Important Dates

9/19     PTSA Spirit Night @ Gator's Dockside Oviedo

9/21     Volleyball vs. TWMS, Boys @ Home - Spirit Day!! (see below)

9/22        6-8 pm – Open House (see below)

     9/23       Wear Yellow for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

9:30-11 am – Dividend Coffee & Volunteer Orientation

Middle School Night @ HHS Football

    9/28 & 29  Math/SCI BMAs (Benchmark Assessments - in regular block classes)

  9/28 Volleyball vs. Milwee, Girls @ Home - Spirit Day!! 

  9/30 Picture Retakes (see below)

10/3 & 4   ELA/SS BMAs (Benchmark Assessments - bell schedule below)

10/5 PTSA Spirit Night @ Flippers Pizza

10/6 Grade Level Youth and Social Media Presentations - "Your Life: Online & Offline" (see below)

10/7 Teacher Workday

Dear LCMS Panther Families,

Today I visited all PE classes. Below is what I shared:

I reminded students that when I spoke on Paws52 the first week of school, I told them I had 2 goals for this school year:

• Be Safe

• Learn Things

I also want them to have fun - but not at the expense of the first two.  We are starting to see this happen on campus. We have noticed an increase in Horseplay & Name-calling.

I feel disappointed when I hear that this is happening because I know that they all know better, and I need it to stop. 

Most of the time these both start out as a joke - we hear "we were just playing; it's just a joke". It's always just fun and games.... until it isn't. Someone goes too far, and someone's feelings get hurt. That's when having fun interferes with being safe and learning things. 

At no time is it appropriate for a student to call another student an inappropriate name - even if someone else did it first.

At no time is is appropriate for a student to put their hands on another student - even if someone else did it first. 

If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable - tell an adult

If someone hits you, smacks you, kicks you or touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable - tell an adult

We have teachers in every classroom, in the gym, adults in the offices, in the Grill, in the courtyard and in the hallways - all have the same two goals for you .

I feel positive that this can be a great year when we all focus on the same 2 goals because that is your purpose for being here. I need you all to think about being All In every day to reach these two goald and make it the best year ever!

Please discuss this with your students and encourage them to make good choices to use kind words and keep their hands and feet to themselves at all times. 

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Melissa Laudani

Principal, Lawton Chiles MS 

Student Mental Health Education & Youth and Social Media Presentations

This week during WIN, students started the state-mandated Student Mental Health Education. These will be completed weekly during WIN and should be completed by mid-Febrary. 

On October 6, students will be attending grade level assemblies on "Your Life: Online & Offline" by Dr. Sameer Hinduja

Dr. Sameer Hinduja, an SCPS alumnus who is a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice for the College of Design and Social Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University, will facilitate presentations on "Youth and Social Media: Promoting Positive Use While Preventing Misuse".   His main work focuses on cyberbullying and safe social media use.  Dr. Hinduja will also meet with a small group of student leaders on each campus "to inspire, equip, and empower youth to spearhead creative initiatives on their campus, in their cities, or on the Internet to promote positive interactions and behaviors, online and offline".

This presentation will help middle school students:

• Measure their usage of the most popular devices, sites, and apps with their classmates

• Learn how cyberbullying can occur via these devices and in these environments

• Understand the emotions that are felt when one is victimized

• Consider relatable and true-story examples, and role-play what to do when harassed or humiliated

• Understand how who you "friend" and “follow” on social media and similar sites is a reflection of you

• See how easy it is to track individuals because of their digital footprint

• Understand how ill-advised postings have led to denied opportunities for many kids

• Learn why the taking and sending of semi-nude or nude images is a bad idea, regardless of what the law says

• Discover how best to lock down one's profile page and develop a positive reputation in cyberspace

• Be inspired by other kids who are positively changing their school and community by promoting the responsible use of technology

Donations Needed

As you start cleaning out your closets to get ready for the holidays, please consider us for donations of white Christmas lights for our Spring Showcase. Donations can be dropped off in the Front Office to Dr. Taylor's attention. 

***Repeated but Relevant***

SCPS Sporting Event Policies

For the safety of our athletes, fans, and staff, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines for SCPS Sporting Events.

The following items are prohibited at all sporting events. 

• Backpacks, fanny packs, oversized tote bags (except small purses, medical bags, diaper bags – all subject to search)

• Containers of any size including coolers, thermoses, and reusable bottles

• Outside food or coolers

• Drugs or alcohol

• Smoking, vaping, or any other tobacco products

• Weapons of any kind

• Fireworks

• Projectiles (frisbees, footballs, inflatable balls, etc.)

• Artificial Noisemakers

• Scooters, bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards

• Inappropriate attire or signage

• Unmanned Arial Vehicles (Drones)

All Middle School sporting events start at approximately 4:45 pm. Students may not stay on campus after dismissal at 3:05 pm to wait for the game/event. Students are to leave as they normally do at dismissal and come back - without their backpack.

No Drop Offs or Late Check-outs

For security reasons, we are not allowed to accept any items in the front office to be dropped off for students, including homework, lunches, backpacks, money, sports equipement, etc.

No student check-out after 3:30 pm (2:30 pm on Wednesday).

Thank you for your understanding and for planning ahead. 

LCMS Middle School Night @ Orlando Magic

Proceeds to benefit the PBIS Program