for Families & Code of Conduct
Where can I find LCPS level information on general information and expectations for students and their families?
LCPS has updated this information for this year with the release of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for Families and Student Code of Conduct.
As Simpson will be aligning completely with this useful guide, please take time to review it with your Simpson Mustang prior to the start of the new school year and save it for future reference.
LCPS Policies 8650 and 8655: Please read carefully with your Mustang!
Please note the following in terms of Student Personal Device Use:
Middle school students must keep their devices silent and not visible, stored in their locker during the school day. Personal devices may be used before or after the school day.
The above includes any and all devices, including cell phones, earbuds, wireless headphones, iPads, etc. :)
NOTE: Students may have wired earbuds/headphones for classes in which their teachers permit them to use these devices. The devices may only be connected to the Chromebook.
We also request that all families refrain from texting or calling our Mustangs' personal devices during the school day to help support this new LCPS policy and our engagement of its content at JLS.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MUSTANGS?
- Please contact us at 571-252-2840 if you need to speak to your Mustang. We can always find them for you!
- We will allow any of our Mustangs to call home to their families as needed using our school lines...never a problem!
- Teach your Mustangs to use their e-mail accounts regularly alongside our own school expectations for academic engagement and communication with their teachers. You are more than welcome to touch base with them in that manner!
Fentanyl Awareness and Resources for Our LCPS Students and Families
LCPS middle and high school students receive information about the dangers of opioids and other illicit drugs through health and physical education classes. Student Assistance Specialists who have mental health and substance abuse expertise provide these targeted presentations and partner with their respective schools to plan additional opportunities, including assemblies, student-led campaigns, and classroom lessons.
More information can be found on this site - Student Assistance Services / Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness
NEED A TUTOR? JLS Tutoring Program Support Services Request Form
Click here and work with your Mustang to complete this Google Form to request a tutor and we will be in touch super soon!
Please read all instructions in the Google Form carefully to learn about the expectations for our tutoring support program...and reach out to JLS-Tutoring@lcps.org with any questions!
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.
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!
* LCPS Events and Announcements *
YOUTH AFTER SCHOOL (YAS) Program Registration for SY 2024-2025 Available!
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
* Community Events and Announcements *
SNAP Provides Eligible Families Access to Healthy Food
The SNAP in Schools initiative from the Virginia Department of Social Service, which is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps develop partnerships to bridge the gap of food insecurity among school-aged children. The objectives of SNAP in Schools are to reduce food insecurity in school-aged children, to increase the number of students directly certified for free school meals through SNAP, and to increase the number of students eligible without application for the summer EBT program.
Please advise families who could benefit from this program to access the CommonHelp portal link to submit online SNAP applications.
Please also share the flyer below with your families:
* 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 at JLSimpsonPTO@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!
Become a Small Business PTO Sponsor!
If you own a small business and would like to support the PTO this year, please email JLsimpsonPTO@gmail.com for our detailed tiered sponsorship letter!
Upcoming Dates to Remember - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Quarter 1 - Thursday, August 22 - Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Dates to Remember + More!
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
December 2: 6th Grade Choir Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Auditorium
December 2: Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Cafeteria
December 2: Beetlejuice Jr. Parent Information Meeting - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
December 3: 8th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Auditorium
December 3: 8th Grade Choir Rehersal -3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - M4
December 3: JLS Winter Guitar Concert at LCHS - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
December 4: Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Cafe
December 4: Choir 7 Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Auditorium
December 4: 7th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Band Room
December 4: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:45 - Aux. Gym
December 4: Mad Scientist Club - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - C8 - Ms. Suttie/Ms. Weddle
December 4: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Gym weight room
December 4: Level Up - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - B16
December 4: Empowered Girls - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - B12
December 4: Student Council Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - C8
December 4: Lead Mentor/Mentee Meeting - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Art 2
December 4: PTA BINGO Night - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Cafeteria
December 5: Beetlejuice Jr. Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Cafe
December 5: 7th Grade Orchestra Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - Auditorium
December 5: Long Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM - M4
December 5: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - Gym
December 5: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - A9
December 5: Video Game Club - 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM - C10
December 5: Level Up - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - B16
December 6: Grade 8 Chorus Rehersal - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 10: Monty's Cafe - 8:10 AM - 8:25 AM - Main Entrance
December 10: 7th Grade Band Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 10: PTO Spirit Night @ Panera - 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
December 10: JLS Winter Choir Concert @ LCHS - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - LCHS Auditorium
December 10: JLS Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
December 11: 8th Grade Orchestra Rehersal - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Auditorium
December 11: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
December 11: Mad Scientist Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - C8 - Ms. Suttie/Ms. Weddle
December 11: Student Council Association (SCA) - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Cafeteria
December 11: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
December 11: Level Up - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - at the Academies of Loudoun
December 11: 7th/8th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concert - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - JLS Auditorium
December 12: Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
December 12: Intramural Volleyball - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Gym
December 12:Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
December 12: Level Up Showcase - 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM
December 18: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) After-School Club - 3:30-4:30 - Aux. Gym
December 18: Mad Scientist Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - C8 - Ms. Suttie/Ms. Weddle
December 18: Weightlifting Club - 3:30 PM-4:30 PM - Gym weight room
December 19: Project Lit during lunches - Library
December 19:Select Choir Rehearsals - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - M4
December 19: Harry Potter Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A9
December 23 - January 3: No School (Winter Break)
January 20: No School - Holiday
January 29: No School - Holiday
February 17: No School - Holiday
March 31: No School - Holiday
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