Lutherville Lab Report

What's gone down & what's coming up at the leopards' lair.

January 17, 2025

Lutherville Families,

We enjoyed a full week of learning at the Lab!

A highlight of the week for our 4th graders was their trip to Junior Achievement Biz Town! On this trip, after preparatory lessons here at school, students executed roles for businesses, organizations, and local government for a city in miniature. In the words of Mrs. Voelker, students "attended town meetings, deposited pay checks, used their money to buy chips at Chik-fil-A, built a small park, policed citizens, handed out fines, checked thermostats, gave out awards, sold items from their business, delivered mail, used their earnings to buy items, used a debit card, wrote out checks, and many other things. It was awesome to see the students so engaged in performing their jobs!" Congratulations to our 4th graders on a job well done. And thank you to our teacher team for making it happen!

On Thursday morning we met as a Faculty and took the opportunity to pass our staff MVP award onto Pentakota Archana for her outstanding service to our students. We also touched base on our schedule and plans for potential virtual learning, which could come about if we incur more than 1 additional full day of closure due to inclement weather. There is additional information below and should we cross that threshold, more information will follow. We are aware that this topic brings about many feelings and potential challenges for our families. We are committed to making the most of the circumstances and partnering through with our community, as always.

Reminder -- schools are closed Monday in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you are looking for opportunities to celebrate the day, here is a list of opportunities around town.

In partnership,

-Mr. McComb

Calendar Reminders:

Jan 20 - Schools Closed, Dr. MLK Jr. Holiday

Jan 24 - MP2 ends, 1:05 dismissal

Jan 29 - Schools Closed, Teacher Professional Learning

4th Graders on their field trip to BizTown on Wednesday.

Potential Virtual Learning

BCPS has used 2 of our 3 allotted traditional inclement weather days. Should we have another inclement weather day, the next day of closure to follow, our 4th day, would be the start of virtual learning occurring on inclement weather days.

So, for instance, if BCPS were to close on Tuesday, we would be virtual on Wednesday (I have no inside information that this will happen, this is an example). Devices were sent home with students this week and many teachers provided students with a brief introduction/refresher on Google Meets. If we have another inclement weather day, we will follow with additional information and guidance, but want to provide the below for the planners within our community.

BCPS's plan, approved by MSDE, requires 4 hours of learning with a 2 hour delayed start to the day (to allow teachers to pivot their instructional plans to the online environment.

Attendance is taken and counts on Virtual Learning days
Core instruction continues for students growth and achievement

Dream Big Contest

The Lyric Baltimore is sponsoring a contest inspired by James Baldwin's pointed call to action, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced," with the Dream B!g Contest. Students in grades 5-12 have the opportunity to submit an original work (essay, art, poem, music, video) by February 14th in response to this year's question: Though it may be hard to face, what is the one thing you would change to make the world a better place?

There is also a "Believer Award" for which families could nominate a Baltimore City or Baltimore County teacher who works tirelessly to inspire their students creativity. Nominations are due February 3rd.

Lab Coat Recipient - Pentakota Archana

Ms. Pentakota, a phenomenal student support aide, was awarded the Lutherville Lab Coat, our staff MVP award, on Thursday morning. Ms. Pentakota was awarded for her skills, resilience, and care in helping some of our students in need of her support make outstanding growth.

“Gym-NEWS-ium” PE News and Notes from Mr. Bruns

Kids Heart Challenge

This month we will be, once again, participating in the “Kids Heart Challenge” to help raise money for the American Heart Association.

Students participating will join our “Kids Heart Challenge” special event during the school day in late February and get moving with fun activities, learn about keeping their hearts and brains healthy and feel great about helping others. Not only will you be helping fight heart disease and stroke (the No. 1 and No. 2 killers worldwide), but participants can earn thank-you gifts. We appreciate all your help and please scan the QR code for more information and to join our school. Please submit donations to the American Heart Association by February 21st.

Young Artists

Students from Ms. Lugli's class work to add detail to their pencil and pastel landscapes under Ms. Powell's instruction.

Art Newsletters

From Mrs. Powell

From Mr. Weigle

Notes from the PTA

THANK YOU:

Savers

We exceeded our financial goal for the Savers fundraiser in December and appreciated everyone's contributions. From the pod donation covered by a family to the boxes from a work connection to time from parents at the pod and on delivery day to a truck and driver provided by Brody Transportation to, last but not least, of course, all the goods, it was a great experience that we hope to repeat again sometime! Thanks to Catherine Pilotte for spearheading this new effort!

Chick-Fil-A

Also a successful fundraiser. Thanks to all who attended! And our gratitude to Maureen Henley for coordinating for us.

EASY ASSISTANCE PLEASE:

January & February SignUp Genius

Did you know that the PTA relies on and is grateful for one time contributions from LL families?

At this time, we invite you to use this SignUp Genius link to tell us where you can help with these upcoming opportunities:

- preparing or purchasing chili to be served at the Wed Jan 29 hospitality lunch for teachers & staff

- donations of broken or used crayons, new poster boards and new ziplock bags

- volunteering at the Young Entrepreneur activity on Fri Jan 31st from 3:45-5:30 pm (no experience necessary, just a desire to help kids with activities and think through their ideas!)

- promoting the Lutherville Community Entrepreneur Fair (on Sun March 23 from 1-3 pm at LL) to local entrepreneurs

- volunteering at the Book Fair from Jan 31 through Feb 7 - this includes set up, class visit times (indicated by teacher's name), evening family sessions and clean up

BY MON 1/20 PLEASE RSVP FOR:

Family Engagement & Support:

Conversation About Technology, Social Media & Effect on Children's Mental Health

Tues Jan 21st, 7:00-8:00 pm, Hybrid, see graphic

In person at library & Google Meet, code: llfamily

RSVP by clicking this link.

Can't attend but would still like to receive the recording of the meeting directly? Please use the RSVP link to provide your email address.

SAVE THE DATES:

TUES JAN 28, 6-9 PM

SKATE NIGHT

Skateland, 8019 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD

Outside food allowed, $5 CASH ONLY at door

FRI JAN 31ST AFTER SCHOOL

COMMUNITY EVENT:

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACTIVITY

Interested students are invited to stay after school (from 4:05-5:30 pm) and parent volunteers are needed (from 3:45-5:30 pm) to help students with two activities: 1) plant seeds and begin a special crayon activity and 2) if interested, brainstorm their own entrepreneurship ideas. This is all in preparation for our big fair in March! Students will meet in a specified classroom (TBA) after the school day ends and students may attend this activity without a family member but, as with after-school clubs, you will need to provide their teacher with a change of dismissal note and the student will need be picked up at the front of school promptly at 5:30 pm. Next week, you will receive a flyer explaining more about our Lutherville Community Entrepreneur Fair which will be held on Sun March 23 from 1-3 pm at LL. We are very excited!

FEB 3-7 (online shopping begins on Fri Jan 31st)

FUNDRAISER:

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

School Library

Students will attend the fair during their library time for the week. See SignUp Genius link to volunteer to assist during the fair/your child(ren)'s class visit(s).

TUES FEB 4 & THURS FEB 6, 5:00-7:00 PM

BOOK FAIR EVENING SHOPPING HOURS FOR FAMILIES