Embedded Files
From Mr. Jones 1/11/22 -
Good evening Lakewood families,
It is only Tuesday and I know you are tired of hearing from me! Unfortunately, I need to notify you that since I recorded yesterday's message we have had a couple more positive cases reported to the school. If you have not already been personally contacted, it means your student was NOT in close contact with either COVID-19 case.
I am so appreciative of our students and the remarkable job they do staying masked throughout the day. In addition to our continued vigilance, please know that we tested over 50% of students today. Results of today's testing, with any luck, will be back in less than 48 hours, perhaps sooner.
From Mr. Jones - 1/9/22
I just want to let you know that we now have over half of our students and staff signed up for weekly testing! This is great news and if you have not yet signed up, you still can. Please refer to our school web page or call the main office for help on how to sign up.
We are making a slight change to our dismissal in the afternoons to help accommodate the use of lockers without sacrificing any instructional time. Please note the following change: All car riders will be dismissed at 2:20 out of the front exit. Students will now use the front of the building to load into cars. We will continue to monitor this change in case it makes things worse instead of better.
Also, please note the end of this quarter is this Friday. Please be sure to sit down with your student and look at powerschool to make sure all assignments have been completed before the end of the quarter.
Finally, please know that I will keep you updated of any changes taking place as a result of the recent rise in Covid cases. If you have any questions or concerns about what we are doing as a school, please do not hesitate to reach out to me so I can do my best to clarify the rationale behind our practices and policies.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning, Don
Weekend Update - 1/9/22
Quarter 2, Week 9
The DPS Magnet & Pathway Lottery opens Monday morning. A couple of important things to remember:
1) If you plan to stay at LMMS next year- DO NOT reapply in the lottery.
2) If you are applying to another magnet school - DO NOT put LMMS down as a choice on the lottery application. You are a LMMS student until you accept a seat at a different magnet school.
3) If you know that you will not be returning to Lakewood next year, please let us know as soon as you know by contacting Christy Brooks.
4) Make sure to have your student's Powerschool number before you begin filling out the application.
5) If you are interested in applying for IGNITE (DPS's online academy) you apply on the lottery application.
Community teachers should be sharing information about how to sign up for a students led conference in the coming days. Please know that a student led conference is an opportunity for your student to talk to you about thier academic progress and do some goal setting. This is not a parent conference. If you would like a parent conference, contact your child's teachers anytime. For more information about what to expect during a student led confererence, click HERE.
Update on after school clubs
CONTACT: Meg Graham
Semester one clubs are finished. Semester two clubs will kick off the week on January 24th. The semester two club presentation will be posted to Canvas sometime this week for your review.
Questions about masks?
Check out this video with @masknerd He is a great resource for information about the effectiveness of differnt types of masks, the proper fit of masks, etc.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/some-experts-suggest-its-time-to-upgrade-our-face-masks/
Athletics Update from DPS
CONTACT: Coach Lasher
DPS has updated thier athletics policy to limit the number of spectators at each sporting event. We are sharing with students that those tickets are for athlete's families only. If your child expresses interst in staying for a home game, please remind them of this policy.
Attention 8th grade families
CONTACT: Meg Graham
I have been meeting individually with all of the 8th grade students over the last few days and will continue this week. I am so proud of our students! It seems like they have all been talking about this at home and have a plan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. I will also have my zoom room open on Tuesday evening from 6-7 pm if you have any questions.
https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/5273191715
The Student Info Center on Canvas has information about all of the high school options that I have discussed with students as well as many other resources. Please check it out.
Summer Opportunities at NCSSM
CONTACT: Julia Fiore
Summer Accelerator is an exciting summer program created by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for exceptional rising 5th-12th graders. We introduce students to exciting topics to encourage their interests in STEM concepts.
Summer Accelerator for rising 7th - 9th Graders
For rising 7th to 9th graders, we introduce students to exciting topics at a critical age for engaging and encouraging their interests in STEM. Courses are offered online and in-person at NCSSM in Durham, NC and Morganton, NC.
Step Up to STEM
Step Up to STEM is a free, one-week residential program for underrepresented minority students that uses exciting real-world subjects and builds skills in science, math, technology, and communications. This program will be held at NCSSM- Durham. More information on program dates, eligibility, and the application process can be found on the Step Up to STEM website. Please note that the deadline to apply is February 17, 2022.
For Step Up to STEM questions, please email us at stepup@ncssm.edu.
For Accelerator questions, please email us at summer@ncssm.edu.
From Mr. Jones 12/5 -
1) Progress reports will be available in powerschool tomorrow. Please review these with your child and if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the appropriate teacher so we can partner on ways to help them be successful.
2) This week is benchmark week for all of our students. Please be sure that your child’s chromebook is fully charged and that they bring their chargers with them to school this week. The results of these tests will help inform us how everyone is doing and give us the information we need to move forward in the 2nd semester.
3) This Wednesday is an early release day, so we will dismiss at 12:20. Also on Wednesday, we have our winter concert and market. Please be sure to attend to see all the work that Mr. Salter and our performing arts program have put in to get ready for the show, as well as all the wonderful things our students have created for the market.
Finally, I know many of you are losing sleep wondering what you can get Mr. Neville and me for the holidays! Well, we have your answer—the best gift could give us is a renewed effort to get everyone to school on time. Our teachers are working hard to do everything within their power to help students make the most of their day, but we are seeing a significant increase in the number of late students. I know we all have the same goal in seeing your children/our students be successful, so if you could help us out in this regard, there would be no better gift!
On that note, I hope you all have a wonderful evening and we look forward to seeing you before 7:30 tomorrow morning!
From Ms. Graham 12/5 -
Quarter 2, Week 5
It's Winter Market & Concert Week! We are so excited to hear our see how our musicians and our choir have progressed over the semester! We are also excited to see our Winter Market microeceonmoy in action! Our students have been pricing , crafting, marketing, and learning the finer points of business. Please consider coming out on Wednesday to support our students! Wednesday is an early release day and we will dismiss at 12:20 pm.
Tuesday at 4:00 and 5:00, the Lakewood basketball teams will be taking on Neal Middle School at home.
Lastly- please do us a favor and make sure that your student's chromebook is charging right now! We start benchmark testing in the morning and there are not enough outlets in the classrooms to allow all students to be plugged in!
Winter Concert & Market
CONTACT: Jack Salter for concert info and Sarah Walls for winter market info
The Winter Concert is Wednesday December 8th in the LMMS Gymnasium. Orchestra and Choir starts at 6pm and 6th Grade Band and 7th/8th Grade Band starts at 7pm. We’re looking forward to perform in person for the first time in over a year. Thanks for supporting the Lakewood Montessori Music Program.
Families are welcome to shop at the student-led winter market in the Living Room before and after the Dec. 8 music concert. Developing a micro-economy is an important part of secondary Montessori education. Maria Montessori believed creating and running a small business enables adolescents to connect academics with a real world application. Several communities will have handmade goods for sale. Please join us and make sure to bring cash or check for purchases.
Winter Market at the Dec. 8 Concert
5:30: Winter Market Opens
6:00: Orchestra & Choir perform
7:00: Band performs
8:00: Winter Market closes
Please know that parking will be difficult and it is best to arrive early and plan to park off campus!
Drop/Add for semester 2
CONTACT: Meg Graham
There is a drop/add form on canvas for students to complete if they would like to change a second semester elective. The form will be open through Friday 12/10/21. If a schedule change is possible, Ms. Graham will provide your student with a new schedule.
Heath and Physical Education
CONTACT: Justin Lasher
Next week in 6th grade health, we will be covering the changes that occur during puberty and adolescence, strategies, and skills for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, and understanding healthy and effective interpersonal communication and relationships. If you would like to opt your student out of this unit, please fill out the form that the students received Thursday and bring it back by Monday. You can also email me.
7th/8th graders will cover Sexual Decision Making, Contraceptive Options and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections. If you would like to opt your student out of this unit, please fill out the form that the students received Thursday and bring it back by Monday. You can also email me.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to e-mail me at Justin.Lasher@dpsnc.net
Attention 8th grade families
CONTACT: Meg Graham
All of the DPS High Schools are hosting virtual tours and information sessions. The list of tour dates is on canvas under the HIgh School Information tab. This week's tours are:
CMA: 12/8 @ 6:30 pm
DSA: 12/8 @ 3:30 pm
Ignite: 12/7 @ 8:00 am
Jordan: 12/9 @ 12:00 & 6:00 pm
Early College: 12/8 @ 10:30 am
New Tech: 12/9 @ 5:30 pm
Riverside: 12/7 @ 1:30 pm
SCS: 12/8 @ 6:30 pm & 12/9 @ 3:00 pm
Southern: 12/9 @ 10:30 am (in person)
Save the Date for the RHS Engineering Program's one and only information session!
At the moment, we plan to conduct our annual Engineering Program information session virtually on Wednesday, December 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This is a structured affair in which we have a slide presentation that includes program history, data and a student panel for Q&A. We ask that all attendees be prompt. Zoom link to come.
Middle of the Year Benchmark Testing
CONTACT: Christy Brooks
Please help us by making sure that your student comes to school every day this week with a fully charged laptop and their charger.
Please see the dates of our midyear benchmarks below:
Monday – Reading
Tuesday – Math
Wednesday – Science
Thursday – Make-ups & Math 7 for 7th graders in Math 1
Friday – Make-ups
From Ms. Graham 11/28 -
Quarter 2, Week 4
I hope everyone has a restful break and time with friends and family. If you are anything like me you are wrestling with lunchboxes and doing last minute loads of laundry because the realization has hit that its back to the grind! Our school calendar is full and there are lots of amazing things happening between now and winter break. Mark your calendars for our upcoming Winter Market! Maria Montessori believed that microeconomy should be an integral part of a secondary Montessori school and the First Annual Winter Market will be Lakewood's first attempt at a true microeconomy. Make sure to come and check it out. Now get back to the Sunday night to do list and we will see you bright and early!
Winter Concert & Market
CONTACT: Jack Salter for concert info and Sarah Walls for winter market info
The Winter Concert is Wednesday December 8th in the LMMS Gymnasium. Orchestra and Choir starts at 6pm and 6th Grade Band and 7th/8th Grade Band starts at 7pm. We’re looking forward to perform in person for the first time in over a year. Thanks for supporting the Lakewood Montessori Music Program.
Families are welcome to shop at the student-led winter market in the Living Room before and after the Dec. 8 music concert. Developing a micro-economy is an important part of secondary Montessori education. Maria Montessori believed creating and running a small business enables adolescents to connect academics with a real world application. Several communities will have handmade goods for sale. Please join us!
Winter Market at the Dec. 8 Concert
6:00 – 7:30pm
2021 Angel Tree
CONTACT: Jerrica Melvin
Every year, we try to support 5 or 6 Lakewood families who need some support to provide a nice holiday for their family. Mrs. Melvin spearheads the effort and creates a list of items that families need and some special wish list items for the children. Please take a moment to click on the link below and sign up for one or more of the items. To sign up- you simply add your name and contact number on the line with the item you plan to purchase. All items are due to the main office at Lakewood by December 13th. Items do not have to be wrapped.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kU3R5peiTvp4klC-b_ZADekUHAFAwcxN3qsV-mZQekU/edit?usp=sharing
Community 1 is sponsoring a Pajama Drive
CONTACT: Sara Tapp
The teachers and students in Community 1 are collecting new pajamas of all sizes as a part of thr Scholastic Book Club Pajama Program. For more than a decade, Scholastic Book Clubs and Pajama Program have come together to help make bedtime better for kids in need by donating more than 850,000 pairs of pajamas and 1.25 million books. Students can drop the pajamas off in C1. All pajamas are due by December 3rd and the drive will culminate in a school-wide pajama day!
Duke Pre-College Middle School Information Session
Join our info session on Dec 1st.
Get an exclusive sneak peek at 2022 courses and share your questions during our live Zoom session! Here’s your chance to learn about our Summer 2022 residential and commuter programs, daily schedules, staffing, social activities and more! Information session 6:00-7:00 pm. To sign up, click the link below:
https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_db7O79DRW0YcC8K
Attention 8th grade families
CONTACT: Meg Graham
All of the DPS High Schools are hosting virtual tours and information sessions. The list of tour dates is on canvas under the HIgh School Information tab. This week's tours are:
DSA: 12/2 @ 7 pm
Hillside: 12/2 @ 9:30 am
SCS: 12/1 @ 6:30 pm & 12/3 @ 9:15 am
Southern: 12/1 @ 5:30 pm
Save the Date for the RHS Engineering Program's one and only information session!
At the moment, we plan to conduct our annual Engineering Program information session virtually on Wednesday, December 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This is a structured affair in which we have a slide presentation that includes program history, data and a student panel for Q&A. We ask that all attendees be prompt. Zoom link to come.
Middle of the Year Benchmark Testing
CONTACT: Christy Brooks
Please see the dates of our midyear benchmarks below:
Monday – Reading
Tuesday – Math
Wednesday – Science
Thursday – Make-ups & Math 7 for 7th graders in Math 1
Friday – Make-ups
From Mr. Jones 11/16
Thank you to our students, parents, and teachers for making last week’s Erdkinder event on campus and at Chestnut Ridge a success. It was wonderful to see our students working together on so many projects, and thank you to all the parents who helped out with supplies and their time!
Please note that school pictures will be taken tomorrow. Forms were sent home with students for anyone interested in purchasing photos.
Please remember that our book fair at the Regulator Book Shop runs through the 20th. This is our primary fundraiser for our library, so if you have any books you have been eager to purchase, now is the perfect time!
Lastly, please note that it is not too late to sign up for the weekly covid testing at school. Information on signing up is on our school webpage under the covid protocols listing on the lefthand side of the page.
Thank you and I hope you all have a safe, healthy and happy week!
From Mr. Jones 10/25
Good evening LW families, this is Mr. Jones with a preview of the week to come at LMMS. After several weeks of school without any breaks, we now have arrived at a four day week, with a long weekend to look forward to. As we get ready to embrace the long weekend, please note the following dates and reminders:
Tomorrow, the 26th is the X-country championship at JHS. Best of luck to Mr. Eaton, Mr. Smith, and our x-country teams!
This Friday, October 30th is a teacher workday, students do not have school.
Report cards will go out Wednesday the 3rd of November.
Please be sure to note that after last week’s board meeting, November 12th was converted to a non-instructional day for students. This means that both Thursday, Nov 11th (Veteran’s day), and Friday, November 12th will be days in which schools are closed.
Finally, because you know a message can’t go out without mentioning covid, please be sure to pay attention to the email being sent out and our school website regarding updates to Covid policies surrounding winter sports and winter extracurricular activities. If you have questions regarding these updates, please reach out to me for clarification. Also, please remember our random Covid testing begins this week (most likely Thursday) and we would love to have more families sign up. Information can be found on the school website.
COVID UPDATES:
UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR VOLUNTEERS AS WELL AS
ALL WINTER ATHLETICS, ARTS, AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
WINTER ATHLETICS
Beginning November 1st, the following COVID Protocols will be in effect for all winter athletics.
Athletes
Athletes are required to wear a face covering except when engaged in physical activity.
Weekly testing is required for all unvaccinated athletes to play.
Spectators
Indoor venues will be limited to 50% of capacity with the home team getting 80% and the visiting team 20%.
All spectators are required to wear masks and any spectators without a mask will not be allowed into any venue.
All concessions will be pre-packaged food and drinks, with a limited number of individuals working to allow for adequate spacing.
Lobby areas for concessions will be clearly marked for adequate seating and spacing.
Bags are not allowed in any DPS athletic event.
Spectators may not reenter any athletic contest after leaving.
WINTER ARTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Beginning November 1st, the following COVID Protocols will be in effect for all arts and extracurricular activities.
Participants
While outdoors, teachers and performers are required to wear face coverings while not engaged in active performing.
Weekly testing is required for all unvaccinated students to participate in activities.
Spectators
All audience members (indoors) are required to wear masks. Community members without masks will not be allowed into any venue. Face masks will be provided for community members attending performances
Audience members are expected to remain seated at all times.
Congregating in open areas is strictly prohibited.
Thank you and I hope you have a good evening and a wonderful week!
From DPS 10/25
UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR VOLUNTEERS AS WELL AS
ALL WINTER ATHLETICS, ARTS, AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
VOLUNTEERS
Beginning November 1st, the following COVID protocols are required in order to become a DPS volunteer.
All volunteers must be FULLY vaccinated for COVID-19.
All volunteers must be screened upon entering the building.
All volunteers must wear their mask appropriately and consistently at all times..
All volunteers must depart immediately at the end of their shift.
WINTER ATHLETICS
Beginning November 1st, the following COVID Protocols will be in effect for all winter athletics.
Athletes
Athletes are required to wear a face covering except when engaged in physical activity.
Weekly testing is required for all unvaccinated athletes to play.
Spectators
Indoor venues will be limited to 50% of capacity with the home team getting 80% and the visiting team 20%.
All spectators are required to wear masks and any spectators without a mask will not be allowed into any venue.
All concessions will be pre-packaged food and drinks, with a limited number of individuals working to allow for adequate spacing.
Lobby areas for concessions will be clearly marked for adequate seating and spacing.
Bags are not allowed in any DPS athletic event.
Spectators may not reenter any athletic contest after leaving.
WINTER ARTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Beginning November 1st, the following COVID Protocols will be in effect for all arts and extracurricular activities.
Participants
While outdoors, teachers and performers are required to wear face coverings while not engaged in active performing.
Weekly testing is required for all unvaccinated students to participate in activities.
Spectators
All audience members (indoors) are required to wear masks. Community members without masks will not be allowed into any venue. Face masks will be provided for community members attending performances
Audience members are expected to remain seated at all times.
Congregating in open areas is strictly prohibited.
From Ms. Graham 10/23
Quarter 1, Week 91/2
We made it to the final week of Quarter 1! Tuesday afternoon, our XC team is competing in the championship at Jordan High School! Send our runners, Mr. Smith and Mr. Eaton lots of positive thoughts! Friday, October 29th is a teacher workday and a day off for students. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. ~ Meg
Semester 1 Club Updates
CONTACT: Meg Graham
We are thrilled to see so many students participating in after school clubs! In order for the club sponsors to be prepared with the right number of materials for the Sketch & Fiber club and the Makerspace club, we will be moving to a sign up system like the one we are using for Smash Club. Sign up information will be posted on the Student Info Center on Canvas on Monday each week. It is the student's responsibility to sign up for the club from their DPS email address.
Destination DPS: Showcase of Schools
Save the Date! Join us on November 20, 2021, 10 am - 12 pm for the return of Showcase of Schools. Showcase Of Schools is a virtual celebration of All of our schools. This event is a great opportunity for families to explore all that Durham Public Schools has to offer. Staff from our traditional, specialty, Magnet, CTE program schools will be on hand to answer questions about our schools and programs. This is a one-stop shop for 8th grade parents to get information about magnet options and base high school options.
Showcase of Schools is replacing our annual Magnet Fair. The event kicks off our Magnet Tour season. More details coming soon.
Library & Technology News
CONTACT: Kara Watson
Our Fall book fair is on the horizon. From November 13-20, the library will receive 20% of all LMMS purchases made in store or online at The Regulator. Just use code Lakewood21 when you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting the library!
Media Representation Matters - The Inclusion Imperative
Common Sense Media released their new research report, "The Inclusion Imperative: Why Media Representation Matters for Kids' Ethnic-Racial Development." The report looks at how young people build an understanding of their own ethnic-racial group, and how they do so for others. The findings led Common Sense to create a new ratings system category on diverse representations. Check out the report and talk about it with your student!
Volleyball & Boy's Soccer Uniform Return
CONTACT: Justin Lasher
All volleyball and boy's soccer players must return their CLEAN uniforms to the gym first thing Monday morning (10/25)
Ticket to Play for Winter Sports
CONTACT: Justin Lasher
Tryouts for Winter Sports will be November 8th-10th.
Ticket to play 10/25-10/29 in the gym
You must complete 3 steps before a student is able to try out for a sport at Lakewood (or any other DPS school).
Active Sports Physical needs to be on file.
The concussion form needs to be on file.
Please register to participate in athletics via: https://dpsathletics.sportngin.com/register/form/126909081
From DPS 10/22
Nov. 12 will be a non-instructional day for students, remote workday for staff
At its October 21 meeting, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved designating Nov. 12 as a Mental Health Awareness Day for students and staff. All students will have a non-instructional day and staff will have the option to work remotely.
“We acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our students and staff over the past few months and know that while school may be back in session, many things have changed for our school communities due to the pandemic,” said Board Chair Bettina Umstead. “The mental health and well-being of our students and staff is a priority, and this day represents our district’s commitment to supporting wellness for all.”
Adjustments have been made to traditional, specialty and year-round calendars to reflect DPS’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Athletic events, practices and extracurricular activities will operate as normal. Schools are closed for students and staff on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
“Our people are our greatest asset,” said Superintendent Pascal Mubenga. “In taking time to recognize the mental health of our staff, we are also honoring their dedication to educating our students during this unique school year.”
Social-emotional learning (SEL) resources for students will be available at Embrace.dpsnc.net on Nov. 12. Additionally, SEL activities will be made available to staff to encourage mindfulness, movement, and self-care.
From Mr. Jones 10/21
Dear Lakewood families,
We have been notified by the Durham County Department of Public Health that a student in our school has tested positive for COVID-19. If you have not already been personally contacted, it means your student was NOT in close contact with the COVID-19 case.
Through our contact tracing protocol, we have identified and notified all families whose students have had close contact with the person who tested positive. The student with the confirmed case and any other student not fully vaccinated or properly masked who had close contact with that student will not return to the building for at least 10 days.
Classes for all other students will resume tomorrow.
Please know we will take all precautions necessary to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.
Thank you and have a good evening, Don
From Mr. Jones 10/12
This is Mr. Jones with a few reminders to start off our week.
1) You have all been wonderful in helping us make morning and afternoon carpool as safe and efficient as possible. Having said that, I do see some things starting to creep in which we need to address. First, please remember the school starts at 7:30. For us to make the most of our day, it is important for us to start on time. Second, I have noticed more and more parents in the morning dropping students off on the hill at the side of the building. Please avoid this as there is not immediate access to a sidewalk and if a car tries to pass, it does pose a safety risk. Please wait until you are at the front of the building, or in the bus loop if you are directed there by Mr. Lasher, to drop students off in the morning.
2) Please remember that Wednesday is an early release day and we will dismiss two hours early at 12:20.
3) Wednesday evening at 6:00 is our first general PTA meeting. The zoom link can be found on our school website under PTA news.
4) Finally, please note that the first quarter grading period ends in two weeks. Please take some time to sit down with your child to go over powerschool to review graded assignments and see if anything is missing.
Thank you and have a wonderful week!
From Mr. Jones 10/6
Dear Lakewood families:
I apologize for any confusion in my message last week about Covid testing. Paper forms were just delivered to the school today and we will send them home with students who request them tomorrow. All of the testing information and online permission forms can also be found on our school website at:
https://www.dpsnc.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=41&ModuleInstanceID=1438&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=55474&PageID=75
Thank you and if you have any questions please let me know, Don
From Ms. Graham 9/25 -
Apparently the link to the Semester 1 Clubs presentation in the Weekend Update is not working. The link can be found below and on the LMMS Student Info Center in Canvas.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XEkBYnvD6YMEMBpjT2CruzemoBxrk0itbIzkDuKfrlc/edit?usp=sharing
From Ms. Graham - Weekend Update 9/25 -
Quarter 1, Week 6
Week 6 brings lots of excitement! We will be hosting Lowe's Grove MS in sports, starting clubs, and sending our first couple of communities on field studies! It has been so exciting to see our community bring back more Montessori elements each week. Please take a few moments to talk with yor student about how they are going to get a bit more involved in the life of our Montessori community!
Speaking of our Montessori community- DPS is beginning a new initiative to take a close look at the history and the future of magnet programming in Durham Public Schools. We encourage all members of our Montessori community to be a part of this discussion. For more information on the virtual sessions that will be held throughout the month of October- Click HERE.
Now get outside and enjoy this amazing fall weather before summer appears again! Peace~ Meg
PTA Information
CONTACT: Jenny Coldren
Who are we? PAAC is a sub-committee of the PTA which is led by one or more African American parents at a school who have a strong desire for educational equity for Black students. The PAAC committee is open to any member of the PTA or school who supports our mission.
What is the mission? To inspire our students to achieve academic success while expecting higher educational standards from their schools.
What are our overarching goals?
1) To engage more parents in efforts to eliminate opportunity gaps and educational disparities
2) To help make the culture and climate of schools more supportive of Black parents’ engagement
3) To increase participation of Black parents in school leadership
4) To facilitate and support participation of parents as advocates for Black children
What do we do? (Examples of PAAC Actions):
· Advocate for and help supply culturally inclusive literature in each classroom
· Host African American Student forums, and support Black Student Unions
· Co-sponsor for Black Parent Empowerment Workshops in the community
· Meet with the PTA to define goals for the year and follow up on implementation of resources and/action towards identified needs.
· Support and advocate for parents and teachers with prioritized consideration for racial equity and advocacy.
· Collaborate with Black parents from other schools with similar goals and challenges.
What’s next? Our goal at Lakewood is to renew the momentum of the PAAC program again this year! We need a volunteer to lead PAAC this year. If you are interested, please reach out to PTA president, Jenny Coldren (jennyjonescoldren@gmail.com).
Full-Body PTA Meeting - Wednesday, 10/13 6pm
(Virtual, link will be shared at a later date.)
Please join us for our first full body PTA meeting of the year. This is a great opportunity to get a pulse on what’s happening this school year and get an update from Principal Jones.
Support LMMS as you shop
If you have a Harris Teeter VIC card, please link it to LMMS. That way, LMMS will start earning money every time you use your VIC card! To link your card, please use this code: 8600. You can either mention this code to a check out clerk at Harris Teeter or go to www.harristeeter.com and create an account.
Please join Amazon Smiles:
PTA North Carolina Congress Lakewood Montessori Middle School Amazon Smiles
Club Information
CONTACT: Meg Graham
We are excited to announce that we will begin clubs this week! Students were able to view the S1 Club Presentation with their teachers on Wednesday. I have linked the presentation below. It can also be found on the LMMS Student Information Center in Canvas. The clubs that will begin this week are:
Tuesday-Makerspace, Math Counts, Orchestra
Wednesday- Battle of the Books, Gay Queer Straight Alliance
Thursday- Junior Classical League, Sketch & Fiber Arts, Origami
Friday- Super Smash Bros, Orchestra
* Club times are included in the slideshow linked below.
Library News
CONTACT: Kara Watson
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month -
The LMMS library has a rich collection of books by and about Latinx people. Check out this book list and choose a book to read this month!
Youth Summit
CONTACT: Alyzia McAlmon
Mark your calendars for Friday October 29, 2021
The virtual Youth Equity Summit is back for year two!
The DPS Foundation Youth Advisory Council will facilitate student-led discussions on topics that are not taught or talked about in schools. This is an opportunity to learn and connect with other students, and then advocate for the Durham and world you wish to see. The Youth Advisory Council will use their resources to curate a safe space for students to continue equity driven conversations from last year, while creating avenues for change driven goals to be set amongst their peers.
Click here to register now!!
Staff Spotlight: Norely Gudino
Hi LMMS family I am Norley Gudino the Parent Community Liaison. I am so happy to be part of this amazing school. My work is an important role especially in a country where the Latinx community has been growing so fast and now we need our youth people to be ready to be part of the growth of this country. I am here to help Hispanic families to feel part of not only the system and the school, but also be part of the community.
Hola familia de LMMS, soy Norley Gudino, el enlace de padres y comunidades. Estoy muy feliz de ser parte de esta increíble escuela. Mi trabajo es un papel importante, especialmente en un país donde la comunidad Latinx ha estado creciendo y ahora necesitamos que nuestra juventud esté lista para ser parte del crecimiento de este país. Estoy aquí para ayudar a las familias hispanas a sentirse parte no solo del sistema y la escuela, sino también de la comunidad.
From Mr. Jones 9/24
Good evening, this is Mr. Jones with a quick update on the great week we have had at LMMS! We have engaging and creative lessons going on in our classrooms, the cross country, soccer and volleyball teams have enjoyed some big wins over the past couple weeks, and our teachers are finding creative and meaningful ways to use our outdoor spaces. All of this has happed thanks to our wonderful teachers, incredibly supportive parents, and your children's willingness to learn, not to mention the youthful agility that allows them to avoid the fire ants while navigating lunch outdoors. Lastly, please note that we have already reached the half way point of our first quarter and our teachers have updated Power School to reflect your child’s current grade. Please make sure you check into power school to review grades and if you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher. You will also receive an invitation to fill out a google form stating that you have viewed your child’s grades as of progress report time.
From Mr. Jones 9/20
Dear Lakewood families,
Good evening, this is Principal Jones with a covid related update. This morning we were notified that a student tested positive for Covid-19.
Through our contact tracing protocol, we have identified and notified all families whose students have had close contact with the person who tested positive. The student with the confirmed case and any other student not fully vaccinated or properly masked who had close contact with that student will not return to the building for at least 10 days.
Classes for all other students will resume tomorrow. If you have not been personally contacted, it means your student was NOT in close contact with the COVID-19 case. Your student may come to school unless they are feeling sick or exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, including shortness of breath, coughing, fever or chills, congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, body aches, and loss of taste or smell.
Please know we will take all precautions necessary to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you and have a good evening, Don
From Ms. Graham 9/19 - Weekend Update
Quarter 1, Week 5
I hope everyone had an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather this weekend! The big news for the upcoming week is that students will learn about our Semester One Club Offerings and that progress reports will be posted on Powerschool this week. If you still have not set up your Powerschool Parent Portal account- now is the time!
Thanks for your continued support. Together we are making great things happen for kids! ~ Peace, Meg
SENSOR Saturday Academy
CONTACT: Adrienne Stiff-Roberts
This October, we will be accepting a new cohort of students for the Student Engineers Network, Strengthening Opportunities in Research (SENSOR) Saturday Academy, which is free of charge (http://stiffrobertslab.pratt.duke.edu/sensor-saturday-academy). Due to COVID-19, the SENSOR Saturday Academy will be virtual this year, focusing on engineering design to encourage careers in science and engineering for underrepresented minority 8th graders. The first session is October 9th.
SENSOR Information Meeting: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30) from 7-7:30pm https://duke.zoom.us/j/94562363123
From the PTA
New LMMS PTA President!
Please welcome the new PTA President Jenny Coldron, 6th grade parent and former teacher. Thank you for volunteering your leadership for the school year. Jenny, the Board and Principal Jones have started working to establish projects and goals for the 2021-2022 school year and we welcome parents and staff to reach out to us with your ideas or if you would like to become more involved. Members are also welcome to sit in on monthly board meetings, dates will be posted on the school calendar, soon. lmmsptaboard@gmail.com
Join the LMMS PTA (LMMS Member Hub)
If you are not a PTA member yet, click here to join! We would love to have 100% participation from families and staff.
The PTA works to support every student and staff member with:
Staff Appreciation Events
Teacher Classroom allotmments for supplies or special projects
Student Tutoring
Financial Support for Outdoor Learning Spaces
Your membership and participation helps guide the goals for the year and provides a way for you to stay connected to our school community.
Questions: contact Megan Johnson, PTA Membership Chair,
Full-Body PTA Meeting - Wednesday, 10/13 6pm
(Virtual, link will be shared at a later date.)
Please join us for our first full body PTA meeting of the year. This is a great opportunity to get a pulse on what’s happening this school year and get an update from Principal Jones.
From Ms. Graham 9/12 - Weekend Update
Quarter 1, Week 4
It has been another wonderful week! It was great to see our runners, volleyball players, and soccer players hit the trail, court, and field. It was also wonderful to see the 7th and 8th grade students begin work on their family mapping projects and our 6th grade students work on designing their own islands! We are also noticing that the students are still adjusting to to the stamina that it takes to get through the school day! Please make sure that they are getting to bed at a reasonable time and make sure to send those water bottles to school!
This week brings our first early release day. Wednesday our students will dismiss at 12:20 pm. Thursday is a teacher workday and there is no school for students.
Have a great Sunday evening and we will see you in the morning! Peace~ Meg
SENSOR Saturday Academy
CONTACT: Adrienne Stiff-Roberts
This October, we will be accepting a new cohort of students for the Student Engineers Network, Strengthening Opportunities in Research (SENSOR) Saturday Academy, which is free of charge (http://stiffrobertslab.pratt.duke.edu/sensor-saturday-academy). Due to COVID-19, the SENSOR Saturday Academy will be virtual this year, focusing on engineering design to encourage careers in science and engineering for underrepresented minority 8th graders. The first session is October 9th.
SENSOR Information Meeting: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30) from 7-7:30pm https://duke.zoom.us/j/94562363123
Youth Podcast Starter Kit Giveaway
CONTACT: Website
Have you always wanted to launch a podcast but don’t have the tools or skills to get your idea off the ground? Are you between the ages of 13 and 24? Then you’ve come to the right place!
In order to amplify youth stories and perspectives in the realm of podcasting, #PassTheMicYouth is giving away one podcast starter kit valued at $250 to a young person(s) with the passion, drive, and ideas to launch a social justice-themed podcast. We’ll also provide guidance and consultation to assist with editing, choosing a format, finding an audience, and anything else you may need for a successful launch. Ready to apply? Check out our application to tell us more about yourself and describe your podcast idea. Interested but still have questions? Reach out at passthemicyouth@ncsu.edu. Applications are due October 1st.
Advanced Academics
CONTACT: Bronwyn Hooper
Please join us at the AIG Parent Information Night on Monday, September 13 at 6:00. It will be a short meeting in which we will make sure you have the DPS AIG programming information, and you have the information as to how AIG looks at Lakewood. Your child’s Differentiated Education Plan is being sent home to you via your child. Please sign the form and return it to the school. I have enclosed a copy for your records. Also please fill-out the information on the bottom of the invitation to the Annual Review (the zoom meeting) and return that to the school please.
Thanks for all you do.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/94870120452?pwd=dzdVSVdjbFl3dVNlSmtPTWM0OWhPZz09
Meeting ID: 948 7012 0452
Passcode: 376190
Library News
Lakewood students are really taking advantage of being able to use the library. Since August 24, our students have checked out 1,093 books! To maintain student interest and to keep these kids in books I have a Regulator Bookshop wishlist from which books can be purchased for the library. If you have questions please reach out kara_watson@dpsnc.net or 919-560-2894 x 42117. Thank you for your support!
From the PTA
CONTACT: PTA email
Join The LMMS PTA
Welcome LMMS Families! It’s a new year and we would like to invite you all to join the PTA. The LMMS PTA offers support in the classroom, on school projects and staff appreciation events.
To join, go to the LMMS PTA MemberHub. https://lmms.memberhub.com/store
PAAC (Parents of African American Children)
The LMMS PTA is looking to fill the role of PAAC President for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in serving the LMMS community contact Meg Graham.
Scouts
CONTACT: Troop 461
If you are interested in joining a scout troop with other Lakewood students check out this information session:
Tuesday, Sept 14, 7:15-8 pm
Epworth United Methodist Church
3002 Hope Valley Rd
Hispanic Education Fair
Organized by the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, Mi Éxito, la Universidad, is a Hispanic Education Parent Fair whose goal is to raise awareness about the advantages of formal and higher education by reaching out to parents of Hispanic students and giving them the tools and information they need. This is a virtual event happening September 14,15,16, 21, 22, and 23. This event is free and virtual! Registration is easy and free but must be completed by September 11th. Families can visit this link to register online.
From Mr. Jones 9/12 -
Good evening Lakewood families this is Principal Jones with your weekly update. We are starting to get into our routines as a school and it has been a joy getting into classes to see the great work our teachers and students are doing. We still have to make some concessions to safety in the age of covid, but I am so impressed with how well everyone is adapting and making the best of our current situation. For the upcoming week, please note the following:
1) Wednesday is an early release day and school will be dismissed two hours early at 12:20. In addition, we do not have school on Thursday.
2) If you do not have access to canvas, or have not signed up for the parent portal in powerschool, please reach out to us so we can help you get access. As much as possible, we want you to be aware of what is expected of your student so we can work together in giving your child the best possible educational experience.
3) Also, please make sure you are getting the weekly update from Ms. Graham which has a ton of great information about educational opportunities and upcoming events. If you are not receiving it, please let me know and we will help get it sorted out.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to let me know!
From Mr. Jones 9/6 -
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! I just want to update you on a few things going on this week:
Individual student reports for last year’s EOG’s are now available through power school. Information on how to access them will come from your community teachers
Our first athletic events are tomorrow night. Please make sure you have checked Coach Lasher’s messages for how to purchase tickets electronically as we have gone completely cashless!
Please remember that school starts at 7:30 am. Beginning tomorrow, if you are late dropping your child off, we ask that you use the side entrance so they can sign in.
Finally, I just want to thank you all for your patience and support through the first couple weeks of school. We are slowly getting back into the groove and I am so impressed with what I have seen from your children so far.
From Ms. Graham 9/5 -
Quarter 1, Week 3
It has been a big week at Lakewood! We had a record number of students attend tryouts for fall sports and we have chosen soccer, volleyball and cross country teams! There will be a mandatory fall sports parent meeting on Wednesday, 9/8 at 4:30 pm on the field.
A big thank you and lots of gratitude for the families who were able to donate umbrellas and umbrella stands on a moments notice to help support our outdoor lunches. A special shout out goes to the parent who came to school and drilled umbrella holes in our picnic tables! We have made some adjustments to our outdoor lunch so that students have a bit more time to eat.
We are living into our new normal at school and hope that your students are beginning to live into their new routines at home and school. Please reach out with any question and concerns as we continue to get comfortable with some of our new routines and procedures.
A final acknowledgement to all of our students for always wearing their masks! We have not experienced any issues with mask compliance!
Make sure to check out the new "Staff Spotlight" section of this newsletter by reading all the way to the bottom!
Have a wonderful Labor day ~ Meg
Advanced Academics
CONTACT: Bronwyn Hooper
Please join us at the AIG Parent Information Night on Monday, September 13 at 6:00. It will be a short meeting in which we will make sure you have the DPS AIG programming information, and you have the information as to how AIG looks at Lakewood. Your child’s Differentiated Education Plan is being sent home to you via your child. Please sign the form and return it to the school. I have enclosed a copy for your records. Also please fill-out the information on the bottom of the invitation to the Annual Review (the zoom meeting) and return that to the school please.
Thanks for all you do.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/94870120452?pwd=dzdVSVdjbFl3dVNlSmtPTWM0OWhPZz09
Meeting ID: 948 7012 0452
Passcode: 376190
Library News
Lakewood students are really taking advantage of being able to use the library. Since August 24, our students have checked out 1,093 books! To maintain student interest and to keep these kids in books I have a Regulator Bookshop wishlist from which books can be purchased for the library. If you have questions please reach out kara_watson@dpsnc.net or 919-560-2894 x 42117. Thank you for your support!
From the PTA
CONTACT: PTA email
Join The LMMS PTA
Welcome LMMS Families! It’s a new year and we would like to invite you all to join the PTA. The LMMS PTA offers support in the classroom, on school projects and staff appreciation events.
To join, go to the LMMS PTA MemberHub. https://lmms.memberhub.com/store
PAAC (Parents of African American Children)
The LMMS PTA is looking to fill the role of PAAC President for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in serving the LMMS community contact Meg Graham.
Scouts
CONTACT: Troop 461
If you are interested in joining a scout troop with other Lakewood students check out this information session:
Tuesday, Sept 14, 7:15-8 pm
Epworth United Methodist Church
3002 Hope Valley Rd
Hispanic Education Fair
Organized by the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, Mi Éxito, la Universidad, is a Hispanic Education Parent Fair whose goal is to raise awareness about the advantages of formal and higher education by reaching out to parents of Hispanic students and giving them the tools and information they need. This is a virtual event happening September 14,15,16, 21, 22, and 23. This event is free and virtual! Registration is easy and free but must be completed by September 11th. Families can visit this link to register online.
Transportation
CONTACT: Catherine Neal
Families can track their child's bus with the Here Comes the Bus app. All the information about how to download the app and sign up for a free account can be found on the DPS website here. Please share this information with your families. Bus transportation is working to ensure all students have a bus stop and route.
To best support the transportation department, use the linked document to ensure families information is entered correctly into PowerSchool.
Teen Vaccination
The state health department and its Youth Public Health Advisors have created this website about COVID-19 vaccines. Check out Teen Vax Facts in English and Spanish: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/teenvaxfacts
From Ms. Graham 8/28 -
Quarter 1, Week 2
Thanks so much for all of your patience and support over the last week! It was wonderful to see students engaged in community building, academic work, library orientation, art projects, and more! Week two brings the addition of fall sports. Please make sure to read the information in the body of tis message about this week's tryouts.
Please continue to support us by helping your student get to bed early and come to school with a reusable water bottle and a face mask.
Have a wonderful and restful weekend. Stay cool...looks like the heat will be with us for a few more days!
Peace~ Meg
From the PTA
CONTACT: PTA email
Join The LMMS PTA
Welcome LMMS Families! It’s a new year and we would like to invite you all to join the PTA. The LMMS PTA offers support in the classroom, on school projects and staff appreciation events.
To join, go to the LMMS PTA MemberHub. https://lmms.memberhub.com/store
Special LMMS PTA Opportunity
The LMMS PTA is looking to fill the role of PTA President for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in serving the LMMS community contact Meg Graham.
Thank you!
The LMMS Board
Fall Sports
CONTACT: Justin Lasher
If you plan to be involved in sports, you need to join the REMIND APP. Please text @llms20 to 81010. This is how I will send out information on sports.
All sports will end at 4:00pm the first week.
Coed XC: Practice will start on Monday (8/30). Students will need running shoes, gym shorts, tee-shirt, and water bottle. Pick up is in the back of the building where the bus loop is.
Boys Soccer: Tryouts will be Monday-Wednesday. Students will need soccer cleats, shinguards, gym shorts, tee-shirt, and water bottle. Pick up is in the back of the building where the bus loop is.
Girls Volleyball: Tryouts will be Monday-Wednesday. Students will need shorts, tee-shirt, tennis shoes, and a water bottle. Pick up is in the back of the building where the bus loop is.
In order to participate in tryouts your student must have turned in a hard copy of their completed sports physical form and a concussion sheet. These documents were sent in an email on Friday and can be found on our website under the "athletics" tab. Please send it with your child to school, if it has not been sent in yet.
You are also required to register your student-athlete online, follow the directions below:
Please register to participate in athletics via: https://dpsathletics.sportngin.com/register/form/126909081
Please know that this process should take about 25-30 minutes. Registration must be completed to receive a Ticket To Play.
The sports schedules are posted on our school website.
We need umbrellas!
CONTACT: Meg Graham
We have been able to secure a few more outdoor tables for students to use at lunch! Unfortunately, we do not have any extra umbrellas for the new tables and some of our existing umbrellas are in bad shape. If you would like to purchase a new umbrella or umbrella stand for our eating area, please check out this wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2C0XXC9KREZQO?ref_=wl_share
If you have a spade drill bit and can help us by drilling holes in a few of our picnic tables, email me!
Scouts
CONTACT: Troop 461
If you are interested in joining a scout troop with other Lakewood students check out this information session:
Tuesday, Sept 14, 7:15-8 pm
Epworth United Methodist Church
3002 Hope Valley Rd
Transportation
CONTACT: Catherine Neal
Families can track their child's bus with the Here Comes the Bus app. All the information about how to download the app and sign up for a free account can be found on the DPS website here. Please share this information with your families. Bus transportation is working to ensure all students have a bus stop and route.
To best support the transportation department, use the linked document to ensure families information is entered correctly into PowerSchool.
Arrival/Dismissal Information
CONTACT: Don Jones
Thanks so much for your patience during carpool this week. We have gotten carpool down to a very busy 20 minutes! Another request about carpool is that no Lakewood parents park in the YMCA parking lot. We value our partnership with the YMCA and they have kindly requested that we do not use their lot during carpool. They were kind enough to give us some of their parking spaces for staff to use during the construction and can not afford to lose any more room in their lot. If you do not feel like you can wait in the carpool line consider parking in the Food Lion parking lot and having your student designated as a walker.
Finally, if you are meeting your student on foot or on a bike, please DO NOT come down to the field. Wait for your student in front of the school near the Y.
Student Illness
CONTACT: Don Jones
Children who are experiencing any symptoms of illness need to stay home. If your student is staying home due to illness we ask that you do the following:
Email their homeroom teacher and copy Ms. Melvin (jerrica_melvin@dpsnc.net) and Mr. Jones (donald_jones@dpsnc.net). For next steps to get your student back to school, please see the COVID protocol tab on the left hand side of our website. The COVID protocol tab also includes a Vaccine Attestation Form .
From Mr. Jones 8/25 -
Dear Lakewood Families,
This is Principal Jones with a quick update. First of all, please let me say how impressed I am with your children! What a wonderful, vivacious, and kind group of students we have! I have enjoyed getting to know some and can't wait to know more.
I just want to give a quick update on everyone's favorite topic : carpool! You have all be incredibly patient and on the whole things are going well, but I know we can do better. In the morning, please remember that we don't let students out until 7:10 and school starts at 7:30. We have cars moving pretty smoothly in the morning, and our goal is to have everyone on time for that 7:30 bell.
The afternoon adds a Simone Biles level of difficulty as we have over 200 families to get through carpool. Please remember that the access road does not open until 2:05 and we can't start rolling buses until 2:20. Therefore, if you get here at 2:05, you leave our parking lot no earlier than 2:25. However, if you get here at 2:20, We'll have out by 2:30ish. Something to look forward to is that we start athletics Monday, so that will be close to sixty students that will not be leaving campus at 2:30! Hopefully, that will help to alleviate some of our back up. This, in addition to everyone getting acclimated to new processes will hopefully help things along. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that we get our front entrance back by mid-October!
Thank you all for being such a wonderfully supportive school community! Have a wonderful and safe evening.
From Mr. Jones 8/23 -
Dear Lakewood families,
Good evening , this is Principal Jones with some very important information about tomorrow, our first day of school!
Please listen carefully for carpool instructions. Due to a variety of factors, we expect a higher than normal number of car riders. Please note the following: school does not open until 7:10. Students will not be allowed to exit their cars or buses until the building is open at 7:10 to avoid gathering outside. ALL students will use the back entrance in the morning. After a student is dropped off at the front or side of the building, they will walk around to the back to enter. All parents are asked to turn right on Chapel Hill Rd. Otherwise, carpool will operate as it has in the past—in the mornings.
In the afternoons, we have a couple changes. First, Crosswinds (the access road) will NOT be open to cars from 1:30 until 2:05. If you arrive before 2:05 the police officer will kindly ask you to keep moving as we can not back up Chapel Hill Rd. After 2:05 Crosswinds will be open to parents and we will utilize the large circle at the back of the building for carpool. Cars will then exit out the front of the building and ONLY be allowed to turn RIGHT on Chapel Hill Rd. to exit.
We strive to create a classroom environment for our students and teachers that minimizes distractions and encourages academic focus, personal reflection, and community building. In order to support this goal, we have the following policy for the use of cell phones during the school day:
Cell phone use is not allowed on campus. Teachers will ask students to turn their phones off at the start of the day and they will remain off until dismissal at 2:20.
If a student has a special circumstance which demands the use of their phone, they can ask to go to the main office.
If a parent needs to reach their child, we ask that they call the main office at 560-2894 and we will relay the message for you.
Finally , I need to remind everyone of the importance of masking. A Mask must be worn at all times, without exception. Please make sure your child has a properly fitted mask and please have a conversation with them about the importance of staying masked.
We are excited to welcome you tomorrow to begin school!!!!!!! We know this year is not quite back to normal, but our staff is excited to work with your child and give them best educational experience possible!
From Meg Graham 8/23 -
Quarter 1, Week 1
Tomorrow is going to be a great day! We are so excited to welcome your students back into the building and the classrooms tomorrow. Please know that our first priority is student safety- but a very close second is that your children feel comfortable and cared for during thier time at school tomorrow. Please read the information below carefully. We have adjusted many procedures to make sure we are following COVID protocols and staying clear of the construction at the front of the building.
Please make sure to continue to reach out with any and all questions. We look forward to partnering with your family to make this a wonderful return to school.
Have a wonderful evening and get some sleep because your students in their classrooms by 7:25!
Peace~ Meg
Fall Sports
CONTACT: Justin Lasher
We will be pushing back tryouts to 8/30-9/1 for soccer and volleyball. XC will start on 8/30. This will give everyone a little more time for paperwork.
All sports will be from 2:30-4:30 Monday-Thursday. Pick up will be in the back bus loop by the field.
Please join the sports REMIND by texting @llms20 to 81010
If you have any questions you can email me at Justin_Lasher@dpsnc.net
Advanced Academics
CONTACT: Bronwyn Hooper
Welcome back parents and students. I am so happy to be back, and I know it will be a wonderful year.
At Lakewood Montessori Middle school, we are committed to setting the foundation for realizing both equity and excellence within a successful educational environment. We synergize our efforts to increase achievement and growth for all learners as we support opportunities for advanced learning and learners.
Our Advanced Academics Parent Information Night will be on September 13 at 6:00 pm. I will send you the link as we get closer to the date. It will be a brief session – just a quick look at how Advanced Academics operates at Lakewood.
For more information about Advanced Academics/AIG including identification, services, and resources please visit the Durham Public Schools Advanced Academics/AIG Website.
Arrival/Dismissal Information
CONTACT: Don Jones
Please be patient as we adjust our arrival and departure procedures to ensure that we are keeping your students safe. In the morning, all students will enter through the doors at the back of the building. Students may begin entering the building at 7:10 am. This will allow students easy access to the cafeteria to have breakfast. Any students who arrive after 7:30 am will need to be dropped off at the side door (the door at the top of the driveway hill). Ms. Neal will be there to greet them.
In the afternoon, NO cars will be allowed to pull down the access road (Crosswinds Dr) until 2:05. This will allow us to make sure our buses are in place. If you arrive prior to 2:05 the officer will encourage you to drive around the block or wait at the Food Lion until we have all of the buses in place. Lastly, when exiting the crapool line all families will need to turn right out of our driveway onto Chapel Hill Rd. This will allow carpool to run more smoothly in the afternoon.
If you need to check your student out early, please contact Ms. Neal so that she can have your student ready and waiting at the side door. We ask that all students who need to be checked out early are gone by 1:30.
Student Illness
CONTACT: Don Jones
Children who are experiencing any symptoms of illness need to stay home. If your student is staying home due to illness we ask that you do the following:
Email their homeroom teacher and copy Ms. Melvin (jerrica_melvin@dpsnc.net) and Mr. Jones (donald_jones@dpsnc.net). For next steps to get your student back to school, please see the COVID protocol tab on the left hand side of our website. The COVID protocol tab also includes a Vaccine Attestation Form .
Face Masks
CONTACT: Meg Graham
All students will be required to wear a face masks for the duration of the school day. Please make sure that your student comes to school with a mask that fits well and is able to stay over your students nose and mouth for the the whole school day. Gators are not approved masks for students or staff. If you need help with masks, contact Ms. Graham- our school counselor.
Water Bottles
CONTACT: Meg Graham
In an effort to minimize students congregating in the hallways we are limiting student access to the water fountains. It is more important than ever to send your child to school with a reusable water bottle. This way we can make sure that students have an opportunity to fill the bottle and stay hydrated throughout the school day.
Student Meals
Breakfast and Lunch are FREE for all students this school year!
From Coach Lasher 8/20 -
Good Afternoon,
To participate in athletics, I will need a hard copy of the physical and the concussion form. I have attached both documents to this email.
If you did not know this, please don't worry. We will not be starting athletics till Wednesday.
I will be in the gym this afternoon during the open house taking these forms and answering questions.
Please register to participate in athletics via: https://dpsathletics.sportngin.com/register/form/126909081
Please know that this process should take about 25-30 minutes. Registration must be completed to receive a Ticket To Play.
We will be transitioning to virtual tickets via TicketSpicket. Be sure to download the TicketSpicket App and/or visit their website. Here we will also have our schedules posted for all upcoming athletic events. I have also attached a quick step by step guide to this email.
https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/b6a0aee4-be18-4129-a7ae-c0a198c10d5f
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UdW5MfsISg
Please join the Remind App for all sports information. Text @llms20 to 81010
Justin Lasher
From Mr. Jones 8/17 -
Dear Lakewood families:
We have reached the final countdown as school is only one week away! I have been so thoroughly impressed with the energy, knowledge, and passion our staff has displayed as they set up their classrooms and begin planning for this year. They are a remarkable group and I can’t wait for you to get a chance to work with them!
I know the safety of your children is at the forefront of your mind always, but especially this year. We are doing everything we can to put systems in place to minimize the exposure to covid. By Friday, we will have all of our detailed planning on our website for you to review. For now, please note that our air systems have been cleaned and updated, we are utilizing seating charts to create pods within classrooms to help minimize the number of students your child has prolonged exposure to, and we have developed a plan for lunch that will prioritize outdoor seating, and will ensure more than six feet of distance between students. We look forward to seeing you at open house, but if you prefer to view the information online, please note that it will be available on our website by Friday.
Also, please note that the front of our building is inaccessible while some needed repairs are going on. As a result, we will be utilizing the side and back entrances while construction is ongoing.
Transportation information will be available on Thursday, the 19th
As a reminder, our open house schedule is as follows:
a) Last name A-E 4:00 pm
b) Last name F-J 4:45 pm
c) Last name K-R 5:30 pm
d) Last name S-Z 6:15 pm
Thank you, and if you have questions or concerns, please let me know!
From Ms. Graham 8/12 -
Good afternoon Lakewood families!
I hope everyone is enjoying the last moments of summer and getting excited for the upcoming school year! Much of the information in this message has been sent out in previous emails but I wanted to put it all in one place for parents.
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, take some time to make sure that you are connected to LMMS on social media. Follow us on FB, Instagram, and Twitter @lmmslynx. You can follow our athletic dept on IG @LMlynxathletics. During the school year you can expect to receive the "Weekend Update" sometime between Friday and Sunday afternoon. We also use the LMMS News listserv for midweek communication. If you would like to add any email addresses to these listservs, please email Ms. Graham (margaret_graham@dpsnc.net).
As we prepare to start the year, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Meg Graham, School Counselor
Shea Neville, Asst. Principal
Don Jones, Principal
Open House
CONTACT: Meg Graham
Open House for the upcoming school year will be held on Thursday, August 19th. In an effort to limit the amount of people in the building at one time we have assigned time slots based on last names. Please see your assigned time slot below and make every effort to stick to the schedule for everyone's health and safety.
Last name A-E 4:00 pm
Last name F-J 4:45 pm
Last name K-R 5:30 pm
Last name S-Z 6:15 pm
In addition to the in person Open House opportunity we will be providing an Open House video that will be available on our school websiteon Wednesday, August 18th. Each community will also schedule a zoom community meeting prior to the start of school that will include more detailed information about how their classrooms will run and what parents can expect during the first couple weeks of school.
Fall Sports
CONTACT: Morris Jones
Lakewood will have fall sports! We offer girl's volleyball, boy's soccer, co-ed cross country and boy's football. All sports are open to studnets in grades 6-8 except for football. Football is only available for 7th and 8th grade students.
Please make sure that students who plan to participate in sports have their athletic physicals completed prior to tryouts in the fall.
Please register to participate in athletics via: https://dpsathletics.sportngin.com/register/form/126909081
Please know that this process should take about 25-30 minutes. Registration must be completed to receive a Ticket To Play.
Rogers Herr/Lakewood Montessori Football tryouts are next week Aug. 16th-18th 3:30pm t0 5:30 pm. Students must have a completed physical prior to tryouts. For more information on football tryouts, stop by LMMS and pick up the information from Ms. Melvin.
Schedules and community placement
CONTACT: Meg Graham
All student schedules should be visible on Powerschool. Please note that Powerschool does not work very well with our Montessori schedule so the times may not be exactly right. Use the schedule to see your assigned classes and teachers. A couple of course names are different than you might expect.
Special Interest Topics = Office Asst
Creative Writing = Library Explorers
We have added a few sections of Music Appreciation in 7th and 8th grade. If you would like to take Music Appreciation, contact Ms. Graham.
We also have space avaialbale in 6th grade Latin. For more information see the Latin website. Please contact Ms. Graham if you would like to be moved to 6th grade Latin.
Finally, if you would like to appeal your Math 8 placement, email Donald_Jones@dpsnc.net
If you have questions about your schedule contact Ms. Graham.
Supply Lists
The LMMS Supply lists are on the website. It is fine to wait to purchase supplies until you hear from your student's community teachers as things may have shifted during this crazy time. If you are purchasing a new backpack for your child please purchase one that have a laptop sleeve as students will be travelling to and from school with their chromebooks.
Summer Reading Assignments
All rising 7th and 8th graders are required to read two novels from this SUMMER READING LIST and complete this document; it includes information for each novel. This work is due on Tuesday, August 24th (first day of school). If you are new to LMMS this school year, DO NOT run out and try to complete this assignment! Your community teachers know you are new and have not had the summer to complete this assigned reading.
Important Dates:
August 19: Open House
August 24: First day of school for Students
September 6: No school for students
September 15: Early Release 12:20 pm
September 16: Teacher Workday
From Mr. Jones - 8/9/2021
Good evening Lakewood families! I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy and safe. I want to update you on a few items of importance as we get ready for the start of school in a couple weeks.
Open house will be from 4-7 on Thursday, August 19th. To help avoid large numbers of people in classrooms, we will have specific times for families to arrive. Our goal is to welcome you to our campus, have you meet your teachers and learn where all your classes are.
Times for arrival:
Last name A-E 4:00 pm
Last name F-J 4:45 pm
Last name K-R 5:30 pm
Last name S-Z 6:15 pm
Please note that we will also have community meetings over zoom that will allow our teachers to have a more in depth discussion and to answer questions you may have. The schedule of community meetings will be posted on our school website early next week. Also, please note that a recorded open house presentation will also be available for families who can not attend in person or who wish to review school opening procedures.
2. Power School is now open to parents and students to view schedules. If you have any trouble logging in to Parent Portal please contact Ms. Melvin (Jerrica_melvin@dpsnc.net) in the main office so she can assist you. If you have a question about Math I placement, please email me directly so that we may assist you.
3. Bus information will not be released to schools until August 19.
4. Finally, this is just a reminder that masks are required for all staff and students from the time of arrival to the time of dismissal. This will also be true at Open House where masks will be required of all individuals.
Thank you and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We can’t wait to welcome you back! Don
From Coach Laws - 8/9/21
Rogers Herr/Lakewood Montessori Football tryouts are next week, Aug. 16th-18th, from 3:30pm-5:30 pm. Must have a physical! Football athletic paperwork is available at the front desk until the end of this week.
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