LMA November Newsletter
November 2024
Good Morning,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. It seems like just yesterday LMA was in full swing with Halloween activities, and just as quickly November draws to a close with the LMA annual Turkey Trot. Everyone at LMA wanted to take a moment to reflect on the month's activities and extend a warm welcome to 2 of our new staff members.
November Highlights
- College & DVR Assemblies: We hosted informative college and DVR assemblies to inspire our students and provide them with valuable insights into the college application process.
- Student Council Elections: Not only has LMA finally got Student Council off the ground this year, allowing another venue for student voice, we also completed elections. Congratulations to our newly elected Student Council officers! We look forward to their leadership and contributions to our school community.
- President - Jabari, Vice-President - Jordyn., Secretary - Laniyah, Treasurer - Angelise, Historian - Grayson
Welcoming New Staff
We are excited to welcome our newest staff members to LMA. Their expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly enrich our school community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to:
- Nicole Mendelsohn - Spanish Teacher
- Michael Guidice - PE/Health TA
We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We are always here to support you and your child. Please take a minute to enjoy this newsletter, and we hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Reed Leibfried - Principal
December 2024 Important Dates
December 2 - Union County Vo-Tech Assembly @ LMA
December 3 - NJ4S Aces, Grief & Loss Assembly @ LMA
December 9 - LMA Field Trip (Splatter Craze)
December 19 - KEAN University Assembly @ LMA
December 20 - Early Dismissal 1pm
December 23-31 - NO SCHOOL - Winter Recess
January 1 - NO SCHOOL - New Year's Day
Mr. Acosta
It is bittersweet that LMA share Mr. Acosta has departed his role at LMA, and the UCESC for a promotion in another school district. LMA will miss his dedication to the students and school program, and wish him nothing but the best of the luck in his future. LMA does have a new teacher taking over the Post Grad program in January 2025 who comes to us with a wealth of experience working in WBL programs, and extensive experience with special needs students.
Below are some final thoughts from Mr. Acosta,
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the transition teacher here at Lamberts Mill Academy. In a short period of time, we have developed several meaningful relationships with businesses in the community and provided all of the students with valuable work experience. I am fortunate to have worked for the commission for the past six years and have spent time working with WRA, Project Search, and LMA. I will miss working with the students, staff, and administration every day, but I look forward to hearing about all of the wonderful things they will accomplish in the future. A huge thank you to Mr. Leibfried and Mr. Lopreiato for welcoming me to LMA and supporting the important work we are doing.
John G.
LMA is proud to announce our November student of the month as John G. John started with LMA last November, showing high levels of growth both academically and behaviorally. He was promoted to the high school this past Spring, and has done really nicely with the transition. Staff at LMA vote each month for student of the month, and he won a majority of the votes for his improvements in class, and overall growth at LMA. We are proud to have him as our student of the month, and as a member of our school community.
Ms. Matusz leads LMA students to the Turtleback Zoo
10 Science students participated in a field trip to Turtleback Zoo on 11/11. The students were able to see up to 850 different wild animals up close and personal in their natural habitats. The “Touch Tank” is an interactive area where students are able to touch several different species of Sting Ray and a small Epaulette Shark in a 1,600 gallon shallow tank. There is an area where students were able to feed a giraffe, which is always a fun activity. The day would not have been complete without a ride on the famous train of the zoo, which all students and faculty truly enjoyed! This was truly a wonderful experience for the students, as many of them have not had the opportunity to visit a zoo nor to see animals not native to New Jersey.
Ms. Miller's Social Studies class learn about the Election & Veteran's Day
All Social Studies students spent time learning about the elements of the election process. Students viewed and engaged with an interactive map to understand the Electoral College and analyze the viewpoints of Presidential candidates on six major issues. Students were able to cast unofficial ballots and practicate in a mock election.
For Veterans Day, students learned about the history of Veterans Day and how it has changed since its start after World War I. Students then made cards for veterans in the community. Students thanked the veterans for their service and drew pictures that represented America.
Updates from Mr. Peter's PE/Health Class
For Physical Education, we have been participating in the Floor Hockey Unit. We began the unit with the lead-up activity of Pillow Polo where students practiced the basics of floor hockey using soft, cushioned sticks. Now the students will be using full-length floor hockey sticks. The classes all learned about the history of the sport and the background of what is now known as the NHL. Students are currently practicing skills such as passing, stickhandling, and shooting. We will also be learning about goaltending skills and game strategy as we head into the final weeks of the unit and participate in lead-up activities and games.
The school also participated in the 9th Annual Lamberts Mill Academy Turkey Trot. The 5K has become a hit and the students and staff all love to be a part of the activity. Students walked/ran 5 kilometers around the parking lot the morning before Thanksgiving while listening to music and having fun with all staff and students. We even had visitors from other Commission schools join us for the walk. The event was a great success!!!
For Health class we continue to study and perfect our personal hygiene routines. We have been reviewing by playing the game “Personal Hygiene Bingo”. Students are learning why it is so important to have good hygiene as it relates to social and emotional health. We will continue to reinforce healthy hygiene to finish out the unit.
LMA Students participate in the Annual Turkey Trot
See LMA students and staff in action at the Annual Turkey Trot. Students and staff walked or ran 5km around a square setup in the parking lot. Students enjoyed music, drinks, snacks and more importantly the company and support of one another. What a great way to enter the Holiday weekend on a beautiful, fall day!
