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The Mustang Messenger
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Traducción en Español
- Para ver el boletín en español haga clic en el cuadrado negro ubicado en el lado derecho donde dice Traducir boletín.
- Cuando llegue aquí, haga clic en la flecha hacia abajo y elija el idioma Español.
A Message from Dr. Di Nicola
Good evening, JLS Mustang Families!
Hope you have all enjoyed these past few snowy days with family and friends and been safe throughout the experience!
It is hard to believe that the second quarter and first semester are coming to a close and that we are at the dawn of our closing semester to the current school year. Time does indeed fly by rapidly when we are having fun!
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE: FEDERAL IMPACT AID FORMS - DUE BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 TO ADVISORY TEACHERS
LCPS uses Impact Aid funds to support public education and reduce the amount of local monies needed to provide education for all Loudoun children. The Impact Aid Survey form identifies federally connected students and supports our request for Impact Aid resources.
- Information about this form can be found here.
- On Thursday, January 18, your student received a paper copy of this Federal Impact Aid Survey. Here is an extra copy of the form for you. You can also find alternative formats of the Federal Aid Impact Survey Here.
- Please complete the survey by no later than Friday January 26, 2024 for each LCPS-enrolled child in your household.
- The completed forms should be returned to your student’s advisory teacher.
- See the informational section below for more details about whom you can contact with any questions!
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK FOR YOU...
As usual, this week we have many cool events coming your way, including...
- PTO Bingo on Tuesday, January 23 starting at 6 PM in the cafeteria
- The beginning of our Weight Lifting Club with Mr. Tony Dunbar after school on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM in the main gym/weight room
- Our Grade 6 Blue (6:30 PM) and Gold (8:00 PM) Band Concerts occurring under the conductorship of Ms. Beth Paquette on Thursday, January 25
- Clubs During The Day on Wednesday, January 24
- JLS Spelling Bee on Friday, January 26
- The Souled Out Band is coming to Simpson on Friday, January 26 to kick off Black History Month for 2024! Students will attend the concert with their grade level and teachers. The Souled Out band has previously visited Simpson and is also performing at several other schools in LCPS this February. Click here for more info!
- Mary Poppins rehearsals commencing on Friday, January 26
As promised to be available in this edition of the Mustang Messenger, you will find some specific details about our forthcoming Rising 6th (February 6) and Rising 7th/8th Grade (January 30) Parent Information Nights as we look forward to the 2024-2025 school year. We encourage parents/guardians' attendance and participation at these events as it will be a wonderful opportunity for you to connect meaningfully with our staff and students on topics of importance and interest in support of your own Mustang's future success!
We are excited to welcome our Mustangs back on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 (B Day) after our teacher workday tomorrow. Be sure to have your Mustangs check their Semester 2 schedules as some of their courses may change depending on their enrollment in semester-long courses.
As always, if you need any support, please feel free to empower your Mustang to connect with us or you may do so as well!
Have a great first week of Quarter 3 / Semester 2 for 2023-2024!
Dr. Frank G. "Tripp" Di Nicola, III
Principal
JL Simpson Middle School
This Week at JL Simpson Middle School
MAP Testing - throughout January 2024
- Math MAP Test during math classes January 8-16
- Reading MAP Test during English classes January 17-26
Monday, January 22 - No School - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
Tuesday, January 23 - B Day - First Day of 2nd Semester - Remind your students to check their Semester 2 schedules!
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- 6th Grade Blue Band Rehearsal - Ms. Paquette - Auditorium
- 6:00 PM - PTO Bingo - See below for more information.
Wednesday, January 24 - A Day
- Clubs During the Day - See the clubs schedule below. Your child's club is also viewable on StudentVue/ParentVue!
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- All District Chorus Rehearsal - Ms. Hoey Johnson
- 6th Grade Gold Band Rehearsal - Ms. Paquette - Auditorium
- Weight Lifting Club - Mr. Dunbar - Weight Room
- 5:30 PM - 5th Grade Band Instrument Information Session and Fittings - Ms. Paquette
Thursday, January 25 - B Day
- 8th Grade Resources: LCHS Clubs/Athletics/CAMPUS Presentations for 8th Grade
- After School Clubs/Events: 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM
- Opportunity Time - M6
- Candy Committee Meeting - B12 - Ms. Herrin
- Library and Lit Club (Library Council, Book Lover's and Writer's Club) - Ms. Everett
- Select Choir - Ms. Hoey Johnson
- 6:30 PM - 6th Grade Blue Band Concert
- 8:00 PM - 6th Grade Gold Band Concert
Friday, January 26 - A Day
- 9:30 AM - JL Simpson Spelling Bee
- Grade Level Assemblies: The Souled Out Band Concert
- After School Clubs/Events:
- 3:30 PM: Mary Poppins Rehearsal
Saturday, January 27
- All County Orchestra Auditions @Tuscarora HS
Sunday, January 28
- 1:45 PM: Girls JV Basketball Game @Riverbend MS
- 1:45 PM: Boys 8th Grade Basketball Game @Belmont Ridge MS
- 3:00 PM: Girls Varsity Basketball Game @Smarts Mill MS
- 4:15 PM: Boys 6th Grade Basketball Game @Mercer MS
- 6:45 PM: Boys 7th Grade Basketball Game @Belmont Ridge MS
Federal Impact Aid Forms - Due for ALL Students to Advisory Teachers on Friday, January 26, 2024
Dear JLS Mustang Families,
LCPS uses Impact Aid funds to support public education and reduce the amount of local monies needed to provide education for all Loudoun children. The Impact Aid Survey form identifies federally connected students and supports our request for Impact Aid resources.
- Information about this form can be found here.
- On Thursday, January 18, your student received a paper copy of this Federal Impact Aid Survey. Here is an extra copy of the form for you. You can also find alternative formats of the Federal Aid Impact Survey Here.
- Please complete the survey by no later than Friday January 26, 2024 for each LCPS-enrolled child in your household.
- The completed forms should be returned to your student’s advisory teacher.
- See the informational section below for more details about whom you can contact with any questions!
Thank you for your support and please reach out to the appropriate house secretary below if you need any assistance:
- Grade 6: Stephanie.Dewan@lcps.org
- Grade 7: Laura.Ridings@lcps.org
- Grade 8: Monica.Allman@lcps.org
Simpson PTO Bingo Night - Tuesday, January 23
The PTO is excited to host our annual Bingo Night on Tuesday January 23rd from 6-8pm in the school cafeteria. Doors will open at 6pm, the first game will be called at 6:30.
**This is a family event. Students, siblings and friends must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This is not a drop off event.**
We will need some help setting up and selling concessions, if you are able to help you can sign up here.
LCPS Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) - January / February Newsletter
A message from Rod Julear, Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) Parent-Teacher Organization Delegate:
Important Reminder for Bus Riders
In an effort to keep our afternoon buses running on schedule so that students may arrive home in a timely manner, it is imperative that all bus riders have boarded their buses prior to 3:26pm. Please remind your student(s) that our afternoon buses seek to depart Simpson promptly at 3:26pm. Thank you for your team work!
Our Yearbook Staff Is Looking For Fun Photos of Our Mustangs Outside of School!
Our Simpson Yearbook staff is seeking photos of Mustangs outside of the school house!
Please consider sharing your photos of anything that your Mustangs do in relation to volunteering, sports, clubs, pets, favorite Leesburg activities, attending LCHS games, or neighborhood / family events.
Go to HJeshare.com and use code 13625 to submit your pictures!
Thank you for your support!
Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Mary Poppins, Jr. presented by JLSMS
Special Education Parent Coffee - Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Virginia Speak Up Family Survey
Be a part of the conversation happening across the state!
Starting on January 15, we will be participating in the Virginia Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning.
The national Speak Up is the first survey designed to help families share their ideas directly with schools and national policymakers. Speak Up provides parents and guardians with a mechanism for expressing their views to the administrators at their child(ren)’s school and district about key issues impacting their child(ren)’s education.
Since 2003, Speak Up has collected and shared the views of more than 5.4 million students, teachers, and parents/guardians from across the country. By participating in the Virginia Speak Up, you are expressing your views to a wider audience of local, state, and national policy makers —and contributing to the national dialogue about how best to prepare students for the future. The online survey is open to students, educators, and parents/guardians; it’s quick and easy to get involved. All participation is 100% confidential. Surveys take about 20 minutes to complete. To take the survey, visit this link.
To preview any of the surveys (students, teachers, administrator) visit https://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/vaspeakup/
We appreciate you taking the time to share your views with us! We need your input!
Flipper Zero Device
We would like to bring to your attention a device called Flipper Zero, which has gained popularity among a small number of students. The Flipper Zero is a versatile electronic tool designed for security professionals, enthusiasts, and hobbyists. It combines features like RFID emulation (building access card keys), infrared control (TVs and projectors), and various “hacking” functionalities. The device recently became popular on TikTok for pranks like shutting off fast food displays and interfering with iPhones.
We want to emphasize that the Flipper Zero device is not appropriate for use inside the school environment, and it is important not to encourage or enable its use within LCPS. Its functionalities may disrupt the learning environment and Its capabilities pose a potential risk to the security and integrity of various systems.
We encourage you to communicate this information to your students to ensure awareness and prevent any unintended consequences.
If any staff members observe the use of a Flipper Zero or similar device, they will promptly report such instances following standard procedures.
What should students do if they are feeling ill at school?
Students feeling ill during the school day should be seen by the school nurse.
It is important that students make an E-Hall Pass with their teacher to go to the Health Clinic to see the nurse.
Please make sure that your student(s) understand that they should NOT text or contact someone to come to school to pick them up without first being seen by the nurse. The nurse will assess the student's condition before contacting the parent or guardian. This is necessary to ensure that parents/guardians have adequate information to determine if a student should be picked up early from school.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. Rene Pettit
JLS School Nurse
Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, influenza like illnesses (ILI), COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise in Virginia. Some schools in LCPS have seen an increase in the number of students and staff experiencing these illnesses.
We encourage you to take a moment to read the attached information letter and fact sheet provided in both English and Spanish.
To prevent spread of illnesses, please remind your students to wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or tissues, stay home when sick and until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
Resource Opportunity for 8th Graders
MAP Testing
Students will be taking the Math MAP tests during their regularly scheduled math classes between January 8 and January 16.
Reading MAP tests will be taken during regularly scheduled English classes between January 17 and January 25.
Join us at our Rising 7th and 8th Grade Parent Information Night on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM to attend in-person sessions on important topics for your Mustang as we look forward to the 2024-2025 School Year!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
A Loudoun County HS Captain or JLS Simpson Mustang student chaperone will meet you at the front entrance by our auditorium to provide you with a site map and program for your sessions. We will also have Captains and Mustangs around the building to guide you to locations if you need any assistance.
WHAT SESSIONS AM I ATTENDING?
- Simpson 101: School Leadership Team + School Counseling Staff + Parent-Teacher Organization President
- Getting Involved at JLS!: Clubs/Organizations and Opportunities for Student Engagement and Leadership at Simpson
- Grade 7-8 Electives: What Are Our Choices?
- Grades 7-8 Core Subject Information Session: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Mathematics
WHAT OTHER RESOURCES WILL BE ON SITE DURING THE EVENT?
- Parent-Teacher Organization Welcome Table
- LCPS Family and Community Engagement / Family Liaison Welcome Table
- Department of Digital Innovation - StudentVue/ParentVue Access Table
- World Languages and Cultures Program Information Tables
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
- Contact Alison.Hyman@lcps.org (Rising 7th Grade School Counselor) or Mica.Thomasson@lcps.org (Rising 8th Grade School Counselor) with any questions!
Join us at our Rising 6th Grade Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM to attend in-person sessions on important topics for your Mustang as we look forward to the 2024-2025 School Year!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
A Loudoun County HS Captain or JLS Simpson Mustang student chaperone will meet you at the front entrance by our auditorium to provide you with a site map and program for your sessions. We will also have Captains and Mustangs around the building to guide you to locations if you need any assistance.
WHAT SESSIONS AM I ATTENDING?
- Simpson 101: School Leadership Team + School Counseling Staff + Parent-Teacher Organization President + Information About Rising 6th Grade Events in March, June, and August 2024
- Getting Involved at JLS!: Electives + Clubs/Organizations + Opportunities for Student Engagement and Leadership at Simpson
- Mathematics at the Middle School Level
- English, Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Science at the Middle School Level
WHAT OTHER RESOURCES WILL BE ON SITE DURING THE EVENT?
- Parent-Teacher Organization Welcome Table
- LCPS Family and Community Engagement / Family Liaison Welcome Table
- Department of Digital Innovation - StudentVue/ParentVue Access Table
- Youth After School (YAS) Program Table
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
- Contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org (Rising 6th Grade School Counselor) with any questions!
More Information for Students Attending 6th Grade @Simpson Next Year (2024-2025)
Mark Your Calendars for Rising 6th Grade Events
Simpson Instrument Information Sessions
Click the image to schedule your time slot.
Simpson Orchestra Information Sessions
Please Help the PTO Provide Gift Cards for the Simpson Spelling Bee
The Simpson Spelling Bee is just around the corner! The PTO would love to support local businesses while helping provide a prize for the spelling bee! Please consider helping us out. Click here if you are able to help.
Monty's Tack Shop Open!
Every other week students can complete an order form to spend any Monty Bucks that thay have earned. Then they may stop by the shop to pick up their orders during their resource time on Thursday and Friday. They can choose to shop or not shop each time. Any balance they have not spent will carry over to the next shopping week, allowing them to save up for higher priced items.
It's not too late to order from JLS Library Book Fair!
Thank you to everyone who visited the JLS Library Book Fair. We appreciate your support!
You weren't able to make it? You're in luck! The online book fair is open for the rest of the year. 15% of all proceeds go to the JLS Library. https://www.bookwormcentral.com/JLuptonSImpsonMiddle
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.
We are honored to announce that Ms. Victoria Curtis-Meyding, Mr. Derrick Jackson, and Ms. Alesha Whitmore have already been recognized by families in our community! You can find their stories on the SHINE webpage under Inspirational Stories.
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!
Makeup and Retake Photos Now Available Online
Make Up/Retake School Pictures are now viewable online. 😀
Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Club Day Bell Schedule: Next Club Date: Wed. January 24
Don't Forget to Order Your Yearbook!
Orders can be placed at yearbookordercenter.com
Be sure to use our school code 13625
Middle School Softball Registration Now Open
We are excited to once again host the Leesburg teams in the Loudoun Middle School program for the Spring 2024 season!
LGSL manages the following middle schools: Harper Park, J.L. Simpson, and Smart's Mill.
The Middle School Softball Program provides the opportunity to represent their schools, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and further develop their softball skills while developing relationships.
All players (grades 6-8) may register to tryout, but they must also be enrolled in a House or Travel league.
Players interested in trying out please register here- https://leesburggirlssoftball.sportngin.com/.../171216706
A Note from Our 8th Grade Counselor - Special Programs for 9th Grade
Recently, our eighth graders had a presentation about the high school specialty programs. If your eighth grader is interested in applying for to the Health Medical Science Academy (HAMSci), International Baccalaureate Program (IB) or the Naval Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC), now is the time to express interest.
*Students zoned to go to Loudoun County High School that are interested in the JROTC, please see Ms. Jeane.
We hope your student will consider these opportunities. Please see flyers below for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Sabrina.Jeane@lcps.org.
LCPS FACE Presents Partnering with Families in the Special Education Process
Campus Application Window - Jan 8 - March 1
Youth After School - Loudoun County PRCS
Mental Health and Wellness Conference - Saturday, January 27 at RVHS
LCPS families are invited to the 6th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference, on Saturday January 27th at Riverside High School.
Come learn strategies to support your child’s mental health and wellness, connect with local business providing wellness supports, and support LCPS students who will be fundraising for causes they care about!
See the flyers for more information and to register to participate.
*LCPS Events*
LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Parent Series
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 nsutter@gmail.com or Sara Conner sbc070178@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!
Be Sure to Join Remind to Receive More Important Updates
Dates to Remember
Be sure to check here often as we will continue to add dates and events as they become available.
January 17- 25 - Reading MAP Testing (during regular scheduled English classes)
January 22 - No School - Student Holiday
January 23 - PTO Bingo 6:00pm
January 25 - LCHS Clubs/Athletics/CAMPUS presentations during 8th grade resource
January 26 - JLSMS Spelling Bee / Souled Out Musical Performance
January 30 - Rising 7th/8th Grade Parent Information Night - 6 PM - 7:30 PM
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
February 6 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Information Night - 6 PM - 7:30 PM
February 9 - No School - Holiday - Lunar New Year
February 13 - Special Education Parent Coffee 9:00am and 7:00pm
February 14-17: Virginia Kindness Week
February 15 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
February 19 - No School - Holiday - Presidents' Day
February 21 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
March 5 - No School - Student Holiday
March 14 - PEP Meeting - 5:30pm - Cafeteria
March 20 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
March 25 - 29 - No School - Spring Break
April 4 - End of Third Grading Period
April 5 - No School - Student Holiday
April 10 - No School - Holiday - Eid al Fitr
April 17 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
April 18 - PEP Meeting
May 15 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
May 27 - No School - Holiday - Memorial Day
June 5 - Monty's Cafe Open at 8am at school main entrance
June 14 - Last Day of School/End of Fourth Grading Period
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLSimpsonMS2020/
X: @JLSMS_Official