May 3rd, 2024

Dear Parents,

We have had several complaints from community members about parents parking off Oakland Place, starting approximately 30 minutes before our building dismissal. In many cases, this creates a safety hazard as it obstructs the view of students crossing the streets. Additionally, many driveways have been blocked in the process. We understand that traffic around our building is significant in the morning and afternoon. However, we ask that everyone do their part to adhere to not parking in "No Parking" zones and follow the law. Summit Police has been notified.

During May, Mental Health Awareness is recognized nationally. At LCJSMS, we will be hosting a variety of activities throughout the month to assist students in becoming more aware of their emotions, learning fun coping skills, and ways they can ask for help if they ever need it. Students are asked to wear green, the national color of Mental Health Awareness, on Monday, May 6th to kick off our month of activities.

Just like physical health, mental health plays a crucial role in how our children navigate school, friendships, and life's challenges. Talking openly and honestly about mental health can be difficult, but it's an essential step in supporting your child and reducing the stigma of seeking help. Here are some resources to help you navigate these conversations:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers tips and tools for talking to your child about mental health, including conversation starters and age-appropriate language.
• SAMHSA provides a Family Conversation Starter Guide
• The Jed Foundation provides resources specifically geared towards teens and young adults, with information on managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Remember, you're not alone in supporting your child's mental health. Our School Counselors and Ms. Galasso, Student Assistance Counselor, are available to provide support, guidance, and resources. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our children to thrive!

I hope that everyone has had a chance to enjoy the nice weather over the past few days. With the warmer weather, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss a sensitive but essential topic. Middle school is a trying time for our students, and many struggle with navigating adolescent development. Many of those challenges include fitting in by wearing current, fashionable clothing and garments. While the administration at the middle school understands that clothing is an integral part of self-expression, we ask that all of our students wear clothing suitable for school. As the weather gets warmer, please keep this in mind as your child dresses for school. We want to ensure that our school is an appropriate place for learning. Links to our student handbook regarding dress code can be found here (on page 12).

Parents, a few weeks ago, the administrative team met with 7th-grade students to highlight some of the new elective offerings for the 24-25 school year. Please see the attached PDF of the presentation rolled out to students. Students can select their course preferences in Genesis the week of May 13th-17th. All students must complete this survey during that week to ensure that their input is considered. Please review the attached slideshow and let me know if you have any questions.

Elective Course Survey Information

Dear 8th Grade Parents- Exciting News! We're gearing up for the 8th Grade Carnival and we need your help to make it a great event. Do you have any lawn games, like cornhole, bocce, ladder ball or a giant Connect 4? If so, we'd love to borrow them for the day to add to the fun. We promise to take good care of them and return them to you right after the carnival. If you are able to help out, please let us know. You can email us at lcjsmsptoinfo@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support! Additionally we are looking for Parent volunteers to help at both the Pool Party and the Carnival. Please check the links below to assist.

Pool Party Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4FA5AD2FA6FA7-49241237-8thgrade#/

Carnival Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4FA5AD2FA6FA7-49278898-8thgrade#/

Please see the attached flyer to purchase your lawn sign for 8th Grade Graduation.

Last call to buy the SPOTLIGHT YEARBOOK. We still have over 100 Eighth grade students who have not yet purchased the yearbook. If you are unsure if you have purchased the yearbook, please feel free to email Stefanie Jurista - sjurista@summit.k12.nj.us to check.

You can order a yearbook here: Order the Yearbook today: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ Code: 13140

Summer EBT is a new federal program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who receive Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving benefits will not affect children or families’ immigration status. Click on the flyers below to learn more.

Please view this link for the new guidelines to follow for COVID, Flu and RSV.

Please click this link for more information.

5/6-5/10: NJSLA Makeup Testing

5/8- 6th Grade Concert 6:30 PM

- 7th Grade Concert 8:00 PM

5/9- 8th Grade Concert 7:00 PM

5/13- 5/14: NJSLA Science Testing

5/29-5/30: 8th Grade Trip Washington DC

6/6: 8th Grade Pool Party (must complete community service hours to attend)

6/7: 8th Grade Community Service Breakfast

6/7: 8th Grade Pool Party Rain Date

6/10: 8th Grade Carnival

6/11: 8th Grade Carnival Rain Date

6/14: Last Day of School

6/17: 8th-Grade Graduation Practice ,Tatlock Field 9am-12 pm

6/17- 8th Grade Graduation, Tatlock Field 5:30 pm